We all want to have healthy, beautiful hair. But sometimes harsh chemical products can do more harm than good. If you’re looking for a natural remedy for some of your hair problems neem just might be able to help you out.

Neem – An Ancient Wonder Drug

The healing powers of neem have been recognized since antiquity. Almost every part of this tree – from its seeds, leaves, fruits, and roots to its bark – has medicinal properties. It has traditionally been used for treating many conditions such as skin diseases, infections, boils, ulcers, septic sores, dental problems, fever etc. And it has been found to exhibit anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antihyperglycemic, antifungal, antiulcer, antimalarial, antiviral, antioxidant, and other beneficial properties.^[1] Subapriya, R., and S. Nagini. “Medicinal properties of neem leaves: a review.” Current Medicinal Chemistry-Anti-Cancer Agents 5, no. 2 (2005): 149-156. ^[2][Neem: A Tree For Solving Global Problems.](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK234637/ “Neem: A Tree For Solving Global Problems.”). National Academies Press (US). 1992.

Neem Oil Benefits For Hair Problems

1. Helps Tackle Dandruff

Many of us have experienced the embarrassment caused by dandruff flakes. And while an itchy scalp may not be a particularly grave problem it can certainly be persistent! A fungus known as Malassezia which feeds on oils present on your scalp is known to play a role in the development of dandruff.^[3][Dandruff](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dandruff/symptoms-causes/syc-20353850 “Dandruff”). Mayo Clinic. And studies show that neem leaf extracts can act against this fungus. Experts suggest using neem leaves at least once a week regularly to combat dandruff if you’re prone to this condition.^[4]Kumar, Saneesh. “Analysis on the natural remedies to cure dandruff/skin disease-causing fungus-Malassezia furfur.” Adv Bio Tech 12, no. 07 (2013): 01-05. According to ayurveda, the natural cool nature of neem helps reduce excess pitta in the scalp, thereby reducing dandruff.

How Can You Use Neem Oil On Your Hair?

• Apply Neem Infused Oil
  • Add a few neem leaves to some coconut oil and boil it.
  • Strain the mixture after it cools down and it’s ready for use!
  • You can also add a few drops of lemon juice – which, like neem inhibits Malassezia – to enhance its dandruff busting properties.
  • Leave the oil on overnight and wash off in the morning for best results.^[5]Kumar, Saneesh. “Analysis on the natural remedies to cure dandruff/skin disease-causing fungus-Malassezia furfur.” Adv Bio Tech 12, no. 07 (2013): 01-05.

It can be applied 2 to 3 times a week.

• Try a neem hair pack
  • To prepare the neem pack, grind neem leaves and mix it into a bowl of curd.
  • Apply this paste to your scalp and let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing.
  • You can also grind neem leaves with a tablespoon of honey to prepare a hair mask.
  • Apply this thick paste to your scalp and allow it to sit for around 20 minutes rinsing it off.

It can be applied 2 to 3 times a week

Precaution

Neem leaf is generally safe for topical application. However, some people may experience an allergic reaction or irritation when it’s applied. To be safe apply the neem infused oil or neem paste on a small patch of skin first to test for any reaction.

2. Gets Rid Of Lice

If you experience a tickling or itching sensation on your scalp then it could be a dreaded lice infestation. Lice spreads through close contact with someone who has it. And children can sometimes bring it home from school.^[6][Head Lice](https://medlineplus.gov/headlice.html “Head Lice”). U.S. National Library of Medicine. But neem seed extracts have been found to be effective against this parasite. One study looked at treating lice infested children between the ages of 4 and 15 with a neem seed extract shampoo. And the shampoo was found to be highly effective when it was left in for 10 minutes.^[7]Abdel-Ghaffar, Fathy, and Margit Semmler. “Efficacy of neem seed extract shampoo on head lice of naturally infected humans in Egypt.” Parasitology Research 100, no. 2 (2007): 329-332.

