Many people think dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis are the same because both cause flakes on the scalp.
But in reality, they are two different conditions — and both require different treatment approaches.

If you use the same shampoo or home remedies for both, the problem may not go away — and sometimes even gets worse.

So let’s understand the difference in a simple and clear way.

1. What is Dandruff?

Dandruff is a mild scalp condition.
It usually happens when your scalp becomes:

·         Dry

·         Rough

·         Under-nourished

Common Signs of Dandruff

·         Small white flakes

·         Mild itching

·         Dryness on scalp

·         No redness or swelling

Why Dandruff Happens?

·         Change in weather (especially winter)

·         Using chemical shampoos

·         Stress & irregular lifestyle

·         Washing hair too often or too less

·         Not oiling the scalp properly

👉 Dandruff is mostly due to dryness.

2. What is Seborrheic Dermatitis?

Seborrheic Dermatitis is a stronger and more serious scalp condition.
Here, the scalp produces too much oil (sebum) and a fungus called Malassezia grows excessively.

Common Signs of Seborrheic Dermatitis

·         Yellowish or oily flakes

·         Sticky / greasy scalp

·         Redness, inflammation, & irritation

·         Hair starts thinning or falling

·         Sometimes affects eyebrows, beard & behind ears too

👉 This is not a simple dryness issue.
It is linked to oil imbalance + skin inflammation.

Easy Difference Chart

Ayurvedic Perspective

In Ayurveda, both problems are linked to imbalance of Doshas:

·         Vata → Dry scalp & flaking

·         Kapha → Excess oil & stickiness

·         Pitta → Heat, redness & irritation

So, true healing comes when we balance these doshas, not just wash the flakes away.

That’s why anti-dandruff shampoos give relief only for a few days.
But Ayurveda treats the root cause internally + externally.

🌿VHCA’s Ayurvedic Treatment Approach

At World’s 1st Ayurveda Hair & Skin Clinic VHCA, we follow a step-by-step healing plan:

✅ Step 1: Trichoscopy Scalp Analysis

This tells:

·         Scalp oil level

·         Hair follicle health

·         Any inflammation or infection

✅ Step 2: Customized Herbal Medicines

To balance doshas and reduce internal toxin load.

✅ Step 3: Ayurvedic Scalp Serums / Oils

Non-sticky, fast-absorbing herbal oils for:

·         Nourishing hair roots

·         Healing scalp layers

·         Reducing fungal growth

✅ Step 4: Topical Herbal Creams / Gels

To relieve:

·         Itching

·         Redness

·         Scaling

✅ Step 5: Healthy Diet & Routine Guidance

Because your food affects your scalp.

VHCA Recommended Treatment Kits

These are:

·         100% Ayurvedic

·         Non-steroidal

·         Clinically tested

·         Safe for long-term use

Simple Home Remedies

You can also try these at home:

✔ Massage scalp with Warm Coconut Oil + Neem leaves
✔ Wash hair with Fenugreek (Methi) Water
✔ Apply Fresh Aloe Vera Gel twice a week
✔ Avoid fried, spicy & very sugary foods
✔ Practice deep breathing (Pranayama) to reduce stress

When to Visit VHCA?

·         If flakes keep coming back

·         If scalp is red, oily or painful

·         If you notice hair thinning

Early treatment prevents hair loss and scalp damage.

Conclusion

Dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis look similar but are not the same.
That is why using the same shampoo or home remedy for both does not work.

Ayurveda treats the root cause by:

·         Balancing scalp oils

·         Reducing inflammation

·         Nourishing hair follicles
→ leading to long-lasting & natural recovery.

At VHCA, thousands of patients have regained healthy scalp & stronger hair through personalized Ayurvedic treatment.