How To Use Listerine To Treat Dandruff

It's not just for fresh breath – using this mouthwash to get rid of those pesky white flakes too!

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Written by Anjali Sayee, BTech Anjali Sayee BTech linkedin_icon Experience: 7 years
Edited by Ramona Sinha, MA (English Literature) Ramona Sinha MA (English Literature) linkedin_icon Experience: 11 years
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Listerine for dandruff

Image: Shutterstock

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.

What Is Listerine?

Listerine is an American brand of antiseptic mouthwash and other oral care products, such as mouth sprays, toothpaste, and floss. Listerine mouthwash is an essential oil-containing mouthwash. It contains natural compounds such as menthol (from mint), eucalyptol (from eucalyptus), and thymol (from thyme) that help in reducing plaque and improving the health of gingival tissue (1). It is named after Sir Joseph Lister, founder of the practice of antiseptic medicine.

Listerine is mainly used to get rid of bad breath and maintain oral hygiene. But can this antiseptic liquid help in getting rid of dandruff? Find out in the next section.

protip_icon Did You Know?
Listerine has been sold as a surgical disinfectant, floor cleanser, hair tonic, deodorant, and even a remedy for diseases such as diphtheriai  A contagious bacterial infection that affects the mucous membrane of the nose and throat and leads to fever and breathing issues. and dysenteryi  An infection that causes inflammation of the intestine, which leads to bloody diarrhea, fever, abdominal pain, and cramps. .

Listerine And Dandruff

Hair with dandruff
Image: Shutterstock

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

Woman rinsing hair in Listerine
Image: Shutterstock

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 (2)(3)
    • Menthol has antimicrobial properties (4). It may prevent a flaky scalp and help keep it clean.
    • Eucalyptol (1-8, Cineol) can work well as an anti-dandruff agent (5).
    • Salicylic acid is often used in anti-dandruff shampoos, and it helps remove scalp scales/flakes (6).
  1. Listerine exhibits antimicrobial and antifungal activities (7), (8). It may therefore help manage fungal infections and scalp issues like dandruff to some extent and improve scalp health.
  1. Listerine is antiseptic and can help prevent viral and fungal scalp infections.

Additionally, some anecdotal report also suggest the use of this product for lice! Fariha Farhana, a blogger, shared her experience of using Listerine for head lice infestation and saw great results. She said, “The result was unbelievably good. I got rid of most of my lice and nits (i).”

Now that we have understood Listerine’s potential to manage some hair health issues, let us continue on to the next section to understand how to use it to tackle scalp issues like dandruff.

How To Use Listerine For Dandruff

Here’s how to get rid of dandruff using Listerine.

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

Woman with a bottle of Listerine
Image: Shutterstock

Listerine contains compounds that have antifungal, antibacterial, and antimicrobial properties. It is also antiseptic, which may help reduce symptoms associated with dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis.

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 in a glass bottle
Image: Shutterstock

Coconut oil can penetrate the hair shaft, passing through the cortex as well. It can prevent and repair hair damage (9). The oil helps Listerine enter the hair follicles, prevents microbial infections, and keeps the scalp clean. Further, it’s one of the simplest ways to indulge in some hair care.

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. Scalp massage can improve blood circulation and thus improve scalp health. Make sure to 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

Woman applying Listerine And vinegar spray for dandruff
Image: Shutterstock

Vinegar is said to help maintain the pH balance 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 (10). 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.


protip_icon Quick Tip
Always perform a patch test and don’t forget to dilute Listerine before applying it to your scalp, as it may sting.

Infographic: 5 Ways To Use Listerine For Dandruff

Listerine has been widely used as a mouthwash for killing bacteria that cause bad breath. However, it has come to be effective for a number of other uses as well. One of the emerging uses of Listerine is the treatment of dandruff. Check out the infographic below to find out the different ways you can use it to treat dandruff.

5 ways to use listerine for dandruff (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

A lot of anecdotal data suggests that Listerine can be used to get rid of dandruff. Listerine, a common mouthwash, contains antifungal agents that aid in killing the source of the problem, restoring your scalp’s health. It not only gets rid of dandruff but also soothes your scalp and makes it feel cool and rejuvenated. However, you must be careful when using mouthwash. If you have damaged skin or cuts, you should not use Listerine until they have healed. However, keep in mind that it may be useful in minor situations but not in moderate to severe ones. As a result, if you have a lot of dandruff, you should see a dermatologist to get the right treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Listerine good for itchy scalp?