How To Use

• Add neem seed oil to your shampoo
  • Add 8-10 drops of neem seed oil to an ounce of your regular shampoo to turn it into an effective remedy against lice.
  • Remember to let it sit for about 20 minutes before washing your hair to give the neem oil time to work.^[8]Mariko Zape, Kaitlyn Pirie.[Natural Remedies to Get Rid of Head Lice](https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/a20707336/natural-head-lice-remedy/ “Natural Remedies to Get Rid of Head Lice”). Good … Continue reading

• Apply neem seed oil
  • Neem seed oil can be quite effective against lice.
  • But do keep in mind that it’s quite strong and should not be applied directly to your scalp. It is best to dilute it with a carrier oil like olive or coconut oil before application. Around an ounce of the carrier oil can be used to dilute twelve drops of neem oil.
  • Leave this on overnight and use a fine toothed comb to remove the dead lice from your hair in the morning before washing it.^[9]Sanya Hamdani.[7 BENEFITS OF USING NEEM OIL FOR HAIR](https://www.bebeautiful.in/all-things-hair/everyday/benefits-of-using-neem-oil-for-hair “7 BENEFITS OF USING NEEM OIL FOR HAIR”). Be … Continue reading

It can be applied twice or thrice a week.

Precaution

• Diluted neem seed oil is generally safe for topical application. However, some people may experience an allergic reaction or irritation when it’s applied. To be safe, apply the diluted oil on a small patch of skin first to test for any reaction.

3. Helps With Scalp Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a skin disorder that is characterized by itchy, sore patches of reddish thickened skin and silvery scales. In addition to your scalp, it can be on other parts of your body such as your back, knees, face, palms, elbows, feet etc. In people with this condition, new skin cells produced to replace dead cells develop and come to the surface of the skin too quickly. When it occurs on your scalp, psoriasis can even lead to temporary hair loss in some cases.^[10][SCALP PSORIASIS: 10 WAYS TO REDUCE HAIR LOSS](https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/psoriasis/treatment/genitals/scalp-hair-loss “SCALP PSORIASIS: 10 WAYS TO REDUCE HAIR LOSS”). American Academy … Continue reading ^[11][Psoriasis](https://medlineplus.gov/psoriasis.html “Psoriasis”). U.S. National Library of Medicine. And neem leaves may help tackle this disorder. According to a study, taking an extract of neem leaves was helpful to a group of people suffering from psoriasis who were also being treated topically with coal tar. They showed a quicker and better response when compared to a group which was given a placebo.^[12]Pandey, S. S., A. K. Jha, and Vineet Kaur. “Aqueous extract of neem leaves in treatment of Psoriasis vulgaris.” Indian Journal of Dermatology Venereology and Leprology 60, no. 2 (1994): … Continue reading

How To Use Neem For Your Scalp?

• Try neem juice

It’s fairly simple to prepare neem juice. Just blend equal quantities of fresh, clean neem leaves with water and strain. Consuming a small quantity – about 1/4th of a cup – may be beneficial.

Consult your doctor for specific dosage.

What Are The Side Effects On Using Neem Oil?

• Neem leaf extracts or neem supplements may not be safe for long term consumption.^[13][Neem: A Tree For Solving Global Problems.](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK234637/ “Neem: A Tree For Solving Global Problems.”). National Academies Press (US). 1992.
• Neem should not be consumed by children, pregnant women, or those who are trying to conceive. There is insufficient data about its safety for breastfeeding women. Stay safe and avoid use if you’re breastfeeding.
• Neem consumption may lower sperm counts and could cause kidney and liver damage.^[14]Islas, Jose Francisco, Ezeiza Acosta, G. Zuca, Juan Luis Delgado-Gallegos, María Guadalupe Moreno-Treviño, Bruno Escalante, and Jorge E. Moreno-Cuevas. “An overview of Neem (Azadirachta … Continue reading
• Neem can affect your immune system so if you take immunosuppressants or have an autoimmune disorder like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or multiple sclerosis you should not take neem without your doctor’s say so.
• If you take lithium or diabetes medication you should check with your doctor before taking neem.
• In rare cases, consuming neem oil has resulted in serious adverse effects. It is best to avoid consuming neem oil.^[15]Cathy Wong.[The Health Benefits of Neem](https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-benefits-of-neem-89485#possible-side-effects “The Health Benefits of Neem”).Verywell Health.2020. ^[16]Subapriya, R., and S. Nagini. “Medicinal properties of neem leaves: a review.” Current Medicinal Chemistry-Anti-Cancer Agents 5, no. 2 (2005): 149-156.