How To Use Tea Tree Oil To Soothe A Dry Scalp And Clear Up Dandruff
Thanks to its natural antibacterial and antifungal properties, Tea Tree Oil is an excellent cleanser that can help maintain a healthy, clean scalp. The punchy essential oil acts as a natural hydrating conditioner which helps alleviate any undesirable scalp complaints such as psoriasis and dandruff. A dry scalp isnt the only cause of dandruff however, it can also be caused by other fungal skin conditions too, not to worry though because Tea Tree Oil can help in both instances.
By regularly using Tea Tree Oil, you can help keep your scalp and hair follicles free of product build-up and dead skin cells. If you find you have oily hair that gets greasy quickly, Tea Tree Oil can also help rebalance your scalp’s PH level which in turn will help control the excess oil production. Pretty magical stuff right?
How Long Can You Leave Tea Tree Oil In Your Hair
Tea tree oil, when used in small amounts and in combination with other oils, can be left in overnight as a deep conditioning treatment. However, when using it by itself as a scalp treatment, it is better to wash it off within an hour to avoid possible irritation.
Tea tree oil is often recommended for several hair care issues. Now you know why! It has antimicrobial properties that treat scalp issues. It is effective in treating dandruff and managing acne. Using tea tree oil for hair growth can be effective as it increases blood circulation and eliminates hair issues that might cause hair fall, such as dandruff. It has antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antiseptic properties that improve the scalp and hairs overall health and appearance. For best results, use tea tree oil as recommended above.
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.
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Mixing Tea Tree Oil With Other Oils
- With Coconut Oil
Mix tea tree oil with some fresh and organic coconut oil. This mixture works great on your hair for its antiviral and antibacterial properties.
- With Rosemary Oil
Rosemary oil can stimulate the growth of your hair like no other. So blend some rosemary oil with tea tree oil and use the mixture for your hair.
- With Lavender Oil
You can also make a combination of tea tree oil and lavender essential oil. It can help your scalp get rid of inflammation and itchiness.
What Are Its Hair
Tea tree oil has proven natural antifungal and antibacterial properties that help in maintaining a clean, healthy scalp and strong, healthy hair follicles. The benefits of tea tree oil in this regard are as follows:
- Tea tree oil moisturizes hair to help soothe dry and itchy scalp, the root cause of dandruff.
- Tea tree oil fights bacterial, fungal, and other infections to keep the scalp healthy .
- Tea tree oil prevents the build-up of dead skin cells and residue of commercial hair products.
- Tea tree oil controls excess hair oils.
All of the above suggests that tea tree oil could have a direct benefit in treating hair loss if the cause is related to clogged hair follicles, dead skin buildup, or some sort of scalp condition.
With regards to new hair growth, tea tree oil could have an indirect benefit to the degree that a healthy scalp supports healthy hair growth.
Tea tree oil has also been said to have antiandrogenic properties that could help with counteracting androgenic baldness most frequently incurring in males .
The justification goes like this:
Anti-androgens are medications taken by women to counter the effects of male sex hormones. Male hormones lead to baldness. Thus, antiandrogenic properties in tea tree oil may help contain the problem of hair loss.
There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that tea tree oil has any relationship to or impact on androgenetic baldness.
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Tips Tricks And Facts For Using Tea Tree Oil For Hair
- Tea tree oil can be used on any type of hair, no matter what style, texture or length
- Tea tree oil on its own is quite strong, so be sure to dissolve the oil into another carrier oil before applying to your hair or scalp. When applied in its undiluted form, tea tree oil can actually be very irritating and can cause itching and dryness. Stop using tea tree oil if you notice redness, rash, or irritation.
- There are many tea tree oil based hair products like shampoos, conditioners, hair oils and dandruff shampoos on the market now to choose from. Try more than one type to see what works best for you and your individual needs.
- Tea tree oil can cause allergies in some people, so try doing a patch test first with your diluted solution before applying it to your scalp or hair.
- Try using a mixture of carrier oil with tea tree oil on dry hair. This may help to reduce or eliminate stubborn dandruff from the scalp.
- Make sure that you are only using a few drops of tea tree oil with your carrier oil, or if using with a shampoo/conditioner, adding only 10 drops for every 8 ounces of shampoo/conditioner. If too much is used, it can have the opposite effect and cause hair to become extremely brittle and weak.
- Tea tree oil is not only a great solution for hair but can also help to treat a number of skin infections and respiratory problems.
