Give your scalp some love and get rid of dandruff!

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A few years ago, my teenage daughter was still struggling with patches of cradle cap she has had on her scalp since she was a baby. As a baby, I remember coating her head in pure olive oil, letting it sit for a while, and then gently trying to lift it off her scalp with a comb. It worked really well! But she continued to have small patches. I’ve always had a dry scalp as well, and will add tea tree oil to my shampoo for a natural dandruff remedy to relieve it. But I wanted to find a dry scalp treatment serum for her that would work better.

A friend of ours that loves essentials oils suggested an amazing essential oil blend for dandruff and itchy scalp, so we thought we would give it a try. And I am so happy we did!

Have you been trying to figure out how to get rid of dandruff flakes without using the chemical packed products you can get at the store (which BTW, I’ve heard will make your hair fall out)? If you’ve been struggling with stubborn dandruff or a dry, itchy scalp, you are going to love this DIY scalp serum for dry, flaky scalp. And the awesome thing about it? You can create your own dry scalp treatment serum using the power of essential oils.

In this post, we’ll explore the best essential oils for dandruff and itchy scalp and show you how to combine them into a nourishing blend that not only moisturizes but also helps reduce flakes. This is a very simple, beginner friendly recipe, that will give your scalp the relief it needs.

Just a Few Ingredients!

This recipe is an essential oil blend, with a carrier oil. And that’s it. I store it in a Dropper Bottle, because I find it’s easier to put on that way. But a Roller Bottle works perfectly fine for it as well. Let’s go through all the oils you will need to make this amazing natural dandruff remedy oil.

🌿 Jojoba Oil (Carrier Oil)

Of course, you can use any carrier oil that is your favourite, Fractionated Coconut Oil is another great option. But my recommendation is Jojoba oil for the base of this scalp serum, as it’s a lightweight yet deeply nourishing carrier oil. Its structure closely resembles the natural sebum produced by your scalp, which means it absorbs easily without leaving a greasy feel. Jojoba helps restore moisture balance, soothes dryness, and softens flaky patches—making it the perfect foundation for delivering essential oils directly to the scalp.

🌿 Tea Tree Essential Oil

Tea tree oil is well-known for its natural antifungal and antibacterial properties, which makes it a powerhouse for tackling dandruff. It helps reduce the yeast and buildup that often contribute to flakes, while also calming itchiness and irritation. This is the star ingredient when it comes to cleansing the scalp and promoting a healthier environment for hair growth.

You do not want to skip this ingredient if you are looking to get rid of dry scalp, or even adult cradle cap.

🌿 Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender oil isn’t just calming for the senses—it’s also soothing for the scalp. It helps reduce irritation, redness, and itchiness while promoting relaxation. On top of that, lavender has gentle antimicrobial benefits, which means it supports a cleaner, healthier scalp. It pairs beautifully with tea tree oil to calm and balance while adding a light, pleasant scent.

🌿 Cedarwood Essential Oil

Cedarwood oil supports scalp health by stimulating circulation and helping balance oil production. This makes it especially helpful if your scalp tends to swing between being too dry or too oily. It also has natural antifungal properties that work alongside tea tree oil, making it a strong ally in reducing dandruff and promoting thicker, healthier-looking hair.

🌿 Rosemary Essential Oil

Rosemary oil is one of my favorite essential oils for many reasons (I LOVE the smell when blended with Spearmint). But when it comes to natural haircare, it’s a star essential oil for its ability to encourage hair growth and improve scalp circulation. It helps stimulate follicles while strengthening the scalp’s overall health. Friends of mine swear by using Rosemary EO, or even rosemary infused oils, water or ACV in haircare for hair growth.

Additionally, rosemary’s antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory benefits make it excellent for calming irritation and preventing flakiness.

✨ Together, these oils create a well-rounded serum that moisturizes, soothes, and actively fights dandruff while supporting a healthy scalp and stronger hair.

Now that we have that out of the way, let’s get to the recipe!