Dandruff

Why it works: Antifungal activity against Malassezia (the yeast strongly implicated in dandruff/SD): lab studies show aloe-derived compounds (e.g., aloe emodin) can inhibit Malassezia growth, on...

Instructions: These at-home approaches are for mild dandruff. If your scalp is very inflamed or you’re not improving after a few weeks, see a dermatologist.. Option A — Pre-shampoo scalp mask (s...

Warnings: Patch test first (inside forearm or behind ear for 24–48 h). Aloe products can rarely cause allergic...

Studies: Human clinical trial (seborrheic dermatitis):Randomized, dou...

Why it works: Moisturizes and supports the skin barrier. Virgin coconut oil (VCO) reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and improves hydration in randomized trials on dry/eczema-prone skin, m...

Instructions: If you’d like to try coconut oil as a complement to an anti-dandruff shampoo:. Choose the oil: Use virgin (unrefined), cold-pressed coconut oil.. Frequency: A controlled study prot...

Warnings: Seborrheic dermatitis is “lipophilic”: Malassezia thrives in oily environments. Some people (especia...

Studies: Direct dandruff/scalp evidenceScalp microbiome study with co...

Why it works: Targets Malassezia yeasts (core dandruff driver). Multiple lab studies show neem leaf/bark extracts inhibit Malassezia species (e.g., M. furfur, M. globosa, M. restricta) that are...

Instructions: 1) Use a neem-containing shampoo (safest starting point). • Look for a leave-on contact time of ~3–5 minutes before rinsing (follow the product label).. • Experimental work suggest...

Warnings: Do not ingest neem oil or concentrated extracts. Oral ingestion has caused toxic encephalopathy, sei...

Studies: Stronger (but still early) evidence2024 Scientific Reports s...

Why it works: TCM pattern fit (blood-deficiency, wind-dryness): In TCM, flaky, dry, itchy scalp can arise from “blood-deficiency with wind-dryness.” Si Wu Tang is the canonical blood-nourishing...

Instructions: Classic decoction (baseline):. • Ingredients/ratio (per day): Shu Di Huang ~12 g, Dang Gui ~9 g, Bai Shao ~9 g, Chuan Xiong ~6 g. ajtcvm.org. • Preparation: Rinse herbs; add ~500–7...

Warnings: Pattern mismatch: Plain Si Wu Tang is nourishing and somewhat “rich.” If your dandruff is oily/greas...

Studies: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled human trial (he...

Why it works: Theoretical mechanisms only. Dandruff is closely tied to overgrowth of Malassezia yeasts on the scalp and related inflammation. Standard care therefore uses antifungals (ketoconazo...

Instructions: Because there’s no evidence-based regimen for dandruff, there are no authoritative dosing instructions for He Shou Wu to treat it. If you still want to experiment, the safest way (...

Warnings: Liver injury (hepatotoxicity): He Shou Wu/Polygonum multiflorum has been linked to numerous cases of...

Studies: Related (but not definitive) data:Pathophysiology: Malassezi...

Why it works: Dandruff is usually driven by Malassezia yeasts (plus sebum and host susceptibility). That’s why antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole) are first-line. DermNet®. Cedarwood (often “Atlas...

Instructions: Use only Atlas cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica) essential oil, well-diluted, and treat it as a complementary step alongside evidence-based shampoos.. Dilution & mixing (based on genera...

Warnings: Skin reactions happen. Essential oils can cause irritant or allergic contact dermatitis—more likely...

Studies: Direct clinical trials showing cedarwood oil treats dandruff...

Why it works: Targets Malassezia yeasts, which drive most dandruff and seborrhoeic dermatitis on the scalp. Tea tree oil (TTO) has broad antifungal activity against Malassezia species (formerly...

Instructions: If you want a routine backed by trial data, use a formulated 5% tea tree oil shampoo like this:. • Frequency & contact time: Shampoo daily and leave on the scalp for ~3 minutes bef...

Warnings: Allergic/irritant contact dermatitis: Tea tree oil is a known skin sensitizer. Risk increases with o...

Studies: Randomized controlled trial (n=126): A single-blind, paralle...

Why it works: Targets the yeast involved in dandruff (indirectly). Most dandruff (a mild form of seborrheic dermatitis) is linked to an overgrowth of Malassezia yeast on the scalp. Reviews and n...

Instructions: There’s no standard medical protocol for ACV on dandruff. If you still want to experiment, stick to conservative, dermatologist-style precautions and a simple rinse:. • Dilute it w...

Warnings: Skin irritation & chemical burns (documented). Case reports describe chemical burns from topical vin...

Studies: No high-quality clinical trials show ACV cures dandruff. Con...