The Scalp Healing Routine that actually helped me clear my dandruff
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By Anton - founder of Nima Organics
When my scalp was at its worst, I kept asking myself, “What am I doing wrong?”
I was trying every medicated shampoo out there, avoiding oils because I thought they made it worse, and honestly I was stressed out, inflamed, and tired.
It took me a while to figure out that healing wasn’t about finding one magic product it was about building a daily routine that supported my scalp instead of constantly attacking it.
So if you're struggling with dandruff, itching, or inflammation, this post is for you. Here’s the simple routine that helped me get my scalp back.
1. Morning: Gentle start (No overwashing)
Keep showers cool or lukewarm
Hot water strips your scalp’s natural oils and inflames sensitive skin. I started using lukewarm water and my flakes reduced fast. And actually also used a shower filter to help strip back all the nasty chemicals in my tap water (this is optional but I felt like it made my skin less irritated)
Wash your scalp every 2–3 days (not daily)
Washing every day used to feel “clean” but it was making things worse. Now I wash 2–3x/week max with a gentle, fragrance-free shampoo. On non-wash days, I rinse with water and let my scalp breathe.
Why it works: Overwashing disrupts the scalp microbiome. A balanced approach helps your scalp maintain healthy oil production and microbial diversity.
2. Midday: Let the Sun Touch Your Scalp
If you can, expose your scalp to sunlight for 10–15 minutes.
Sunlight helps:
- Boost vitamin D levels (linked to psoriasis and seb derm regulation)
- Calm inflammation
- Naturally rebalance fungal overgrowth
I started sitting on my terrace in the mornings, shirt off, sun on my hair. It was simple and felt grounding.
Bonus: Sunlight helps train your circadian rhythm. Better sleep = better skin.
3. Evening: Oiling Ritual (1–2x a Week)
Here’s where the real healing kicked in for me.
I started oiling my scalp twice a week with a natural blend.
- I apply the oil on a dry scalp (and focus on the most affected areas)
- I gently massage the oil in with my fingertips
- I usually leave on the oil overnight to get best results
- I wash the oil out, in the morning (usually 2x for a deeper clean) with a sulphate-free shampoo. (I avoid any products that contain harsh chemicals)
My go-to is the oil we formulated with black cumin seed oil, neem and other powerful botanicals. We designed it for this exact routine after lots of experimenting we dialled the perfect formula.
As opposed to popular beliefs adding the right oils can supports the scalp barrier, reduces inflammation, and helps calm yeast and itch without harsh ingredients.
We selected these potent ingredients, for their proven antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties.
4. Weekly Extras That Make a Difference
Wash your pillowcase (every 2–3 days)
You’d be surprised how much product buildup and bacteria live there. I also opt for natural fabrics for my bedding (usually cotton or bamboo).
Avoid scratching (even with brushes or towels)
TikTok is full of lice comb scratching videos but the truth is that it is the LAST thing your scalp needs. Instead, switch to pat-drying and soft detangling.
Every scratch = micro-damage.
Prioritize deep sleep
Nothing heals without rest. Seriously, you might be rolling your eyes at this, but I started tracking my sleep, and every time my recovery was low, my scalp flared up.
Final Thoughts
Healing my scalp wasn’t about adding more. It was about removing harmful habits , and being consistent. Like I said in many of my other posts, skin conditions like scalp psoriasis, eczema, seborrheic dermatitis and ultimately dandruff, are complex issues with deeper roots.
There is no cure if you are pre-disposed to getting easily inflamed, but you can most definitely take steps towards healing and your symptoms will reduce.
This routine won’t fix everything overnight. But if you stick with it, it builds the kind of healthy foundation most anti-dandruff shampoos won't provide.
If you want to try the exact oil I used, we’ve offered a few pre-launch bottles for early testers and are now preparing our next batch of 500 bottles.
If you'd like to join our waitlist and get a 20% off on your first order you can click here.
In the meantime, we’d love to hear your story too.
– Anton