How To Use Coconut Oil For Dry Scalp And Dandruff

Coconut oil, extracted from the flesh of mature coconuts, is enriched with nutrients. These nutrients may improve the condition of your dry scalp. The oil also has antimicrobial benefits that may soothe your itchy scalp. Keep reading to learn how to use coconut oil to treat a dry scalp. Though dry scalp can often feel like dandruff, both conditions have certain fundamental differences.

Dry Scalp Vs. Dandruff: What Is The Difference?

Dry scalp produces smaller white flakes, while dandruff is characterized by large yellowish oily flakes. Overproduction of sebum creates an oily scalp and causes dandruff. The underproduction of sebum causes the scalp to dry out, flake, and itch. Dandruff is caused by a fungal infection, while a dry scalp can be caused by pre-existing skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, weather conditions, or even excessive washing. Both conditions can aggravate if not treated. They may also lead to redness or bumps on the scalp. The best treatment for dandruff involves the use of anti-dandruff shampoos. The ideal treatment for a dry scalp is adequate moisturization with deep conditioners, oils, and hair masks. Taking care of your hair, in a way, may also help treat dry scalp. We all know coconut oil to be beneficial to hair. But how does it work? We have discussed the same briefly in the following section.

Coconut Oil Benefits For Hair

Is Rich In Nutrients: Coconut oil is enriched with proteins, lauric acid, capric acid, and essential nutrients like vitamins E and K.

Deep Conditions Hair: Research shows that coconut oil can penetrate the hair shafts and the scalp and deeply condition them (3). It is a deep conditioning ingredient that will moisturize the scalp and prevent dryness.

Has Anti-fungal Properties: Coconut oil has anti-fungal properties that prevent fungal infections like dandruff from affecting the scalp (4). A study showed that virgin coconut oil could penetrate the hair shaft to disintegrate the dandruff-causing fungi (5).

Has Antimicrobial Properties: The oil also has antimicrobial properties that keep the scalp clean and promote healthy scalp and hair conditions (6).

Improves Hair Health: A study conducted in Palestine showed that coconut oil prevents split ends, hair damage, hair loss, and baldness. Coconut oil may also enhance hair color pigment (7).

Prevents Protein Loss: Coconut oil has been found to prevent protein loss in virgin and bleached hair (3).

Offers UV Protection: Coconut oil protects the hair from UV damage. It also prevents heat damage caused by heat styling tools.

Prevents Lice: Coconut oil protects the scalp and prevents lice and its eggs from infesting the scalp (8).

Let us now see how coconut oil could be beneficial for dry scalp.

Is Coconut Oil Good For Dry Scalp: What Does Science Say?

Coconut oil can be used to promote scalp health. It keeps dandruff off from a chronically dry scalp and keeps the scalp clean (8). You can use coconut oil in certain methods to achieve maximum benefit. We have highlighted them below.

How Should You Use Coconut Oil To Treat A Dry Scalp?

  Coconut oil is safe when used topically but, they also have some adverse effects.

Side Effects Of Coconut Oil

The topical application of coconut oil is mostly considered safe. If your skin becomes red or irritated, please consult a doctor before applying any more coconut oil. If you have sensitive skin, you may also do a patch test initially. Why does coconut oil make my scalp itch? Coconut oil is generally safe for the scalp and should not cause itching or irritation under normal circumstances. But if your hair is already oily and unwashed, then the application of coconut oil can cause itchiness as it leads to product buildup. The natural oils, along with dirt and germs, are trapped under the sealing shield of coconut oil, which results in scalp irritation. But if this isn’t the case and your scalp still itches, consult a trichologisti  XA specialist who studies trichology, or the diseases and treatments related to the hair and scalp. immediately. Does coconut oil help treat scalp eczema? Yes. Studies have shown that virgin coconut oil could aid in the treatment of skin disorders like eczema (12). How long does it take for coconut oil to help heal dry scalp? It depends on the severity of your scalp condition. Some people notice the nourishing effects of coconut oil almost immediately, while some may need to apply the oil 2-3 times a week for a few weeks. However, if your scalp condition does not improve even after 3-4 weeks of regular coconut oil use, you will have to see your doctor.

title: “How To Use Coconut Oil For Dry Scalp And Dandruff” ShowToc: true date: “2023-01-02” author: “Larry Martin”

Coconut oil, extracted from the flesh of mature coconuts, is enriched with nutrients. These nutrients may improve the condition of your dry scalp. The oil also has antimicrobial benefits that may soothe your itchy scalp. Keep reading to learn how to use coconut oil to treat a dry scalp. Though dry scalp can often feel like dandruff, both conditions have certain fundamental differences.

