Since 2000 B.C., the Ayuverda and Unami systems of medicine have respected the neem tree as a panacea for a wide variety of ailments. In India, neem is referred to as sarva roga nivarini, meaning "the cure of all ailments." Every part of the tree is used for treatments, which is not common among medicinal plants. While the neem tree originated in India, it is now grown in over 50 countries worldwide, spreading its healing powers across the globe.
Neem Oil for Hair
Type of ingredient: Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties.
Main benefits: Soothes scalp inflammation, treats dandruff, smoothes frizz.
Who should use it: In general, anyone with dandruff or scalp itchiness would benefit from neem oil. Neem oil is not recommended for particularly thin hair, as it can weigh hair down.
How often can you use it: It’s safe to use daily but must be diluted before applying to the hair and scalp.
Works well with: Carrier oils, such as jojoba or olive oil, to reduce potential irritation.
Don’t use with: Other potential irritants, such as Rogaine or other hair growth treatments.
Neem oil is one of the many products from the neem tree. It is reported to have antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiparasitic properties and has been used to treat ailments, from head to toe. When applied to the hair and scalp, neem oil is believed to act as a natural dandruff buster by eliminating the bacteria at the source of the flakes. As with other supplements that support scalp health, many speculate that neem oil can benefit hair growth as well.
To help us distinguish fact from fiction, we turned to trichologist Gretchen Friese and Orit Markowitz, MD.
Meet the Expert
Neem oil has been used in traditional medicine in India for over a millennia. It has been used to treat ailments such as diabetes, ulcers, and even smallpox. Neem oil contains nimbidin, which research has shown can reduce inflammation. The anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties of neem oil can help to treat many scalp issues, including dandruff, inflammation, and itchiness.
In addition to nimbidin, neem oil also contains fatty acids, vitamin E, triglycerides, antioxidants, and calcium, all of which contribute to a healthy scalp environment. The fatty acid content of neem oil can provide benefits to your hair as well. "Neem oil is high in fatty acids, such as linoleic, oleic, and palmitic acids, which help lock in moisture to hair," Friese explains.
Our experts agree that neem oil is safe for all hair types, but needs to be diluted before applying it to the hair or scalp. Friese recommends diluting pure neem oil with a carrier oil, such as jojoba, olive, or coconut oils. Friese also cautions against using large amounts of oil in fine hair, as less coarse hair may be weighed down more easily.
Neem oil has the potential to irritate sensitive skin, so those with conditions like eczema should avoid use. As always, a doctor should be consulted before beginning use of a new product/supplement that can cause irritation. Markowitz suggests testing it on a small area, such as your inner forearm, to see if you have an adverse reaction to it before applying it to your scalp and hair. "Since neem oil aids in the grow of healthy hair and can potentially irritate a sensitive scalp, I would avoid combining it with other potential irritants such as Rogaine or other hair growth treatments," Markowitz cautions.
Neem oil is taken orally for other types of treatments, but both experts agree that it should be used topically to treat scalp and hair concerns. Currently, most shampoos and conditioners that contain neem oil are for treating lice. These products may contain neem oil at a concentration that is irritating when used on a regular basis. There are other ways of incorporating neem oil into your existing haircare routine. Friese shares that "you can apply diluted neem oil once per day for one to two hours at a time. But leaving it on your scalp longer or using it more frequently may result in irritation."
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It's best to use neem oil in a diluted state, such as in shampoo, conditioner, or a scalp oil. The length of time it should stay on hair ranges from 30 minutes to an hour. Any longer, and it could cause irritation.
Although there isn't a cure for psoriasis, if you do get it on your scalp, neem oil may be beneficial in clearing it up. In order to see an effect, research states you should be sure the neem oil you use is high quality and/or organic.