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If you’re just like Meghan Markle and depend on the acne-busting abilities of tea tree oil, kudos! Because you’re clearly nailing it in the skincare department. But, did you know that using tea tree oil for your hair can give you a clarified scalp and longer and shiner strands as well? Yes, that’s right!
Tea tree has antimicrobial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties and has been one of the go-to ingredients for experts, beauty bloggers, and celebrities alike. But, how exactly does it work and what are the benefits? We did some digging and here’s what we found.
Benefits Of Tea Tree Oil For Hair
1. Promotes Scalp Health
It’s no secret that a healthy scalp leads to healthy hair. However, there can be multiple causes for stunted hair growth - be it product build-up, pollution, bacteria, or inflammation, tea tree oil with its potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties can help clarify and detox your scalp to keep it clean and balanced.
2. Helps Control Dandruff
Dealing with dandruff is no joke - it’s recurrent and can sometimes be socially embarrassing. But there finally is a pretty solid fix for it. One of the best benefits of tea tree oil for hair is that it controls the greasiness that can fuel dandruff, retains moisture, and curtails the growth of dandruff-causing bacteria, as per a study. In addition to this, its anti-inflammatory properties can help you soothe an itchy scalp.
3. Stimulates Hair Growth
Want long and luscious tresses? Tea tree oil is just what you need. It helps to strengthen your hair bonds, nourish your roots and balance out your scalp to maintain its overall health. Plus, it eliminates dead skin cells and detoxifies the scalp and together, all these factors stimulate new hair growth. It can also work to improve the conditions of the hair follicles which promotes healthy hair growth.
4. Reduces Hair Loss
If you’re doing everything right, but still experiencing hair fall, then tea tree is the answer. A lot of times, because of the overproduction of oil, your scalp easily attracts dust, dirt, bacteria, and pollution particles, which ultimately hampers any goodness from other hair oils and shampoos to seep through. Tea tree oil can balance oil production and hydrate your scalp to keep oiliness in check, which is especially beneficial in a hot and humid country like India.
Tea Tree Oil Uses For Hair
If you’re struggling with any of the above hair issues or even want to steer clear of them, either use tea tree oil in an essential oil form or as an ingredient in your hair care products (more on that later). But in its natural form, tea tree oil can be strong and should always be diluted with other carrier oils to minimise the risk of sensitivity.
As with any new ingredient, introduce it slowly in your hair care routine to cancel out the risk of potential irritation and allergy. Here’s how.
1. Use With Your Shampoo
Tea tree oil can easily be used with your regular shampoo. Just add 1-2 drops of tea tree essential oil to 30 ml of your go-to shampoo bottle. Shake the bottle to mix the oil completely. Then, follow your regular shampoo routine to see results.
2. Add Carrier Oil For A Hair Massage
Take 5-6 drops of tea tree oil and mix it with one tablespoon of organic coconut oil. Then, apply it to your scalp and massage it into your roots for around 10 minutes to boost blood circulation and benefit hair growth. Make sure to focus on areas that feel dry and itchy.
3. Mix It With Your Hair Mask
Just adding a couple of drops of tea tree oil to your hair mask will help you tackle dandruff along with dryness. Scoop out some product and mix 2-3 drops of oil in it, then apply it to your scalp. Let it sit and rinse thoroughly.
4. Use Hair Care Products With Tea Tree Oil
DIY-ing your way with tea tree oil might end up creating a stronger concoction than intended, which can sensitise your scalp and cause irritation. This is why it's ideal to pick hair products that already contain tea tree oil in safe and fixed amounts for optimum benefits.
How To Use Tea Tree Oil For Hair
Apart from directly applying a tea tree essential oil to your scalp, there are DIY concoctions you can create to improve your hair health. Here are some of our favourites.
1. Nourishing Hair Mask: Try this hair mask to instantly get smooth and shiny hair.
Step 1: Mix 5 drops of tea tree oil with 1 tablespoon each of honey and yoghurt to create a smooth mast.
