Tea tree oil is a type of important oils (EOs) I stash in all places: in my purse, on my nightstand, in random drawers scattered all through the home, and in my medication cupboard. A deeply nourishing and moisturizing EO, tea tree has lengthy been used to deal with all kinds of pores and skin circumstances. But it surely actually shines once you make it a part of your day by day hair care routine. Tea tree oil can soothe an itchy scalp, deal with flakes, and even assist gradual hair loss when used recurrently. Learn on to discover ways to use tea tree oil for hair and scalp well being.

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What’s Tea Tree Oil?
Tea tree oil,also called melaleuca oil,is an EO derived from the leaves of the Australian tea tree.
Previous to the twentieth century,tea tree leaves and bark have been utilized by the aboriginal folks of Australia as an natural medication [source]. However within the early Twenties,an Australian chemist named Arthur Penfold found that the oil extracted from the leaves was a stronger antiseptic than carbolic acid,the strongest antiseptic they’d on the time [source]. And with that,the business manufacturing of tea tree oil started.
Right now,tea tree EO is commonly used for its antimicrobial,anti-inflammatory,and skin-healing properties [source]. In aromatherapy,it’s thought of an prompt mood-booster with advantages for each the respiratory and nervous methods.
Advantages of Tea Tree Oil for Hair
Like most EOs,research on tea tree oil are restricted. However some analysis exhibits that tea tree EO has each antibacterial and anti inflammatory results [source]. And people compounds that make tea tree oil an efficient therapeutic agent additionally make it an amazing addition to your day by day hair routine.


Tea tree oil has been proven to assist:
—Nourish the scalp with antioxidants [source]
—Scale back scalp itch and irritation from contact dermatitis [source]
—Enhance blood movement [source]
—Tame dandruff [source]
—Sluggish undesirable hair development [source]
—Promote hair development in androgenetic alopecia [source]
—Deal with head lice [source]
How Tea Tree Oil Works
Tea tree EO incorporates a variety of compounds referred to as terpene hydrocarbons. Of those,probably the most well-studied is terpinen-4-ol,a terpene alcohol that has been proven to kill sure micro organism,viruses,and fungi.
It additionally seems to decrease some elements of the traditional inflammatory response,considerably lowering swelling and histamine-induced pores and skin hypersensitivity [source].
The way to Use Tea Tree Oil for Hair
Tea tree oil is much less probably than different EOs to trigger pores and skin irritation. Nonetheless,some folks might expertise an allergic response when utilizing tea tree oil,so it’s finest to do a spot take a look at first to see how your pores and skin will react.
As soon as it received’t trigger a response,you’ll be able to apply tea tree EO in just a few alternative ways:


Apply it instantly.
Place just a few drops of tea tree hair oil (see recipe under) instantly on the scalp,and use your fingertips to distribute it evenly all through your hair. Depart it on in a single day,and wash it off within the morning.
Use it as a scalp therapeutic massage.
The stimulating motion of a scalp therapeutic massagewith tea tree EO will help deliver dandruff beneath management and maintain the scalp wholesome. Add 3 drops of tea tree important oiland three drops of lavender important oilto 2 teaspoons of meltedcoconut oiland stir to mix.
Therapeutic massage into the scalp,and go away the oil on in a single day. Bathe within the morning and shampoo as regular.
Make a tea tree shampoo.
Put 5 to six drops into your shampoo and therapeutic massage it into the scalp. Let it sit for a number of minutes earlier than rinsing off. In case your hair feels greasy,shampoo a second time.
Make a hair masks.
Combine 12 to fifteen drops of tea tree EO with a tablespoon of anyservice oillike fractionatedcoconut,argan,orolive oil. Apply the oil combination onto your scalp and therapeutic massage it in. You’ll be able to even give your self a scorching oil therapy by warming the oil earlier than making use of it. Let it sit for 20 minutes earlier than washing it out.
Use it as a leave-in conditioner.
To make a easy leave-in conditioner,mix 1 tablespoon of conditioner or service oil with 12 to fifteen drops of tea tree EO in a 2 oz spray bottle and fill with heat water. Shake properly. Spritz the answer on damp hair and let it air dry.


