Coconut oil is high in vitamins and essential fats and is obtained from the flesh of coconut fruit. It moisturizes the scalp and removes excess sebum. Its antibacterial characteristics, paired with its penetrative and moisturizing capabilities, make it one of the most effective hair care products. Here, we will learn how to utilize coconut oil to treat dandruff. Keep reading.
What Are The Causes Of Dandruff?
There are many causes of dandruff. A dry environment can push your scalp into overdrive, and the overactive sebaceous glands can produce excessive sebum. Too much sebum tends to clog pores and attract microbes, leading to infections that cause dandruff. Another cause for this condition is sensitivity to the Malassezia fungus. While it naturally occurs on everybody’s scalp, it causes irritation in some people by growing out of control and feeding on sebum. Yeast sensitivity, dry skin, not shampooing enough, and your diet are also factors that can lead to dandruff.
Is Coconut Oil Good For Dandruff: What Does Science Say?
Coconut oil is enriched with essential vitamins E and K, proteins, lauric acid, capric acid, etc. It penetrates easily into the hair shafts and scalp and gives a deep moisturizing, hydrating, and conditioning effect (2). Coconut oil has antimicrobial and antifungal properties (3), (4). These properties can help in reducing and preventing dandruff. Virgin coconut oil can penetrate through the hair shaft and disintegrate the cells of the fungi (5). This can help prevent dandruff altogether. It also repairs prevents split ends, hair damage, hair loss, and baldness. Coconut oil helps enhance the natural hair color pigment (6). It also acts as a conditioner, keeping your hair moisturized. Dry scalp is one of the factors that cause dandruff. Using coconut oil will moisturize the scalp and keep dandruff at bay. A study shows that coconut oil can reduce protein loss from hair (2). Protein is mainly what your hair is made of. Reducing the protein loss of your hair will make it strong. You can simply apply coconut oil to your hair. However, there are methods that can help you reap the maximum benefits of the oil. Follow the instructions below to treat dandruff naturally using coconut oil.
How To Use Coconut Oil For Dandruff
1. Deep Conditioning With Coconut Oil
As coconut oil can penetrate the hair shaft, it is one of the best remedies for treating dry, damaged, and over-processed hair. A deep conditioning treatment will moisturize your hair while getting rid of dandruff. Do this at least once a week to control the issue.
2-3 tablespoons of coconut oil (depending on the length of your hair) Shower cap/Warm towel A wide-toothed comb
2. Hot Oil Massage With Coconut Oil
Dandruff flakes can form when the scalp is too dry. Massaging your hair with coconut oil not only distributes the oil evenly but also moisturizes the scalp and helps improve blood circulation as well (7). These effects, in turn, help reduce dandruff. The massage will also purge any oil or dirt build-up. 2-3 tablespoons of coconut oil (depending on the length of your hair).
3. Coconut Oil And Lemon Juice
The scalp has a pH level of 5.5, while hair has an acidic pH level of 3.46, and it must be maintained to keep your scalp and hair nourished (8),(9). Shampoos and conditioners contain ingredients that can increase your pH level, which can cause scalp infections like dandruff. The citric acid in lemon juice can help maintain the pH level of hair (8). The vitamin C in lemon has antioxidant properties, which can help protect the scalp from infections (10). This, in combination with coconut oil, is a great solution for dandruff.
2 tablespoons of coconut oil 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
Note: The citric acid in lemon may be too acidic for your hair and should be used in combination with oil or water, and not in its concentrated form.
4. Coconut Oil And Jojoba Oil
Jojoba is a natural wax ester that helps repair damaged skin from fungal infections like seborrheic dermatitis, which is a heavier form of dandruff (11). It is similar to the sebum produced by your scalp and helps hydrate dry hair and stimulate hair growth (12). It has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe the scalp (13), (14). If you have a dry scalp, this coconut and jojoba oil combination is perfect for treating your dandruff.
1 part coconut oil 1 part jojoba oil
5. Coconut Oil And Rosemary Oil
Rosemary oil has antifungal properties is reported to help reduce dandruff (15). It also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties (16). These properties can protect your scalp from damage and soothe itching. In combination with coconut oil, it is the perfect solution for treating dandruff that has been causing irritation and inflammation from scratching.
2-3 tablespoons of coconut oil 3-5 drops of rosemary essential oil
There you have it – five different ways in which you can use coconut oil to control your dandruff problem. However, there are certain things to keep in mind.
Side Effects Of Coconut Oil
While there aren’t many side effects of the topical application of coconut oil, you need to make sure that you’re not allergic to it. If you are, applying coconut oil to your hair can have adverse effects. There are many other side effects of commercial coconut oil that you can check out here. Does coconut oil cause hairloss? While coconut oil is mostly known for its beneficial effects for teh hair, you need be careful not to overdo it. Overuse can make your hair greasy and lead to blocking hair follicles with trapped diet and debris resulting in hair fall. Does coconut oil make hair white? No, coconut oil helps retain the natural hair pigment and prevent greying. Can I use coconut oil instead of shampoo? While you can use coconut oil as a pre-shmapoo mask, on its own it is ineffective in cleansing your hair and scalp.
