How To Use Coconut Oil For Dandruff
Dandruff is a common problem that affects people across the globe. This is when the skin on the scalp flakes and causes itching. Dandruff is caused by a fungus called Malassezia and it’s not dangerous or contagious but can be embarrassing and unsightly in social situations. There are plenty of shampoos and other store-bought treatments as well as prescription remedies, but if you’re looking for a natural solution that works, try coconut oil.
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This natural oil has been all the rage lately and for good reasons. The beneficial properties of the oil can treat a number of different conditions including dandruff. Here, you’ll find different methods for using coconut oil for dandruff that you can try on your own.
Benefits Of Coconut Oil For Dandruff
Coconut oil has been getting a lot of notoriety in recent years thanks to all of its many benefits. It has been used across cultures for hundreds of years for different reasons. While it has various benefits, the specific benefits coconut oil has for dandruff are quite important.
For centuries, coconut oil has been used for general hair care and to treat various scalp conditions like dandruff. The oil is made of chemical compounds that have beneficial properties including the following:
- Antifungal Properties
This is what allows the oil to treat dandruff since it is essential a fungus.
- Moisturizing Properties
The oil can also moisturize your hair and scalp which will remove the flaky, dry skin.
- Conditioning Properties
Coconut oil will also make both your scalp and hair softer to the touch while removing dandruff.
The oil has different acids including lauric, capric, and caprylic acids which are fatty acids that are able to seep into the hair shaft as well as your scalp in order to fight the fungus that causes dandruff while also soothing the dry skin and the itch that comes along with the fungal infection. All of this keeps your hair and scalp healthy and looking its best.
It can also help any damage that might have been caused by untreated dandruff like irritation or scrapes from scratching. The nutrients will also nourish your hair and scalp and keep dandruff at bay after getting rid of whatever is present.
How To Use Coconut Oil For Dandruff Relief
If you’d like to see for yourself what coconut oil can do, look at these various methods and try one or more of them out on your own. You’ll see just how effective coconut oil for dandruff can be. Some of these methods involve only the coconut oil while others might call for other beneficial ingredients.
- Direct Application Of Coconut Oil For Dandruff
Take 2 tablespoons of coconut oil and warm it slightly in a microwave. Using your fingers, apply the oil to your scalp and hair from root to end. Massage your scalp for about five minutes and then cover your hair with a shower cap. Leave the cap on overnight. The next morning, wash your hair normally. Do this regularly until the dandruff is gone.
- Coconut And Oregano Oil
Mix 1 teaspoon of oregano essential oil with 5 teaspoons of coconut oil in a small bowl. Apply the mixture to your hair and scalp from root to tip. Massage the scalp for no less than five minutes. Wash your hair as you normally would. Do this two or three times a week to get rid of dandruff. Caution: oregano oil is potent and may burn if you use too much.
- Coconut Oil With Lemon Juice
Head 2 tablespoons of coconut oil with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice in a microwave-safe bowl. Apply the mixture to your scalp and the length of your hair. Massage your scalp for 10 minutes and let the oil sit for 20 minutes. Wash out with mild shampoo. Do this three or four times a week.
- Coconut Oil And Camphor
Besides getting rid of dandruff, this mix will also help with the itch that is associated with it. In a container with a tight lid, mix ½ cup of coconut oil with 1 teaspoon of camphor. Store the container away overnight.
When ready to use, use your fingers to apply the mixture to your scalp and the length of your hair before going to sleep. Massage your scalp for 10 minutes and leave the oil mixture in place and go to bed. Shower normally in the morning. Do this every night for about two weeks.
- Coconut Oil Scrub
This is a soothing, antifungal treatment that can help eliminate dandruff on your scalp and generally soothe and nourish your hair and scalp. Mix 2 tablespoons of coconut oil, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 3 tablespoons of plain yogurt, and 2 tablespoons of raw honey in a bowl to make a paste with medium consistency. Apply the mixture to your scalp and hair with your fingers and massage it in for 10 minutes.
This will promote circulation and open the pores in your scalp. Leave the mixture on for 40 to 45 minutes then rinse your hair using a mild shampoo making sure to rinse out all of the mixture (you may need to shampoo your hair twice). Let your hair dry naturally without any additional products in it. After it dries, rub about 5 drops of pure coconut oil in your hands and apply the pure oil to your hair and scalp. Do that until your entire scalp is covered. Do this whole process once a week to get rid of your dandruff.
- Coconut And Rosemary Oil
Rosemary oil is another strong antifungal that can help clear up dandruff. In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of rosemary essential oil with 15 drops of coconut oil. Apply the oil mixture to your scalp and hair with your fingers and leave it in place for about five minutes. Rinse it out with a mild shampoo as you normally would. Do this every other day until the dandruff is gone.
Each one of these home remedies has its own individual use and benefits for your hair. Start by trying out the pure coconut oil and then, if you’d like to try something different, use one of the other methods for the added benefits of the other ingredients.
Conclusion
When you try to use coconut oil for dandruff at home, make sure you use pure organic coconut oil for the best effects. In order to keep dandruff at bay, in general, try not to shampoo too often and brush your hair gently and regularly in order to trigger the release of your hair’s natural oils to moisturize your scalp.
You should also limit styling products and try to lower your stress level as much as possible. Eating a healthy diet rich in nutrients can also help your body naturally fight dandruff along with the help of the coconut oil. If you follow one or more of these methods regularly and take care of your hair and body properly, you should notice a difference in the amount of dandruff you have quickly.
