Benefits Of Using Tea Tree Oil For Your Hair
Numerous medical studies and research have found that the plant extract, tea tree oil can benefit and improve multiple conditions which affect the skin and hair.
This essential oil, which is extracted from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia plant, holds antiseptic and antibacterial properties.
Table of contents
What Tea Tree Oil Can Do For Your hair
Tea tree oil can take care of common hair issues such as dandruff and hair loss, as it is an excellent natural alternative to many chemicals most people prefer to use tea tree oil as their first treatment option.
Tea tree oil is excellent for your hair as when a diluted form of the oil is applied to the scalp it stimulates and increases blood flow to the area. This in turn can improve the conditions of the hair follicles which promotes healthy hair growth.
Its multiple properties fight bacteria as well as helping unclog pores on the scalp, which means tea tree oil can work to clear and strengthen the skin on the scalp helping to prevent infections or conditions such as dandruff.
Tea tree oil hair products can now be found in virtually all households, particularly in homes with young children or family members who suffer from sensitive skin.
This oil is a trusted ingredient which is seen in many hair care products including shampoos, conditioners and remedies for dandruff, baldness, head lice and infections which can appear on the scalp.
Read More About: Is tea tree oil good for skin?
Tea Tree Oil Has Gained Worldwide Recognition
Originally, over one hundred years ago in Australia, tea tree oil was being used for antiseptic purposes. However in the last few decades, this natural medicinal oil has gained worldwide recognition for its beneficial properties.
There is numerous well documented research based evidence which shows how beneficial tea tree oil is not just for your skin, but also your hair.
Primarily tea tree oil is applied topically in a dilute form; it should never be consumed. Make sure you look for fresh tea tree oil if you are planning to apply it directly on your hair, as this is the purest oil it is less likely to cause reactions, as opposed to oxidised tea tree oil.
We recommend a patch test on the inner arm or behind the ear 24hrs before use. If there is any adverse reaction – any burning, rashes or redness indicates you should avoid using the product. Please refer to our information leaflet.
How To Use Tea Tree Oil
We have put together the following methods of incorporating tea tree oil into your usual hair care routine, so that you can reap the benefits of this natural medicinal oil at home on a regular basis;
Read More About: Tea Tree Oil – What is Tea Tree Oil Used For?
Mixed in with a carrier oil for a scalp massage;
- Mix one tablespoon of organic coconut oil with ten drops of tea tree oil in a small bowl
- Apply the mixture on your scalp and massage into your roots for ten minutes – be sure to focus areas you feel are extra dry or itchy
- Let the mixture sit for a minimum of ten minutes, although you can leave it in overnight for more intense hydration and treatment
- Wash out thoroughly with your normal shampoo
- Repeat the process once weekly to see results and improved condition of hair
As part of your regular shampoo routine for healthier hair and cleansing of the scalp;
- Add one drop of tea tree oil to 30 ml of shampoo directly into your shampoo bottle
- Shake the bottle to mix
- Use the shampoo as per your regular routine to see results
As a pre-shower solution to target skin conditions such as spots on the scalp;
- Add five to seven drops of tea tree oil into one cup of water
- Transfer this mixture into an empty spray bottle
- Spray the diluted mixture over the scalp at least 20 minutes before showering, targeting any problem areas
- Wash out thoroughly when you shampoo
- Repeat on a regular basis to see an improvement in your condition
Remember that tea tree oil should never be applied directly onto the skin as it is very potent. By applying the oil directly, you can risk inflammation of the area or an allergic reaction which can worsen any condition you are trying to correct.
Some of the major known benefits of tea tree oil for hair include;
Cleansing Of The Hair And Scalp
Tea tree oil has natural therapeutic properties which allows for it to be an excellent choice for hair cleansing. Using a small amount of this oil on a regular basis can prevent the build-up of chemicals, oils and dead skin, which means that the hair and scalp remain healthy and moisturised.
This in turn helps hair to grow at a normal healthy rate and prevents hair loss and greasy hair.
An added benefit is that as tea tree oil is completely natural it does not damage or dry out the hair.
Healthy Hair Growth
Tea tree oil can promote a healthy hair growth cycle as it unclogs hair follicles and its stimulating effect improves blood flow to the area, meaning the hair roots are better nourished. If you want to encourage hair growth, tea tree oil works best when it is diluted with other carrier oils such as coconut, jojoba or castor oil.
The antibacterial, antimicrobial and antiseptic properties of tea tree oil benefit the scalp as the oil effectively deals with hair-related problems. With regular application of the oil any microbes which are inhibiting hair growth are killed and the scalp is protected from infections.
As a result, hair roots are now better nourished and protected promoting healthy hair growth.
Improved Scalp Health
Tea tree oil can nourish the scalp and hair, thereby improving scalp health due to the cleansing property of the essential oil, it can unblock the pores and facilitate in increasing the supply of oxygen and nutrients towards the hair follicles.
