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Overview
The excess shedding of dry skin from the scalp is called Dandruff. When your scalp gets irritated, you may have to start struggling with dandruff. And, this is quite a common problem of the scalp. According to a recent study, almost half of the worldโs population experience dandruff post-puberty. Thankfully, thereโs a single oil that can do a lot to fight dandruff. Here, weโre talking about the role of coconut oil for dandruff.
Visible dandruff flakes in your hairline may affect your impression. But, unless, you know the root cause of dandruff, winning over it can be tough. So, first of all, letโs see what causes dandruff.
Causes of Dandruff
The causes of dandruff varies from person to person. Both men and women can suffer from it. Though a lot of research is still required yet the most common causes discovered are:
a) Absence of scalp hygiene. Not shampooing your hair even once a week can build up dirt on the scalp. This, in turn, leads to dandruff.
b) Hormonal problems. As dandruff is often found in young adults, it is believed that hormonal imbalance can be a potential cause.
c) Oily and irritated skin. An oily and greasy scalp gives birth to certain dandruff-triggering conditions. One of such conditions is the seborrheic dermatitis, an eczema that harms your scalp.
d) Malasezzia. Malasezzia is a yeast-like fungus. They feed on oils found on your scalp.
Does Coconut Oil Really Work for Dandruff?
Researches have proved that coconut oil works as a moisturizer. It also has antifungal properties, which is essential to fight dandruff. As per a recent study, coconut oil in children with eczema gives good result as compared to mineral oil.
Coconut oil has lauric acid. This ingredient is effective to treat Malasezzia, which also triggers dandruff-causing conditions.
According to a 2021 study, application of coconut oil increases the birth of fungus M. Globosa. This fungus makes your scalp healthy and reduces dandruff.
Additionally, coconut oil likely goes deep inside the epidermis (top layer of skin) and acts as a barrier to prevent your scalp from getting further dried and inflamed.
How to Use Coconut Oil for Dandruff?
a) Coconut Oil with Lemon Juice
Mix 2 tablespoons of coconut oil with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. Apply the mixture to your scalp. Massage in a gentle circular motion. Keep it for 20 to 30 minutes. Rinse it off with shampoo.
Benefits
The Vitamin C in lemon has antioxidant properties, which is effective in healing scalp infections. When mixed with coconut oil, lemon juiceโs power to fight dandruff increases.
b) Coconut Oil with Yogurt, Olive Oil, and Honey
Add 2 tablespoons of organic honey, 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 3 tablespoons of yogurt to 2 tablespoons of coconut oil. Blend all the ingredients well. Massage this mixture to your entire scalp slowly. Use your fingertips to massage. Wait for 50-60minutes. Use a mild shampoo to wash your hair.
Do it atleast once a week to get rid of dandruff.
Benefits
Olive oil reduces dandruff flakes. Studies have proved that honey provides relief from itchiness, dandruff, and skin lesions within 2 weeks. Yoghurt hasย active bacterial enzymesย that treat dandruff, itchy scalp, and cleanses your scalp well.
c) Coconut Oil with Jojoba Oil
Mix jojoba oil with coconut oil in equal quantities. Apply the mixture to your scalp and hair to dissolve all the sebum. Cover your hair with a warm towel. Keep it for half an hour. Rinse off the oil with a mild shampoo.
Benefits
Jojoba oil repairs damaged skin from fungal infections like seborrheic dermatitis, which is a heavier form of dandruff. This oil also has anti-inflammatory properties to soothe the scalp. When combined with coconut oil, it becomes a perfect concoction to treat dandruff.
d) Coconut Oil and Fenugreek
Mix 1 teaspoons of crushed fenugreek seeds with 1 teaspoon of coconut oil. Wear a shower cap and wait for 2-3hours. Wash out the mixture with a very mild shampoo and gently dry the hair.
Repeat 2-3 times per week until the dandruff symptoms are eliminated.
Benefits
Nicotinic acid and high protein in fenugreek prevent dandruff. Fenugreek seeds are also effective to treat various scalp problems like hair thinning, dryness, etc. Moreover, the large amount of lecithin in them strengthens the hair follicles.
Can You Leave Coconut Oil Overnight to Fight Dandruff?
To treat scalp conditions like dandruff, leaving the oil overnight will yield good results. Massage warm coconut oil onto your scalp with fingertips. Go for a circular gentle massage. Let the oil sit overnight. Wash off the shampoo with oil the next morning.
Risks of Using Coconut Oil for Dandruff
Thereโs no such risks of applying coconut oil to treat dandruff. However, make sure youโre not allergic to the oil. If youโre, itโs better to avoid coconut oil, as it can cause adverse effects.
