Tea Tree Oil for Hair: The Benefits You've Been Missing Out On

Are you one of those people who are always on the lookout for new ways to have healthy hair? If so, then you should definitely consider adding tea tree oil to your list of potential solutions.

Tea tree oil has a wealth of benefits for hair follicles, it's not limited to promoting hair growth, treating itchy scalp problems, but helping to prevent hair fall as well. So if you're looking for an all-natural way to take care of your hair health, tea tree oil may be just what you need. Keep reading to learn more!

What is tea tree oil?

Tea tree oil is obtained from the leaves of Melaleuca Alternifolia, which is a small shrub native to Australia. For hundreds of years, indigenous Australians have used tea tree leaves as a traditional medicine for treating hair problems, coughs, and colds. The hair and scalp health benefits are so great that this plant even earned the nickname "medicine plant".

To this day, people from all over the world are using tea tree oil for a wide range of conditions - including skin infections, dandruff, and hair loss.

What the research says about hair tea tree oil

The antibacterial property makes tea tree oil an effective treatment against many types of scalp infections. In fact, recent studies have shown that tea tree oil is just as effective at treating dandruff as popular over-the-counter hair treatments such as ketoconazole. Researchers also found that five percent tea tree oil was more effective at reducing dandruff than a placebo.

In addition to treating dandruff, tea tree oil can also be used as an alternative hair growth treatment for head lice. A study published in the International Journal of Dermatology found that a combination of lavender oil and tea tree oil (natural oil) helped to treat head lice infestations.

How to use tea tree oil for hair benefits

Tea tree oil helps in a wide range of ways. You can add it to your shampoo, conditioner, or styling products for added benefits. Or you could simply apply tea tree oil straight onto your scalp and massage it in. To do this start by adding five drops of tea tree oil per 30ml of carrier like coconut oil or jojoba oil. You can then massage the oil mixture into your scalp and leave it on for at least ten minutes before rinsing it out with shampoo.

It is always advisable to do an allergy test before using tea tree oil directly onto your skin. So you may wish to try applying some excess oil to a small patch of skin on your arm and wait 24 hours to see if there is any adverse reaction.

Tea tree oil side effects

Tea tree oil is generally considered safe when used in moderation. However, it can cause some mild side effects such as skin irritation, itching, or burning. If you experience any of these symptoms, discontinue use and consult your doctor.

Tea Tree Oil benefits for hair

Promotes hair growth

Tea tree oil contains antifungal and antimicrobial properties which help treat scalp infections. Scalp problems like dandruff, lice, and other fungal/ bacterial infections are linked to hair fall and slow down the growth of your hair. Tea tree oil also has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe and improve scalp health and promotes blood circulation.

Treats scalp problems

Tea tree oil also helps to clear scalp fungal and bacterial infections such as dandruff, psoriasis, and eczema by eliminating harmful microbes that may be present on your skin surface or within the dead cells of your sensitive skin.

Fights off Head Lice

It's no secret that tea tree oil is a great way to fight off head lice. Lice are small insects that live on your scalp and can be very hard to get rid of once they've settled down there. However, by using tea tree oil on your scalp you will quickly kill lice present there, thanks to its antifungal and antibacterial properties.

In fact, a study published in the International Journal of Dermatology found that a combination of lavender oil and tea tree oil helped to treat head lice infestations.

Prevents hair loss

Tea tree oil is also beneficial in preventing hair loss. This is because it has antifungal and other medicinal properties which help to fight off scalp fungal or bacterial infections such as dandruff, psoriasis, and eczema by eliminating harmful microbes that may be present on your skin surface or within the dead cells of your skin.

Longer and Thicker Hair

Tea tree oil can help to make your hair longer and thicker. It is also beneficial for the length and thickness of hair because it helps to promote healthy hair growth by stimulating a healthy scalp.

Helps Battle against Dandruff

Tea tree oil can be used to treat dandruff. Dandruff is a common condition that causes dry, flaky skin on your scalp or other parts of the body like eyebrows and mustaches.

The best way to use tea tree oil for treating dandruff is through direct application by massaging it into the affected area in order to break down flakes and remove dead skin cells which may be causing irritation.

Generally considered safe when used in moderation

The reason tea tree oil is generally considered safe when used in moderation is that it has low toxicity. Additionally, it's important to only use pure and high-quality tea tree oil as some products may contain other chemicals or ingredients that could be potentially harmful.

