Does Coconut Oil Worsen Dandruff?

What is Dandruff?

Dandruff is a common scalp condition in which small pieces of dry skin flake off the scalp. It may be seen as small white or brown flaky substances on the hair or hair scalp.

Dandruff isn’t contagious but it can be embarrassing and difficult to treat.

Contrary to popular belief, Poor hygiene is not a factor that causes dandruff, but the flakes may be more visible if a person does not wash or brush their hair often.

Causes of Dandruff

Some cases of dandruff are caused by too much of a fungus called Malassezia. It leaves behind oleic acid that can irritate your skin and lead to dry skin and cause dandruff flakes.

Oily skin is another cause of dandruff. This happens when the skin or scalp produces too much sebum, and the hair isn’t washed often.

You may even have a type of eczema called seborrheic dermatitis, which can also cause dandruff.

Sensitivity to hair care products like hair shampoos, relaxers, or creams can also cause dandruff. Other skin conditions, such as psoriasis, etc.

For this article, as regards the use of coconut oil, dandruff caused by dry skin will be the focus.

Symptoms of dry skin dandruff

Skin flakes on your scalp, hair.
Itchy scalp
Hair loss
Frequent or nighttime headaches
White buttery substance at roots of the hair while washing

Use of Coconut Oil for dandruff

Contrary to some beliefs, coconut oil works miracles when it concerns treating dandruff.

Coconut oil may help improve hair hydration and prevent dryness, which can worsen dandruff, and aid in the treatment of eczema, a skin condition that may contribute to dandruff.

Coconut oil can be used to prevent dandruff, and promote hair growth. Research has shown that it has the potential to offer more than one benefit for people with dandruff.

Below are further explained the importance of using coconut;

Moisturizes the scalp

The fatty acids in coconut oil combat the irritation and flakes associated with dandruff. The lauric acid in coconut oil provides microbial balance properties that help soothe a dry, flaky scalp and rebalance the scalp’s microbiome.

Improves healthy Bacteria

After coconut oil application, a recent study found an increase in the fungus M. globosa, which is associated with a healthy scalp. In that same study, coconut oil application significantly reduced the presence of dandruff.

Ameliorates Inflammation

Another study found that coconut oil may reduce pain, itchiness, and inflammation, which can come with dandruff caused by certain skin conditions, such as seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis.

How to use coconut oil for dry skin dandruff

Direct application

You can apply 2-3 tablespoons of coconut oil onto the hair, and massage it into the scalp for 2 minutes. Ensure that the coconut oil is evenly distributed on the scalp. Leave for 20 minutes and wash off with an appropriate shampoo. Better still, coconut oil can be left on the hair for longer periods, as it offers other benefits asides from dealing with dandruff.

This should be done two days a week for 4 weeks

Heated Oil application

Heat coconut oil of 3-5 tablespoons on low heat (low heat is used to avoid removing essential nutrients from the coconut oil), part your hair into different sections on your, and apply oil to each section. Comb hair together and wrap with a cloth or towel. Leave for 30 mins and wash off with warm water.

Heated coconut oil has proven to be more effective than room temperature coconut oil because the absorption rate of the scalp is higher when the temperature is higher.

Coconut oil and other essential oils

Coconut oil can be mixed with other oils that contain ingredients that can also combat dandruff.

These oils can shear butter oil, tea oil, castor oil, onion oil, been oil, or cannabis oil.

When coconut oil is mixed together with one or more of these oils, it can improve the pace at which dandruff is cured.

Coconut oil and onion water.

Take 2 medium size onions and blend, press out the juice, and mix with 3 tablespoons of coconut oil. Put the mixture in a spray bottle, and spray on the hair every night, and wash off the following morning. This should be done for a week.

Note: Due to the addition of onion juice, the smell may be uncomfortable, but the results are definitely worth it.

Overview

Coconut oil is a natural and effective way to treat dandruff.

Ensure to test it first on other areas of your skin to make sure you do not have any sensitivities, before applying to your hair.

You also want to make sure that dry scalp is the cause of dandruff, to avoid using too much coconut oil or using it too often. Doing so might worsen certain skin conditions and make your dandruff worse.

Does Coconut Oil Worsen Dandruff?