Neem Oil For Hair: Benefits, How To Use, And Side Effects

Know Your Ingredient: Neem Oil

What Is It?
Neem oil is extracted from the seeds of the neem tree and has been in use for centuries in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for its various health benefits.

What Are Its Benefits?
It helps with dandruff, scalp irritation, dermatitis, or head lice infestation. It reduces hair dryness and improves overall hair health.

Who Can Use It?
Anyone can use it; however, a patch test is recommended to avoid any allergic reaction.

How Often?
Twice or three times a week, diluted with carrier oil.

Caution
May cause scalp inflammation or irritation if applied undiluted or overused.

How Is Neem Oil Good For Hair?

Parts of the neem tree have been found to possess anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial properties (1). Today, several cosmetic industries use neem and its byproducts (including neem oil) to manufacture different hair care products. 

Neem oil is extracted from the seeds of the neem tree. It may help cool the scalp and even promote smooth, shiny hair (2). The oil may also possess anti-microbial, anti-septic, and anti-dandruff properties that promote scalp health (3).

Trivia

The unique blend of bioactive compounds like azadirachtin Aⁱ  XA chemical compound extracted from the neem trees which is responsible for the toxic effects on insects. , azadironeⁱ  XA member of the limonoid group of compounds extracted from neem oil which is used to reduce lice and fungal infections. , nimbidin, and salanninⁱ  XAn active compound isolated from neem that has antifeedant properties and helps regulate insect growth. in neem oil are responsible for its therapeutic effects (4).

Benefits Of Neem Oil For Hair

• May Help Treat Dandruff

One of the active elements in neem oil is nimbidin (4). Nimbidin is known to possess anti-inflammatory properties and could help in dandruff treatment. Untreated dandruff could lead to scalp irritation and dermatitisⁱ  XA general term used to describe common skin irritations, including itchy and dry skin, rashes, blisters, and crusts. . Neem oil’s anti-fungal properties make it ideal for use in a hair mask.

• May Help Eliminate Head Lice

Neem also could have fungicidal action. In a study, a neem seed extract preparation was found to cure head lice infestation (5). You may use a combination of neem oil and another carrier oil to eliminate head lice.

Quick Tip

Gently massage your scalp with a mixture of neem oil and coconut oil (1:2). Leave it for an hour and brush your hair with a nit comb. Wash with a medicated shampoo.

• May Promote Hair Growth

Massaging your scalp with hair oil can boost blood circulation to the scalp and promote hair growth. You can use neem oil diluted with a carrier oil for this purpose. Massaging with the oil also helps stimulate the hair follicles. However, more research with respect to neem oil and hair growth is warranted.

A YouTuber shares her experience of using neem oil and how it helped grow her hair in her video. She got this recipe from her Indian stepdad and made her hair thick and long. She says, “I’ve shared the secret oil recipe with my friends and they told me that they saw a difference after the second week (i).”

• May Fight Fungal Infections

Neem oil could be effective against certain fungal infections like ringwormsⁱ  XA highly contagious fungal infection that affects the skin, nail or scalp with itchy and circular rash. , athlete’s footⁱ  XFungal skin infection that occurs between the toes. The symptoms include itching, burning, and stinging. , and candidaⁱ  XA common yeast infection, caused by the fungus Candida, leading to redness, itching and a thick white discharge from the vagina due to a urinary tract infection. (6).

• May Help Treat Hair Dryness

Anecdotal evidence suggests that neem oil, like most oils, may help reduce hair dryness. It also may help treat hair that is brittle and rough.

• May Reduce Hair Fall

According to anecdotal evidence, neem tree oil is a natural remedy for hair fall. It contains antioxidants, fatty acids, and antimicrobial properties that nourish the scalp, strengthen the hair follicles, and promote hair growth. Neem oil also helps reduce inflammation, dandruff, and itching, which are common issues associated with hair fall (6). Massaging diluted neem oil onto the scalp improves blood circulation, thus potentially ensuring better nutrient absorption to strengthen the hair and curb hair fall.

• May Prevent Premature Graying Of Hair

Neem oil is believed to positively affect overall scalp health. While there is limited scientific evidence specifically linking neem oil to reversing gray hair, the rich content of antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and antimicrobial properties of the oil helps maintain a healthy scalp, which is essential for preventing premature graying.

The efficacy of neem oil in promoting hair health is yet to be studied in greater detail. However, using the oil seems to offer some benefit. In the following section, we look at how you can use the oil the right way to get the best results.

How Do You Use Neem Oil For Boosting Hair Health?

A few drops of neem oil diluted with another carrier oil (like that of coconut or jojoba) is ideal. Remember to conduct a patch test before using neem oil on your hair/scalp. Apply a small quantity of neem oil to the inner side of your forearm. If you experience any redness or rashes in the next 24 hours, discontinue use and visit a doctor.

You can massage the diluted neem oil on your scalp with your fingertips. You can run the oil from the roots to the tips and leave it on overnight. You may also wash it off within an hour of application. Mixing a few drops of neem oil with your shampoo and washing your hair can also help.

However, be aware that application of the oil for longer durations may irritate your scalp. Does this mean you cannot apply the oil to your scalp? Let us find out.

Can I Apply Neem Oil Directly To Skin/Scalp?

There is limited research here. Anecdotal evidence suggests that using neem oil directly (and without diluting) on the scalp for a longer duration may lead to irritation. Consult your doctor for more information.

Does Using Neem Oil For Hair Cause Side Effects?

There is limited research in this regard. Using neem oil diluted with a carrier oil is recommended. Ensure you do a patch test prior.

Oral consumption of neem oil for any purported hair benefits is not recommended (6).

Infographic: Why Is Neem Oil Vital In Hair Care?

Neem has always been used to improve hair health since ancient times. Many cultures used neem back in the day to treat hair issues like dandruff. Hence, it only makes sense that neem oil would be added to hair care products now. Check out the infographic below for a brief recap of why you should add this oil to your hair care regimen!

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does neem oil take to work on hair?

You can apply neem oil to your hair for an hour or longer, even overnight. Once you wash it off, you can feel a change in your hair texture. To see substantial improvement in your hair appearance and growth, you should use neem oil at least once a week consistently for 2-3 months.

Does neem oil darken hair?

Neem has antioxidant properties that may prevent your hair from becoming light due to damage. Using this oil consistently improves your hair health, which may prevent premature graying of hair.

Which neem oil is best for hair?

Opt for products that contain organic neem oil over neem oil extracts.

Can I mix castor oil and neem oil?

Yes, you can mix castor oil with neem oil. In fact, this combination of herbal oils is very beneficial for hair health.

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

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Dr. Rekha YadavBHMS

 

Dr. Rekha Yadav is a certified trichologist from the International Association of Trichologists, Australia. She established her hair and scalp practice in 1999 in Mumbai, India, and has over 20 years of experience in this field. She specializes in treating hair and scalp problems through natural and safer treatments and diet and lifestyle changes whenever possible.more

Arshiya SyedaSenior Editor

 

Arshiya Syeda is a senior editor at StyleCraze with 7 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer and combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care. She holds a bachelor's degree in literature and psychology from Osmania University, Hyderabad, and a post-graduate diploma in psychological...more

Ramona SinhaEditor

Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal. She also did a certificate course in dermatology offered by the Novosibirsk State University...more

Medha DebCommerce Editor

Medha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest...more