When using tea tree oil, be sure to follow the directions and always do a patch test first to make sure you don't have any allergies or adverse reactions before using it on larger areas of your irritated skin.

List of recipes for homemade tea tree oil-based hair products

Tea Tree Oil Hair Mask

This hair mask is perfect for treating scalp problems like dandruff, dryness, and oiliness. It will also help to promote hair growth and make your hair longer and thicker.

Ingredients

1. One egg yolk

2. Two teaspoons of olive oil or coconut oil

3. Three drops of tea tree oil

Instructions

1. Beat the egg yolk until it is thick and creamy.

2. Add in the olive or coconut oil and mix well.

3. Add in the tea tree oil and mix again.

4. Apply the mask to your scalp and hair, making sure to cover all areas from root to tip. Leave it on for at least thirty minutes before washing out as usual with shampoo and natural conditioner.

Tea Tree Oil Shampoo

Tea tree shampoo is great for treating scalp problems like dandruff, dryness, and oiliness. It will also help make your hair longer and thicker by promoting growth!

Ingredients

1. One cup of water

2. A quarter cup of liquid soap (like Castille soap) or shampoo base if you have access to one that's unscented so it won't interfere with the scent of tea tree oil which has a very strong aroma when concentrated.

3. Three tablespoons of castor oil (not essential oil but recommended because its moisturizing properties will benefit those with dry scalps).

4. A few drops of tea tree oil.

Instructions

1. In a blender, blend the water and soap or shampoo base until it is well combined. If you're using castor oil, add it in at this point too.

2. Pour the mixture into a container and add in the tea tree oil. Shake well to combine.

3. To use, wet your hair thoroughly and massage the shampoo into your scalp, making sure to get all areas from root to tip. Leave it on for two to three minutes before rinsing out as usual with warm water.

Tea Tree Oil Conditioner

This conditioner will help to treat scalp problems like dandruff, dryness, and oiliness. It will also help make your hair longer and thicker by promoting growth!

Ingredients

1. One cup of water

2. A quarter cup of liquid soap (like Castille soap) or shampoo base if you have access to one that's unscented so it won't interfere with the scent of tea tree oil which has a very strong aroma when concentrated.

3. Three tablespoons of castor oil (optional but recommended because its moisturizing properties will benefit those with dry scalps)

Instructions

In a blender, blend the water and soap or shampoo base until it is well combined. If you're using castor oil, add it in at this point too. Pour the mixture into a container and add in the tea tree oil. Shake well to combine. To use, wet your hair thoroughly and massage the conditioner into your scalp, making sure to get all areas from root to tip. Leave it on for two to three minutes before rinsing out as usual with warm water."

Hair Type Considerations for using tea tree oil

1. If you have oily hair, tea tree oil is a great choice as it helps to control the amount of sebum production.

2. If you have dry hair, using a conditioner that contains tea tree oil can help to add moisture and prevent further dryness.

3. If you have dandruff or scalp problems, using a shampoo or mask with tea tree oil can help to soothe and treat these issues.

4. Tea tree oil is also beneficial for promoting new hair growth, making it a good choice for those who are struggling with thinning hair or bald patches.

Tips on how to use tea tree oil for hair correctly and safely

1. Always do a patch test before using undiluted tea tree oil on your hair to make sure you don't have an allergic reaction.

2. Start by using a small amount of tea tree oil and increase the dosage gradually if needed. Too much tea tree oil can cause scalp irritation.

3. Don't use hot water when washing your hair as this will open up the pores on your scalp and allow the essential oils in tea tree oil to be absorbed more quickly, which could lead to skin irritation. Use warm or cool water instead. This hot oil treatment (tea tree oil addresses) can also cause a burning sensation on your scalp.

4. Apply tea tree carrier oil not more than once a week because it is very strong. If you're experiencing any adverse effects like scalp dryness or itchiness, leave tea tree oil immediately.

5. Last but not least, a hair care routine is important, for this you can consult your doctor as well.

Why you should give tea tree oil a try for yourself to see the results

Here are just a few of the reasons you should use tea tree natural oils to see the result yourself:

1. Tea tree oil is a natural product that has many benefits for healthier hair and scalp.

2. It's affordable, easy to find, and can be used by people of all ages.

3. Tea tree oil is effective in treating a variety of scalp problems like dandruff, dryness, and oiliness.

4. It can also help to increase hair growth, making it a good choice for those who are struggling with thinning hair or bald patches.