Essential Oils for Dandruff

The best essential oils for dandruff will depend on the underlying cause of your dandruff. Often recommended oils include geranium, juniper, lavender, patchouli, rosemary, sage, and tea tree.

If your dandruff is the result of fungus, tea tree oil (melaleuca alternifolia) is probably your best choice. You can also try rosemary.

If your scalp is oily, cedarwood, juniper, or patchouli may be useful.

For a dry, flaky scalp, you can try chamomile, myrrh, or sandalwood.

If you want to use one oil at a time, add a few drops to your shampoo. Or for a pre-shampoo treatment, here's a recipe from the Essential Oils Desk Reference:

5 drops lemon
2 drops lavender
1 drop rosemary
2 drops peppermint
10 drops carrier oil

Blend the oils and thoroughly massage one teaspoon into your scalp for 2-3 minutes. Leave on for 15 minutes, then shampoo with 2-4 drops of essential oil added to one teaspoon shampoo.

Or perhaps you prefer this hair rinse from Aromatherapy for Dummies:

4 drops rosemary
4 drops lavender
2 drops tea tree
1/3 cup vinegar
2/3 cup water

Mix ingredients and shake well. Use it to rinse your hair.
Note: The vinegar smell quickly dissipates.