How to Use Neem Oil for Dandruff, Eczema and Hair Growth
Do you live in a crowded city? Then some time out in woods or parks is a blessing. The air is fresher, unpolluted and full of oxygen from all those trees. Spending even a few minutes can feel like a rejuvenative therapy for your entire being.
And if you are looking for potent therapy for your scalp and hair problems, there’s neem oil. A highly revered oil from the Indian subcontinent, neem can remedy dandruff, eczema, scalp acne as well as boost hair growth.
Before we see what neem oil can do for hair, here’s a quick look at the amazing neem tree.
What is Neem Tree?
Neem is a large evergreen tree that likes to grow in hot, arid regions. No wonder it’s found all over India and its neighbouring countries. Because neem is so beneficial for our health, as well as utilized as animals feed, compost and a natural pesticide, it’s now grown in Africa, the Middle East and Central America.
The neem leaves are small and delicate, and they grow packed in multiple branches, which makes the tree look very dense. Neem tree provides shelter to the travellers, farmworkers and also grazing animals during a hot day. However, the most important function of neem is its fabulous healing potential. That’s why neem is also called ‘sarva rogha nivarini’ or ‘heal all tree’.
Of course, it can’t, or it won’t heal everything; neem can help with many things: rheumatism, scabies, parasites, diabetes, liver function, wound healing, skin ailments, hair growth and general health.
Every part of the tree – leaves, twigs, bark, fruits – is useful, including the neem oil which is extracted from the small oval fruits of neem (that resemble green olives). Our interest in this article is the neem oil as it’s fantastic for hair and scalp. Let’s find out what it has to offer.
6 Benefits of Neem oil for Hair and Scalp
1. Neem Oil Boosts Hair Growth
The oil works in multiple ways to save your hair. Firstly, by making the scalp healthy, neem oil supports the hair follicles to flourish and thrive. Also, the yellow-brown oil is super-rich in antioxidants which protect hair from damage and thinning.
A regular massage with the neem oil will grow hair thicker, stronger and denser.
How to use neem oil for hair growth, you need:
- ½ teaspoon neem oil
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil
- 10 drops lavender essential oil (optional)
Place neem and coconut oil in a bowl and mix well and use. You can also add lavender essential oil for its hair growth-enhancing effects.
Massage the neem tonic into your scalp and hair. Let it sit for an hour and wash out with homemade or a SLS-free shampoo.
2. Neem Oil Rids the Scalp of Itchy, Flaky Dandruff
Neem oil is effective against several human fungi including candida, which is one of the major causes of dandruff. Also, when you have dandruff, there is some underlying inflammation that makes the scalp red and irritated.
The star ingredient of neem oil is nimbidin – with antifungal, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. It’s a perfect formula to relieve dandruff and soothe the itchy scalp. The fungus gets kicked out of the scalp, and the redness and irritation are pacified with the use of neem oil.
To use neem oil for dandruff, you need:
- 1/2 teaspoon neem oil
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
Mix all the ingredients and massage into your scalp and hair. Let it sit for an hour or so and wash it out.
3. Neem oil Brings Relief from Eczema
Eczema skin looks dry and crusty and sometimes oozes fluid. It’s not easy to make it go away and can linger for months or even years.
Neem oil is a great healer for the skin. Its anti-inflammatory properties calm and soothe the skin, while its anti-histaminic effects reduce the allergic reaction that may be triggering eczema.
There’s more, neem oil moisturises and repairs the dry, cracked skin, bringing it back to being healthy and smooth again.
To use neem oil for eczema, you need:
- ½ teaspoon neem oil
- 3 tablespoons almond oil
In a bowl, mix neem oil with almond oil.
To use, apply a small amounts to the eczema patches on your scalp or skin. Massage gently until the oil gets absorbed and leave it on.
4. Neem Oil can help Reduce Psoriasis
Ayurveda, the ancient Indian medicinal system, recommends the use of neem to reduce the scales and redness of psoriasis skin. Also, there are anecdotal reports to suggest the usefulness of this herbal oil for psoriasis.
Moreover, because of its anti-microbial properties, neem oil acts as a skin guard and protects cracked or open skin from secondary infection.
You can use neem oil the same way as for eczema (see above), or try rubbing a few drops of neem oil neat on the skin.
5. Neem Oil Heals Acne or Pimples
It doesn’t matter where the acne is – scalp or face or body – neem oil will shrink those pesky breakouts and help you get smooth, clear skin. All thanks to its astringent and anti-inflammatory effects.
Plus, neem oil enhances the natural immunity and health of your skin and helps prevent future breakouts – which is fab.
