If you’re looking for a natural way to improve the health of your hair, tea tree oil for hair may be a good option for you. This essential oil has been shown to have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to soothe the scalp and promote hair growth.
Tea tree oil can be used in a variety of ways, including as a shampoo or conditioner additive, as a scalp massage oil, or as a leave-in treatment.
What is Tea Tree Oil?
Tea tree oil is an essential oil that comes from the leaves of the tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia). This evergreen tree is native to Australia and has been used for centuries by the Aboriginal people for its medicinal properties.
Tea tree oil has a wide range of benefits, including being an effective treatment for dandruff, acne, and even fungal infections.
Oil is extracted by steam distillation of the leaves and twigs. It takes around 1000 tea tree leaves to make just 30ml of tea tree oil.
Why Use Tea Tree Oil for Hair?
Tea tree oil has a number of properties that make it beneficial for hair health. Firstly, it’s an antimicrobial, which means it can kill bacteria and fungi on the scalp.
This is important because these organisms can cause scalp conditions like dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and folliculitis. This oil can also help to control excess sebum production, which is often a major factor in oily scalp and hair.
Finally, tea tree oil has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to soothe the scalp and reduce irritation.
How Does It Work?
Tea tree oil contains several compounds with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, including terpinen-ol and α-terpineol. These compounds help to soothe the scalp and reduce inflammation, which can promote hair growth.
How to Use It
There are a few different ways that you can use tea tree oil for hair. One option is to add a few drops of the oil to your shampoo or conditioner and then wash your hair as usual. You can also add tea tree oil to a carrier oil such as jojoba oil or coconut oil and then massage it into your scalp for several minutes before washing it out.
Another option is to apply a mixture of the oil and water to your scalp as a leave-in treatment.
You should avoid putting tea tree directly on your scalp, as this can cause irritation. It’s also important to start with a lower concentration and then increase it gradually as your scalp gets used to the oil.
Tea tree oil is typically safe for most people to use. However, some people may experience an allergic reaction, such as contact dermatitis. If you notice any redness, itching, or swelling after using tea tree oil, stop using it immediately and consult your doctor
How Tea Tree Oil Benefits Your Hair
Tea tree oil has a number of benefits for your hair, including reducing dandruff, unclogging hair follicles, and promoting hair growth.
This essential oil can also help to soothe the scalp and reduce inflammation. If you’re looking for a natural way to improve the health of your hair, tea tree oil may be a good option for you.
For Thinning Hair
If you have thinning hair, tea tree oil can help to unclog hair follicles and promote hair growth. This essential oil can also help to reduce inflammation and soothe the scalp.
To use tea tree oil for thinning hair, add a few drops to your shampoo or conditioner and wash your hair as usual.
You can also add tea tree oil to a carrier oil and massage it into the scalp. You can also mix the oil with water and use as a spray before getting out of the shower. Its best to try to get it directly onto the scalp to stimulate the follicles and cleanse.
For Dandruff
Dandruff is often caused by an overgrowth of yeast on the scalp. Tea tree oil has antifungal properties that can help to fight off yeast and reduce dandruff. To use tea tree oil for dandruff, add a few drops to your shampoo or conditioner and wash your hair as usual.
You can also add tea tree oil to a carrier oil such as jojoba oil or coconut oil and then massage it into your scalp for several minutes before showering and washing it out.
For Hair Growth
Tea tree oil can help to unclog hair follicles and promote hair growth. This essential oil can also help to reduce inflammation and soothe the scalp.
To use tea tree oil for hair growth, add a few drops to your shampoo or conditioner and wash your hair as usual. There are a number of shampoos and conditioners with tea tree oil in the them that you can use as well.
Many of the natural and organic shampoos will work best. if you already have a great shampoo, then adding the oil works just as well.
For Head Lice or Other Skin Issues
If you have head lice or other issues, tea tree oil can help to unclog hair follicles and promote hair growth. This essential oil can also help to reduce inflammation and soothe the scalp.
To use tea tree oil for head lice or other common scalp issues, add a few drops to your shampoo or conditioner and wash your hair as usual.
