Oiling your hair can reduce dandruff: myth or fact?

Oiling your hair is an integral part of a healthy hair care routine. In fact, most of us start oiling our hair when it feels dry and damaged. This is also due to the fact that our mothers and grandmothers have advocated the benefits of oiling hair for a long time. According to them, using the oil promotes hair growth and keeps it soft and dandruff-free. However, the famous dermatologist says that applying oil to the hair does not help with dandruff problems. Let’s explain this in detail!

Can hair oil reduce dandruff?

A fungal infection, lack of moisture in the scalp or excessive use of hair products can contribute to dandruff. This can give the impression that oiling your hair will make it easier. But you are oiling your hair in the wrong way is one of the main causes of dandruff.

HealthShots reached out to Dr. Rinky Kapoor, consultant dermatologist, cosmetic dermatologist and dermato-surgeon, The Esthetic Clinics, to understand whether hair oil is a way to reduce dandruff or not.

Says Kapoor, “Although it doesn’t stop it, medicated oil can help reduce dandruff to some extent. Leaving the hair oil on for more than 3-4 hours or overnight can make dandruff worse. It worsens flaking and causes dandruff to stick to the scalp where it mixes with dead skin cells and causes itching, irritation and even hair loss.” Therefore, while oiling can be beneficial for reducing frizz and protecting the scalp, it is not a cure for dandruff.

Home remedies to reduce dandruff

You can also use some simple home remedies to prevent and treat dandruff. These include:

1. Green tea

Take a green tea bag and steep it in hot water for 20 minutes or more. Add a teaspoon of white vinegar and a few drops of peppermint oil to the mixture. Massage well into the scalp and leave for five minutes. Wash with a normal sulfate-free shampoo followed by a conditioner.

2. Apple cider vinegar

Use equal amounts of ACV and water to shampoo your hair. This will cure the fungal infection and soothe the itchy scalp.

Read also: 4 conditions when you should avoid oiling your scalp

2. Lemon juice and coconut oil

Mix 2 tablespoons of coconut oil with lemon juice. Massage well into the scalp and leave for a few minutes. Use normal shampoo for washing. This will eliminate the fungus and leave your hair frizz-free.

4. Use fresh neem leaves

The antibacterial and antibiotic properties of neem are remarkable. Apply a paste of freshly crushed neem leaves on the scalp. After 30 minutes, wash your hair and use conditioner. You can also use it by making neem water. Filter the water after boiling some neem leaves in it. If you combine it with coconut oil, you can add it to your shampoo or massage.

Read also: 3 Neem Hair Masks You Can Trust to Treat Dandruff and Dry Scalp

5. Baking soda

Sprinkle some baking soda on your scalp and leave it on for a few minutes. Brush lightly just before shampooing. It helps exfoliate the scalp and absorbs extra oil.

Dandruff treatment

Total treatment of dandruff includes over-the-counter anti-dandruff shampoos such as:

• Pyrithoione zinc shampoos
• Tar-based shampoos
• Shampoos based on salicylic acid
• Shampoos with ketoconazole

These shampoos are medicated and thus control fungal infections and additional oil build-up on the scalp. Be sure to use a great conditioner after use as they can leave the scalp feeling dry.

Takeaway

Every scalp responds differently to treatments. So first know your hair type and then find the right care through trial and error!