Oiling hair can reduce dandruff: A myth or fact?

Hair oiling is an integral part of a healthy hair care routine. In fact, most of us start oiling our hair if they seem dry and damaged. This is also due to the fact that our mothers and grandmothers have long advocated the benefits of hair oiling. According to them, applying oil promotes hair growth and keeps them soft and dandruff free. However, a celebrity dermatologist says there is no benefit of applying oil to hair for dandruff problems. Let’s explain this in detail!

Can hair oiling reduce dandruff?

A fungus infection, a lack of moisture in the scalp, or excessive use of hair products can all contribute to dandruff. This may create the impression that oiling hair will provide relief. But 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 oiling is a way to reduce dandruff or not.

Dr Kapoor says, “While it does not stop it, medicinal oil can help reduce dandruff to some extent. Indeed, leaving hair oil on for more than 3–4 hours or overnight might make dandruff worse. It worsens flakes and makes dandruff stick to the scalp, where it mixes with dead skin cells and causes itchiness, irritation, and even hair loss.” Hence, oiling can be beneficial to reduce frizz and protect the shaft, but it is not a treatment for dandruff.

Home remedies to reduce dandruff

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

1. Green tea

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

2. Apple cider vinegar

Use equal quantities of ACV and water to shampoo your hair. This will treat the fungus infection and relieve scalp itchiness.

Also read: 4 conditions when you should avoid oiling your scalp

2. Lemon juice and coconut oil

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

4. Use fresh neem leaves

The antibacterial and antibiotic properties of neem are outstanding. Apply a paste made from freshly crushed neem leaves on the scalp. After 30 minutes, wash your hair and use conditioner. Also, you can use it by making neem water. Filter the water after boiling some neem leaves in it. By combining this with coconut oil, you may add it to your shampoo or massage.

Also read: 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. Just before shampooing, lightly brush. It aids in exfoliating your scalp and soaking up extra oil.

Treatments for dandruff

A common treatment for dandruff includes over-the-counter anti-dandruff shampoos such as:

• Pyrithoione zinc shampoos
• Tar based shampoos
• Salicylic acid-based shampoos
• Ketoconazole shampoos

These shampoos are medicated and hence control fungal infection and extra oil production on the scalp. Make sure to use an excellent conditioner afterwards because these can leave the scalp dry.

Takeaway 

Every scalp responds differently to the treatments. Therefore, first know your hair type then look for a suitable treatment by trial and error!