Step 2: Apply this mixture to your scalp as well as the lengths of your hair. Leave it on for 20-30 minutes.
Step 3:Rinse thoroughly and follow this up with a shampoo and you will end up with smooth and silky hair.
2. Soothing Spray: This spray will help treat minor scalp infections and soothe irritation or inflammation.
Step 1: Mix about 10 drops of tea tree oil with 1 cup of warm water - make sure it's not scalding hot.
Step 2: Use a clean spray bottle or dropper to apply this on your scalp and massage it gently to ensure even distribution.
Step 3: If you’re using this in your AM routine, let it air dry and let it work its magic throughout the day. If applying at night, wear a shower cap before going to sleep so it does not rub off on other surfaces like your pillow.
3. Treating Shampoo: If you have an itchy, dry scalp, use this trick to treat and cleanse the scalp.
Step 1: Mix 5 drops of tea tree oil with your shampoo – you can simply do this in your hand or use a mixing bowl to keep it mess-free.
Step 2: Apply this mixture to your scalp and the hair strands. Remember to gently massage.
Step 3: After a few minutes, the oil will have penetrated the hair. Rinse with warm water thoroughly.
4. Dandruff Relief: As tea tree oil is strong on its own, combining it with carrier oils can help you get the most advantage in fighting dandruff while avoiding scalp irritation.
Step 1: Take 5 teaspoons of tea tree oil with 1 tablespoon of carrier oils such as coconut, jojoba, or rosemary. You can increase the amount based on your hair length.
Step 2: Massage the mixture on the scalp for a minimum of 10 minutes. Part your hair into sections to ensure you are covering all areas for optimum results.
Step 3: You can rinse with shampoo after leaving it on for 15-30 minutes. In case of severe dandruff, consider leaving it on overnight.
5. Hair Growth: Your fight against thinning hair and reduced growth is about to end! Try this hair stimulation trick to get thick and luscious locks.
Step 1: Take 10 drops of tea tree oil and 2 tablespoons of carrier oils (similar to those mentioned above).
Step 2: Massage this using circular motions with your fingers or use a scalp massager that helps promote blood circulation and stimulate hair growth.
Step 3: Leave this on for 30 minutes or more and rinse with a hair growth shampoo-conditioner. You can repeat this process 2–3 times a week to get your healthiest hair yet.
P.S. Patch test tea tree oil before using it on the skin to avoid reactions and ensure the correct dilution. Overuse can also irritate the scalp, so start using tea tree oil 1-2 times a week and then increase if required.
Top-Selling Hair Care Products With Tea Tree Oil
1. Dry Shampoo
Do you have no time to wash your hair? This dry shampoo, infused with tea tree oil and rice scratch can absorb oil and odour to clarify your hair. Developed with love by Priyanka Chopra, it is a vegan, cruelty-free product that doesn't leave any residue or white cast behind. Just a few spritzes and you’ll have hair that looks as good as your wash day!
2. Purifying Shampoo
If you have an oily scalp, here's good news for you! Made with 93% ingredients of natural origin including organically-grown Community Fair Trade tea tree oil from Kenya, this super shampoo leaves oily hair and scalps feeling cleansed, balanced and purified without stripping moisture.
3. Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Dandruff can be a task to deal with, which is exactly why you need something that is trusted by professionals and experts. Deeply cleanse, detox and nourish your scalp at the same time with this anti-dandruff shampoo. With anti-inflammatory ingredients like tea tree oil, quinoa protein and hydrolysed keratin, you’ll notice a visible reduction in dandruff and hair fall with continued use.
4. Anti-dandruff Mask
Struggling with an itchy scalp because of dandruff? It’s time you indulge in this calming treatment! It contains tea tree oil, shea butter and witch hazel that relieves scalp itchiness and irritation. Plus, it intensely nourishes and softens hair, yay!