Dry Scalp Vs. Dandruff: What Is The Difference?

Dry scalp produces smaller white flakes, while dandruff is characterized by large yellowish oily flakes. Overproduction of sebum creates an oily scalp and causes dandruff. The underproduction of sebum causes the scalp to dry out, flake, and itch. Dandruff is caused by a fungal infection, while a dry scalp can be caused by pre-existing skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, weather conditions, or even excessive washing. Both conditions can aggravate if not treated. They may also lead to redness or bumps on the scalp. The best treatment for dandruff involves the use of anti-dandruff shampoos. The ideal treatment for a dry scalp is adequate moisturization with deep conditioners, oils, and hair masks. Taking care of your hair, in a way, may also help treat dry scalp. We all know coconut oil to be beneficial to hair. But how does it work? We have discussed the same briefly in the following section.

Coconut Oil Benefits For Hair

Is Rich In Nutrients: Coconut oil is enriched with proteins, lauric acid, capric acid, and essential nutrients like vitamins E and K.

Deep Conditions Hair: Research shows that coconut oil can penetrate the hair shafts and the scalp and deeply condition them (3). It is a deep conditioning ingredient that will moisturize the scalp and prevent dryness.

Has Anti-fungal Properties: Coconut oil has anti-fungal properties that prevent fungal infections like dandruff from affecting the scalp (4). A study showed that virgin coconut oil could penetrate the hair shaft to disintegrate the dandruff-causing fungi (5).

Has Antimicrobial Properties: The oil also has antimicrobial properties that keep the scalp clean and promote healthy scalp and hair conditions (6).

Improves Hair Health: A study conducted in Palestine showed that coconut oil prevents split ends, hair damage, hair loss, and baldness. Coconut oil may also enhance hair color pigment (7).

Prevents Protein Loss: Coconut oil has been found to prevent protein loss in virgin and bleached hair (3).

Offers UV Protection: Coconut oil protects the hair from UV damage. It also prevents heat damage caused by heat styling tools.

Prevents Lice: Coconut oil protects the scalp and prevents lice and its eggs from infesting the scalp (8).

Let us now see how coconut oil could be beneficial for dry scalp.

Is Coconut Oil Good For Dry Scalp: What Does Science Say?

Coconut oil can be used to promote scalp health. It keeps dandruff off from a chronically dry scalp and keeps the scalp clean (8). You can use coconut oil in certain methods to achieve maximum benefit. We have highlighted them below.

How Should You Use Coconut Oil To Treat A Dry Scalp?

  Coconut oil is safe when used topically but, they also have some adverse effects.

Side Effects Of Coconut Oil

The topical application of coconut oil is mostly considered safe. If your skin becomes red or irritated, please consult a doctor before applying any more coconut oil. If you have sensitive skin, you may also do a patch test initially. Why does coconut oil make my scalp itch? Coconut oil is generally safe for the scalp and should not cause itching or irritation under normal circumstances. But if your hair is already oily and unwashed, then the application of coconut oil can cause itchiness as it leads to product buildup. The natural oils, along with dirt and germs, are trapped under the sealing shield of coconut oil, which results in scalp irritation. But if this isn’t the case and your scalp still itches, consult a trichologisti  XA specialist who studies trichology, or the diseases and treatments related to the hair and scalp. immediately. Does coconut oil help treat scalp eczema? Yes. Studies have shown that virgin coconut oil could aid in the treatment of skin disorders like eczema (12). How long does it take for coconut oil to help heal dry scalp? It depends on the severity of your scalp condition. Some people notice the nourishing effects of coconut oil almost immediately, while some may need to apply the oil 2-3 times a week for a few weeks. However, if your scalp condition does not improve even after 3-4 weeks of regular coconut oil use, you will have to see your doctor.