Essential oils have been used in alternative medicine for thousands of years. Apart from the often pleasant scents that make aromatherapy possible, many essential oils are believed to have biological benefits, such as antiseptic and antifungal properties. One such oil is tea tree oil, which has been used medicinally in Australia for over a hundred years for its therapeutic properties.
Tea tree oil (or melaleuca oil as it is sometimes called) is used as a pure essential oil and as an active ingredient in products that have antimicrobial, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Tea tree oil has gained popularity in skincare products as it has been shown to be effective in fighting acne. Many of the bacteria that tea tree oil fights on the face are also found on the scalp, causing similar chaos in the form of dandruff and irritation.
Benefits of tea tree oil for the hair
Tea tree oil has the ability to transform your hair, starting with your scalp. Its antimicrobial, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties make it an effective remedy for dandruff and improve overall scalp health. Healthy hair and new growth start at the scalp, so improving the health of your scalp should be the first step in any attempt to increase hair growth.
When using tea tree oil to treat the hair and scalp, it is important to make sure that you are using an essential oil and not just a fragrance oil, as fragrance oils do not offer the same health benefits. Essential oils are obtained by hydrodistillation, steam distillation, dry distillation or mechanical cold pressing of plants. They are different from fragrance oils, which are often produced in a laboratory.
Tea tree oil combats the formation of dandruff
Dandruff is usually caused by yeast fungi that infest the scalp. Tea tree oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties. In study participants who used tea tree oil shampoo, dandruff symptoms improved by 41 %. In addition, tea tree oil can reduce the itching associated with dandruff as it fights the dandruff-causing yeast fungi.
Antioxidant and antimicrobial properties
Tea tree oil can also relieve other itchy scalp conditions, such as seborrhoeic dermatitis. It contains powerful antioxidants that can relieve redness, itching and pain that can accompany scalp conditions.
Reduces inflammation
Tea tree oil is also thought to help reduce inflammation by reducing certain inflammatory markers. Tea tree oil may have anti-inflammatory properties due to its antioxidants. Inflammation of the scalp is one of the main causes of hair loss, so reducing inflammation may prevent future hair loss.
Regulates oil production
Oily or greasy hair is often the result of dandruff or other bacteria on the scalp. By treating the cause of the overproduction, tea tree oil can help regulate the scalp's oil production, resulting in a healthier scalp and better-looking hair.
May contribute to new hair growth
A healthy scalp is a prerequisite for new hair growth. The relationship between tea tree oil and hair growth is not direct, but improving overall scalp health can promote a healthy environment for hair growth. There is evidence that tea tree oil can improve scalp health and reduce dandruff, which in turn contributes to healthy hair growth.
All-natural delousing treatment
When there is an infestation of head lice, harsh chemical agents are often used to contain the infestation and prevent new eggs from hatching. A study found that tea tree oil is an effective remedy against lice if you are looking for a holistic approach to delousing.
Hair type considerations
Tea tree oil is suitable for all hair types and textures as it has little or no effect on the hair itself. Tea tree oil can be used to treat scalp conditions such as dandruff, but it is important to note that it has a high potential for irritation. Tea tree oil can be used by anyone, but it can cause contact or irritant dermatitis and allergic reactions. People who are allergic to Peru balsam, benzoin, rosin tinctures, eucalyptol or plants from the myrtle family should perform a skin test by applying some oil to their inner arm and waiting two to three days.
How to use tea tree oil for hair
Tea tree oil can be used in two ways for the health of your scalp: In its pure form as an essential oil or as an active ingredient in shampoos. As tea tree oil can be very sensitive when applied to the scalp, you should dilute it with a carrier oil before use. Tea tree oil is often best applied to the scalp in a shampoo, especially for more sensitive skin, to minimise the risk of hypersensitivity or irritation, Garshick warns. It's also important to check the label to see how much tea tree oil is included to know what to expect, as stronger concentrations are more likely to cause irritation. As with any other new ingredient, it is important to test a small patch of skin before applying it to the whole head.
- Add a few drops of tea tree oil to your shampoo: To avoid irritation, you can add tea tree oil to your favourite shampoo. Put two to three drops of tea tree oil in your palm and mix it with your normal amount of shampoo. Leave it on for five minutes and then rinse thoroughly. Avoid putting tea tree oil directly into the shampoo bottle as you may need to stop using it if irritation occurs.
- Make a massage oil for your scalp: Massage tea tree oil into the damp scalp with fingertips after applying shampoo. As this is a leave-in treatment, it may be beneficial to mix the two to three drops of tea tree oil with a carrier oil such as almond or coconut oil to avoid irritation. Massaging the scalp also promotes blood circulation, which can have a positive effect on hair growth.
- Combine it with your favourite hair mask: Add a few drops of tea tree oil to your favourite hair treatment to treat dandruff and dryness at the same time.
- Use products with tea tree oil: If you mix tea tree oil yourself, you run the risk of concocting a stronger than intended treatment, which can cause irritation. Garshick recommends buying products that already contain tea tree oil to be sure the concentration is right. Garshick recommends the following tea tree oil products.