Hemp Oil Treatment for Seborrheic Dermatitis (Cradle Cap)

Hemp Oil Shampoo from Aquarian Bath on Etsy

In conjunction with vigorous brushing of the scalp, hemp oil successfully dissolves cradle cap and seborrheic dermatitis in general.


Well, my 7-year-old son has freakin' cradle cap again. ARGHHHHH!!!!! 

At this point, I've developed a routine that seems to work, at least temporarily, in getting rid of it. 

The objective is to soften (and ultimately dissolve) the sebum with hemp oil, loosen it with scalp brushing and massage, and wash it out of the hair.

Note on brushing:  this brushing is to stimulate the scalp and break up the sebum. This increases blood flow to the scalp and spreads the sebum down the hair shaft instead of letting it coagulate at the roots and on the scalp. Concentrate on the scalp. You don't need to brush all the way through to the ends. Brush firmly. The scalp should be reddish. Here's an excellent video on scalp brushing.

When there is a flare-up, I do the following routine every day for at least 3 days. Here's an old post describing cradle cap and the action of the hemp oil.

After it's cleared up, I will do this twice a week to keep it from coming back.

Paddle Brush with Rubber-Tipped Bristles

The Stuff

• hemp oil;
• white vinegar rinse (1 tbsp vinegar, 1 cup water);
• natural shampoo (I use hemp oil shampoo from Aquarian Bath or Birch Tar and Neem shampoo from Herbolution);
• conditioner (I use Mane and Tail on him);
• wide-toothed comb for detangling;
• paddle brush with rubber-tipped bristles to stimulate the scalp and loosen the sebum.

The Washing Routine

• rub about 1/2 teaspoon of hemp oil into scalp;
• let sit for 1/2 hour or so;
• brush for at least 5-10 minutes with a paddle brush with rubber-tipped bristles to loosen the sebum;
• wash hair, scrubbing the scalp with your fingertips for a couple of minutes;
• rinse with warm water;
• apply vinegar and water to hair and let sit for 1 or two minutes;
• rinse with warm water;
• condition;
• rinse with warm water;
• comb hair with wide-toothed comb;
• let dry naturally.

At Bedtime

• comb hair;
• brush scalp with paddle brush with rubber-tipped bristles;
• rub 2 or 3 drops of hemp oil into scalp.

In the Morning

• comb hair;
• brush scalp with paddle brush with rubber-tipped bristles.

Rozae will keep an eye on that scalp from now on.