IS ALMOND OIL EFFECTIVE IN REMOVING DANDRUFF?
Can you use almond oil for dandruff? Find out more.
Almonds are found in almost every house on the Indian subcontinent, having made its way into popular culture. You’ll find them in desserts, breads, salads, croissants, or just eaten as a simple snack.
Although they are characterised as nuts, they are actually the seeds of an almond fruit. They’re packed with minerals, proteins, vitamins, antioxidants, fibres, and healthy fats. People use them to control their blood sugar levels, cholesterol levels and even their weight. The older generation might even claim that eating almonds every day improves brain function.
Almond oil on the other hand can be consumed depending on the type. This oil is usually extracted by cold pressing almonds, which gives you unrefined oil. Chemicals and heat-based extraction are also used sometimes to get refined almond oil. However, unrefined almond oil is said to contain more nutrients. These have been found in Chinese and Ayurvedic traditions, which make use of almond oil for dandruff and other scalp conditions. But does that mean it works?
Using Almond Oil for Hair Dandruff
How Should you Use Almond Oil?
What are some of the Properties of Almond Oil?
What is dandruff?
Dandruff is a scalp ailment that affects almost half of the people in the world. It is caused by excessive oil build-up and a fungus which is found naturally on your scalp, known as Malassezia Globosa . If your body starts secreting more oil than you require, it can accumulate on your scalp. This proves to be fertile ground for the fungus to grow.
The fungus breaks down this oil into oleic acid, something you might be sensitive towards. If that happens to be the case, your scalp breaks out into redness, severe itching and white-yellow flakes of dead skin cells. When we see flakes, it is the body trying to get rid of the irritant that is causing all your issues. This is dandruff.
Using almond oil for hair dandruff
There are certain properties of almond oil that might make it effective as a home remedy for dandruff. Applying almond oil for flaky scalp firstly calms down the itching that is associated with dandruff. It then uses anti-fungal properties to curtail the growth of the dandruff-causing fungus.
Additionally, almond oil can possibly reduce the oil that is building up on your scalp. It is also said to help bring the oil secretions to a normal level. But this can work in different ways for different people.
How should you use almond oil?
If you decide to use almond oil for dandruff, there are a few hair masks that you can create. It all depends on how your body reacts to the concoctions, as these recipes aren’t necessarily scientific. Always approach these with caution.
Only Almond oil –
You can take a few drops of almond oil and massage it directly into your scalp. This can dislodge any build-up and calm down the itching. It should also increase blood flow to the scalp. You can leave it overnight or wash with a shampoo.Essential oil –
An effective way to use almond oil for dry scalp or dandruff, is to mix it with an essential oil like Tea Tree oil. Apply the mixture to your scalp and leave it for about 15 minutes. Wash with any shampoo after, even an anti hair fall shampoo. This should calm down the itching and stop the growth of the fungus.Amla Powder –
Mix amla powder and almond oil together, before applying it to your scalp. Leave it for about 30-40 minutes and then wash with a gentle shampoo. This should reduce any skin irritation and shrink the impact of microbes.Lemon Juice –
Combine almond oil and lemon juice before applying it to your hair. Leave it for 15-20 minutes and then wash with a shampoo. This combination can break the grime build-up and manage the pH balance of your scalp.Apple Cider Vinegar –
This strong blend should be handled carefully. Combine the ingredients together and leave it on your scalp for 15-20 minutes. Wash with a shampoo after. This should moisturise, have an anti-fungal effect, and reduce any itching.What are some of the properties of almond oil?
If you want to use badam oil for dandruff or as a method on how to stop hair fall, you need to look at the properties of almond oil:
Hydration -
It has strong hydrating properties that can prevent moisture loss from the skin and hair. This can help with dry and damaged hair.Attacks the germs -
It has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.Hair strands -
It can soften and strengthen your hair strands, helping in the control of hair fall. This can add shine to your hair as well.Build-up -
It is readily absorbed by the skin and can break any oil, product, or grime build-up, especially on the scalp.Pores –
It can open up clogged pores, which is one of the many causes of hair fall.Itching –
It can have an anti-inflammatory effect and calm down any scalp itching.Zinc –
It contains zinc and biotin, which can be effective in healing skin ailments and controlling the growth of certain yeast.Any risks with almond oil?
As with any products, there will always be some concerns that you need to be aware of:
Allergy –
Always apply almond oil to a small part of your skin and see if there is any reaction. This patch test is important before applying it on your scalp.Heat treatment –
Don’t use almond oil before any heat-treatment, as it can heat up and damage your scalp.Excessive use –
Using too much almond oil can cause a build-up of oil on your scalp, which can aggravate your dandruff instead of solving it.If you’re short on time and need a clinically proven solution, you should use products that are meant for dandruff. Like the Head and Shoulders Anti-Hairfall shampoo, that can get rid of all visible dandruff flakes and reduce hairfall. Or use the Head and Shoulders Silky Black, which can clean your scalp and also restore damaged hair strands.