5. Anti-dandruff Conditioner
You don’t have to give up on shine and lustre while fighting dandruff. This tea tree and ginger oil conditioner gently removes dandruff and excess oil, whereas coconut and almond oil reduce frizz, strengthen brittle hair and leave it looking soft and smooth.
6. Purifying Shampoo
Fighting an irritated scalp? Place your trust in this purifying and balancing shampoo to soothe the scalp, improve strength, and shine and reduce dryness. It is also vegan and made with 93% ingredients of natural origin so you know you’re getting the best possible care for your hair.
7. Essential Oil
It's effective and it does deliver results - the proof lies in the 34,000+ ratings on Nykaa. Get your hands on the purest form of tea tree oil and use it in your hair care routine to combat dandruff and hydrate dry hair.
8. Anti-dandruff Scalp Serum
Take fast action against stubborn dandruff with this power-packed anti-dandruff serum. Along with the antibacterial tea tree, it also contains rosemary which has anti-fungal benefits to soothe irritated scalp. It has a calming effect and offers instant relief against itchiness.
Other Benefits Of Tea Tree Oil
- Prevents Lice: Tea tree oil can help get rid of lice effectively and relieve you of its symptoms like irritation and itchiness, as per a study. Mix tea tree oil with any carrier oil and leave it overnight. Use a fine-toothed comb the next morning to remove all the lice and wash your hair thoroughly with a shampoo
- Adds Shine: Dry and frizzy hair can appear dull and can be the main reason behind your locks losing their lustre. Tea tree oil – when combined with a carrier oil – brings back this shine by nourishing the hair and giving it much-needed relief from pollutants, environmental stressors, and harsh chemicals in products.
- Improves Scalp Health: A study says that tea tree oil can be used as a natural treatment for seborrheic dermatitis – a skin condition that is characterised by dry patches with scales. An irritated scalp can trigger many other hair issues including hair fall and loss. Hence, using tea tree oil regularly will help treat and prevent scalp irritation and improve overall scalp health.
- Conditioner: If you want hair that feels smooth and silky, moisturising should be your number one focus. Not just the scalp, your hair strands also deserve hydration and you can achieve this with the help of tea tree oil.
- Antifungal And Antiseptic: The antifungal And antiseptic properties of tea tree oil make it a great natural insect repellent – a plus point for all the outdoor adventure lovers out there. It also reduces odour and can be used as a natural alternative for deodorants and antiperspirants.
- Great For Skin: Tea tree oil is also proven to be great for acne control. Apart from applying it to the skin directly, you can find several tea tree oil products for the face such as cleanser, clay mask, and pore cream.
FAQs On Tea Tree Oil For Hair
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How do I use tea tree oil for hair?
Tea tree oil is packed with anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties which makes it ideal for treating dandruff, itchiness and dryness. To reap all these benefits, you can use tea tree essential oil by diluting it with a carrier oil of your choice. You can also add 2-3 drops of tea tree essential oil to your shampoo or hair mask and massage it on your scalp. But, the best way to use tea tree oil is by using hair care products that are infused with it. This offers optimum results and also eliminates the risk of scalp irritation.
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Is tea tree oil safe to use?
Absolutely! Tea tree oil offers many skin and hair benefits. But since it's quite potent, ensure that you’re diluting it with a carrier oil of your choice. It can be coconut, almond, jojoba oil and so on.
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Can I apply tea tree oil directly to the hair?
Tea tree essential oil by itself can be quite strong. The ideal option is to mix it with a carrier oil to dilute the concentration.
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What can I mix with tea tree oil for hair?
There are several carrier oils you can use to mix with tea tree oil, including almond, jojoba, rosemary, castor, olive, and the Indian grandma-approved coconut oil. You can also try the Soulflower Tea Tree Anti Dandruff Hair Treatment Oil which already has the perfect mix of oils.
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Does tea tree oil thicken hair?
As tea tree oil cleanses and treats the scalp, it could lead to the growth of healthy hair follicles. However, there are various factors like the natural texture of your hair, genetics, nutrition, and hormonal changes that can affect your hair.
