How Cranberry Seed Oil Can Help with Itching, Dandruff & Other Scalp Issues

Treat and eliminate scalp issues like dandruff and itchiness with these cranberry seed oil recipes plus where to buy the best cranberry seed oil for hair.

Who knew cranberries would feature in the natural oils category? Delicious on its own, in sauces, pie, and juice, it is also the source of cranberry seed oil.

Cranberries are in the same family as blueberries and can be found mostly in North America. Cranberries are aka moss berry.

Cranberries are particularly high in antioxidants, which can help protect the body. Cranberry juice has a high tannin content and can help eliminate UTIs.

Cranberry oil is made by cold pressing the cranberry seeds. Cranberry oil has a pleasant fruity aroma.

Cranberry seed oil also contains Vitamin E and other anti-oxidants that make it a unique oil for hair and skin care. 

Traditionally, cranberries were used as a fabric dye and a healing agent. It was also used by seamen to prevent scurvy.

Cranberry Seed Oil Benefits for Hair

1. Essential Fatty Acids

Cranberry seed oil contains the perfect balance of omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 fatty acids, which makes it incredibly moisturizing and a great sealant for hair.

2. Cranberry Seed Oil Treats Scalp Issues

The perfect essential fatty acid ratio in cranberry seed oil helps to treat scalp deficiencies and other issues like dandruff, eczema, and psoriasis.

Additionally, the benzoic acid in cranberry seed oil enhances scalp circulation and encourages healthy hair growth.

3. Anti-bacterial and Anti-inflammatory

Cranberry seed oil contains tannins, an anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory agent, which helps treat scalp issues. 

4. High Vitamin E Content

Cranberries contain all eight isomers of vitamin E making cranberry seed oil one of the richest sources of vitamin E.

The vitamin E content in cranberry seed oil helps soften the hair, moisturize the scalp, and acts as an emollient for dry hair.

5. Vitamin A

Vitamin A helps produce healthy cells, assists in the absorption of nutrients, and enhances moisture retention; a boon for dry hair and scalp.

How to Use Cranberry Seed Oil

Cranberry Seed Oil Recipes for Scalp

Cranberry Seed Oil Pre-Styling Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons of cranberry seed oil
• 1 tablespoon of argan oil
• 1 tablespoon of grapeseed oil
• 4 oz dropper bottle

Directions

• Measure all the ingredients into the dropper bottle. Close and shake.
• Shampoo and deep condition your hair as usual. Apply your regular leave-in conditioner.
• Measure a few drops of the cranberry seed oil pre-styler into your hands, warm up between your palms then massage into your scalp and hair. Proceed with styling.

This pre-styling oil encourages softness and shine as it reduces frizz and flyaways.

Cranberry Seed Oil Scalp Massage Oil

Ingredients

• 5 tablespoons cranberry seed oil
• 2 tablespoons calendula oil
• 10 drops of peppermint essential oil
• 4 oz bottle

Directions

• Measure the cranberry seed oil, calendula oil, and peppermint essential oil into the bottle. Close and shake thoroughly.
• Two to three nights a week, apply the mix to your scalp and massage it until absorbed.
• There’s no need to wash out until your next full regimen day.

You can alternate the two recipes above from week to week to see which one your scalp responds to best.

Cranberry seed oil isn’t cheap and comes in at roughly $10 – $20 an ounce so it may not be the first oil you reach out to for scalp issues.

However, if you have tried other oils for your scalp issues and they’re not working, I highly recommend cranberry seed oil.

For more oils for scalp issues, visit the scalp oils archives for more information.

Where to Buy Cranberry Seed Oil?

Below are the best cold-pressed cranberry seed oil recommendations for hair. 

Cranberry Seed Oil Beauty Products

Garnier Whole Blends Shampoo and Conditioner with Argan Oil & Cranberry Extracts is great for color-treated hair. It moisturizes and enhances color.

And this Hydro Peptide Anti-Stress Cranberry Pomegranate Balancing Mask is a big hit! It balances and calms skin without over-drying,

If you’re interested in learning more about natural oils and how to use them for specific purposes to achieve optimal length and health, have a look at How to Grow Your Hair Healthy & Long with Natural Oils.

Abi is a curly hair expert who delved into the world of natural oils after severe hair loss issues. Through her research, study, and testing, she was able to regrow her bald spots & a healthy head of hair. She is the founder of Healthy Natural Hair Products & Ade Ori Hair Care, and the author of the highly-rated Healthy Hair Care Series. She continues to study hair science, Ayurveda, and natural and healthy solutions for hair and skin. Learn more about our Editorial Guidelines…