The Benefits of Tea Tree Oil for Hair: A Comprehensive Guide
By Dr. Nikita Toshi +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nikita Toshi
Last updated: Apr 17, 2024Click to rate this article!
[Total: 6 Avg: 4.8]
Get more insightful and
helpful tips to
treat Diabetes for FREE
Register to Avail the Offer
Send OTPBy continuing, you agree with our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions
By Dr. Nikita Toshi +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nikita Toshi
Last updated: Apr 17, 2024Table of Contents
Have you heard about the wonders of Tea Tree Oil for hair? It’s an oil derived from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia plant. But why should you put it in your hair?
As we explore this topic, we’ll tell you what tea tree oil is. We’ll share its origin, extraction process, and how it works on your hair. We’ll talk about hair growth, how it is beneficial for people with oily hair, dandruff and a dry scalp. We’ll discuss research supporting these claims, how to use them, and blends to boost hair strength. Finally, we’ll talk about the risks and warnings of tea tree oil use.
Did you know?
Tea tree oil is a powerful extract that promotes hair and scalp health. But where does it come from?
The Melaleuca alternifolia or tea tree plant, name giver of tea tree oil, grows in Australia. Aboriginal folks have been using its leaves to heal skin wounds for centuries. They crushed the leaves to get the oil. Today, this tradition is alive and well, as seen in tea tree oil’s skincare and hair care product popularity worldwide.
Tea tree oil comes out of a detailed steam distillation process. Harvested fresh leaves and twigs of the Melaleuca alternifolia tree undergo steam treatment. The steam pops open the cells carrying the oil. The oil is then collected, separated from the water. What’s left is pure tea tree oil ready for action!
Now that you know what tea tree oil is, let’s explore what it does for hair health.
Who doesn’t want thick, luscious hair? Tea tree oil could be your key to this dream.Tea tree oil has benefits for healthy scalp and hair which can bring you voluminous shine.
Tea tree oil fights scalp problems, often causing hair fall, because of its antimicrobial properties. It may therefore lessen hair fall.
Dealing with oily hair can wear you out. Washing hair too much may strip natural oils. That’s where tea tree oil comes to the rescue!
Tea tree oil helps maintain scalp oil balance. It regulates oil production, ensuring nourished yet non-greasy hair.
An itchy, flaky scalp and white flakes on shoulders are signs of dandruff. But how can tea tree oil help resolve this issue?
Tea tree oil’s antifungal features may help reduce the yeast-like fungus causing dandruff. It clears dead skin cells off the scalp and soothes itchiness, reducing dandruff. For best results it should be used along with a prescribed anti-dandruff lotion/shampoo.
The antioxidant properties of tea tree oil are the ones that are thought to improve hair growth and prevent hair loss, this is especially beneficial if you experience dry, itchy and flaky scalp.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D. in Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology
Also Read: Unlocking the Benefits of Jojoba Oil for Hair: A Deep Dive
Knowing the benefits of tea tree oil is one thing. But how do you use it to get that dreamy hair? Let’s see.
Never use tea tree oil directly, as it’s powerful and can irritate the skin. Mix it with a carrier oil like olive, jojoba, or coconut oil for safe use and extra hair nourishment. Try mixing one to two drops of tea tree oil with twelve drops of carrier oil.
Before using tea tree oil regularly, test a small patch of your skin with a diluted form of the oil. If any redness, itching, or rash occurs in the next 12 to 24 hours, don’t use the oil.
Let’s learn how mixing tea tree oil with a suitable carrier oil can give you strong, healthy hair!
Olive oil has oleuropein, which is known to promote hair health You can add about ten drops of tea tree oil to two tablespoons of olive oil. Warm it lightly by placing it in hot water. Then, apply it to your scalp and hair.
Jojoba oil has properties similar to scalps’ natural oil. This helps in regulating oil production while promoting hair growth. A mix of ten drops of tea tree oil and two tablespoons of jojoba oil will give you a concoction that boosts hair and scalp health.
Following these steps will help incorporate tea tree oil into your hair care routine to improve your hair’s feel, fullness, and overall health.
People with pre-existing conditions like scalp psoriasis, lichen planus, infections of scalp should speak to a dermatologist and use only the prescribed products on their hair and scalp.
Dr. Arpit Verma, MBBS, MD
You can also boost hair growth by blending tea tree oil with other essential oils like lavender and rosemary. These oils, too, promote hair health.
Let’s see a couple of tried and tested recipes for hair growth.
Lavender oil is known to promote hair growth. Mix two to three drops of lavender oil with ten drops of tea tree oil and a chosen carrier oil to make a blend that enhances scalp health and hair quality.
Rosemary oil thickens hair, makes it soft and manageable, and promotes hair growth. Blend two to three drops of rosemary oil with tea tree oil and a carrier oil of your choice to create a mixture that boosts hair strength and growth.
Dandruff appears to be related to the yeast Pityrosporum ovale. Tea tree oil has antifungal properties with activity against P ovale and may be useful in the treatment of dandruff.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD(Pediatrics)
Despite its multiple advantages, tea tree oil does come with certain caveats. Being cognizant of these risks assists in using the oil safely, without any undesirable side effects.
A few individuals might experience skin inflammation, itching, or dryness upon using tea tree oil. If you witness any such adverse effects, discontinue its usage immediately.
Important Note: If you are facing hair loss, baldness, dandruff, or itching on the scalp, it is crucial to first consult a dermatologist and follow the treatment prescribed. People with hair loss due to autoimmune conditions, hormonal and nutritional imbalances may not see any significant improvement with tea tree oil application
Always dilute the oil with a carrier oil before applying it to your hair or scalp. Avoid swallowing or ingesting the oil as it could lead to serious side effects like confusion, lack of muscle control, or even coma in severe cases. It’s also worth noting that tea tree oil may trigger allergies in some, particularly if they’re allergic to Balsam of Peru, benzoin, colophony (pine tree) tinctures, eucalyptol, or plants from the Myrtle family.
Apart from promoting hair growth, tea tree oil offers some more benefits for your hair. Let’s check these out!
Regular application of tea tree oil can lead to remarkably glossy, plentiful hair. The oil nourishes the hair follicles, resulting in stronger, shinier locks.
An itchy and irritated scalp can be a nightmare. The anti-inflammatory properties of tea tree oil can work wonders to soothe and calm this irritation, offering much-needed relief.
We hope this blog served as a detailed guide on tea tree oil and its fantastic hair benefits. However, remember to use it wisely following the precautions and listening to any signs of discomfort your body might indicate. Remember to consult with your dermatologist/trichologist for any questions linked to your hair health.
No. It’s best to mix the oil with a carrier oil before applying it to your hair. Its concentrated nature can potentially harm your scalp or skin.
It depends on how you’re using it. If it’s mixed with carrier oil, you can leave it overnight. However, when using tea tree oil by itself as a scalp treatment, it is not advisable to leave it on for more than an hour.
Up to three times a week is generally considered safe for most people. Talk to a doctor before using tea tree oil if you have severe hair fall or other scalp-related problems.
Preferably on damp hair. Most experts recommend applying it just after washing your hair with a gentle shampoo.
Yes, tea tree oil can help reduce hair loss in some people.
Disclaimer: The information included at this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
Comments