How To Use Essential Oils for Dandruff Treatment

Using Essential Oils for Dandruff Treatment

The best essential oils for dandruff depend on the underlying cause of your dandruff:

  • If the cause of your dandruff is fungus, tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) is probably your best choice. You can also try rosemary.
  • If your scalp is oily with dandruff, cedarwood, juniper, or patchouli may help.
  • If you have a dry, flaky scalp, try Roman chamomile, myrrh, or sandalwood.

Also see these articles:
Normal Hair      Dry Hair      Oily Hair      Hair Growth

How to Use Aromatherapy for Dandruff

An easy way to use aromatherapy for dandruff is to add a few drops of the chosen essential oil to your shampoo (preferably unscented, nondetergent shampoo). Adding 8 to 12 drops to an 8-ounce bottle is a good place to start, though you can try using more, if you don't find it too strong.

For a good anti-dandruff, conditioning blend, add 8 drops lavender and 4 drops tea tree to your 8-ounce bottle of shampoo.

Aromatherapy Hair Recipes For Dandruff

Here are before- and after-shampoo hair treatments for dandruff:

Pre-Shampoo Treatment

  • 5 drops lemon essential oil
  • 2 drops lavender 
  • 1 drop rosemary
  • 2 drops peppermint
  • 10 drops carrier oil (jojoba is particularly good for hair)
  1. Blend the oils.
  2. Thoroughly massage one teaspoon into your scalp for 2 to 3 minutes. 
  3. Leave on for 15 minutes.
  4. Shampoo as usual, adding 2 to 4 drops of a chosen essential oil to one teaspoon shampoo.

Post-Shampoo Dandruff Hair Rinse

  • 4 drops rosemary 
  • 4 drops lavender 
  • 2 drops tea tree
  • 1/3 cup vinegar
  • 2/3 cup water

Mix ingredients and shake well. Use it to rinse your hair after shampooing. 

Note: The vinegar smell quickly goes away.

Also, according to the EPA, witch hazel helps fight dandruff. Add a few drops of essential oil to half a cup of witch hazel and use it as a rinse.

Sources

Essential Oils Desk Reference

Aromatherapy for Dummies

Aromatherapy: A Complete Guide to the Healing Art

Buy essential oils for dandruff.



Photo Credit: 123RF Stock Photo

› › Dandruff