You wouldn’t necessarily associate hair oil as a treatment for a problem caused by excessive oil. But that’s how it sometimes works out. Hair oil has been used to treat a whole range of skin and hair troubles, especially in the Indian Subcontinent. It’s a popular remedy in various home treatments and you’ll find multiple ingredients to soothe your worries away.

But before you start searching for the best oil for dandruff, you might want to understand the difference between dry scalp and dandruff. People often mistake the two, because the common symptom is flaking of dead skin cells. However, the reasons for dandruff are fungi that break down any oil build-up on your scalp, leading to itching and redness. Dry scalp is the opposite, caused by a lack of oil. So although some oils might work for dry scalp, not all are anti dandruff oils.

What’s the best hair oil for dandruff?

Tea tree oil

This is a potent essential oil that is extracted from the leaves of a small Australian tree. It contains strong anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties, which can soothe your irritated skin. Using tea tree oil can also potentially clear up any greasiness and regulate your oil levels. Apply after diluting in a shampoo or in a carrier oil, like coconut. You can also create a hair mask with aloe vera, apple cider vinegar or honey.

Argan oil

This golden liquid has various properties that make it a popular choice for dandruff control, soothing your itching and reducing any damaged patches. It contains vitamin E, which helps in reducing oxidative stress and rejuvenates the scalp. Calm down your itching by applying Argan oil directly onto the scalp or make a hair mask with aloe vera.

Coconut oil

This is a natural moisturiser which can be found in the bathroom and the kitchen. It has strong hydrating properties, which make it effective even in treating dry scalps. The lauric acid lends it anti-microbial properties, which can help work on the dandruff causing germs. You can apply coconut oil on your hair and scalp, leaving it overnight. It’s also a popular carrier oil to make hair masks with apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, eggs, or aloe vera.

Lavender oil

This oil has a characteristic and familiar fragrance, which you can use on your dandruff condition. It contains anti-microbial and anti-septic properties, which can healany damaged skin while attacking the germs. It can also bring back moisture to your scalp and reduce inflammation. Add it to your shampoo or mix it with a carrier oil.

Rosemary oil

Another fragrant oil that’s used in aromatherapy, rosemary oil contains anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties. This can aid in your fight against the fungus that causes dandruff, while simultaneously promoting healing. Add to your shampoo, mix with another oil, or make a hair mask.

Olive oil

Next time you’re cooking pasta and have an itchy dandruff, see if you want to use this on your head instead of the pan. Olive oil can potentially unclog your hair follicles, calm the itching sensation, and reduce oxidative stress. It’s a softening oil, which can also condition your hair strands. Use it with lemon juice, apple cider vinegar or tea tree oil, but don’t overdo it.

Oils can be an effective method in reducing your dandruff but remember that it can also worsen your situation. If you have the time, you should try them out. But if not, use a shampoo for dandruff like the Head and Shoulders Silky Black, which can restore damaged hair strands while getting rid of any dandruff causing germs.