Dandruff is a widespread scalp problem caused by irritated oily skin, dry skin, fungal and bacterial growth on the scalp, stress, pollution, poor hygiene, and inflammatory skin conditions. Looking for a solution? Instead of spending on expensive, chemical-laden products with unwanted side effects, consider natural ingredients that can help combat dandruff. One effective natural remedy is olive oil. Read this article on AllRemedies.com in the “How To” section to learn how olive oil can be used to control dandruff and its benefits.
Why Olive Oil Is Effective in Treating Dandruff
Olive oil moisturizes the scalp and hair, preventing dryness and flaking. Rich in antioxidants and vitamins A, E, and K, it also repairs damaged hair. Clogged follicles can cause dandruff and irritation; olive oil helps dissolve grime, dirt, and excess oils, unclogging follicles and nourishing them. Its mono-unsaturated fats also leave hair feeling soft and silky.
Top 16 Methods to Use Olive Oil for Dandruff Control
Olive oil can be used alone or with other natural ingredients to fight dandruff. Always use organic virgin olive oil.
- Olive Oil for Dandruff
- Ingredients: Extra virgin olive oil
- Method: Warm the olive oil over indirect heat and massage it into your scalp for five minutes. Wrap your hair in a towel for 30 minutes or overnight, then rinse. Repeat daily for a week.
- Olive Oil and Eggs
- Option 1 Ingredients: 2 eggs, 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Method: Whisk together and massage into your scalp for 10 minutes. Wrap your hair in a towel for 30-40 minutes, then rinse with warm water and shampoo. Repeat daily.
- Option 2 Ingredients: 1 egg yolk, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 tablespoon warm olive oil
- Method: Mix ingredients and massage into your scalp. After 35 minutes, rinse thoroughly with warm water. Repeat twice a week.
- Tea Tree Oil and Olive Oil
- Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil, 10 drops tea tree oil
- Method: Mix and massage into your scalp for 10-15 minutes. Leave on for 30 minutes, then wash with sulfate-free shampoo. Repeat 2-3 times per week.
- Olive Oil and Turmeric
- Ingredients: 1 teaspoon turmeric powder, 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Method: Mix and apply to your scalp, massaging gently for 10-15 minutes. Leave for 30 minutes, then wash with sulfate-free shampoo. Repeat 2-3 times per week.
- Castor Oil and Olive Oil
- Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon castor oil
- Method: Warm the oils, massage into your scalp, wrap your hair in a towel, and wash after 15-20 minutes with anti-dandruff shampoo. Repeat daily for fast results.
- Olive Oil and Fenugreek Seeds
- Ingredients: 2 teaspoons fenugreek seeds, ½ cup warm extra virgin olive oil
- Method: Soak seeds overnight, mash in the morning, mix with warm olive oil, apply to scalp, wait 2-3 hours, and rinse. Repeat daily.
- Almond Oil and Olive Oil
- Option 1 Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon almond oil
- Method: Mix, massage into your scalp for 10-15 minutes, leave for 30 minutes, then wash with sulfate-free shampoo. Repeat 2-3 times per week.
- Option 2 Ingredients: 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 cup water, almond oil, extra virgin olive oil
- Method: Dissolve sugar in water, mix oils, apply to scalp, apply sugar solution over oil, comb through hair, rinse, and wash with mild shampoo. Repeat twice a week.
- Olive Oil and Lemon Juice
- Ingredients: 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon olive oil
- Method: Mix, apply to scalp, massage for a couple of minutes, leave overnight, and rinse in the morning. Repeat daily.
- Honey and Olive Oil
- Option 1 Ingredients: ½ cup extra virgin olive oil, 2 teaspoons raw honey
- Method: Warm olive oil, mix with honey, massage into scalp, leave for 10-15 minutes, and wash with herbal shampoo. Repeat daily.
- Option 2 Ingredients: 2 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 egg yolk
- Method: Mix, apply to scalp, wait 30 minutes, and rinse with lukewarm water and mild shampoo. Repeat thrice a week.
- Option 3 Ingredients: 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon raw honey, 1 ripe avocado
- Method: Blend until smooth, apply to scalp, leave for 30-35 minutes, and wash with warm water and mild shampoo. Repeat thrice a week.
- Olive Oil and Apple Cider Vinegar
- Ingredients: 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- Method: Mix, massage into scalp, leave for 20-30 minutes, and wash. Repeat daily.
- Black Pepper and Olive Oil
- Ingredients: 1 teaspoon black pepper, 3 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
- Method: Mix, massage into scalp, leave for 60 minutes or overnight, and wash thoroughly with mild shampoo. Repeat nightly.
- Olive Oil, Ginger, and Lemon Juice
- Option 1 Ingredients: 1 part ginger oil, 2 parts olive oil
- Method: Mix, massage into scalp, leave overnight, and wash off in the morning.
- Option 2 Ingredients: Ginger root, fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil
- Method: Extract ginger juice, mix with lemon juice and olive oil, massage into scalp, leave for 30-40 minutes, rinse, and wash with anti-dandruff shampoo. Repeat thrice per week.
- Option 3 Ingredients: 1 tablespoon grated ginger, 1 tablespoon warm olive oil
- Method: Mix, massage into scalp, and rinse after 10 minutes with mild shampoo.
- Basil and Olive Oil
- Ingredients: Fresh basil leaves, ½ teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
- Method: Crush basil leaves, extract juice, mix with olive oil, massage into scalp, leave overnight, and wash. Repeat nightly.
- Olive Oil, Aloe Vera, and Curd
- Ingredients: 3 teaspoons fresh aloe vera gel, ½ cup curd, 3 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
- Method: Mix ingredients, massage into scalp, leave for 25-30 minutes, and rinse. Repeat thrice a week.
- Coconut Oil, Yogurt, and Olive Oil
- Option 1 Ingredients: 2 teaspoons coconut oil, 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil, 2 teaspoons raw honey, 3 teaspoons plain Greek yogurt
- Method: Mix ingredients, massage into scalp, leave for 30-40 minutes, and wash with mild shampoo. Repeat thrice a week.
- Option 2 Ingredients: 1 tablespoon coconut oil, 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Method: Mix, apply to hair, cover with a shower cap, and rinse after two hours with mild herbal shampoo.
- Olive Oil and White Vinegar
- Ingredients: 1 teaspoon olive oil, 2 teaspoons white vinegar
- Method: Mix, massage into scalp for five minutes, leave for an additional five minutes, and wash with sulfate-free shampoo. Repeat 1-2 times per week.
Tips and Precautions
- Use extra virgin olive oil for hair and scalp treatments.
- Brush your hair with a natural bristle brush after applying olive oil to alleviate dandruff flakes.
- Use olive oil-based conditioners and shampoos to combat dandruff.
- Olive oil can also be used to treat dandruff in babies; massage a few drops onto their scalp and rinse with lukewarm water.
- Avoid overheating olive oil; it should be slightly warm.
- Avoid commercial conditioners, shampoos, and styling products, as well as blow-drying your hair.
- Conduct a small skin patch test before applying olive oil to the scalp to avoid allergic reactions.
- Consult a doctor before starting regular olive oil treatments.
- Maintain a healthy, well-balanced diet, get plenty of sleep, and drink sufficient water daily.
By using these olive oil remedies, you can naturally combat dandruff and promote scalp health. Have you tried olive oil for dandruff removal? Share your suggestions and experiences in the comments below.