4 Amazing Essential Oils For Dandruff

Published 18th Aug 2022

Essential Oils For Dandruff

Dandruff is not a serious condition, but it is an annoying one. Instead of avoiding dark clothes and hairstyles to mask your dandruff, you can tackle the issue with essential oils.

Using essential oils addresses stubborn dandruff and treats the scalp so you can get back to feeling your best.


What Is Dandruff?

Dandruff is a chronic scalp condition resulting in flakey skin on the scalp. Although it is noninflammatory, it may cause itching and scaling scalp skin. It may also cause flakes of dead skin in the hair and shoulders.

There are several common causes for dandruff including:

  • Dry skin
  • Malassezia fungus
  • Seborrheic dermatitis (oily or irritated skin)
  • Contact dermatitis or sensitivity to hair care products
  • Poor hygiene
  • Ineffective rinsing of existing shampoos

Benefits Of Essential Oils For Dandruff

Essential oils are a staple in most store-bought shampoos and conditioners for their effectiveness in treating dandruff due to their soothing and cleansing abilities. In fact, a 2009 review found that Peppermint Oil may help remove dandruff while further cooling the scalp. More recently, a 2015 study found that an anti-dandruff tonic using Lemongrass Essential Oil also significantly reduced dandruff.

With antifungal and antimicrobial properties, essential oils clean and nourish the scalp to treat dandruff and dry skin. They may also work to moisturise the scalp, stimulate hair growth, alleviate itching and prevent scalp infections.


Best Essential Oils For Dandruff

When you notice dandruff it’s important to be prepared. Here are some of the best essential oils for dandruff and an itchy scalp:

Lavender Essential Oil

From easing stress to healing minor cuts and wounds, Lavender Essential Oil is one of the most versatile essential oils. With a sweet, light aroma, Lavender Oil is filled with antiseptic and disinfecting properties and is highly valued for aiding dry skin and cleansing the scalp.

It stimulates blood circulation on the scalp, reduces dandruff and promotes hair thickness and growth. It’s also known to moisturise and nourish the scalp while balancing sebum production.

You can use Lavender Oil in the following ways:

Diluting: Dilute with your carrier oil and massage on your scalp or use it as a hair mask. We recommend a 2 - 4% dilution.

Shampoo and Conditioner: Add a few drops to your existing shampoo or conditioner.

Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint Essential Oil is one of the most popular essential oils when it comes to cleansing and calming irritation. It is filled with antiseptic and antibacterial abilities and is known to have a cooling effect on the scalp that works to cleanse and reduce redness. It may also absorb excess oils while soothing the scalp.

You can use Peppermint Oil in the following ways:

Diluting: Dilute with your favourite carrier oil and massage on your scalp or use it as a hair mask. We recommend a 2 - 4% dilution.

Shampoo and Conditioner: Add a few drops to your existing shampoo or conditioner.

Tea Tree Essential Oil

Tea Tree Essential Oil is a favourite for treating a dry scalp and dandruff. With a crisp aroma, Tea Tree Oil has powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties that work to cleanse and protect the scalp from bacteria growth. It’s now known to heal wounds, inflammation and has been seen to reduce symptoms associated with various skin conditions such as eczema. It’s also known to be one of the best essential oils for head lice.

You can use Tea Tree Oil in the following ways:

Diluting: Dilute with your favourite carrier oil and massage on your scalp or use it as a hair mask. We recommend a 2 - 4% dilution.

Shampoo and Conditioner: Add a few drops to your existing shampoo or conditioner.

Bergamot Essential Oil  

Bergamot Essential Oil is highly valued for its ability to soothe irritated scalps and combat dandruff. Filled with antiseptic properties, it may ward off infections, prevent bacteria growth and soothe a dry and irritated scalp.

You can use Bergamot Oil in the following ways:

Diluting: Dilute with your favourite carrier oil and massage it into the scalp or use it as a hair mask. We recommend a 2 - 4% dilution.

Shampoo and Conditioner: Add a few drops to your existing shampoo or conditioner.


Dilution Guidelines

Essential oils are very powerful so it’s important to use carrier oils for topical and scalp application. Here are some of our favourite carrier oils:

  • Coconut Oil
  • Almond Oil
  • Jojoba Oil
  • Rosehip Oil

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please consult with your doctor or healthcare professional before using essential oils for dandruff.

How to dilute essential oils. Essential oils dilution guide.

We recommend doing a skin patch before your first application to test for an allergic reaction. If you experience any reactions in 24 hours we recommend that you discontinue.


Other Tips To Treat Dandruff Naturally

Dandruff may be stubborn so it’s important to find the right treatment that will work for you. Other than essential oils, there are several home remedies you can use to treat dandruff naturally. These include:

  • Coconut Oil
  • Apply aloe vera
  • Lower stress levels
  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Eat omega-3 rich foods
  • Implement probiotics into your diet

Where To Buy Essential Oils For Dandruff

While essential oils are generally available to purchase at health, wellness and retail stores, it is important to keep in mind that the purity and quality of these essential oils will vary. That is why we recommend finding a reputable supplier.

Here at AWO, we have a wide selection of 100% pure essential oils and organic essential oils that are sold at reasonable prices. Because our stock is purchased in bulk quantities our costs are significantly less, which allows us to offer our high-quality products at affordable prices. We are also based right here in Australia!

Essential oils for eczema.

Essential Oil Safety

Whilst essential oils are natural products, they are extremely potent and can cause serious harm if used incorrectly. For this reason, we recommend the following:

  • In line with the Therapeutic Goods Act, we do not recommend ingesting essential oils without the guidance of a registered Aromatherapist or Naturopath.
  • Avoid using Essential Oils during pregnancy and whilst breastfeeding.
  • We recommend storing your Essential Oils in a cool, dry place at room temperature, ensuring that they are not directly exposed to sunlight and are out of reach of children or pets.
  • Essential Oils can be very concentrated and are likely to cause irritation or reactions if applied directly to the skin. For this reason, it is important to first dilute your essential oils before using topically (on the skin). Our recommended dilution percentages can be found under the ‘Best Essential Oils For Dandruff’ section.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any illness.

Resources

Alankar, S., 2009, 'A Review on Peppermint Oil', Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research, vol. 2, 2.

Chaisripipat, W., Lourith, N., Kanlayavattanakul, M., 2015, ‘Anti-dandruff Hair Tonic Containing Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) Oil’.Research in Complementary Medicine Journal, vol. 22, 4, pp. 226 - 229.


Quality of Essential Oils 

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Essential Oils Safe for Pets

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Bergamot Essential Oil Benefits for Skin

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