If you want to use tea tree oil for the benefit of your hair, you have landed in the right place. Tea tree oil is the one solution for all your hair problems. This natural wonder known as melaleuca oil is trending amongst millennials because of its life-saving traits.
Tea tree oil has the potential to get rid of dandruff and head lice, prevent itchy scalp and nourish your hair, all at the same time.
In this article, we show you how tea tree oil can be used with various other supplements to make natural DIY masks and potions for your hair. Your journey to flawless hair with tea tree oil begins here!
What is Tea Tree Essential Oil?
This ancient remedy called tea tree oil has gained popularity in recent times because of its magical and effective properties. Tea tree oil is derived from the leaves of a plant called melaleuca which is native to Australia.
The tree tea oil has a pale yellow to almost colorless texture. It has a soothing smell like camphor. Tea tree oil is easily available in any online or offline cosmetic store and is also not very expensive.
The oil has unique properties that can get rid of inflammation, fungi, bacteria etc. It is used in the treatment of acne, nail fungus, contact dermatitis and athlete’s foot. It is also used as a hand sanitizer, natural deodorant, insect repellent and aromatherapy oil.
5 Hair Care Solutions with Tea Tree Oil
Usually, tea tree oil is used as an antiseptic or for curing acne. Fewer people know that tea tree oil can be very efficient in dealing with your hair problems. Tea tree oil has nourishment and antioxidant properties that can repair your hair in no time.
Let’s see how the right amount of tea tree oil with the right supplement can turn into a miracle.
1. Dandruff
Dandruff is the white flaky stuff that causes redness, itchiness and irritation in your scalp. People are turning to natural remedies because chemicals have failed to remove dandruff. In the case of dandruff, tea tree oil can prove to be your best friend.
Generally, dandruff is caused by overgrown yeast in our scalp that arises because of a lack of hygiene or a medical condition. Luckily, tea tree oil is known for its cleansing, antifungal and antimicrobial properties.
How to treat dandruff with tea tree oil?
Method 1:
Add 10-15 drops of tea tree oil to every 250 ML of your shampoo and mix them well. Then, massage it onto your hair and leave it for 4-5 minutes. Rinse thoroughly to prevent any leftover white flakes.
Tip: Try this consistently, once a week for a month and it can do magic for your hair.
Method 2:
Mix 20 drops of tea tree essential oil with 50 ML of coconut oil. Apply it all over your scalp and massage it for a while. Leave it at least for an hour or overnight if possible. Wash your hair with a mild shampoo.
Coconut oil can reduce the inflammation and pain caused by lice bites.
Tip: Try to use extra virgin and cold-pressed coconut oil for the best results.
2. Head Lice:
Haircare experts are using essential oils for the treatment of head lice as they are becoming more resistant to chemical treatments. Head lice and mites get stuck to the hair using glue secreted by them. Tea tree oil can kill the lice and disintegrate this glue.
Tea tree oil has antiseptic and insecticidal properties that are used to get rid of head lice and other parasitic infections. It is a safer alternative because this oil is not only effective but is also gentle on your scalp.
How to treat head lice with tea tree oil?
Method 1:
Mix tea tree oil and nerolidol in the ratio of 1:2 and apply it to your scalp. Leave it for 10 minutes and rinse thoroughly.
Nerolidol is a naturally occurring chemical compound of the alcohol family. This formula works best to destroy lice and eggs both.
Method 2:
Add 2-3 drops of tea tree oil to 15-20 drops of olive oil and rub it on your scalp. Leave this for 30-60 minutes. Use warm water and a mild shampoo to rinse it off. Olive oil cuts the oxygen supply of lice and suffocates them.
Rinse once again with vinegar to overcome the lice. Comb out the dead lice from your hair. Use this technique consistently to get rid of lice.
Method 3:
Prepare a mixture of 5-10 drops of tea tree oil, 2 tablespoons of lavender oil, and 3 tablespoons of shampoo. Apply this mixture to your scalp and cover it with a moist towel. After one hour, rinse your head thoroughly and comb the dead lice out from your hair. Lavender oil is used in this method because lice repel the smell of lavender.
Method 4:
Mix 7-8 drops of tea tree oil in any vegetable oil. Rub this mixture in your scalp and leave it overnight. Wear a shower cap for better absorption. Vegetable oil is useful in suffocating lice.
