If you suffer from dandruff, you are probably familiar with the symptoms of the condition – an itchy, dry, and scaly scalp. Depending on the condition’s severity, you might end up with flakes on your hair, eyebrows, and shoulders.

It’s an annoying condition, unsightly and embarrassing. But dandruff is very common, and thankfully, it is curable. Coconut oil is one of the best natural and readily available ingredients to soothe and alleviate the condition. Here’s why.

Table of Contents:

• Why Do I Have Dandruff?
• The Properties of Coconut Oil
• Why Is Coconut Oil Good for Dandruff
• Moisturizes and Conditions the Scalp
• It Helps Improve and Maintain the Scalp’s Health
• Relieves Excessive Itching Associated with Dandruff
• Relieves Inflammation and Pain
• Can Coconut Oil Reduce All Types of Dandruff?
• How Much Coconut Oil Should You Use for Dandruff?
• The Most Effective Way to Use Coconut Oil for Dandruff

Why Do I Have Dandruff?

Dandruff can be caused by many factors, including both dry and oily skin.

Some skin conditions such as contact dermatitis (sensitivity to certain hair care products), eczema, and psoriasis, can also lead to mild or severe forms of dandruff.

Those with Parkinson’s disease and other conditions affecting the nervous system are at an increased risk of developing dandruff.

Conditions that affect or weaken the immune system – for example, HIV can also cause it. You can develop dandruff at any age, and the condition is more common in males.

The Properties of Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has unique skin-soothing properties and is one of the most excellent hair oils. Its properties are such that it can be used safely on various skin types – not just dry skin. It has potent antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties that relieve numerous skin conditions – including dandruff and all its symptoms.

Why Is Coconut Oil Good for Dandruff

There are several benefits of using coconut oil for treating dandruff. Some of them are listed below.

• Moisturizes and Conditions the Scalp

Dry skin can make your dandruff worse. The best way to get rid of dandruff if you have a dry scalp condition is to moisturize the scalp. 

Coconut oil is very rich in fatty acids that moisturize the skin and scalp. These moisturizing properties are promising and can help fight flakes and irritation. A couple of tablespoons of oil is all it takes.

• It Helps Improve and Maintain the Scalp's Health

According to a 2021 study, coconut oil helps increase the fungus M.globosa needed to modulate the scalp microbiome (the colony of essential fungi and bacteria required for a healthy scalp). The lauric acid in the oil helps balance the scalp microbiome and improves scalp health.

Coconut oil decreases dandruff caused by the fungus Malassezia by treating and reducing the amount of this fungus.

• Relieves Excessive Itching Associated with Dandruff

Coconut oil applied daily for eight weeks can reduce the severe itchiness associated with atopic dermatitis. So, people with eczema and dandruff can experience immense relief from coconut oil application.

• Relieves Inflammation and Pain

Conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and seborrheic dermatitis can cause dandruff with severe itchiness. Scratching the scalp to relieve the itch often leads to pain and inflammation of the scalp. 

Applying coconut oil can help soothe the itchiness and reduce pain and inflammation.

Can Coconut Oil Reduce All Types of Dandruff?

No. Coconut oil is an excellent solution for most types of dandruff. But it is vital first to understand the kind of dandruff you have before treating it with coconut oil. 

Dandruff caused by seborrheic dermatitis is oily and yellowish. Not washing hair regularly or using excess oils causes this type of dandruff, and coconut oil can worsen the condition. So, it’s very important to be careful about the type of dandruff you have.

How Much Coconut Oil Should You Use for Dandruff?

Coconut oil is very potent; you don’t need to apply too much to your scalp to benefit from it. A small amount of oil goes a long way. One to two tablespoons of coconut oil are enough to get relief from itchiness and flakiness. 

The Most Effective Way to Use Coconut Oil for Dandruff

The easiest and also the most effective way to use coconut oil for dandruff is to apply a sufficient quantity (one to two tablespoons) of the oil to your scalp. Massage the coconut oil gently into your scalp with your fingertips. Once you have massaged the oil in, run a wide-toothed comb through your hair, so the oil spreads onto the hair for added benefits.

Long hair can be put up in a bun. Allow the oil to penetrate your scalp and moisturize it – you can leave it on for 30 minutes to a few hours.

Wash your oiled hair with a mild, clarifying shampoo or shampoo designed to treat dandruff. WOW Skin Science Coconut Milk Shampoo is a fantastic shampoo that cleans, rejuvenates, soothes, and smoothes every strand for a healthy, shiny, and bouncy mane. It is excellent for frizzy, thinning, dry, and even colored hair.

For gentle yet effective dandruff treatment, try WOW Skin Science Green Tea and Tea Tree Shampoo. It contains the goodness of tea tree, argan oil, green tea, and shea butter to moisturize the scalp, fight dryness, improve blood circulation, and control flakes.

Coconut oil has excellent healing and moisturizing properties. It is a perfect remedy for most types of dandruff, thanks to its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties.

Explore the WOW website for more natural hair care products.