The beneficial microbial fighting properties of tea tree oil can help to treat skin conditions such as dry scalp. Tea tree oil can even prevent and resolve ingrown hairs; a tea tree oil soak can open the pores and loosen up the ingrown hair which reduces inflammation.
You can use specialised products such as tea tree oil shampoos or medicated shampoos that contain tea tree oil to improve scalp skin conditions.
Treating Dandruff
Dandruff is caused by a microbe which naturally occurs on the scalp, when it feeds on the natural oils in the scalp it creates a by-product known as oleic acid. If your scalp is sensitive to the presence of this acid, it responds by becoming irritated, inflamed leading to increased shedding of skin cells to get rid of the irritant.
This leads to itchiness, redness of the scalp and the typical symptoms of visible white flakes of dead skin cells clumped together. The antimicrobial properties of tea tree oil target the microbes which cause this increased shedding of skin cells and helps in the treatment and management of dandruff.
You can apply a few drops of tea tree oil to your regular shampoo or in anti-dandruff shampoos to treat dandruff and the accompanying symptom of itchiness.
Otherwise, tea tree oil can be mixed with carrier oils, massaged onto the scalp and left overnight to treat the dryness and itching associated with dandruff, be sure to wash the oil off thoroughly in the morning.
Read More About: HOW TO GET RID OF DANDRUFF
Frequently Asked Questions About Tea Tree Oil
Is Tea Tree Oil Good For Hair?
Yes, tea tree oil can benefit your hair and scalp in numerous ways thanks to its countless natural, beneficial properties. It is currently found in multiple readymade commercial products such as shampoos and conditioners, and can be used in homemade mixtures and applications to suit all skin types.
What Does Tea Tree Oil Do For Your Hair?
Tea tree oil can unclog hair follicles and has numerous antimicrobial and antiseptic properties. These properties all benefit the hair and scalp by removing build-up of dead skin cells, oil and products, increasing oxygen and nutrient supply to the hair follicles and treating and protecting the scalp from infections.
Does Tea Tree Oil Help Your Hair Grow?
Yes, by unclogging pores, improving oxygen and nutrient supply and clearing infections, the hair follicles are now able to produce healthy, strong hair which is less prone to breakage or hair loss. Tea tree oil can improve the condition of the hair also as it is a natural oil and will not dry the hair out.
Can Tea Tree Oil Cause Hair Loss?
Tea tree oil may cause hair loss if you are allergic to it. we recommend a patch test on the inner arm or behind the ear 24hrs before applying tea tree oil to your hair. If you experience any redness, inflammation or a rash then you should avoid using tea tree oil on the scalp.
Can you leave pure tea tree oil in your hair all the time?
It is not recommended that you leave tea tree oil in your hair, as it could aggravate your skin and hair follicles if left for a long period of time.
Does Tea Tree Oil Dry Out Hair?
No as tea tree oil is a natural extract it does not dry the hair out. If you are suffering from dry skin conditions such as dry scalp, you can try mixing a few drops of tea tree oil with carrier oils such as coconut oil or olive which will add moisture to the hair, roots and scalp.
Is Tea Tree Oil Good For Hair Loss?
The answer to this question is highly dependent on the underlying cause of the hair loss. If the hair loss is a result of clogged hair follicles, dead skin build up, infections or a skin condition which is affecting the scalp then yes regular and consistent application of tea tree oil will reduce hair loss. However, if there is an underlying condition such as male pattern hair loss, then tea tree oil will not resolve hair loss.
Where Can I Buy Tea Tree Oil For Hair?
Tea tree oil is available to buy on its own from most health stores; however it is also commonly available in commercial hair products such as shampoos, conditioners and remedies for dandruff or head lice.
Does Tea Tree Oil Help Thinning Hair?
Tea tree oil could possibly help depending on the underlying cause of thinning hair. If the thinning hair is due to poor oxygen and nutrient nourishment of hair follicles or clogging of the hair follicles, then a regular application of tea tree oil can resolve these factors and improve the condition of the hair.
How To Wash Hair With Tea Tree Oil?
You can wash your hair with tea tree oil by using commercially available products, or by adding a few drops of tea tree oil to your regular shampoo or conditioner. You could also try adding a few drops of tea tree oil into a cup of water to rinse your hair with in your shower.
Is Tea Tree Oil Good For Oily Hair?
Tea tree oil is suitable for all hair types, it may even help reduce the oiliness in your hair and restore a natural balance. Tea tree oil can cleanse and disinfect the scalp which can purify the roots and make the scalp cleaner. With less dead skin, product and oil build-up the scalp will be less irritated and there may be a reduction in excess production of natural oils in the hair.
Is Tea Tree Oil Safe For Coloured Hair?
Tea tree oil is a natural astringent, which means that it may strip your hair of any artificial hair dyes and cause colour to fade if applied to the hair in a high potency. However, plenty of commercially available hair products containing tea tree oil are considered as safe for use on coloured hair.
Can You Put Tea Tree Oil In Your Shampoo?
Yes, you can add in a few drops of tea tree oil into your usual shampoo otherwise you can buy special commercially available hair products which contain tea tree oil.