Listerine contains menthol which may help in reducing scalp itchiness (11).

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 psoriasisi  An immune-mediated disease triggered by cold, infection, or stress and causes red, scaly, and itchy patches on the skin. ?

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

Key Takeaways

  • Listerine has antifungal properties that may reduce dandruff and improve scalp health.
  • It contains anti-dandruff agents like eucalyptol and salicylic acid. It also has thyme, an antiseptic, and menthol with antimicrobial properties.
  • Mix some Listerine and water together to dilute it and spray it over the hair.
  • Mix Listerine with ingredients like coconut oil, vinegar, and peppermint oil to keep your scalp clean and healthy.

References

Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.

  1. Alshehri, Fahad Ali (2018). “The use of mouthwash containing essential oils (LISTERINE®) to improve oral health: Saudi Dent J. 30(1): 2–6.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6112363/
  2. Dodiya, Tanvi. (2013). “Herbal armamentarium for the culprit dandruff.” International Journal of phytopharmacy research. 4. 23-28.
    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/301899530_Herbal_armamentarium_for_the_culprit_dandruff
  3. Zaid, Abdel Naser et al. “Ethnopharmacological survey of home remedies used for treatment of hair and scalp and their methods of preparation in the West Bank-Palestine.” BMC complementary and alternative medicine vol. 17,1 355.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5499037/
  4. Trombetta, Domenico et al. “Mechanisms of antibacterial action of three monoterpenes.” Antimicrobial agents and chemotherapy vol. 49,6 (2005): 2474-8.
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15917549/
  5. “Studies on the antidandruff activity of the essential oil of coleus amboinicus and eucalyptus globulus”, Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Disease, ScienceDirect.
    https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2222180812602503?via%3Dihub
  6. Ranganathan, S, and T Mukhopadhyay. “Dandruff: the most commercially exploited skin disease.” Indian journal of dermatology vol. 55,2 (2010): 130-4.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2887514/
  7. Richa, Gunjan & Pudakalkatti, Pushpa & Joshi, Vinayak. (2017). “Evaluation and comparison of the antimicrobial effect of two different mouthwashes on selected periodontal pathogens: An in vitro study.” Journal of Current Research in Scientific Medicine.
    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/320353056_Evaluation_and_comparison_of_the_antimicrobial_effect_of_two_different_mouthwashes_on_selected_periodontal_pathogens_An_in_vitro_study
  8. Shrestha, Ashish, et al. “In Vitro Antifungal Effect of Mouth Rinses Containing Chlorhexidine and Thymol.” Journal of Dental Sciences.
    https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S199179021100002X
  9. Rele, Aarti S, and R B Mohile. “Effect of mineral oil, sunflower oil, and coconut oil on prevention of hair damage.” Journal of cosmetic science vol. 54,2 (2003): 175-92.
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12715094/
  10. Shrivastava, Alankar. (2009). “A REVIEW ON PEPPERMINT OIL.” Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research. 2. 27-33.
    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/237842903_A_REVIEW_ON_PEPPERMINT_OIL
  11. Rattanakaemakorn, Ploysyne and Suchonwanit, Poonkiat. “Scalp Pruritus: Review of the Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Management.” National Library of Medicine. (2019): 1268430.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6350598/
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Tiffany Young
Tiffany YoungCertified Trichology Practitioner
Tiffany Young is the CEO and founder of ThinHairThick and a certified trichology practitioner with 6 years of experience. She is also a recognized expert in the hair and beauty industry with celebrity clientele. Her own personal struggles with hair loss created an opportunity for her to deep-dive into learning all things related to medical conditions and external factors that contribute to hair loss.

Read full bio of Tiffany Young
Anjali Sayee
Anjali SayeeAssociate Editor
Anjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy.

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Ramona Sinha
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.

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Monomita Chakraborty
Monomita ChakrabortyBeauty & Lifestyle Writer
Monomita has a graduate degree in mass communication and video production from St. Anthony's College, Shillong, and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the Royal Global University, Guwahati. She is also a certified skincare coach with a keen interest in skin, hair, tattoos, nail art, and lifestyle trends.

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