Add These Essential Oils to Your Shampoo to Reduce Dandruff

Sure you can add essential oils to your essential oil diffuser to relax or feel better, but there are many ways to incorporate them into your health and beauty routine as well. Those who suffer from dry flakes or dandruff can find relief by adding essential oils to their hair care products.

Is It Dry Scalp Or Dandruff?

There is a difference between dandruff and dry scalp.

Dry scalp produces small white flakes that fall off easily while dandruff produces larger flakes that do not fall off as frequently. Dry scalp can be a temporary condition that can go away on its own while dandruff does not and is considered to be a chronic condition of the scalp. There are different causes of this scaling scalp condition, including:

• Dry skin
• Malassezia fungus (a yeast-like fungus)
• Seborrheic dermatitis (oily, irritated skin)
• Poor hygiene
• Eczema or psoriasis
• Allergic reactions to hair care products

Dandruff is not contagious though it can sometimes be caused by a fungus. This fungus does not spread from person to person. The fungus is part of the natural flora on everyone’s head, and it can produce dandruff if the natural protective barrier of the scalp becomes weakened at any time.

Healthy Scalp Tips

When it comes to keeping the flakes away, here are some tips to keep in mind for a healthier head.

• Avoid scratching your scalp. It might be difficult to resist, but scratching your scalp can make the inflammation worse and can cause further damage to your skin.
• When washing your hair, use a gentle massage as opposed to working the shampoo in an abrasive manner.
• Always dry your hair after washing. Wet hair can be susceptible to damage and breakage. Damp hair can encourage itchiness and flaking.
• Blow drying is better than air drying. Use a hairdryer on the lowest setting, positioned at least 6 inches away from your head to dry hair without drying out your scalp.

Use These Essential Oils in Your Shampoo for a Clear Scalp

There are many anti-dandruff shampoos on the market today. Those that are strong enough to control dandruff often have scents that are strong and unpleasant. Those that have more of a pleasant scent aren’t often strong enough to fight the dandruff.

Fortunately, several essential oils have been shown to have the ability to help control dandruff. By adding these to the shampoo you already use, you’ll be able to fight dandruff without the harsh smell.

• Bergamot essential oil – This citrus scented oil can uplift and energize, making it perfect for your morning shower. Bergamot essential oil has antiseptic and analgesic properties that can soothe an itchy scalp and reduce fungal spread.
• Tea tree essential oil – A natural antiseptic that works to heal skin infections. Antioxidant properties stimulate hair growth and regenerate hair follicles. Tea tree oil is also an antifungal that is used for purification.
• Thyme essential oil – Antibacterial properties in thyme oil can help fight skin infections while helping to reduce dandruff caused by fungus.

A separate study was done to test the effectiveness of lemongrass essential oil on dandruff and found that it has the ability to significantly reduce flakes.

Another review found that peppermint essential oil provides a cooling effect on the scalp and helps in the removal of dandruff.

Be sure to never apply essential oils directly to the scalp. They must always be diluted in shampoo or used with a carrier oil before application.

DIY Recipes for Reducing Dandruff Using Essential Oils

If you prefer to make your own natural shampoo to keep dandruff away, here are a few recipes using essential oils as the star ingredient.

Tea Tree Dandruff Shampoo

• ¼ cup unscented Castile soap
• ½ cup distilled water
• 1 teaspoon glycerin
• 2 tablespoons jojoba oil
• 20 drops tea tree essential oil

Combine all of the ingredients in a large glass measuring cup. Pour into a small container or recycled shampoo bottle.

Always shake well before use. When washing your hair, let the mixture set on your scalp for 5 minutes before rinsing.

Moisturizing Coconut Milk Dandruff Shampoo

• 1 ½ cups coconut milk
• ½ cup distilled water
• ½ cup unscented liquid castile soap
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 20 drops rosemary essential oil
• 15 drops lemongrass essential oil

Mix together the coconut milk, water, castile soap, and olive oil. Add the essential oils and blend. Pour into a bottle or jar and use as you would your regular shampoo.

Soothing Peppermint and Honey Dandruff Shampoo

• 2 tablespoons raw honey
• 2 tablespoons aloe vera gel
• 3 drops thyme essential oil
• 2 drops peppermint essential oil

Mix ingredients in a small bottle and shake well. Apply to wet hair and massage into scalp for one minute. Rinse.

Cucumber Lime Mask for Dandruff

• 1 cup pureed cucumber
• 1 teaspoon lime juice
• 3 drops bergamot essential oil
• 2 drops lime essential oil

Mix pureed cucumber, lime juice, and essential oils together. Massage the mask into the hair and scalp. Leave in for 15 minutes before rinsing.

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