Dandruff is one of the most common hair issues in the world. According to some surveys, more than 50 million people in the United States alone had experienced dandruff at one point.

There are many opinions on hair oiling and dandruff. Some swear by it, while others claim that it doesn't work.

In this guide, we will discuss some myths about hair oils and how oiling your hair and scalp can help you control dandruff.

Table of Contents:

• What Is Dandruff, and Why Do We Get It?
• Benefits of Oiling Your Hair
• Moisturization
• Boosts hair growth
• Smoothens hair
• Do Hair Oils Prevent Dandruff?
• Best Oils to Prevent and Manage Dandruff
• Coconut oil
• Tea tree oil
• Onion oil
• Moroccan argan oil
• Castor oil
• Best Ways to Oil Your Hair

What Is Dandruff, and Why Do We Get It?

Dandruff is characterized by white flakes on the scalp. Dandruff can be mild or very severe, but it does not pose health risks at any stage. But your scalp can become itchy, and having dandruff also creates body image insecurities.

Dandruff is a result of skin cells growing and dying off too fast. A fungus called Malassezia is associated with dandruff, but there is no conclusive evidence yet. We don't yet fully understand why we get dandruff, but it's almost always a result of the scalp turning dry and flaky.

There are many ways of treating dandruff, from herbs to drugs. Hair oils are a controversial dandruff treatment option because there's no conclusive scientific study on the subject.

Many cultures swear by oiling for dandruff treatment. Studies have also discovered dandruff-combatting properties in some natural oils. On top of that, there's a lot of anecdotal evidence on the benefits of oiling to control dandruff.

Benefits of Oiling Your Hair

Oiling has multiple benefits for hair and scalp. Some of the following benefits make a compelling argument in favor of oiling to control dandruff.

• Moisturization

Dandruff is a result of a dry and itchy scalp. Hair oils have proven moisturization properties since they are rich in fatty acids. Coconut oil, for example, is primarily made of lauric acid. Lauric acid makes it easier for the oil to penetrate the scalp and provides long-lasting moisturization.

• Boosts hair growth

Castor oil and coconut oil are some commonly used oils to boost hair growth. This is primarily because these oils can speed up cell growth and increase blood flow to the scalp. Having dandruff, on the other hand, can slow hair growth.

• Smoothens hair

If you have dry and rough hair, oiling your hair will be beneficial. Hair oil coats each strand and provides protection against dryness, keeping your hair smooth and shiny. Those who have dandruff also typically have dry and dull hair. Oiling can help both of these conditions.

Do Hair Oils Prevent Dandruff?

Oiling your hair keeps your scalp healthy. Dandruff, on the other hand, is a sign and result of an unhealthy scalp. While oiling may not directly prevent dandruff, it does make your scalp less likely to become dry, itchy, and flaky.

There are tonnes of benefits to massaging your scalp with natural oils. The most obvious benefit of oil massages is increased blood flow to the scalp. At the same time, massaging allows the oil's nutrients to go deeper into your scalp.

You should try oiling your scalp if other remedies for dandruff haven't worked for you. If you're apprehensive about oiling, start with just once a week and wash it off after an hour. As and when you see results, increase the time and frequency.

Best Oils to Prevent and Manage Dandruff

While all natural oils have benefits, some are more suited for dandruff-prone scalps.

• Coconut oil

Coconut oil is a panacea for hair issues. It's effective against dandruff because of its intense hydration properties. However, it may not be suitable for everyone and every kind of dandruff. We recommend using cold-pressed natural coconut oil for the best results.

• Tea tree oil

You should not use tea tree essential oil directly on your scalp. When used with carrier oil, tea tree oil can be helpful in managing dandruff. Its s antifungal and antibacterial properties make it effective against dandruff.

You can also consider using the Wow 10-In-1 Hair Oil. Along with tea tree oil, it has extra virgin olive oil, sweet almond oil, Moroccan argan oil, jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, safflower oil, and rosemary essential oil. The product targets all common hair issues like dandruff.

• Onion oil

Onion is great for your hair, though it's not the first thing that comes to mind when we think about hair oils. Onion oil is rich in antioxidants and potassium. Apart from managing dandruff, it boosts hair growth. Onion black seed oil, along with castor oil, jojoba oil, Moroccan argan oil, or coconut oil, is an effective combination to beat dandruff.

• Moroccan argan oil

Moroccan argan oil is great for your hair for the same reasons as coconut oil. It's rich in fatty acids and provides lasting moisturization, thus preventing dryness of the scalp. Try cold-pressed Moroccan argan hair oil without additives for the best result.

• Castor oil

Castor oil has antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Castor oil reduces dandruff's severity, even removing it altogether in some cases. When buying castor oil, make sure it doesn't contain any mineral oil. Mineral oil is a filler and reduces the efficacy of natural oils.

Best Ways to Oil Your Hair

There are many ways of oiling your scalp and hair:

• You can heat the oil before applying it for a deep tissue head massage.
• You can combine essential oils (tea tree, rosemary) with carrier oils (coconut, castor) for outstanding results.
• You must let the oil rest on your scalp for at least 15-20 minutes. Some prefer to leave it overnight and wash it off the following day. Leaving it longer gives the oil a chance to penetrate deeper, but it may not be suitable for everyone.

Irrespective of how you use hair oils, you will get most of their benefits.

Dandruff is not a dangerous skin/hair condition. It's possible to manage it with effective hair care. We hope this guide inspires you to add natural oils to your hair care routine and experience their benefits.