Best Ayurvedic Shampoo for Dandruff [December, 2023]

Dandruff is a common scalp condition that causes flakes of skin to appear on your hair and shoulders. It can be an embarrassing and frustrating problem. While there are many anti-dandruff shampoos on the market, ayurvedic options provide a natural way to treat dandruff without harsh chemicals.

Ayurvedic shampoos rely on herbs, botanical extracts, and essential oils to reduce dandruff and soothe an itchy, irritated scalp. They are free of sulfates, parabens, silicones, and other potentially irritating ingredients. When used regularly, these gentle formulations can help restore scalp health and minimize flakes.

To help you find the best ayurvedic anti dandruff shampoo, we tested and reviewed the best ayurvedic shampoo for dandruff available in India. Here are our top picks:

1. Khadi Natural Amla & Bhringraj Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

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4.1 out of 5 stars, 10,000+ bought in past month

Khadi Natural’s Amla & Bhringraj Anti-Dandruff Shampoo contains two ayurvedic ingredients traditionally used to promote hair growth and reduce dandruff.

• Amla (Indian gooseberry) provides vitamin C to nourish the scalp and strengthen hair follicles.
• Bhringraj is an ancient herb that conditions, cleanses, and prevents inflammation.

Together with their antimicrobial action, these herbs help eliminate dandruff-causing fungus on the scalp. Tea tree oil adds its anti-fungal properties as well. This shampoo is free of sulfates, parabens, mineral oil, petrochemicals, and synthetic fragrance.

What we like:

• Reduced dandruff flakes after 3-4 uses
• Leaves hair soft, shiny, and manageable
• Affordable price point
• Herbal fragrance is fresh but not overpowering

Key Features:

• 210 ml bottle
• Sulphate-free, paraben-free
• With amla, bhringraj, tea tree oil
• Ayurvedic formula

Price: ₹167

2. Forest Essentials Bhringraj & Shikakai Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

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4.1 out of 5 stars, 400+ bought in past month

This luxurious ayurvedic shampoo contains bhringraj and shikakai, two herbs prized in Ayurveda for their hair-strengthening properties. Bhringraj promotes hair growth while deeply conditioning the strands. Shikakai gently cleanses hair and keeps the scalp healthy.

Key ingredients neem, reetha, and henna address dandruff by reducing inflammation and preventing fungal overgrowth. The shampoo has an indulgent, floral aroma and leaves hair supremely soft and shiny. It is free of sulfates, parabens, petrochemicals, and synthetic fragrance.

What we like:

• Stopped dandruff and itching after 2 weeks
• Makes hair incredibly soft and smooth
• Rich, luxurious lather
• Expensive but a little goes a long way

Key Features:

• 200 ml bottle
• Sulphate-free, paraben-free
• With bhringraj, shikakai, neem
• Handmade in an apothecary

Price: ₹1,575

3. Khadi Natural Neem & Aloe Vera Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

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4.1 out of 5 stars, 300+ bought in past month

The antifungal and antibacterial properties of neem make it a star ingredient in ayurvedic hair care. This shampoo from Khadi Natural harnesses neem leaf extract to combat dandruff and clarify the scalp. Aloe vera further soothes and hydrates the scalp to prevent dryness and itching.

Unlike typical neem shampoos, this one has a light, pleasant herbal fragrance. It is free of sulfates, parabens, SLS, mineral oil, petrochemicals, and synthetic fragrance. The affordable price makes this a great daily shampoo for dandruff-prone scalps.

What we like:

• Herbal smell better than typical neem shampoos
• Reduced dandruff and itchiness
• Leaves hair soft without weighing it down
• Very affordable for daily use

Key Features:

• 210 ml bottle
• Sulphate-free, paraben-free
• With neem, aloe vera
• For oily scalps

Price: ₹140

4. Indulekha Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

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4.3 out of 5 stars, 500+ bought in past month

This ayurvedic shampoo treats dandruff with the help of 10 medicinal herbs. Key ingredients like neem, amla, and bhringraj curb fungal growth while lemon and tea tree oils reduce inflammation and exhibit antimicrobial action.