To use neem oil for acne, you need
- 1/4 teaspoon neem oil
- 1 teaspoon fullers earth or bentonite clay (optional)
You can simply apply neem oil on acne spot and leave on to do its work.
Or you can apply neem oil with the clay of your choice – fullers or bentonite. Place neem oil and clay in a bowl and add little water to form a smooth paste. Apply on the pimple and let it dry. Wash with plain water.
6. Neem Oil Removes Lice
Neem oil is pretty lethal for head lice. Its insecticidal qualities disrupt the growth, feeding and reproduction of the lice. So it will eventually kill them. And in the process of getting rid of lice, neem oil will benefit your hair by making it soft and smooth and your scalp healthy and nourished.
To use neem oil for lice, you need
- 1 teaspoon neem oil
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil
- 20 drop tea tree essential oil (optional)
Put neem oil and coconut oil in a bowl and mix well. You can also add tea tree essential oil to make the mixture more potent (tea tree has lice killing properties).
Massage into your scalp and hair and let it sit for a couple of hours before washing it out. Repeat every other day until the lice are gone.
How Does Neem oil Smell Like?
Neem has a strong, herby, pungent odour. You may or may not like it. But as we saw above, neem oil is super useful for hair and scalp. So you can ignore the smell, or you can mask it by mixing it with a carrier oil and essential oils.
Also, the smell goes away in a few minutes. At least, that is what I have noticed.
How to Use Neem Oil in General?
When using neem oil, dilute it with base oils like olive, avocado or coconut oil. You can use between 10 to 20% neem oil in a blend. You can also add a few drops of lavender, ylang ylang or any other essential oil to mask the smell.
Buying Neem Oil
Neem oil is yellowish-brown in colour, and it gets solid in cold weather (just like coconut oil). Always buy cold-pressed, unrefined oil neem oil which is of pure quality.
Side effects and cautions
It’s not common to have neem allergies. However, if you have never applied neem oil, do a patch test on your forearm to make sure you don’t react. Also, if you are pregnant, lactating or have a medical condition, check with your medical practitioner before using neem oil.
That’s it on Neem Oil. Let us do a quick recap:
- Not so fragrant but very beneficial, use neem oil for your skin problem and hair fall.
- It helps to boost hair growth and reduce hair loss
- Neem oil brings relief from eczema, psoriasis, acne as well as lice
- Use neem oil to soothe the scalp and get rid of itchy, flaky dandruff.
Stay with nature! Enjoy the walk in the parks, woods and farms to uplift your spirits and use natural remedies like neem to boost hair and scalp health.
Do you use neem oil on your hair and skin? I would love to hear your experience. Please share in the comment box below.
Your blogs,which I read at regular intervals,helps me to a greater extent with my and our family’s hair issues.Thank you again.
Thanks for your kind words!
Is it safe to use on 7 years old kid?
She has a very dry scalp with thin hair. Please help.
thank you for showing the benefits for using neem oil
can i leave neem oil overnight
Yes you can.
Will need oil work for seborhheic dermatitis? As I have used everything for it but none worked for me after 2days of shampooing my dandruf comes again n again flaking all over my scalp.. how to use need oil for it?
Give it a try, it seems to help. And also check out apple cider vinegar rinse and garlic hair oil  Â
I heard about neem oil and decided to give it a try I’ve been using neem oil for skincare and so far it’s great smooth skin very good for fine lines and wrinkles thank God for mother nature
Hi. I was unable to find pure neem oil where I live (New Orleans) So I went to a a Vitamin Store near my home. I purchased the capsules & put two of them in a oil blend. I found olive, coconut, castor & rosemary. I also added a little peppermint oil in it. I have been using it for a week. I have patches of hair starting to appear. I also don’t have an issue with dandruff anymore. I hope this works to regrow my hair. I am a new PD dialysis patient. I don’t want to lose all of my hair.
Will neem oil stain my gray hair
I have only used it a few times but I didn’t notice any staining on my grey hair.
Can I mix onion juice and neem oil together ?
Hi can we make neem oil at home with fresh neem leaves. If yes, please do share how. Thanks!
Supria, neem oil is extracted from the fruits of neem and you need special extractor for it.
Although, I have seen people use neem leaves to make oil, which is not pure neem oil, it’s neem infused oil. Hope this helps.
How often should I use the neem oil/coconut oil/lavender oil for thinning hair? Once a week or more often?
Once or twice a week.
