Dandruff can be a very daunting problem. It can prevent you from wearing your favorite black dress and even force you to hide your hair with a hat or scarf because you are afraid that the scales on your scalp will be visible to others. Although you can deal with this annoying problem in different ways, one useful way to deal with it is by using essential oils.

Here are the possible causes of dandruff:

Malassezia fungi
Dry scalp
Poor hygiene
Hormonal changes
Increase in stress
Seborrheic dermatitis
Contact dermatitis

Dandruff itself may not be a very serious problem, but it can be difficult to treat. In this article, we’ll talk about the best essential oils you can use to significantly reduce dandruff ( 1 ) and improve the health of your hair and scalp.

Why are essential oils useful in the fight against dandruff?

Essential oils are derived from plants and their parts, protecting them from diseases and pests and thus possessing various benefits in themselves. Essential oils are often used in skin and hair care products as they work effectively and help moisturize the scalp and maintain its health.

The best essential oils for dandruff

1. Tea tree essential oil

Tea tree oil is the holy grail when it comes to scalp problems ( 2 ). Tea tree reduces the growth of fungi that contribute to dandruff in the hair, thereby controlling and preventing it. Since essential oils should never be used alone, you can mix a few drops of this essential oil with a carrier oil, such as almond oil or jojoba oil , before applying directly to the scalp. You can mix it with your shampoo or hair conditioner – the choice is yours. The ideal time you should leave this mixture in your hair can range from 15 to 30 minutes. Applying it twice a week would help depending on your hair type.

2. Bergamot essential oil

Sometimes dirt and bacteria can be the cause of yellowish flaky dandruff that leaves a white trail behind you. Not using the right hair care products or not taking care of your hair at all can lead to clogged pores, which in turn can lead to dandruff. This oil has a very invigorating and refreshing scent, making it perfect for everyday use.

3. Peppermint essential oil

Peppermint oil is used for muscle and joint pain, to relieve stress and anxiety, for digestive problems, and for skin problems. It is also used to treat itching, and dandruff often causes an itchy scalp. One of the most famous anti-dandruff remedies is peppermint essential oil. It helps control excess sebum that can clog pores. The cooling property of peppermint essential oil also helps to relax and soothe the head.

Mix 2-3 drops of this oil into your shampoo and rinse your hair as usual. Apply three times a week for best results.

4. Lemon essential oil

It contains properties that reduce itchiness of the scalp and prevent the formation of flakes.

Mix 2-3 drops of this essential oil with a carrier oil like almond oil or jojoba oil and massage gently into the scalp until it is completely absorbed. Leave it overnight and wash it off the next morning for best results.

5. Cedarwood essential oil

This essential oil is often used to treat flaky scalp. Due to its cleansing nature, cedarwood essential oil can be used to cleanse the scalp and remove dandruff and flakes. Mix a few drops of this essential oil with your shampoo or carrier oil and massage your scalp well for 15-20 minutes. Wash off. Use two or three times a week for effective results. You can also use it as a hair mask by mixing it with a carrier oil and leaving it on your hair overnight.

6. Frankincense essential oil

This essential oil will help you deal not only with dandruff, but also with dry scalp, it will regulate moisture levels in the scalp and enrich it with oxygen. Frankincense should be mixed with a carrier oil and massaged gently into the scalp. It should be used three times a week until the dandruff completely subsides. The aroma of incense will also help you relax.

It will clear the impurities from the scalp and make it fresh and healthy.

7. Geranium essential oil

Geranium essential oil is a widely used ingredient in many creams and lotions. Geranium has healing properties that will not only support a healthy scalp, but also help keep the hair roots clean and strong, which in turn is a prerequisite for getting rid of dandruff and scalp impurities.

It should be mixed with conditioner and left in the hair for 15-20 minutes, then rinsed.

8. Thyme essential oil

Thyme essential oil is known for its sweet and grassy aroma. Since the oil is very strong, it should only be used occasionally. Using thyme essential oil is a great method to treat dandruff. It can be used not only in skin care, but also for the therapy of various scalp infections. Mix a few drops of this essential oil with apple cider vinegar and pour into a spray bottle. Spray directly on hair and scalp to get rid of dandruff.

9. Lavender essential oil

This oil has a sweet, floral smell and is world famous. Mix 4-5 drops of this essential oil with a few drops of coconut oil and massage the scalp twice a week until the dandruff disappears completely.

10. Lemongrass essential oil

Use lemongrass essential oil at night on your scalp to get rid of dandruff and itchy scalp. It is used in aromatherapy to treat various skin problems. You do not apply lemongrass essential oil directly, but by diluting it with a carrier oil like almond oil or jojoba oil or by mixing it with your shampoo or conditioner.

11. Ginger essential oil

Regularly massaging your scalp with ginger essential oil can keep it clean and dandruff-free. Mix 2-3 drops of this essential oil with a carrier oil and gently massage your scalp. Repeat three times a week until you get rid of the dandruff flakes. Ginger has a strong, aromatic aroma and can help your mind and body relax.

12. Eucalyptus essential oil

Adding a few drops of this essential oil to your favorite carrier oil and massaging it into the scalp can help significantly reduce dandruff as well as get rid of an itchy scalp.

13. Rosemary essential oil

This essential oil has a woody aroma and is known to contain many properties. It is often used as a hair strengthener as it contains properties that promote hair growth. Consistent use of rosemary essential oil reduces scalp itching ( 3 ). Rosemary essential oil can be mixed with carrier oils like coconut oil and massaged into dry or wet hair. To avoid excessive sebum accumulation, dandruff, and promote hair growth, use this oil on your scalp twice a week until dandruff subsides.

Recipes with essential oils against dandruff

This mask will help you clear up dandruff with its wonderful blends of essential oils.

Make your own anti-dandruff mask

8 drops thyme
8 drops rosemary
8 drops lavender
1 teaspoon Squalene, Argan and Jojoba
1 teaspoon of honey

How to use: Massage the scalp well and leave on for 15–20 minutes. Rinse.

This recipe will help you clear dandruff.

Do-it-yourself anti-dandruff and itchy scalp shampoo

8 drops eucalyptus
8 drops Tea tree
8 drops thyme

How to use: Mix into shampoo and apply to your hair. Rinse.

This mixture will cleanse your scalp.

Do-it-yourself anti-dandruff and anti-pollution conditioner

8 drops cedar tree
9 drops lemon grass

How to use: Mix it with your conditioner and apply to your hair. Rinse.

Safety and concerns

Some essential oils are stronger than others and therefore may not be suitable for everyone. Stop using these oils in the following cases:

Asthmatic attacks
Skin irritations or burns
Allergic reactions
Low blood pressure

Conclusion

Studies have shown that the essential oils listed above are effective in combating dandruff, but we still advise you to always consult a dermatologist. With citrus oils, keep in mind phototoxicity . Read more about safe use in How to Use Essential Oils Safely.