If you grew up in a Caribbean home, lemongrass probably isn't a "trend" to you — it's a staple. The lemony grass steeped into tea, boiled for a cold, tucked into remedies. At Zaviwon, it's also one of the botanicals we put into The Nourish & Shine — not because of folklore, but because there's actual research behind what it does for the scalp. Here's what the science shows, and what it doesn't.
The herb, and what's inside it
Lemongrass refers to a couple of closely related grasses — Cymbopogon citratus (West Indian) and Cymbopogon flexuosus (East Indian). Both are used in cooking and traditional medicine across the tropics, and both owe their lemon scent and most of their bioactivity to a compound called citral (a mix of geranial and neral). Citral is what gives lemongrass its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory punch.[4]
What the research shows on the scalp
A few studies have looked specifically at lemongrass and the yeast most associated with dandruff, Malassezia furfur:
It inhibits the dandruff yeast. A 2011 study found lemongrass oil active against M. furfur in the lab, and that a 2% lemongrass-oil shampoo stayed effective against it.[1]
A clinical trial actually tested it on people. In a 2015 randomized, double-blind, split-head study, a lemongrass hair tonic reduced dandruff significantly — the 10% formula cut dandruff by about 75% at one week and 81% at two weeks.[2] (That trial used C. flexuosus; results may not transfer exactly to every formula, but it's real human data, not just a lab dish.)
It's anti-inflammatory, too. Reviews of lemongrass note both antifungal and anti-inflammatory activity — useful, because dandruff isn't only about yeast; it's also about the scalp's inflammatory response to it.[3][4]
What this means — and what it doesn't
Here's the honest part. These studies support lemongrass as an ingredient that helps create a balanced, less flaky scalp environment. They don't make any single product a medical dandruff treatment — that depends on concentration, formulation, contact time, and the person. If you have persistent dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis, see a dermatologist; lemongrass isn't a replacement for medical care.
One more honest note: citral is potent, and in essential-oil form it can irritate or sensitize skin, especially undiluted. That's why formulation matters — effective, safe products dilute and balance it within a blend, rather than asking you to apply raw oil.
Where it fits at Zaviwon
All our hair care products pairs lemongrass with Haitian castor oil, emu oil, slippery elm, aloe, and neem — a blend meant to condition the hair and support a comfortable, balanced scalp. We include lemongrass for what the research supports: its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory character, as part of a thoughtful formula, not as a solo "miracle." That's cosmetic scalp support, not a medical claim.
Key takeaways
Lemongrass's main active is citral, which gives it antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity.
Studies show lemongrass oil inhibits Malassezia furfur, the yeast linked to dandruff.[1]
A clinical trial found a 10% lemongrass hair tonic reduced dandruff by ~81% at two weeks.[2]
It's anti-inflammatory, which matters because dandruff involves scalp inflammation.[3][4]
It's an ingredient, not a medical treatment — persistent dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis needs a dermatologist.
Citral can irritate undiluted; formulation and dilution are what make it safe and effective.
Want a scalp routine built for you?
In The Blueprint Session — a 30-minute 1:1 consultation with founder Paola Altine — you'll map what your scalp actually needs and walk away with a routine and the exact Zaviwon products for your hair and concerns. (Products are purchased separately — you only buy what your hair actually needs.)
[Schedule Your Zaviwon Blueprint Session →]
This post is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. For persistent scalp concerns — including dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis — consult an appropriate healthcare professional, such as a board-certified dermatologist.
References
Wuthi-udomlert M, Chotipatoomwan P, Panyadee S, Gritsanapan W. Inhibitory effect of formulated lemongrass shampoo on Malassezia furfur: a yeast associated with dandruff. Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health. 2011;42(2):363-369. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21710859/
Chaisripipat W, Lourith N, Kanlayavattanakul M. Anti-dandruff hair tonic containing lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) oil. Complement Med Res. 2015;22:226-229. doi:10.1159/000432407. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26566122/
Boukhatem MN, Ferhat MA, Kameli A, Saidi F, Kebir HT. Lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) essential oil as a potent anti-inflammatory and antifungal drug. Libyan J Med. 2014;9:25431. doi:10.3402/ljm.v9.25431
Oladeji OS, Adelowo FE, Ayodele DT, Odelade KA. Phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of Cymbopogon citratus: A review. Scientific African. 2019;6:e00137. doi:10.1016/j.sciaf.2019.e00137
About the author
Paola Altine is a pharmaceutical biochemist, trichologist, and herbalist, and the founder of Zaviwon — science-backed, heritage-rooted hair and scalp care for coily and textured hair.
