Nothing looks worse than the white flakes on the shoulders of your little black dress or the formal dark coloured blazer. It is both embarrassing and irritating. Every time you touch your tresses or they move a little, the flakes hideously beautify your outfit. Let us just agree to the fact that we all want and feel the urge to get rid of dandruff as soon as we spot it.
And we are certain, that people with sensitive skin and hair fall problems are super keen, and if they are not then should be, on getting rid of the root cause — the hair fungus that leaves behind a patchy skin and dry allergic flakes.
What exactly is dandruff?
Dandruff is considered to be a result of dry skin or it could be a skin condition called seborrheic dermatitis that causes stubborn flakes, yellow-red patches, and greasy scales. Other skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or overgrowth of Malassezia – a yeast-like fungus or Pityrosporum Orbiculare, can cause the flaky and patchy dandruff on your scalp.
While most of us believe that people with dry skin are prone to dandruff formation, on the contrary, what holds true is — it is the ones with oily scalp who are prone to scalp anomalies and dandruff.
What causes dandruff?
The pesky problem of white flakes is caused by the following factors:
Excess sebum in your hair: Contrary to the popular belief that dandruff is caused only on dry skin, it is the oily sebaceous glands that serve as a breeding ground for fungus to cause dandruff. Wash your hair as and when there is an excess of sebum production or sweat on your scalp.
Overstressing: Tell us one problem that doesn’t get worse with stress. Trust us, you cannot find any. Our body is trained to release unwanted hormones when we are stressed and it just makes any problem worse. Try going for a walk or meditate for a while. Do whatever makes you feel better and lighter.
You have been shampooing it wrong all along: Yes, dear friend, you have not been shampooing your tresses right. You ask how? Well, here is the thing. While it is important to shampoo your hair every other day to remove sebum oil and to clean your tresses, over washing them can also lead to problems. Moreover, it all gets worse when you do not rinse your shampoo and your conditioner out completely. Or when you rinse your hair with hot water every time. The water takes away all the oil and leaves the skin exposed.
Your diet needs to be improved: Almost anything and everything in the world of health can be treated with a good diet. Adding monounsaturated fatty acids in your diet can do the trick for you. Some of the foods that include these acids are nuts, olives, safflower oil, and avocados. Also, vitamin B complex is extremely important for your hair follicles. Eating foods rich in vitamin B like oatmeal, banana, rice and eggs can go a long way in preventing your scalp and tresses.
You are torturing your hair: Are you the one who loves to straighten or curl your hair every time you go out for a party? If yes, then you are in for some trouble. Repeated use of hair styling products, mousses, sprays, and gels can destroy the natural protein and biotin complex of your hair.
Is dandruff a lifetime problem or can it be cured permanently?
Well, the answer to this question is quite tricky. While it is a curable problem, however, if you happen to repeat any of the steps that trigger the production of fungus on your scalp, your dandruff will return.
There are many natural remedies available for the treatment of dandruff, however, the most efficient and result oriented approach is to use essential oils for the treatment of dandruff.
Below is the list of the best essential oils for fighting dandruff:
1. Tea tree essential oil for dandruff
The essential oil of tea tree is revered for its antifungal properties. That being said, the oil serves as an effective remedy for an itchy and dry scalp. Research has shown that one-fifth of the portion of tea tree oil in a shampoo, hair oil, or a conditioner can reduce itchiness, scalp lesions and sebum production by up to 42%.
How to use tea tree essential oil for dandruff:
Method 1: You would need vinegar, lavender essential oil, and tea tree essential oil. Mix the ingredients together in a ratio of 10 drops of vinegar to 3 drops of lavender and tea tree essential oil. Mix it well. Dilute the mixture by adding a glass of lukewarm water. Shampoo your hair well and use this mixture as the final rinse. Leave it on for a minute or two. You could massage your scalp for better penetration too. Finally, rinse with warm water. Repeat the steps twice or thrice if your dandruff condition is too strong.
Method 2: Alternatively, dilute tea tree essential oil in a carrier oil in the ratio of 1 teaspoon to 2 tablespoons. Massage it on your scalp and leave it on for an hour or so. Rinse your hair with water and condition them as always.
Method 3: You could also add a few drops of the oil to your shampoo or your conditioner while taking the head bath.
2. Rosemary essential oil for dandruff
The essential oil of rosemary is revered for its hair benefits. Be it dandruff or hair growth or split ends — rosemary is your answer to all the hair woes. It has strong antimicrobial properties and soothes the skin promoting cell regeneration and improves blood circulation.
How to use essential oil of rosemary for dandruff:
Method 1 – Mild case of dandruff: Add a few drops of the rosemary oil to your shampoo and massage it on your scalp vigorously. Leave the lather on for 5 to 7 minutes. Later, rinse with lukewarm water. Add about 3 to 4 drops of the oil to your conditioner as well. Massage it on your scalp and leave it on for 5 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with water.
Method 2 – Bad case of dandruff: Take about 8 drops of rosemary essential oil and 6 drops of tea tree essential oil. Mix them in a cup of olive oil or coconut oil. Store the blend in a glass jar away from the sunlight. Apply this mixture on your scalp along with a teaspoon of honey and leave it on for 30 minutes. Shampoo normally. Repeat the process every alternate day for better results.
Those with a severe case of dandruff can leave the blend on their scalp for the entire night. Honey can be applied additionally in the morning 30 minutes prior to the wash.
Note: Tea tree oil can be harsh on the sensitive scalp and should not be used unless diluted. Also, it is not recommended for use by dermatologists and Ayurveda for young children and pregnant and nursing women.
