Dandruff is a result of scalp dryness, growth of yeast, poor hair care habits and sensitivity to hair care products. It is a common problem but can be quite embarrassing. One of the easiest ways to get rid of dandruff naturally is by using nourishing ingredients to tackle the dryness on the scalp and inhibit the growth of bacteria. Oils like coconut, olive, almond, jojoba and argan have super nourishing abilities and can mitigate dandruff. However, olive oil in particular, when used with other natural ingredients can be very effective in fighting dandruff and keeping your scalp clean. Using olive oil for dandruff is very easy, and we will tell you all about it in this article.
Olive oil has amazing nourishing properties, and adding it to your beauty routine can completely transform the health of your skin and hair. The oil possesses antioxidant properties, and when applied to the scalp, not only treats dandruff, but also promotes hair growth. So, whether you wish to use olive oil for dandruff, promote hair growth or just add a healthy sheen, the DIY recipes in this article will help you achieve it all. Scroll down to check out some simple and effective home remedies using olive oil for dandruff. First, let’s look at all the benefits of using olive oil for hair.
Benefits of using olive oil for hair

Olive oil can surely treat dandruff, but that’s not the only benefit of using it on your hair. This amazing ingredient can be used to tackle so many hair problems and you will start to notice the difference from the first use itself! Take a look at all the benefits of using olive oil for hair below.
1. Fights dandruff

Let’s start with the problem at hand. One of the main reasons for dandruff is the lack of moisture in your scalp. Those who don’t apply oil or get nourishing treatments done may often have dandruff in their scalp. Olive oil is one of the best natural conditioners for hair and scalp, and adding it to your hair care routine will moisturise scalp and mitigate dandruff.
2. Detoxifies the scalp

Dirt, dandruff and hair styling products can lead to build-up in the scalp. This hampers the growth of hair and also causes dandruff. Detoxifying the scalp is vital in removing this build-up and making your scalp healthy. Olive oil has antioxidant and antibacterial properties, and massaging it into the scalp dissolves grime, product build-up and dirt. Once you loosen the accumulated grime, it is easily washed away with shampoo.
3. Protects against damage

The nourishing properties of olive oil also protect hair against damage. It nourishes hair from root to tip and forms a protective shield on it to prevent external damage. Regular application of olive oil can also reduce split ends.
4. Makes hair silky and frizz-free

Olive oil has the ability to penetrate deep into the hair fiber. This ensures your hair gets nourished from within. If you want soft, silky and manageable hair, then using olive oil treatments at home is the way to go.
How to use olive oil for dandruff treatment

Now that you know the benefits of using olive oil for dandruff, let's take a look at all the ways you can use olive oil with other natural ingredients to get rid of dandruff easily.
1. Almond oil and olive oil for dandruff treatment

The anti-inflammatory properties of almond oil soothe an irritated scalp caused by dandruff. Using it with olive oil will soften the flakes as well as dissolve grime and other impurities in the scalp to make it clean, fresh and healthy.
How to use:
- In a bowl, take 1 tablespoon each of almond oil and olive oil and mix well. Massage it on your scalp using your fingertips and then along the lengths of your hair.
- Massage the oil for about 15 minutes and let it stay on your hair for another 30 minutes.
- Wash with a mild shampoo and lukewarm water.
2. Yogurt and olive oil for dandruff treatment

Yogurt contains lactic acid that has mild exfoliating properties. Applying it to the scalp helps loosen dandruff flakes and other impurities. Adding olive oil to this ensures your scalp is moisturised once the dandruff is removed to prevent more dryness. Here is how to make yogurt and olive oil masks for dandruff.
How to use:
- Take equal portions of yogurt and olive oil in a bowl and mix well.
- Apply the mixture on your scalp generously and massage for a few minutes.
- You can apply it to the lengths of your hair too.
- Leave this mixture on your hair for at least an hour, then wash with a mild shampoo.
3. Lemon juice and olive oil for dandruff treatment

Antioxidants and citric acid-rich lemons are also great for treating dandruff when mixed with olive oil. The natural acids found in lemons help balance the scalp’s pH levels and keep it fresh and healthy. Mixing it with olive oil will make for an effective treatment for dandruff, here’s how.
How to use:
- In a bowl, take 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice.
- Mix the two ingredients well and massage onto your scalp going all the way down to the tips.
- Massage for at least 15 minutes and let the mixture sit on your hair for another 30 minutes.
- Wash with an SLS-free shampoo and finish with a conditioner.
4. Tea tree oil and olive oil for dandruff treatment

Tea tree oil is one of the best ingredients to fight bacteria and infections, it is widely used in skincare and haircare products due to its antifungal and antibacterial properties. It helps soothe scalp irritation and gets rid of dandruff flakes. Here’s how to use tea tree and olive oil for dandruff.
How to use:
- In a bowl, take 2 tablespoons of olive oil and add 8-10 drops of tea tree oil and mix well.
- Start applying it to the scalp and work your way to the ends.
- Once applied all over, massage for 10-15 minutes then leave it on for another 30 minutes or leave it overnight.
- Wash with a mild shampoo and lukewarm water.
5. Fenugreek and olive oil for dandruff treatment

Fenugreek or methi seeds have been used in India for many years. It helps treat conditions that lead to dry, irritated skin, including dandruff. Applying it in combination with olive oil will remove flakes, detoxify the scalp and make it healthy. Here’s how to use fenugreek and olive oil for dandruff treatment.
How to use:
- Soak a handful of methi seeds in water overnight.
- In the morning, grind it into a smooth paste and transfer to a bowl.
- Add 2-3 teaspoons of olive oil and mix well to make a smooth paste.
- Apply it on your hair and scalp and leave it on for 30-40 minutes.
- Wash off with a mild shampoo.
- Repeat once or twice a week for best results.
6. Aloe vera and olive oil for dandruff treatment

Aloe vera is an excellent ingredient for skin, hair and health. Drinking aloe vera juice and applying aloe gel on your scalp helps soothe scalp inflammation and removes dandruff. Combining it with the goodness of olive oil will help you achieve a dandruff-free, healthy and clean scalp. This will also improve hair growth.
How to use:
- Take equal portions of aloe vera gel and olive oil in a bowl.
- Mix the ingredients to get a thick, runny paste.
- Apply it all over your scalp and massage with your fingertips for a few minutes.
- After 30-40 minutes rinse it off with lukewarm water and a mild shampoo.
7. Neem oil and olive oil for dandruff treatment

Neem oil contains anti-fungal properties, and using it on your scalp or feet during monsoon can help prevent infections and common scalp problems like dandruff. It naturally removes dandruff by soothing an irritated scalp. Adding olive oil ensures your scalp is nourished and ensures better absorption of neem oil. Here’s how to use neem and olive oil for dandruff treatment.
How to use:
- Take 2 tablespoons of olive oil and add a teaspoon of neem oil to it.
- You can warm it a little before applying for a good scalp massage.
- Apply it to the scalp and massage for a few minutes.
- Leave it on for about an hour then wash off.
- Repeat 2-3 times a week for best results.
Written by Sanya Hamdani on Sep 29, 2021
Sanya Hamdani is a skincare enthusiast and lipstick hoarder, she truly believes no two red lipsticks look exactly alike. With a Master's degree in Communication & Journalism and 5+ years of digital writing experience up her sleeve, Sanya has some of the biggest beauty experts in the country on her speed dial. When she's not swatching products or writing about the latest trends in beauty, you will find her watching F.R.I.E.N.D.S. or cooking up a storm in the kitchen.