The rich, creamy formula moisturizes the scalp thoroughly to prevent dryness and flaking. It leaves hair looking healthy, shiny, and dandruff-free. The shampoo is soap-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free, and gentle for daily use.

What we like:

• Herbal fragrance is fresh and pleasant
• Cleared up dandruff in 2 weeks of use
• Leaves hair incredibly soft and smooth
• Foams well without sulfates

Key Features:

• 200 ml bottle
• Paraben-free, sulfate-free
• With neem, bhringraj, amla
• 10 herbal ingredients

Price: ₹205

5. Kesh King Ayurvedic Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

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4.1 out of 5 stars, 400+ bought in past month

This anti-dandruff shampoo relies on the proven power of natural ingredients like aloe vera, neem, lemon, and curd to combat dandruff. Its ayurvedic formula nourishes the scalp and reduces irritation without drying it out.

We found it lowered dandruff significantly with regular use. Bonus: it smells fresh and zesty thanks to lemon instead of the typical medicinal neem scent. The large 600 ml bottle makes it quite affordable for daily use.

What we like:

• Noticeably reduced dandruff and itching
• Pleasant lemon fragrance
• Generous 600 ml quantity for the price
• Softened and smoothed out hair

Key Features:

• 600 ml bottle
• With aloe vera, neem, lemon, curd
• 21 natural ingredients
• Paraben-free and silicone-free

Price: ₹378

6. Biotique Bio Neem Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

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4.1 out of 5 stars, 1,000+ bought in past month

Biotique integrates ayurvedic wisdom with modern science in its botanical hair care products. The Bio Neem Anti-Dandruff Shampoo harnesses the antimicrobial power of neem to eliminate dandruff and clarify the scalp.

Key ingredients like ritha, neem, and bhringraj remove dead skin cells, excess oil, and dirt while soothing inflammation. The shampoo leaves hair looking healthy, luminous, and dandruff-free. It is free of parabens, sulfates, silicones, artificial fragrance, and harsh chemicals.

What we like:

• Herbal, medicinal neem fragrance
• Dandruff gone in 10 days
• Leaves hair feeling clean and soft
• Budget-friendly for daily use

Key Features:

• 180 ml bottle
• Paraben-free, sulfate-free
• With neem, ritha, bhringraj
• For oily scalps

Price: ₹121

7. Himalaya Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

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4.1 out of 5 stars, 1,000+ bought in past month

Himalaya formulates herbal hair care using ayurvedic principles and modern science. Its Anti-Dandruff Shampoo relies on tea tree oil to combat the dandruff-causing fungus Malassezia.

Tea tree, green berry, and bhringraj extracts keep fungal growth in check while nourishing the scalp. The rich lather deep cleanses hair, removing oil, dirt, and dandruff flakes gently. This shampoo is free of sulfates, parabens, silicones, mineral oil, and synthetic colors.

What we like:

• Clean, herbal fragrance
• Reduced itching and flakes from first use
• Non-drying on scalp
• Large 650 ml bottle for the price

Key Features:

• 650 ml bottle
• Sulfate-free, paraben-free
• With tea tree oil, bhringraj
• For oily scalps

Price: ₹403

8. Meghdoot Satreetha Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

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4.1 out of 5 stars, 500+ bought in past month

This ayurvedic shampoo relies on satreetha or soap nuts to gently cleanse the scalp and minimize dandruff. Satreetha’s natural saponins produce a mild, low-foam lather that removes dirt, oil, and flakes without stripping the scalp.

Key ingredients like amla, reetha, and bhringraj strengthen the hair follicles, stimulate growth, and nourish the scalp. Light lemon and chandan aromas leave hair smelling fresh. The large 1 litre bottle makes this shampoo very wallet-friendly.

What we like:

• Gentle cleansing action
• Pleasant lemon-chandan fragrance
• Reduced dandruff with regular use
• Very affordable litre bottle

Key Features:

• 1 litre bottle
• Sulphate-free
• With satreetha, amla, reetha, bhringraj
• For all hair types

Price: ₹325

9. Just Herbs Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

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4.1 out of 5 stars, 400+ bought in past month

This ayurvedic shampoo leverages the combined power of tea tree, rosemary, and basil oils to combat dandruff. Neem cleanses excess oil and buildup while amla nourishes the scalp and locks moisture in hair.

