Dandruff is a common skin condition that affects the scalp that is sometimes difficult to control. There are some great home remedies for dandruff that help like learning How to Use Coconut Oil and Tea Tree Oil on Dandruff.
Dandruff is the build-up of dead skin cells from the production of excessive oil on the scalp. Excessive oil production contributes to skin flaking and falling. Dandruff not harmful to the human body but, it can be embarrassing and hard to treat.
Causes of Dandruff
- Excessive oily scalp
- Not properly shampooing
- Fungus(Malassezia)
- Dry skin
- Sensitivity from other hair products
There are several remedies one can use to reduce flakes. They include medicated shampoo, anti-dandruff creams, or home remedies. Read ahead as we get to discuss natural remedies that may help in treating itchy, dry scalp. one effective method is the use of essential oils.
Essential oils are oils derived from plants in their concentrated forms. They have been in use for centuries for medicinal purposes. Essential oils that may help with your inflamed scalp are coconut oil and tea tree oil.
Coconut Oil for Dandruff
Coconut oil is a common oil that you can find in any store. It’s affordable and is a multipurpose oil that one can use for either cooking or its cosmetic value. Coconut oil has a moisturizing effect that can help treat dry skin and seborrhea(dandruff) concurrently.
Coconut oil contains antimicrobial properties and, the key ingredient that contributes to this is lauric acid. Lauric acid may help to fight the fungi Malassezia that affects most adults. A research study carried out in 2008 indicated that coconut oil was effective in treating adult atopic dermatitis that is common in patients with eczema and fungi.
Coconut oil also contains anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that may assist reduce inflammation from the irritated and inflamed scalp from constant scratching.
How to use Coconut Oil on Scalp?
- Apply the oil to your scalp. Leave it on for 30min for it to penetrate the skin. Finally, rinse off with warm water.
- You can use it as your conditioner or shampoo.
- Massage it to your scalp as a daily scalp moisturizer twice a week.
Can Coconut Oil make Dandruff worse?
Coconut is oily and, in some instances, it can make your dandruff and dry scalp worse if your hair is not properly washed. The excessive oil can result in a buildup of dead skin cells resulting in an irritated scalp. However, this should not be a big concern when you use coconut well. The oil may condition and strengthen your hair.
Tea Tree Oil for Dandruff
Tea tree oil has been in use for 100 centuries for its medicinal benefits. Tea tree oil can clean wounds, fight lice and reduce dandruff. It has a camphor-like scent that may be relaxing and soothing to some people. It contains antibacterial, antifungal, and antiseptic properties that give it its strength in reducing dandruff.
Tea tree oil reduces excessive yeast overgrowth on the scalp. Malassezia is a fungus that can be found on the adult scalp it has no effect but, when there is an overgrowth of the fungus, it may result in dandruff. A research study indicated that the use of 5% tea tree shampoo or placebo effectively reduced dandruff caused by the yeast Pityrosporum ovale(Malassezia).
Due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, tea tree oil may help treat the irritated, itchy, and sore scalp.
How to Use Tea Tree Oil for Dandruff?
- Add 10 drops to your shampoo. Shake and mix well. Massage to your scalp and rinse well.
- Buy a shampoo that has tea tree oil as one of the main ingredients.
- DIY your shampoo. Mix tea tree oil with a carrier oil of your choice such as olive oil. Add baking soda and water and, there you have your shampoo.
Can you mix Tea Tree Oil and Coconut Oil for Hair?
Coconut oil is a carrier oil that goes well with most essential oils. Essential oils are not meant to be applied to the skin without diluting. To answer the question yes, you can mix coconut oil and tea tree oil as they may boost each other to treat dandruff on the scalp.
For an itchy, dry scalp, mix 8 drops of tea tree oil with two spoons of unrefined coconut oil. Massage your scalp well and leave it for 1 hour, and shampoo afterward.
Coconut oil and tea tree oil are effective essential oils that you can use to treat dandruff. They are efficient, less harmful to the skin, and besides affordable. Are you struggling with a dry and itchy scalp full of dandruff? Try to make your DIY shampoo from a mix of the two and see how it works for you.
More Posts about Coconut Oil and Tea Tree Oil for Dandruff
References
Verallo-Rowell, V. M., Dillague, K. M., & Syah-Tjundawan, B. S. (2008). Novel antibacterial and emollient effects of coconut and virgin olive oils in adult atopic dermatitis. Dermatitis : contact, atopic, occupational, drug, 19(6), 308–315.
Satchell, A. C., Saurajen, A., Bell, C., & Barnetson, R. S. (2002). Treatment of dandruff with 5% tea tree oil shampoo. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 47(6), 852–855. https://doi.org/10.1067/mjd.2002.122734