You can also add tea tree oil to a carrier oil and spray it onto the hair and scalp area. Leave on for approximately 15 minutes being sure to cover the entire area.
Lice eggs are difficult to remove from the hair shafts and tea tree oil can help to loosen them. One you have sprayed the mixture, you can use a comb to try and remove some of the eggs and mature lice.
You may need to repeat this process a number of times in order to fully eliminate the lice.
How Often Should I Use Tea Tree Oil?
You can use tea tree oil as often as you like. If you have dandruff, you may want to use it every day until the dandruff is gone. For other issues, you can use tea tree oil a few times a week or as needed.
Tea tree oil also makes a wonderful body wash or face cleanser. Simply add a few drops to your favorite body wash or face cleanser and use as usual.
How To Find Quality Tea Tree Oil?
When looking for tea tree oil, be sure to find a high-quality oil that is 100% pure and therapeutic grade. You can find tea tree oil at most health food stores or online. Be sure to read the labels carefully to make sure you are getting a pure product.
You will want to get oil that is meant for skin or hair use. You can also find tea tree oil shampoo and conditioner, which can be a convenient way to get the benefits of this essential oil.
Pure organic tea tree oil is the best option for using on the skin because it contains no fillers or chemicals. It has the best healing benefits and is the most gentle on the skin.
Risks and Side Effects
Tea tree oil is generally safe for most people when used topically. However, some people may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions. If you have sensitive skin, it’s important to test tea tree oil on a small area of skin before using it on your scalp.
To do this, apply a small amount of oil to the inside of your elbow and wait 24 hours to see if there’s any redness or irritation. If you experience any side effects, stop using tea tree oil and talk to your doctor.
How to Use Tea Tree For Your Hair
When using tea tree oil, it’s important to start with a small amount and increase as needed. You can add this oil to your shampoo or conditioner and wash your hair as usual. You can also add tea tree oil to a carrier oil such as jojoba oil or coconut oil and then massage it into your scalp for several minutes before washing it out.
It is best to start out with a 5% tea tree oil solution and increase as needed. A higher concentration may cause skin irritation in some people.
Cleansing
You can use tea tree oil to cleanse your hair and scalp. To do this, add a few drops of oil to your current shampoo and wash your hair as usual. You can also add tea tree oil to a carrier oil such as jojoba oil or coconut oil and then massage it into your scalp for several minutes before washing it out.
Adding oil to an oily scalp can sound counterintuitive, but tea tree oil can actually help to regulate sebum production.
Conditioning
To condition your hair, you can add a few drops of tea tree oil to your conditioner and wash your hair as usual. Tea tree oil can help split ends and make your hair softer and shinier.
Treating Dandruff
If you have dandruff, tea tree oil can help to treat it. To use this oil for dandruff, add a few drops of tea tree oil to a carrier oil such as coconut oil and then massage it into your scalp. Leave it on for several minutes (no more than 15 min) before washing it out.
You may notice your head tingling- this means its working. But if it starts to feel uncomfortable or itchy, then wash it out right away. Then wash with your regular shampoo as desired. After your first treatment, you may notice a decrease in dandruff. For best results, continue to use tea tree oil for dandruff until it is gone.
Hair Mask
To make a tea tree oil hair mask, mix one teaspoon of tea tree oil with one cup of warm water. Apply the mixture to your scalp and hair and let it sit for 15 minutes before rinsing it out.
Another great tea tree hair recipe is to mix the oil with apple cider vinegar. For this hair mask, mix one teaspoon of tea tree oil with one cup of apple cider vinegar. Apply the mixture to your scalp and hair and let it sit for 15 minutes before rinsing it out.
You can also add tea tree oil to your favorite hair mask recipe. Just add a few drops of oil to the hair mask and apply it to your hair as usual.
Rinse
After shampooing or conditioning your hair, you can add a few drops of tea tree oil to a cup of water and use it as a final rinse.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many ways that you can use tea tree oil for your hair. Tea tree oil has many benefits for hair including cleansing, conditioning, and treating dandruff. Give some of these tea tree oil hair recipes a try and see for yourself how tea tree can improve the health of your hair.