Tea Tree Recipes for Hair Development and Scalp Well being
Tea tree EO has many advantages for hair,nevertheless it’s essential to dilute it with a service oil like coconut oil and use it sparsely. Utilizing undiluted tea tree EO in your scalp could cause irritation and dryness. In case you have any issues or questions on utilizing tea tree EO in your hair,seek the advice of with a healthcare skilled or a certified hair care specialist.
Listed here are some easy recipes for utilizing tea tree EO for hair care:
1. TeaTree Scalp Oil


This is a recipe for a DIY scalp oilthat helps scalp well being,which maximizes the expansion of hair. Argan oil and jojoba oil are service oils that may assist moisturize and nourish the hair,whereas tea tree,peppermint,and rosemaryEOs are used to assist promote hair development and stimulate the scalp.
Elements
—¼ cup argan oil
—¼ cup jojoba oil
—5–6 drops tea tree important oil
—5–6 drops peppermint important oil
—5-6 drops rosemary important oil
Directions
1. In a small glass bottle,combine collectively the argan and jojoba oils.
2. Add tea tree,peppermint,and rosemary EOs to the bottle.
3. Shut the bottle tightly and shake properly to combine the components properly.
4. Apply a small quantity of the hair oil to your scalp and hair,specializing in the roots and ends.
5. Therapeutic massage the oil into your scalp for a couple of minutes to assist stimulate blood movement to the hair follicles.
6. Depart the oil in your hair for at the very least half-hour or in a single day.
7. Rinse your hair completely with heat water,and shampoo and situation your hair as regular.
Be aware:This hair oil can be utilized a few times per week to advertise hair development. Make sure you keep away from getting the oil in your eyes,as some important oils could cause irritation.
2. Tea Tree Oil Hair Rinse for Hair Development


This is a easy recipe for a tea tree oil hair rinsethat may additionally promote hair development:
Elements:
—5 drops tea tree important oil
—1 cup water
Directions:
1. Boil 1 cup of water and let it cool for a couple of minutes.
2. Add 1–2 drops of tea tree oil to the water and stir properly.
3. After shampooing and conditioning your hair,rinse your hair completely with the tea tree oil and water combination.
4. Make sure you therapeutic massage your scalp gently as you rinse to assist stimulate blood movement to the hair follicles.
5. Depart the tea tree oil rinse in your hair for a couple of minutes earlier than rinsing it out with cool water.
6. Towel dry your hair and magnificence as regular.
Be aware:This hair rinse can be utilized a few times per week to advertise hair development. Make sure you keep away from getting the tea tree oil combination in your eyes,as it might trigger irritation.
3. Coconut+Tea Tree Oil Hair Masks


This is a easy recipe for a tea tree oil hair masks that deeply nourishes the scalp to advertise hair development:
Elements
—2–3 tablespoons coconut oil
—4–5 drops tea tree important oil
—Optionally available:1 tablespoon honeyor aloe vera gel
Directions
1. In a small bowl,soften the coconut oil till it turns into liquid.
2. Add the tea tree EO to the melted coconut oil and blend properly.
3. If desired,add honey or aloe vera gel to the combination and stir properly.
4. Apply the combination to your hair,beginning on the roots and dealing your method right down to the ideas. Make sure you cowl all your hair.
5. Therapeutic massage your scalp gently for two–3 minutes to assist stimulate blood movement to the hair follicles.
6. Depart the masks on for 30–60 minutes. You’ll be able to cowl your hair with a bathe cap or towel to maintain the masks from dripping.
7. After the allotted time,rinse your hair completely with heat water and shampoo and situation as regular.
Be aware:This masks can be utilized as soon as per week or as wanted to advertise hair development. Make sure you patch take a look at the tea tree oil combination on a small space of pores and skin earlier than utilizing it in your scalp to be sure to are usually not allergic to it.
4. Scalp Soothing Tea Tree +Honey Hair Masks


This is a recipe for a DIY hair masks with tea tree EO,honey,and yogurt that provides the important vitamins in your hair follicles. Honey and yogurt will help moisturize and nourish the hair,whereas tea tree EO can scale back any areas of scalp irritation.
Elements
—1 tablespoon honey
—¼ cup plain yogurt
—3–4 drops tea tree important oil
Directions
1. In a small bowl,combine collectively the honey and plain yogurt.
2. Add the tea tree EO to the bowl and stir properly.
3. Apply the hair masks to your scalp and hair,specializing in the roots and ends.
4. Therapeutic massage the masks into your scalp for a couple of minutes to assist stimulate blood movement to the hair follicles.
5. Depart the masks in your hair for at the very least half-hour or as much as an hour.
6. Rinse your hair completely with heat water and shampoo and situation as regular.
Be aware:This hair masks can be utilized as soon as per week to advertise hair development. Make sure you keep away from getting the masks in your eyes,as tea tree oil could cause irritation.
5. Tea Tree Oil Scalp Remedy for Dandruff


