Do you find yourself battling flakes and an itchy scalp? You may be tempted to just reach for the nearest dandruff shampoo but research has shown that essential oils can be effective in controlling dandruff. Essential oils for dandruff offer a natural solution which can moisturize and soothe your scalp while conditioning your hair.
Essential oils have been used for centuries, and have been added to various soaps, shampoos and other hair treatments and cleansers throughout history. They tend to have various degrees of antimicrobial, antibacterial, and anti inflammatory properties. Each oil is different and there is no one size fits all.
It truly depends on the person using them and their skin type, scent preferences, and so on. Consider essential oils if you are trying to treat dandruff and itchy scalp. Dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis are very similar conditions of the scalp that cause flaky skin which can be itchy, scaly, and inflamed.
In more severe cases it can even lead to infections. The flakes can be unsightly and affect our self-esteem. In certain cases these conditions can even lead to complications that can be very bothersome and even painful.
These two conditions combined affect up to half of the adult population in the world, so if you are struggling with these issues, rest assured, you are definitively not alone and there is a plethora of different treatments that are available on the market. There is no known cure for these issues but there are numerous options that can help you control these conditions and significantly reduce the unpleasant side effects.
You can use prescribed shampoos and ointments but in this article we will share all the benefits of a more natural approach – using essential oils. Essential oils are highly concentrated and powerful. Always mix your essential oils with carrier oils (coconut oil, jojoba oil, grapeseed, etc.) before you topically apply them.
The ratio depends on the desired effects and first and foremost the sensitivity of your skin. You should also do a patch test if it is your first time using a specific essential oil, just to make sure you are not allergic to it.
You can use essential oils in a diffuser, or add it to your bath, but the most effective method with skin, hair, and scalp issues is topical application. The most optimal use against dandruff, would be creating a personalized blend of various essential oils according to your needs and mixing them with carrier oils.
The best essential oils for dandruff and itchy scalp
Below is a list of the best oils that can help you deal with scalp issues such as itchiness, eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, and of course first and foremost, dandruff.
Tea Tree Essential Oil (Melaleuca alternifolia)
Tea tree oil has powerful antiseptic and antimicrobial properties, meaning it’s a great choice if you are struggling with all sorts of skin conditions including dandruff and general itchiness associated with inflamed skin and eczema. Because of its potency it should only be applied to problem areas.
Clary Sage Essential Oil (Salvia sclarea)
This oil is made from one of the best medicinal plants. Sage has been proven to be beneficial in treatment of numerous diseases and ailments. It is also a great regulator of sebum and can help you prevent over excretion of oils which can cause dandruff or make it worse.
Lemongrass Essential Oil (Cymbopogon)
Lemongrass oil has active ingredients that inhibit certain yeasts connected to dandruff and other scalp conditions. A study has shown that even a single application of lemnograss tonic helped with dandruff and results were even better after regular use.
Rosemary Essential Oil (Salvia rosmarinus)
Rosemary is an astringent which means it tightens the skin, dries out excessive oil on your skin, and relieves minor irritations. It helps with buildup and clears your scalp. It also has anti fungal properties, which in some cases (when a fungal infection is the cause of scalp dermatitis) can also help with itching, flaky skin, and unpleasant smell.
Cedarwood Essential Oil (Cedrus)
This oil also has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and cleansing properties. Regular use can soothe your skin and reduce irritation. It can also speed up the healing process which helps with itchiness and redness caused by inflammation of the scalp.
Other essential oils with anti-microbial properties:
Cinnamon essential oil (Cinnamomum verum),
oregano essential oil (Origanum vulgare),
manuka essential oil (Leptospermum scoparium),
Indian sandalwood essential oil (Santalum album),
clove essential oil (Syzygium aromaticum),
and many more.
It all depends on your preferences, sensitivities, and even desired price range. Warning If you have very sensitive skin or if your scalp feels inflamed and borderline painful make sure you consult a dermatologist, pharmacists, or primary care physician before you use essential oils on your skin. The likelihood of a severe reaction is small but it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
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