Yes, argan oil does help with dandruff, BUT, there are a few things to be mindful of.
Argan oil helps with dandruff caused by things like a dry scalp due to cold or overheating. This is where argan oil promotes a healthy scalp environment which equals better hair, but it can’t tackle fungal issues that cause dandruff such a seborrheic dermatitis.
So if you do have an inflamed, flaky or itchy scalp it is best to first identify what is causing your itchy scalp e.g. is it a fungal, skin condition or infection, by speaking to a medical professional.
If after speaking to a medical professional you are able to identify that the dandruff is caused by your scalp drying out due to:
- Environment e.g. cold weather
- Heat treatment
- Diet
- Harsh shampoos and chemical treatments
- Lack of hydration
Then argan oil can help to moisturise your scalp without clogging your pores or making your hair feel greasy as its a naturally lightweight oil that doesn’t suffocate the roots.
This is because argan oil helps to soothe the scalp, soften flakes whilst hydrating your scalp back to health which helps target inflammation and itchiness.
Argan oil and fungal issues
If after consulting a medical professional it is diagnosed that your dandruff is caused by a fungal overgrowth or infection (which is more common thank you think!), then applying argan oil will not fix the root issue. This means you will continually have dandruff.
If anything that opposite could happen, where the oil could make it worse.
Instead what you want to do is take a two pronged approach. Tackle the fungal infection with antifungal shampoo such as Nizorale 2%, and nourish your scalp with argan oil so it stays hydrated.
How to treat dandruff with argan oil
To treat dandruff based caused by the above situations you can:
- Take a pump of argan oil into your palm.
- Separate or section your hair into 3 or 4 separate parts, until you can see your scalp.
- Gently massage into your scalp, make sure to focus on the dry or itchy spots!
- Leave it on for a few hours or overnight to let it soak in.
- Wash with your normal sulphate free shampoo.
Quick Tip:
Consistency is key here, more than quantity. Remember even with argan oil being a light weight oil, less is always more. If you find your hair is getting greasy after applying, you are possibly applying too much.
Instead applying light but regularly, 2 to 3 times a week will be more effective in rehydrating your scalp, leading to softer, silkier and dandruff free hair.