How To Use Listerine To Treat Dandruff

If dandruff is bothering you and you want an easy remedy, you may try using Listerine for dandruff. Yeah! Listerine isn’t simply for fresh breath any longer. This can also be used to treat dandruff effectively. It has strong antiseptic and antifungal properties that kill microorganisms in your mouth. Many believe that the same approach makes Listerine effective against dandruff. Before you give this remedy a try, understand whether science approves of it or not. Scroll down to learn more about Listerine for dandruff.

Listerine And Dandruff

Joseph Lawrence developed Listerine in 1879. He named it after being inspired by Dr.Joseph Lister, who was trying to create the first antiseptic surgical solution. When it first came out, Listerine was publicized as an antiseptic solution. Since the 1920s, Listerine was advertised as being able to get rid of dandruff. Lawrence conducted an experiment with rabbits that showed Listerine could indeed prevent dandruff. Later on, the company got in trouble with the law for calling dandruff a germ.

A lot of anecdotal evidence suggests that Listerine can be used to get rid of dandruff. Let’s look at what science says.

How Listerine Prevents Dandruff

There is little to no scientific research to establish that Listerine helps reduce dandruff. Here are some ways Listerine may prevent dandruff:

1. Listerine contains four main components: menthol, thymol, eucalyptol, and methyl salicylate.

• • Thyme is a well-known antiseptic that can help reduce dandruff (1),(2).
  • Menthol has antimicrobial properties (3). It prevents flaking and helps in keeping the scalp clean.
  • Eucalyptol (1-8, Cineol) can work well as an anti-dandruff agent (4).
  • Salicylic acid is often used in anti-dandruff shampoos, and it helps remove scalp scales/flakes (5).

2. Listerine exhibits antimicrobial and antifungal activities (6), (7). Hence, it may help in killing the dandruff-causing fungi and improve scalp health.

3. Listerine is antiseptic and can help prevent viral and fungal scalp infections.

Here’s how you may use Listerine to get rid of dandruff.

How To Use Listerine For Dandruff

1. Listerine For Dandruff

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon Listerine
• Cotton pad

Prep Time

2 minutes

Treatment Time

5-10 minutes

Method

1. Soak the cotton pad in the Listerine and dab it onto your scalp.
2. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes.
3. Wash your hair with a mild shampoo and finish with a conditioner.

How Often

2-3 times a week for 2 weeks.

2. Listerine And Water For Dandruff

Listerine contains compounds that have antifungal, antibacterial, and antimicrobial properties. It is also antiseptic, which helps reduce dandruff.

You Will Need

• 2 tablespoons Listerine
• 2 tablespoons water
• Spray bottle

Prep Time

2 minutes

Treatment Time

5 minutes

Method

1. Pour the ingredients into a spray bottle and mix well.
2. Wash your hair with your regular shampoo and condition.
3. Spritz the diluted Listerine onto your scalp and let it sit for a couple of minutes.
4. Rinse your scalp with cool/lukewarm water.

How Often?

3 times a week for 2 weeks.

3. Listerine And Coconut Oil For Dandruff

Coconut oil can penetrate the hair shaft, passing through the cortex as well. It can prevent and repair hair damage (8). The oil helps Listerine enter the hair follicles, prevents microbial infections, and keeps the scalp clean.

You Will Need

• 2 tablespoons Listerine
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil

Prep Time

2 minutes

Treatment Time

5 minutes

Method

1. Combine the Listerine with an equal amount of coconut oil and set aside.
2. Wash your hair with a mild sulfate-free shampoo. Do not condition.
3. Squeeze the excess water out of your hair.
4. Tilting your head back, pour the Listerine and coconut oil mixture on your scalp.
5. Massage your scalp and leave the oil mixture on for about 5 minutes.
6. Wash the oil and Listerine out of your hair with a mild shampoo.

How Often?

3 times a week for 2 weeks.

4. Listerine And Vinegar For Dandruff

Vinegar is known to help balance the pH of the scalp. It is also known to help cleanse the scalp, which may improve scalp and hair health.

You Will Need

• 2 tablespoons Listerine
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup water
• Spray bottle

Prep Time

2 minutes

Treatment Time

5 minutes

Method

1. Pour equal parts of Listerine and water into a spray bottle and mix well.
2. Wash your hair with your regular shampoo and condition it.
3. Spritz the diluted Listerine on your scalp and let it sit for a couple of minutes.
4. Rinse your scalp with cool/lukewarm water.
5. Dilute the apple cider vinegar with a cup of water. Pour this mixture through your hair as a final rinse.

How Often?

Once a week.

5. Listerine and Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil has a cooling effect on your scalp and helps eliminate dandruff and lice (9). You can add coconut oil if you feel there is too much menthol, and your scalp is tingling.

You Will Need

• 1 cap Listerine
• 2 tablespoons peppermint oil
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil

Prep Time

2 minutes

Treatment Time

5-10 minutes

Process

1. Mix the Listerine and the oils.
2. Apply the blend to your scalp.
3. Keep it on for about 5-10 minutes.
4. Wash it off with a mild shampoo.

How Often

Once a week.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Listerine good for itchy scalp?

Listerine contains menthol which may help in reducing scalp itchiness (10).

Should I use Listerine every day?

No, you should not use Listerine daily as it may cause scalp irritation. You can use it every 3 to 4 months.

Is Listerine good for scalp psoriasis?

There is currently no scientific evidence that suggests that Listerine may help manage scalp psoriasis.

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• Author

Anjali Sayee

Anjali specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. Her philosophy... more