If you can relate to the video above, this article is for you. Everyone has probably experienced the annoying flaky skin that accompanies dandruff, especially in the cold, dry winter months. Usually you’d go for Head & Shoulders, Pert-Plus, Nizoral, Selsun Blue or another chemical laden anti-dandruff shampoo. But, you can get rid of dandruff the natural way without all the harmful ingredients of synthetic shampoos!
So without further adieu, here are our top ten essential oils for the treatment of dandruff:
#10 Lemongrass Essential Oil
Lemongrass was recently discovered to be an inhibitor of Malassezia furfur, the fungi which increases dandruff on the scalp. It was actually found to be more effective than the popular ketoconazole (2%) topical application prescribed by doctors. If this is reason for your dandruff, then lemongrass essential oil might be a good treatment option for you.
#9 Lemon Essential Oil
Lemon (and lime) essential oil is known for it’s ability to decrease sebum production and kill bacteria which may increase dandruff symptoms. Remember, lemon is phototoxic, so don’t apply before heading out into the sun.
#8 Tea Tree Essential Oil
Because of it’s strong antiseptic and anti-fungal qualities, tea tree (or Melaleuca) may be very effective in clearling up a head full of flaky skin!
#7 Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender is an anti-fungal essential oil which helps restore your skin’s natural properties while fighting inflammation, yeast and fungal infections.
#6 Sage Essential Oil
Sage is a great anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-septic and anti-oxidant oil. These qualities make it wonderful for fighting dandruff and growing healthy strong hair. Sage is even endorsed by NWHSU as an effective treatment. Sage essential oil is also popular for its hormone balancing abilities and scalp purification qualities. Just be sure to avoid this oil if you have high blood pressure or are pregnant.
#5 Thyme Essential Oil
Thyme is well regarded for its antiseptic qualities. It does a great job of ridding your skin of fungus and bacteria to help get rid of dandruff fast.
#4 Cypress Essential Oil
Cypress is popular for both its astringent qualities and also its ability to kill yeast and fungus.
#3 Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Another powerful bacteria and fungus fighting essential oil is eucalyptus. It is popular in many natural hair products because of it’s reported ability to increase your hair’s natural growth mechanisms.
#2 Basil Essential Oil
Not only a great anti-bacterial oil, but basil essential oil also does wonders for increasing the growth of your hair. If you have extra oily hair, this just might help with that, too.
#1 Rosemary Essential Oil
By far the most popular essential oil for dandruff! Rosemary has some of the same qualities as the oils mentioned above including anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties. People all over the world have been using rosemary essential oil to treat scalp issues, including dandruff, because of its effectiveness. Just read some of these testimonials from this hair form. If you have hypertension, this oil may not be the best option for you, as it is known to increase blood pressure.
Honorable mention
The following essential oils are also commonly used to treat dandruff:
- Lime
- Juniper
- Birch
- Carrot
- Pimento Berry
- Pine
- Geranium
- Clary Sage
- Cedarwood
- Patchouli
- Peppermint (great for itchiness, irritation, and redness)
- Helichrysum
- Ylang-ylang
- Neem
- Myyrh
- Chamomile
- Wintergreen (should be used with extreme caution – is toxic!)
Treatment Method #1
Add 25 drops of essential oils to 8 oz of distilled water, plus 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. Mix the ingredients thoroughly and apply to scalp. Wait at least 1 hour before rinsing off. It is best if you apply the mixture overnight and sleep with it on the scalp. Repeat 3 times a week or until your dandruff clears up.
Treatment Method #2
This method is best if you need an extra dose of hydration or conditioning. Add 13 drops of essential oils to 4 oz of your favorite carrier oil. The best carrier oils for your scalp are jojoba, argan, almond, calendula, coconut or carrot seed oil. Blend the oils and gently massage onto the scalp. Before showering, try waiting at least 60 minutes. Repeat every other day until dandruff subsides.
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Warning: All oils should only be applied in a diluted state. Never apply essential oils directly to your skin unless you have first tested for sensitivity or have a doctor’s approval.
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