The soap-free formula has a pleasant floral fragrance and rich lather that leaves hair shiny and dandruff-free. It is free of sulfates, parabens, silicones, mineral oil, and harsh chemicals.

What we like:

• Nice floral, herbal fragrance
• Hair looked healthier and dandruff-free
• Non-drying, doesn’t strip hair
• Travel-friendly 60 ml pack

Key Features:

• 200 ml bottle
• Sulfate-free, paraben-free
• With neem, amla, tea tree oil
• Soap-free formula

Price: ₹417

10. Arata Natural Anti Dandruff Shampoo

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4.1 out of 5 stars, 50+ bought in past month

Arata relies on the anti-fungal properties of pomegranate and lemon peel to combat dandruff with this 98% natural shampoo. It clarifies excess oil and buildup while soothing scalp irritation.

Key ingredients like curd protein, tea tree oil, and rosemary strengthen hair roots and moisturize the scalp. The formula is free of sulfates, parabens, silicones, synthetic fragrance, and artificial color.

What we like:

• Fresh citrusy fragrance
• Reduced itchiness and flakes
• Leaves hair glossy and bouncy
• 98% natural ingredients

Key Features:

• 200 ml bottle
• Sulfate-free, paraben-free
• With pomegranate, lemon peel
• 98% natural formula

Price: ₹425

Comparison of Best Ayurvedic Anti Dandruff Shampoo

How to Choose the Best Ayurvedic Anti Dandruff Shampoo

With so many options available, it can be difficult to select the best ayurvedic shampoo for dandruff problems. Here are a few tips to choose the right one:

1. Identify your scalp type

Determine if you have dry, oily, or sensitive skin. Select ingredients like tea tree, neem, and lemon for oily scalps, and soothing herbs like brahmi, aloe, and bhringraj for dry scalps.

2. Look for key anti-dandruff ingredients

Proven anti-fungal agents like neem, tea tree oil, reetha, amla, and lemon are must-haves. Additionally, look for scalp-soothing herbs like shikakai, bhringraj, brahmi, and aloe vera.

3. Avoid certain ingredients if sensitive

Steer clear of strong essential oils like rosemary if your skin is sensitive. Check the label for potential irritants like sulfates, parabens, silicones, artificial fragrance, and preservatives.

4. Read reviews and recommendations

Check reviews and ratings online to understand real user experiences. Look for recommendations from reputed ayurvedic experts or sites.

5. Choose your preferred format

Anti-dandruff shampoos come in gel, liquid, foam, or cream formats. Pick one that aligns with your preferences and hair type.

Types of Best Ayurvedic Shampoo for Dandruff

Herbal Shampoos: Contain herbs like neem, amla, shikakai, bhringraj, brahmi. Gently cleanse, reduce scalp infections, improve hair quality. Best for pitta-imbalanced scalps.

Essential Oil Shampoos: Formulated with essential oils like tea tree, rosemary, thyme, lemon. Exhibit antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties to combat dandruff. Suited for kapha and vata imbalances.

Soapnut-based Shampoos: Rely on natural cleansing agents like reetha and shikakai instead of sulfates. Produce mild, gentle lather ideal for daily use. Good for sensitive and irritated scalps.

Anti-fungal Shampoos: Include ingredients like pomegranate, neem, tulsi, clove, and cinnamon to curb fungal infections that cause dandruff. Recommended for extremely flaky, infected scalps.

Moisturizing Shampoos: Feature aloe vera, bhringraj, brahmi, hibiscus, fenugreek to soothe dryness and restore moisture. Prevent dandruff caused by dryness. Best for vata-imbalanced scalps.

How to Use Best Ayurvedic Shampoo for Dandruff

• Wet your hair and scalp thoroughly before applying the shampoo.
• Take a small lemon-sized amount and work up a rich lather in your palms first.
• Gently massage the lather evenly over your scalp, using your fingertips. Don’t pile your hair on top of your head.
• Let it sit for 2-3 minutes so the actives can work. Rinse off thoroughly with water.
• Limit shampooing to 2-3 times per week. Daily washing can dry out your scalp.
• For severe dandruff, use the shampoo daily for first 2 weeks, then reduce frequency.
• Follow up with an ayurvedic hair oil massage twice a week for added nourishment.
• Give the shampoo at least 4-6 weeks of regular use to see significant dandruff reduction. Be patient!