I bought some neem oil for my lifeless, thinning hair. I am very sensitive to smells (one of many migraine triggers) and after sniffing it, didn’t think I could tolerate smell. Hair is continuing to fall out, from the root, and scalp has continued to flake and even scab. I’m going to stuff my nose with metholatum-covered tissue. Maybe that will stop the smell. Wish me luck..im actually fearful of migraines which tend to steal my life, but would so love to have beautiful hair again. Thank you.
Elaine, how did it work for you??
Mam i made neem oil at home with neem leaves . Is it a good task . And I added alovera in it also . Is it going to work . I have a lot of hair fall problem and dandruff problem .
Hi mam
I’m 21 year old girl, have been suffering from scalp pain since a year ago shall I apply this oil to my hair.
Hi Vijayalaxmi, why do you have scalp pain? Have you seen a doctor?
I made soaps containing neem oil and it’s been one of my favorites. Recently, I made a mosquito repellent using neem because the mosquitoes were eating my kids alive. I wanted something DEET free that actually works. I expected it to work, but I did not expect it to work as well as it did. The kids have not been bitten since they’ve been using the neem repellent. Neem is truly amazing, it doesn’t seem to get enough credit.
That’s wonderful to hear. Neem is truly miraculous, even it’s leaves are so beneficial for skin aliment, diabetes and liver issues.
I would love to know how you made the repellent?
Can you please share your recipe for homemade soap with the neem? I’d love to try it. We just bought land and can’t really enjoy the outside because of the mosquitos! My kids and I thank you in advance.
I’m going to start using lavender and neem oil for hair growth. I will keep you posted. July 2nd.2019
Yes please so, would love to hear how it works for you.
Good article, thanks for the info. I am using neem oil with coconut oil and aloe vera to repair any hair and scalp damage. Yes the smell of neem oil is strong but I don’t mind it. It kinda reminds me of spices that my grandmother cooked with. Anyways the first use was already a good experience.
That’s great to know Yvette. Thanks for sharing what worked for you. Let me know how it goes in long run.
Respected madam and sir…if I apply aloevera neem oil regularly to our sclap whether my hair grow to longer …….
I see no reason not to try. Let us know how it works for you.
Very useful information related to the hair problem
I am looking for soap recipes for my skin, made using goat soap base and not lie.
Thank you,
Lila
Does the neem oil whiten the black hair?
Not really. amla and curry leaf oil is great to reverse grey hair
Hello, I have Crohn’s disease and avascular necrosis, the medications have caused my skin to be very dry and my hair which has always been beautiful and silky and luxurious, to be dull dead and lifeless. Can you recommend a good shampoo along with conditioner using the neem oil, now my neem oil just arrived today from India I purchased naked neem organic and although the smell is horrific, I’m hoping to have wonderful benefits. Thank you so much Lynn
Which is best neem hair oil for hair growth and for strong hair?
I use neem oil now and the texture of my hair is smoother. Also, when working in the garden I do not have any issues with gnats trying to get near my scalp. I do not find the smell disturbing, so I add a few drops to natural oils made for the hair. It works to help my scalp and skin.
Advice if it can make your hair grow long?
There are too many factors that promote hair growth, including diet and exercise. And oil massage is one of them.
Hi there.. I am sure Neem oil can promote growth. Is there something to stop hair loss/thinning?
Yes, check this out:
how to stop hair loss
Maam, i do have grey hair at the age of 30, can application of neem oil blacken them or what would be final result? kindly help.i am depressed a lot.
Neem oil will not blacken your hair, although it will nourish them.
Use bhringraj powder on your hair: https://www.hairbuddha.net/15-best-natural-remedies-grey-hair-ancient-secrets-revealed/
Do you colour your hair?
Hi Minaz!
This has been very helpful, thank you. I have had severe heat damage done to my hair at a salon and have been trying to find ways to help my hair out. Could you tell me the best place to get neem oil? I thought a nutrition store but is there a specific, trusted brand that you would recommend? I also wondered if you have damage how often should you do this treatment? Do you shampoo the treatment out and then a conditioner? And I am also pregnant so just wondering if this oil is safe while expecting?
Thanks Minaz, sorry for the many questions!! I appreciate your advice and time. 🙂
Hi Jess, it’s safe to use neem oil during pregnancy.
There is little reason to adulterate neem oil as it’s not very expensive. You can buy any brand.
You can use it once a week.
You can also use nourishing mask such egg and olive oil: https://www.hairbuddha.net/go-egg-head-jazz-up-your-hair/
or one of these: https://www.hairbuddha.net/3-diy-hair-masks-for-dry-hair/
Is it necessary to wash hair after applying neem oil?
No, it’s up to you.