And Whats The Best Way To Use It
Dr. Kim says that tea tree oil is most beneficial when used in shampoos since this step in our hair care routine is the cleansing phase where we focus on massaging the scalp, but adds that it can also be used as a leave-in conditioning treatment.
When using a shampoo that contained only 5 percent tea tree oil, volunteers in a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology who used it for at least four weeks said that it significantly reduced their dandruffgiving us visions of busting out our favorite black sweaters this winter. It can also help clean your hair and keep it strong and healthy, as Dr. Kim explains.
Dandruff usually clogs your hair follicles, which directly affects the growth and health of your scalp, she says. When using tea tree oil, it will facilitate hair growth and also help to moisturize the scalp while preventing excess oil buildup. It will rebalance the scalp and assist in overall hair health.
Usually you can see the difference quickly, she says. After one or two washes, you will see a noticeable difference. If you have dandruff, a dry scalp or psoriasis, you should use tea tree oil daily.
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Benefits Of Tea Tree Oil For Hair Growth
Tea Tree Oil diluted in a little amount applied to the hair strand can help avoid toxically and flaking skin buildup. This makes your hair healthy and hydrated, allowing it to grow at a normal rate and avoid falling out. A collection of scaly, dryness on your scalp causes dandruff. Let’s have a look at a few of the benefits of tea tree oil for hair development.
For Daily Use: Use 2-3 times per week if administering tea tree oil directly to the scalp. Tea tree oil shampoos can be used on a daily basis, but the scalp should be checked for sensitivity. To assist lessen the risk of irritation or sensitivity, combine with emollients or other relaxing substances.
For Hair Growth: Tea tree oil promotes hair growth by making it longer and thicker. It works best when combined with a carrier oil and massaged into the scalp. For every spoonful of carrier oil like jojoba, walnut, or avocado oil, add 2-5 drops of tea tree oil. Mix thoroughly and massage into the scalp.
For Scalp Dryness:Tea tree oil moisturizes and soothes the scalp by cleaning clogged pores and avoiding dryness, which is beneficial for treating dry scalp and dandruff. Tea tree oil also fights dandruff, which is caused by an abundance of yeast, therefore its antifungal characteristics are beneficial in treating it.
Tea Tree Oil Removes Flakiness
A flaky scalp is again a result of dryness. The dry scalp tends to become rough and flaky. Flakiness can also be a result of viral and bacterial infection. The antiviral and antibacterial properties of tea tree oil protect your scalp and prevent infections.
Tea tree oil also works on dry scalp, ensures proper nourishment, and helps in removing flakiness from your scalp.
Directions:
- Apply a few drops of diluted tea tree oil on your scalp.
- Massage your scalp gently for a few minutes.
- Keep it on for about half an hour before washing off.
- Repeat every day.
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Can Tea Tree Oil Help Prevent Hair Loss And Breakage
Hair that grows on a dandruff-infected scalp can, unfortunately, suffer a lot of damage, especially to the hair cuticle. Pair that with the endless head-scratching due to an irritated and inflamed scalp and you have a recipe for disaster resulting in hair loss and hair breakage. Tea Tree Oil stimulates dormant hair follicles whilst soothing a dry, inflamed scalp to help to clear up dandruff – This in turn can help unnecessary hair damage and hair loss.
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.
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Is Tea Tree Oil Good For Hair Use
Melaleuca Alternifolia leaves give us tea tree essential oil. While its been used in Australia for one hundred years, were just gathering scientific information on this therapeutic plant extract.
The studies are promising, however.
Tea tree essential oil can contribute to hair strength and scalp health. It has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effects, keeping infections at bay. It cleanses the hair and the follicles and keeps the tresses strong. It can kill off dandruff and add shine and luster.
So yes, tea tree oil is good for hair use and scalp health.
Can I Leave Tea Tree Oil In My Hair Overnight
Do you risk damaging your hair if you sleep with tea tree oil in it? A. The answer is yes, you can go to bed with tea tree oil still in your hair. You may use coconut oil, almond oil, or olive oil as your carrier oil. Then, add ten drops of tea tree oil to the oil, and let it sit out at room temperature overnight.
