Tea Tree Oil For Hair: Benefits And How To Use

Benefits Of Using Australian Tea Tree Oil For Hair

Tea tree oil is an essential oil which is extracted from steam-distillation of leaves from the Melaleuca Alternifolia, a tree that is native to Australia.
Tea tree oil is used in numerous skin care and hair care formulations for its anti-microbial properties. This is the same reason for which this wonderful oil has been gaining popularity worldwide. Let us learn more about the role played by tea tree oil for hair and scalp health.

CAN TEA TREE OIL REALLY IMPROVE YOUR SCALP?

• It eliminates dandruff
  According to a study which was conducted over a span of 4 weeks, a shampoo containing tea tree oil was tested on people with flakiness on their scalp. It proved that tea tree oil successfully reduced mild to moderate dandruff by 40% due to its antibacterial and antifungal properties.
• It is anti-inflammatory
  Numerous studies today indicate strong anti-inflammatory action present in tea tree oil. Research indicates that it can be effectively used as a natural alternative for reducing seborrhoeic dermatitis on the scalp, a condition that causes inflammation, itching and soreness.
• It keeps sebum at bay
  Studies show that tea tree oil based hair cleansers not only reduce dandruff and itching, but also reduce oiliness on the scalp by regulating sebum levels.

HOW IS TEA TREE OIL USED TO MAKE HAIR HEALTHY AND STRONG?

• It provides antioxidant support
  Antioxidants present in tea tree oil protect your scalp and hair against damage from stressors such as environmental pollution, bacterial growth and oxidative stress, thereby promoting hair health.
• It stimulates hair growth
  According to a study, natural ingredients such as essential oils of tea tree, thyme, lavender, chamomile and peppermint stimulate blood circulation on the scalp and promote healthy hair growth in the long run.
• It prevents hair loss
  The same study also concludes that natural oils such as tea tree oil, rosemary oil, jojoba oil and argan oil also aids in preventing alopecia, hair loss and common baldness.

SOME MORE BENEFITS OF TEA TREE OIL FOR HAIR

• It controls scalp odour
  Sweat itself does not smell. However, when secretions from your sweat glands merge with the bacteria on your scalp, it can cause scalp odour. The antibacterial properties of tea tree oil can help to keep scalp odour at bay.
• It reduces scalp acne
  The antibacterial and antifungal properties in tea tree oil also help to prevent hair follicles from getting congested, thereby preventing scalp acne, bumps and lesions along your hairline.
  Research also indicates that tea tree oil based hair products reduce the amount and severity of already existing acne.
• It prevents infections
  According to a study, tea tree oil has natural antiseptic compounds that disinfect minor cuts and abrasions caused by scalp trauma or itching, by killing harmful bacteria that can cause infection in open wounds.
• It promotes wound healing
  Research suggests that tea tree oil triggers an anti-inflammatory response which helps to soothe and cool sensitive areas of your scalp and also speeds up tissue repair and wound healing. 
  
• It kills head lice
  Research also indicates that tea tree oil is one of the most potent ingredients for remedying head lice and their eggs due to its anti-viral properties. Long term presence of lice in your hair can cause damage to hair follicles and lead to hair fall and breakage.

HOW TO USE TEA TREE ESSENTIAL OIL FOR HAIR CARE?

• Tea tree oil for hair growth
  One drop of organic tea tree oil can be added to one tablespoon of cold pressed jojoba oil. This blend can be used to massage your scalp weekly in order to promote blood flow and stimulate healthy hair growth.
• Tea tree oil for controlling hair fall
  One drop each of organic tea tree oil and organic rosemary essential oil can be added to one tablespoon of cold pressed argan oil. This blend can be used to massage your scalp weekly. Keep it overnight before shampoo.
• Tea Tree oil for reducing dandruff or lice
  Two drops of organic tea tree oil can be added to a blend of one tablespoon of cold pressed hemp seed oil and half teaspoon cold pressed neem oil. This blend can be used to massage your scalp once or twice a week to prevent or reduce dandruff, itchiness and head lice.
  Note – Please patch test every DIY remedy on a small portion of your inner arm before applying it directly on your scalp and hair. In case of any signs of irritation, rinse the affected area immediately with water and soap, and discontinue using those products.

JUICY CHEMISTRY’S HAIR PRODUCTS THAT ARE MADE WITH TEA TREE OIL

• Fenugreek, Brahmi and Plantain Shampoo Bar
  It is enriched with Neem and Tea Tree Hydrosols to reduce dandruff and stimulate blood circulation on the scalp, and Tea Tree and Rosemary Essential Oils to soothe inflammation.
• Baobab, Rosemary and Tea Tree Organic Shampoo
  It is formulated with Baobab, Coconut and Castor Oils to leave hair nourished, and Vitamin E, Tea Tree Essential Oil and Rosemary extract for soothing inflammation and promoting scalp repair.
• Neem Butter, Pumpkin and Ginger Hair Mask
  It is a conditioning hair mask formulated with Neem and Baobab Oils for nourishing hair, along with Tea Tree, Lavender and Rosemary Essential Oils for soothing itchiness. It is best used as an overnight hair mask.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. Who can use tea tree oil?
   Anyone who does not have sensitivity to tea tree oil can use it on scalp and hair. To patch test it, dilute one drop of tea tree essential oil in one tablespoon of any carrier oil of your choice, and apply it on a small portion of your inner arm to check for any signs of irritation.
2. How long does tea tree oil take to show results?
   Our hair experiences months of stress before it starts showing signs for concern. Hence, the time taken by any natural remedy to show visible results depends on how far the concern goes.
   When it comes to using natural ingredients for hair growth or dandruff removal, consistency and patience are key.

REFERENCES –

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1360273/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7595365/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3480584/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4132408/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16418522/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23848210/