This is a easy recipe for a tea tree oil scalp therapy with aloe vera to softly bathe the pores and skin cells of your scalp. Aloe vera helps to assuage and hydrate the scalp,selling wholesome hair development.
Make sure you use pure aloe vera gel,as many store-bought aloe vera merchandise comprise added components that may trigger irritation.
Elements
—¼ cup pure aloe vera gel
—5–6 drops tea tree important oil
Directions
1. In a small bowl,combine collectively the aloe vera gel and the tea tree EO.
2. Apply the combination to your scalp,utilizing your fingertips to therapeutic massage it in gently.
3. Let the combination sit in your scalp for 20–half-hour.
4. Rinse your hair and scalp with cool water.
5. Shampoo and situation your hair as regular.
Be aware:This scalp therapy can be utilized a few times per week to advertise a wholesome scalp. Make sure you keep away from getting the combination in your eyes,as tea tree oil could cause irritation.
Life-style Modifications for Hair Development and Scalp Well being
A number of way of life modifications will help to advertise hair development and enhance total hair well being. Listed here are a number of the most essential ones:
Preserve a nutritious diet:Consuming a balanced and nutritious eating regimen can present your hair with the important nutritional vitamins,minerals,and vitamins it must develop and thrive. Make sure you embrace loads of fruits,greens,complete grains,lean protein,and wholesome fat in your eating regimen.
Keep hydrated:Ingesting loads of water is essential in your metabolic well being and will help to maintain your hair and scalp hydrated. Goal to drink at the very least 8 glasses of water a day.
Scale back stress:Stress can have a unfavourable influence on hair development and hair well being. Training stress-reducing actions corresponding to yoga,meditation,or deep respiratory workout routines will help to cut back stress ranges.
Get sufficient sleep:Sufficient sleep is essential for hair well being. Goal to get 7 to eight hours of sleep every evening.
Train recurrently:Common train will help to enhance blood movement and circulation to the scalp,which may promote hair development. Goal to get at the very least half-hour of reasonable train every day.
Keep away from harsh styling merchandise and coverings:Styling merchandise containing alcohol or sulfates can injury hair and impede development. Keep away from utilizing harsh chemical compounds or warmth remedies in your hair as a lot as potential.
By making these way of life modifications and incorporating them into your day by day routine,you’ll be able to assist to advertise scalp well being and hair development to realize sturdy,stunning hair.
Tea Tree for Hair FAQ
Does tea tree oil irritate the scalp?
Tea tree oil can often be utilized to the pores and skin with out inflicting irritation. That being mentioned,you’ll be able to nonetheless have an allergic response to tea tree oil,which might trigger redness and irritation. At all times take a look at a small patch of pores and skin earlier than making use of it liberally to the scalp. If irritation happens,wash it off instantly.
Is it okay to depart tea tree oil on hair in a single day?
Sure,it’s completely protected to depart tea tree oil on in a single day or for prolonged durations of time. When you don’t must rinse it off within the morning,I discover that it might weigh hair down and make the scalp look greasy. In that case,shampoo your hair properly and magnificence as regular.
Does tea tree oil have an effect on hair colour?
Tea tree oil has astringent properties,which suggests it might lighten hair when utilized in massive portions. I’d keep away from utilizing tea tree oil in the event you’ve just lately coloured your hair.
Will tea tree oil make hair thicker?
No,tea tree oil received’t make your hair are available in thicker. However by enhancing scalp well being,it might assist your hair develop longer and seem more healthy.
Tea Tree Hair Oil
This straightforward,nourishing tea tree hair oil will go away hair and scalp feeling mushy and flake-free.
Yield:4ounces
Price:$12
Directions
Mix oils in a small dropper bottle and shake properly.
Apply on to your scalp everytime you want a lift of moisture (at evening earlier than mattress is good in case you have positive hair). Wash it out within the morning.
References:
1. Tea tree oil. NIH:Nationwide Middle for Complementary and Integrative Well being web site.
2. Melaleuca. New World Encyclopedia web site.
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4. Carson CF,et al. Melaleuca alternifolia(tea tree) oil:a assessment of antimicrobial and different medicinal properties. Clin Microbiol Rev. 2006.
5. Yasin M,et al. River tea tree oil:Composition,antimicrobial and antioxidant actions,and potential purposes in agriculture. Crops (Basel). 2021.
6. Wallengren J. Tea tree oil attenuates experimental contact dermatitis. Arch Dermatol Res. 2011.
7. Rothenberger J,et al. The impact of polyhexanide,octenidine dihydrochloride,and tea tree oil as topical antiseptic brokers on in vivo microcirculation of the human pores and skin:a noninvasive quantitative evaluation.Wounds. 2016.
8. Umar H,et al. Formulation and in vitrocharacterization of tea tree oil anti-dandruff shampoo. Curr Cosmet Sci. 2022.
9. Ezekwe N,et al. Using pure components within the therapy of alopecias with an emphasis on central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia:a scientific assessment. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2020.
10. Di Campli E,et al. Exercise of tea tree oil and nerolidol alone or together towards Pediculus capitis (head lice) and its eggs. Parasit Res. 2012.