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Benefit: Gets Rid Of Dry Scalp
If youre using a cleanser that lathers and leaves your locks feeling squeaky clean, get the hint: youve either got very lucky with your shampoo or your shampoo is loaded with sulphates. Giving your hair that omg feeling, sulphates are pretty deceptive with what they do in the long run: damage, damage and damage! Making your scalp dry and stripping your locks of their natural lustre and colour, these shampoos can be pretty nasty to your scalp. Leaving your scalp barren, sulphate-shampoos have left most of your scalps damaged at some point or the other and to reverse that lack of hydration, introduce the tea for hair into your mane TLC regime. Wonder why? Because tea tree oil is soothing in nature. As such, it can be a godsend to relieve you from dry scalp, get rid of flakiness and keep itchiness at bay. Replace it with your existing conditioner and make that A1 natural pick that soothes your scalp and keeps flakiness at bay. And once youve given your strands that thorough wash with it and you get all those compliments, know you have tea tree oil to thank.
Why Use Tea Tree Oil For Hair
When you talk about hair health, its actually the scalp that you are referring to. The scalp has follicles, the minute openings that are responsible for the growth of hair. When these follicles are clogged by the pollutants which are present in the atmosphere, you start facing hair problems like hair fall.
Tea tree oil has proven to be beneficial in such cases where problems like dandruff and hair loss are prevalent due to improper cleaning of hair follicles leading to clogging of dirt and impurities.
Overexposure to the sun is another problem for the hair as it depletes the natural moisture of the hair. This hampers the growth of hair resulting in dead skin and dryness of hair. Tea tree oil moisturizes your scalp and provides it with the essential nutrients and supplements that would support the growth of hair.
In the coming section, well explore how to use tea tree oil for hair to treat the most common hair problems.
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When It Comes To Tea Tree Oil Quality Is Queen
Tea tree oil comes from the Australian-native melaleuca alternifolia plant from which the illustrious Captain James Cook brewed a tea back in the 1770s. Cook dubbed this shrub-like tree the tea tree, which, as you can probably guess, is how the plants oil came to be known as tea tree oil. As it turns out, this antimicrobial property was already being used by the Australian Aboriginal indigenous population to address all kinds of issues a fact that Cook soon discovered. Tea tree oil has had a long and storied past, which has led to many extensive studies of its natural antifungal, antiseptic, antibacterial and anti inflammatory properties.
You probably already know that you can find tea tree oil in most health food stores, but many of these inexpensive products are extracted from traditionally grown tea tree plantations where the use of pesticides and other chemicals is widespread. These store-bought tea tree oils may even be sourced from genetically modified species of the tea tree and are often mixed with other oils and compounds. Unfortunately, these types of inferior, genetically altered and adulterated strains do not offer the same healing benefits as pure, organic tea tree oil. So, when youre buying tea tree oil, its important to find the most potent and pure, highest-quality extract you can find.
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Prevents Hair Loss & Promotes Growth
There is some anecdotal evidence that suggests that tea tree oil can prevent hair loss. The oil is rich in antioxidants such as vitamin A, C, and E. These antioxidants also reduce inflammation. The antioxidants combined with the antibacterial terpinen-4-ol reduces your risk of hair loss.
There is not sufficient evidence to suggest that tea tree oil can promote hair growth. However, the healing properties in tea tree oil will help your scalp and hair to be healthier. When your scalp and hair is healthier, you are more likely to see growth.
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How Do You Apply Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil should never be applied to the skin in its pure form. It is essential to dilute the oil with a carrier oil, such as almond oil, coconut oil, olive oil, or even sesame seed oil. Tea tree oil should be diluted with 12 drops of a carrier oil for every one to two drops of tea tree oil. Additionally, exercise caution while using tea tree oil in the vicinity of the eyes.
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.
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Tea Tree Oil For Hair: The Benefits And How To Use It
This centuries-old essential oil may be the solution to scalp irritation and flakes.
Essential oils have been used in alternative medicine for thousands of years. Beyond their often pleasant scents providing aromatherapy, many essential oils are believed to provide biological benefits, such as antiseptic and anti-fungal properties. One such oil is tea tree oil, which has been used medicinally for over one hundred years in Australia for its therapeutic qualities.
Tea tree oil has been used as a pure essential oil and as an active ingredient in products to provide antimicrobial, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Tea tree oil has also gained popularity in skincare formulations, as it has proven itself to be an effective acne fighter. Many of the same bacteria that tea tree oil combats on the face can be found on the scalp where it causes similar chaos in the form of dandruff and irritation.
Meet the Expert
- Morgan Rabach, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of LM Medical.
- Ginger King is a cosmetic chemist, owner of product development firm Grace Kingdom Beauty, and founder of lip care brand Fan Love Beauty.
Is tea tree oil the holistic solution to your dandruff and itchy scalp? We turned to two dermatologists and a cosmetic chemist for their advice on using tea tree oil for the scalp and hair.