Recommended Read: 6 Best Essential Oils For Hair Growth Curated Especially For You
3. Lemon essential oil for dandruff
This citrusy smelling essential oil holds way more benefits than you can ever imagine. And one of those benefits includes fighting the scalp fungus and reducing the impact of dandruff. Lemon contains biochemicals that can reduce the effect of the fungus on your scalp drastically. And the acidic nature of lemon helps maintain the pH balance of your scalp.
How to use lemon essential oil for dandruff: The simplest and the best way to use lemon essential oil for dandruff is to blend it with a carrier oil like olive or jojoba and massage it on your scalp. Leave it on for an hour or overnight and shampoo normally. The oil helps you gain your shine back as well.
Alternatively, you could use freshly squeezed lemon juice diluted in half a glass of water directly on your scalp to fight dandruff.
Note: The oil of lemon is known to show quick results for the treatment of dandruff, however, one must be careful about its overuse because it contains agents that can bleach the natural color of your hair. Also, never step out in the sun after the application of this oil. It will only cause more damage and burn your skin.
4. Lavender essential oil for dandruff
The essential oil of lavender can literally heal almost all skin ailments. However, to reap best benefits you need to know the causes behind the problem and the right technique of using the oil. And an added bonus is it’s relaxing and soothing aroma that instantly uplifts mood and calms your nerves down.
How to use lavender essential oil for dandruff: Lavender oil is ideal for the ones who suffer from dandruff due to the dry and itchy scalp. The oil is a gentle moisturizer and helps in locking moisture within the locks. This helps in reducing the impact of dandruff on the scalp. Also, lavender oil is a potent antifungal agent. Its application on the scalp fights the fungus that leads to dandruff.
5. Peppermint essential oil for dandruff
There are many benefits of the peppermint essential oil. It is used to cure headaches and migraines naturally. It has antiseptic effects on the body and the scalp. The oil is ideal for those who suffer from itch due to dandruff.
How to use peppermint essential oil for dandruff: To use the oil for peppermint for dandruff, mix it with a carrier oil and massage it on the scalp. It helps in removing the flakes, improves blood circulation, thus, removing the dead skin cells and reduces, itching and redness. It is also ideal for anyone with seborrheic dermatitis.
6. Chamomile essential oil for dandruff
Used popularly in aromatherapy, the essential oil of chamomile is another best oil for the treatment of dandruff. It can be consumed in the form of tea or applied topically to fight the fungus. The oil has properties that help in reducing inflammation, redness, irritation and itchiness. You can read more about the many uses and benefits of chamomile oil here.
How to use chamomile essential oil for dandruff: It is super easy to use chamomile essential oil for dandruff. Just mix a few drops in a carrier oil, massage it on your scalp and leave it overnight. Wash your hair normally with shampoo and condition them.
7. Eucalyptus essential oil for dandruff
This is amongst the best essential oils for dandruff. The oil of eucalyptus is a strong antifungal and antibacterial agent that keeps all kind of scalp problems at bay.
How to use eucalyptus essential oil for dandruff: To use eucalyptus oil for dandruff, mix about 15 drops of the oil with your shampoo. Massage the mixture on your scalp and hair, and leave the lather on for 5 minutes. Rinse normally with lukewarm water and condition your hair. You will be able to see shiny and smoother locks in no time.
Suggested Read: Why You Need Eucalyptus Oil For Hair And The Best Ways To Use It
8. Coconut oil for dandruff
Though this oil is not really an essential oil, however, it deserves a mention right after the most preferred essential oils for dandruff treatment. And there is a strong reason for that. Coconut oil is an extremely rich source of essential fatty acids that support the skin regeneration and protection. It is, in fact, a tried and tested natural dandruff remedy.
How to use coconut oil for dandruff: The oil of coconut can be applied in small amounts to the scalp directly, followed by a vigorous massage. Cover your hair with a warm towel thereafter. Leave it on for an hour or two and rinse with your regular shampoo. You could also mix an essential oil with the coconut oil for better results if you have an extreme problem of dandruff because coconut oil serves as an amazing carrier oil.
9. Olive oil for dandruff
Another one of the most useful carrier oils for the treatment of dandruff is the olive oil. This special ingredient found in your hair is rich in Vitamin E. Massaging your scalp with this wondrous oil will soothe your scalp, retain the necessary moisture and remove the dead skin cells and flakes. Moreover, it prevents the growth of fungus on your scalp.
How to use olive oil for dandruff: The best way to use olive oil for dandruff is to massage it directly on the scalp in mild cases of white flakes. However, if you are suffering from bad dandruff, we would recommend the following recipe:
Take half a cup of olive oil and half a cup of coconut oil. Mix them well in a glass container. Next, add about 10 drops of lavender essential oil, 6 to 7 drops of tea tree essential oil and 5 drops of lemon essential oil. Cover your glass container with the lid and shake the blend well. Massage this mixture on your scalp every alternate day. Let it stay for an hour or overnight — whichever is convenient for you. Later, shampoo normally with lukewarm water and condition your hair.
You may warm up the mixture a little every time before use if it happens to condense due to the presence of coconut oil. Also, make sure you keep the blend away from direct sunlight.
Dandruff is an unwanted situation and the earlier you start treating it, the better it is. So, quickly log on to amazon.com and buy the essential oils you want to try now!
If you have been through this problem, you sure know what works the best for you. These natural remedies have been scientifically proven to cure dandruff. There is evidence that these techniques are extremely powerful and can eliminate the worst case of dandruff in just a month.
Stop worrying, start acting! And there would be no flakes on the shoulders of your little black dress. 😉
Also read: 9 Essential Oils You Didn’t Know Could Help Treat Psoriasis
Leave a Reply