Essential oils against dandruff: What they are and how to use them?
Dandruff is a widespread problem that can be tackled in different ways: acting internally, improving the well-being of the stomach and intestines, or intervening directly on the scalp. Among the best natural remedies are some essences against dandruff. Let’s find out what they are and how to use them!
Dandruff is an inflammation of the scalp that produces itchy and flaky skin. Smaller or larger pieces of dead skin are deposited on shoulders and clothes, generating (in cases where the problem is very pronounced) a certain embarrassment when in public.
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Dry or oily dandruff: how to recognize it
Depending on the situation, you may face a different type of problem: dry dandruff or oily dandruff. The first involves irritation of the skin that produces tiny scales and a great itchy sensation; the second instead is easily recognizable because, in addition to larger scales, hair tends to be greasy due to the excessive presence of sebum.
The causes of the appearance of dandruff can be of various kinds: irregular diet, stress, hormonal factors, temperature changes, or others. It would be better to act first to understand what triggers dandruff, but if you want to act quickly to stem a little the phenomenon, you can choose some essential oils against dandruff.
Essential oils against dandruff
Tea tree oil
The oil par excellence in dandruff is undoubtedly the Melaleuca Alternifolia oil, better known as Tea tree oil. Thanks to the antibacterial and antifungal properties, this natural product is particularly suitable against dandruff, especially for dry dandruff, and can also be used for long periods with very rapid effects. It is no coincidence that there are many shampoos on the market that use the benefits of this essential oil for hair care.
Lavender essential oil
In oily dandruff, lavender essential oil is very suitable to combat irritation on the skin and rebalance excess sebum. Like tea tree oil, lavender is also useful in fighting bacteria and fungi, it can help keep the scalp clean and disinfected, and the perfume is much more pleasant.
Lemon essential oil
Among the essences against dandruff, lemon essential oil stands out, which has always been used for hair care and other areas of the body. Given the ” degreasing ” power of this fruit, this essential oil is recommended for those with hair that gets dirty easily, giving the sensation of greasy.
Essential oil with rosemary
An excellent natural remedy against dandruff is then the essential oil of rosemary useful above all in the case in which, in addition to this problem, there is also a situation of fragile or prone to falling hair. This oil helps circulation in the scalp area and stimulates regrowth.
Other essential oils against dandruff
You can also choose to use other essences against dandruff. These include clove essential oil, which, in addition to disinfecting, also works by alleviating the sensation of itching, and geranium essential oil, which helps regenerate irritated skin. Other essences indicated that dandruff and hair care are thyme, sage, and eucalyptus.
Essential oils against dandruff: The main uses
How are anti-dandruff oils used?
1. Added to shampoo
Surely the quickest and most effective way of using essences against dandruff is to add a few drops directly to a neutral shampoo. Each wash requires 2/3 drops on the portion that is normally used. It is important to massage well and leave to act for a few minutes before rinsing.
2. Added to basic vegetable oils to make compresses
Another alternative to using essential oils for dandruff is to dilute the drops in the right amount of sweet almond oil, coconut oil, or flaxseed (the dose depends on the length of your hair) and then proceeds to a real and its own compress which, in addition to counteracting skin irritation, will also prove useful in revitalizing hair to the ends.
Keep the oils in place for at least 30 minutes before rinsing with plenty of water. Then, you can place a cap on the head and, in the meantime, continue to do something else, leaving the compress to act even for a longer time before washing your hair.
3. Rinses with vinegar and essential oils
Dandruff responds very well to rinses made with vinegar in which essential oils have been dissolved. For each tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, use 5 drops of one or more essences of your choice from those indicated above.
You can do it once you have washed your hair, as the last rinse instead of water, preferably by massaging the solution for a few minutes on the scalp so that essential oils can be absorbed.
4. Scalp massage
If you do not want to use essential oils for dandruff by combining them with your shampoo or making compresses, you can proceed with simple massages directly on the scalp. They must not be used pure but always diluted in sweet almond oil, coconut, jojoba, or flax seeds.
Only dip your fingertips and massage gently on the scalp for a few minutes until they are well absorbed. It is a good solution in the case of dry dandruff. Better instead, choose the solution of shampoo or rinses with vinegar in case of oily dandruff.
Tips for matching essences: You can use more than one essential oil for dandruff, making a mix that satisfies your sense of smell and helping to solve (or at least alleviate) the situation. The smell of tea tree oil, for example, is powerful. Therefore, it can be useful and pleasant to add a couple of drops of lemon, lavender, or eucalyptus to the 2 drops of Tea tree oil.