Essential Oils For Dandruff - Benefits And Uses

October 28, 2024 by Manasa Hegde

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Dandruff is a very frequent problem that can be tackled in different ways: acting internally or acting directly on the scalp. Among the best natural remedies there are some best essential oils for dandruff. Let’s find out what they are and how to use them!(1)

The dandruff is an inflammation of the scalp that produces itching and flaking of the skin. More or less large pieces of dead skin are deposited on shoulders and clothes generating (in case the problem is very high) a certain embarrassment when you are in public.

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Dry or Oily Dandruff: How to Recognize it?

Depending on the situation, you may be faced with a different type of problem: dry dandruff or oily dandruff. The first involves an irritation of the skin that produces very small scales and a great sensation of itching, the second instead is easily recognizable because, in addition to the presence of larger scales, there is hair that tends to anoint for excessive presence of sebum.

The causes of the appearance of dandruff can be of various kinds: unregulated feeding, stress, hormonal factors, temperature changes or other. It would be better to act first of all to understand what triggers dandruff, but if you want to act quickly to stem the phenomenon a bit you can choose some essential oils against dandruff.

1. Tea Tree oil

Tea tree oil can be used effectively to treat various scalp and hair-related problems, such as hair loss, dandruff, and scalp dermatitis. Thanks to its antibacterial and anti fungal properties, this natural product is particularly indicated against dandruff, especially for dry dandruff and can also be used for long periods with very rapid effects. No coincidence that there are many shampoos on the market that make use of the advantages of this essential oil for hair care.(2)

[ Read: How to Use Tea Tree oil for Dandruff ]

2. Lavender Essential oil

In the case of greasy dandruff, it is the essential oil of lavender, which is able to fight irritation on the skin but also to re-balance excess sebum. Like tea tree oil, lavender is also useful in fighting bacteria and fungi, so it can help keep the scalp clean and disinfected.(3)

[ Read: How To Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Dandruff ]

3. Rosemary Essential oil

Rosemary essential oil is an excellent natural remedy against dandruff, especially useful in the case in which, in addition to this problem, there is also a situation of brittle hair or hair that tends to fall out. This oil helps circulation in the scalp area and therefore stimulates regrowth.(4)

[ Read: How to Remove Dandruff With Coconut oil ]

4. Other Essential oils Against Dandruff

You can also choose to use other essences against dandruff. These include the essential oil of cloves which helps to relieving the sensation of itching and the essential oil of geranium which helps regenerate irritated skin. Other essential oils indicated against dandruff and hair care are thyme , sage and eucalyptus.(5)

How to Use Essential oils for Dandruff

a. Added to the Shampoo

Surely the quickest and most effective way to using essential oils for dandruff is to add a few drops directly to a neutral shampoo. Each wash takes 2/3 drops on the portion that is normally used. However, it is important to massage well and leave to act for a few minutes before rinsing.

b. Added to Basic Vegetable oils

Another alternative to using essential oils for dandruff is to dilute the drops in the right amount of sweet almond oil, coconut oil or flaxseed (the dose depends on the length of your hair). Keep the oils in place for at least 30 minutes before rinsing with plenty of water. You can cover the head with shower cap, letting the pack act for a longer time before washing your hair.

[ Read: Essential Oils for Hair Growth ]

c. Rinses with Vinegar and Essential oils

The dandruff responds very well to the rinses made with apple cider vinegar. For each tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, use 5 drops of one or more essential oils to choose from those listed above. You can do them once you wash your hair, as a last rinse instead of water, better if massaging the solution for a few minutes on the scalp so that essential oils can be absorbed.

d. Massages on The Scalp

If you do not want to use essential oils for dandruff by combining them with your shampoo or by making masks, you can proceed with simple massages directly on the scalp. However, they should not be used pure but always diluted in sweet almond oil, coconut, jojoba or linseed. Dip only the fingertips and gently massage on the scalp for a few minutes until they are well absorbed. It is a good solution in case of dry dandruff, better to choose the solution of shampoo or rinsing with vinegar in case of oily dandruff.

Instructions for Use

Essential oils are very strong and concentrated products, to be used with caution also externally. If you try it for the first time, it is always best to do a small test on a reduced area of the skin so that you can monitor any allergic reactions before proceeding to use it all over your scalp. Absolutely avoid the use of essential oils if there are open wounds on the skin.

Tips for Combining Essential oils

You can use more than one essential oil for dandruff, creating a mix that satisfies your sense of smell as well as helping in solving (or at least alleviating) the situation. For example, The smell of tea tree oil is very strong. Here then it can be useful and pleasant to add a couple of drops of lemon, lavender or eucalyptus to the 2 drops of tea tree oil.