FAQs about Best Ayurvedic Shampoo for Dandruff

Q. How often should I use an anti-dandruff shampoo?

A. For mild dandruff, 2-3 times a week is sufficient. In case of severe dandruff, daily usage for the first 2 weeks is recommended, followed by reducing the frequency later.

Q. Can I use an ayurvedic shampoo daily?

A. Daily use of chemical-laden shampoos can dry out the scalp. However, ayurvedic shampoos with gentle, natural ingredients are generally safe for daily washing of hair. But limit use to 2-3 times a week for best results.

Q. How long does it take for these shampoos to reduce dandruff?

A. You’ll see a noticeable decrease in dandruff quantity after 3-4 uses. But allow 4-6 weeks of regular use for the dandruff to clear up completely. Intrinsic scalp health needs time to improve.

Q. Should I use a conditioner too?

A. An ayurvedic hair conditioner or hair mask once a week helps provide extra nourishment and improves outcomes. But the shampoo alone can also effectively control dandruff for most people.

Q. Can I use ayurvedic shampoos for other hair problems?

A. Yes, the gentle, herbal formulas make them suitable for other issues like hair fall, dryness, and irritation as well. However, check the ingredients to pick one formulated specifically for your hair needs.

Q. Do these shampoos work for children?

A. Ayurvedic shampoos with mild, natural ingredients are usually safe for older children above 5 years. However, consult a pediatrician before using on younger children and babies.

Q. Which ayurvedic shampoo is best for dandruff?

Khadi Natural Amla & Bhringraj Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is considered one of the best ayurvedic shampoos for dandruff. It contains amla and bhringraj, two herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda to promote hair growth and reduce dandruff. The antimicrobial properties of these ingredients help eliminate dandruff-causing fungus on the scalp.

Q. Can Ayurveda cure dandruff completely?

Yes, Ayurveda offers a holistic treatment that can cure dandruff completely when followed diligently. Ayurvedic shampoos contain antimicrobial herbs that curb fungal growth on the scalp. Regular scalp massages with oils boost circulation and improve intrinsic scalp health. Lifestyle and dietary changes recommended in Ayurveda also help resolve imbalances causing dandruff.

Q. How to remove dandruff by Ayurvedic method?

• Use an ayurvedic anti-dandruff shampoo containing ingredients like neem, amla, shikakai 2-3 times a week. Leave it on scalp for 2 minutes before rinsing.
• Massage oils like coconut, almond, or amla into your scalp 2-3 times a week and leave it overnight. Rinse off in the morning.
• Eat foods that balance aggravated doshas- bitter & astringent foods for kapha, sweet & salty for vata, and bitter & sweet for pitta.
• Drink neem tea to purify the blood and curb fungal growth. Consume foods rich in Omega fatty acids.
• Practice yoga, meditation and breathing exercises to manage stress which exacerbates dandruff.

Q. What is the Ayurvedic name for dandruff?

There are two common terms for dandruff used in Ayurveda:

• Darunaka – Used to describe mild or initial stages of dandruff characterized by dry, flaky skin on scalp.
• Kitibha – Refers to advanced stage of dandruff when inflammation, itching, infection, and hair loss occur.

Q. Which oil is best for dandruff Ayurveda?

As per Ayurveda, the best oils for treating dandruff include:

• Coconut Oil – Contains lauric acid with anti-fungal properties.
• Neem Oil – Its antimicrobial action inhibits fungal growth.
• Olive Oil – Rich in Omega fatty acids that heal the dry scalp.
• Almond Oil – Deeply moisturizes and nourishes the scalp.
• Castor Oil – Stimulates circulation and boosts scalp health.
• Amla Oil – Vitamin C improves scalp immunity and hair strength.

Q. Which dosha is dandruff?

According to Ayurveda, dandruff is commonly associated with the aggravated Kapha dosha. Excess kapha leads to overproduction of oils on the scalp blocking pores and causing fungal growth. Managing kapha through diet and lifestyle can help treat dandruff.