Comb out the dead lice and rinse your hair nicely later in the morning.
Caution: Don’t use all the above methods consequently. Pick out a method that is convenient for you and stay true to it.
3. Dryness and Itchy Scalp
Tea tree oil is a godsend if you are suffering from dryness or a scalp that itches constantly. Dryness is usually caused by the lack of moisture in your hair. Your hair follicles might be blocked and it may lead to an itchy scalp.
Tea tree oil helps the scalp cleanse and retain moisture for a long time.
How to get rid of dryness and itchy scalp with tea tree oil?
Method 1:
Add a few drops of tea tree oil to a mixture of jojoba, almond oil and olive oil in a 250 ML bottle. Apply it to your scalp and leave it overnight. Rinse normally in the morning.
These carrier oils have nutrients that make your hair soft and shiny.
Method 2:
Add a few drops of tea tree oil to a thick base like yoghurt. Then, add a tablespoon of honey to it. Apply the mask onto the hair and massage it with your fingertips for a few minutes. After 15-20 minutes, rinse off the hair mask with water.
4. Hair Growth
Excessive hair fall is a nightmare! The reasons for hair fall may vary from person to person.
When you feel your hair has stopped growing suddenly, it means they need nourishment. Tea tree oil promotes hair growth by stimulating your sleepy hair cells and waking them up with nutrients.
How to promote hair growth with tea tree oil?
Hot Oil Treatment:
Choose the carrier oil of your choice like castor or almond and mix it with a few drops of tea tree oil. Warm the mixture for a while and massage it to the scalp. Keep it overnight and rinse with herbal shampoo in the morning.
Tips:
- Don’t heat the oils too much as they can cause scaling in your scalp and lead to nutrient loss. Just a slightly warmed mixture can do wonders for your thinning hair.
- Some people advise using a few drops of tea tree oil daily. But, that is not correct for your hair because too much oiling can also lead to build-up. It can prove harmful for people with oily scalp.
5. Regular Conditioning
Some days your hair just needs a bit of pampering, care and love. Believe us, your beautiful hair deserves all of that. And the tea tree oil makes it easier for you.
Tea tree oil has terpinen-4-ol, which is the reason behind its anti-inflammatory properties. It also has cleansing properties which help you clean your scalp. This makes your hair super soft and dull strands turn shiny.
Spray on Leave-in Conditioner with tea tree oil:
For this, you need boiled water. You can use mineral water as an alternative. Add chamomile tea to this if available. To this, add a few drops of tea tree oil as per the quantity and transfer this into the spray bottle. Apply this into your hair whenever they need natural conditioning.
Things You Need to Know Before Using Tea Tree Oil For Hair
There are certain important things you need to know before using even a single drop of tea tree oil in any form:
- Tea tree oil should never be swallowed in any case. It can prove to be poisonous and cause serious symptoms.
- Never apply tea tree essential oil directly to your skin or scalp. It is highly concentrated in nature.
- Because of the concentration of tea tree oil, it is mandatory to use it with carrier oils. Examples of good carrier oils are coconut oil, olive oil, lavender oil, castor oil, argan oil, rosehip seed oil etc.
- Some people may have an allergy to tea tree oil. Before using it, apply a drop of diluted oil on a skin patch. If it does not affect you after twelve hours, it is safe for further use.
- Protect your eyes while applying tea tree oil to your face and hair. Exposure to eyes might cause redness.
Note: If it goes into your eyes accidentally, rinse thoroughly with water. In severe cases, a doctor must be consulted.
FAQs
Can tea tree oil be used for all hair types?
Ans. Yes. Haircare experts say that tea tree oil is suitable for all hair types, textures and lengths. It can also help you retain your natural texture if you have undergone any treatment.
Can tea tree oil cause hair loss?
Ans. If you are allergic to tea tree oil, it can cause your hair to fall out. Before applying tea tree oil, make sure to do a skin patch test as suggested earlier.
Conclusion
The magical tea tree oil has been with humankind for years. Research is still going on to find out the true potential. The full nature of this essential oil is yet to be found.
We mentioned numerous tried and tested methods to keep your hair lively. We hope that you use these methods and share the results with us in the comment section below. It’s time to say hello to new and replenished hair!