Hi Minaz! Love your site. What are thoughts on using a neem oil and rice water regimen for hair? Also, do you know whether it safe to use neem oil or rice water on relaxed hair. I am growing out my relaxed hair (I’ve been relaxing for years). My hair looks pretty good but I want to get it back in tip-top shape. Thanks!
Hi Andrea, I don’t see why not.
Because you have not used these two things before, use them separately to see what is working better for your hair.
I would also encourage you to try this and
this.
Hi minaz !
I have lots of scalp pimples can I still use been oil ?
Will it help
Here are some home remedies for scalp acne.
Interesting post! I had a whole bottle of neem oil leftover from a skin ailment I was treating it with, never thought to use it on my hair. I actually did this last night and although it was great it left a very greasy feeling in my hair. Using a natural shampoo was enough to wash it out though. Thanks for the tip!
i have been suffering since 2012,my hair having oily dandruff ,head getting oil,hair is falling ,can you suggestion
Use green tea to rinse your hair: see here
Can you mix amla oil and neem oil together?
What is in your amla oil??
I mix a few drops of neem oil with my shampoo when I wash my hair (every other day) and occasionally also mix it with some almond oil and apply it directly to my scalp to moisturise and as a hot oil treatment. I’ve found it has helped to control my psoriasis and dry, flaky scalp as well as boosting hair growth and making my hair soft, silky and shiny!
Awesome! thanks for sharing!
I have been suffering with folliculitis of the scalp for over 15 years, any suggestions that will cure this? I’m desperate.
Have you see a doctor?
Try massaging with coconut oil. Also aloe vera juice may help.
Well i am using neem oil for years and i have so much thick hair. I will certainly recommend to everyone to try because its a wonder oil. People usually tell me that you have healthy hair, and at that moment i feel i can rule the world 🙂 Go on guys give it a try!
Great! Thanks for sharing.
Should neem oli be diluted ? Or can we you use it directly.
Yes use it diluted.
Hi
I have some problems with my neem soap (I purchased a hand made one with 20% neem oil).
On skin is very nice, but after washing my hair, they seem sticky, heavy, almost greasy, mat.
Any idea what could be the problem?
Is it neem oil (I used to wash my hair with black African soap before without such issue) or part of sebum regulation process (has to get worse before gets better)?
From what i know, if your hair feels greasy after washing with a handmade soap (handmade soap has a lot of glycerin), so you have to use apple cider vinegar conditioner to wash it of. Just mix a spoon if acv with 3 spoons water andput on your hair. Wash with water afterwards.
I have only just brought neem oil and used it for the first time now. It smells absolutely terrible but I will certainly continue to use it after using that. Thank you very much
Hi Rose, did you apply neat or mixed it with other oil?
I have been using to my hair for a couple of months a mixture of the above oils in a container:
1/2 cup of coconut oil
2 tbsp almond oil
2 tbsp avocado oil
2 tbsp Amla oil
1 tbsp neem oil
1 tsp jojoba oil
some drops of levander and rosemary oil
(All the oils i use are 100% pure)
After a severe hair loss due to stress my hair are finally growing back! So many baby hairs after so little period of time.
Also my hair feels healthier than ever before..they are really shiny and soft!
That’s superb! thanks for sharing your results 🙂
How did you use it? I would like to try this for my own hair.
Please email me [email protected] and let me know. I do not want to go the chemical route.
Thanks so much
ive been using a hair oil i concocted. I start with about 4 tbsp of coconut oil. add about 20 drops each of lavender, rosemary, basil, atlaswood(cederwood), neem,and about 5-10 drops each of pine and assorted mints for scent, ylang ylang and helichrysum. i really think ive noticed a difference around my (receding) hairline with thicker hair, less breakage, much softer hair and it feels stronger. id recommend this to anyone.
Hey there Jayme! I’ve been doing a lot of research on essential oils lately (I have a natural skin care line). To use essential oils safely, you should only be using 6-12 drops of essential oil per 1 ounce of carrier oil. With this hair recipe you are using, it seems you are using too much essential oil and I don’t want to see you get hurt! Google “how to use essential oils safely” or some similar search. Good luck!
Jayme,
Have you noticed any difference? I’m thinking on using this for my husband.
Nice article. I knew neem has medicinal values. Had no idea it can help with hair.
Thanks Ria, Glad you liked it.
Hi Minaz,
Thanks for the deep conditioner, it was really good.
I have never tried neem oil before.
Do you think over the counter neem oil is effective?
Leena
Leenaji, Thanks for your feedback on conditioner.
When you buy neem oil or any oil just make sure they are cold pressed and not refined ones, as cold pressed oils retain the maximum goodness.
Cheers, Minaz