Tea Tree essential oil is highly concentrated and powerful. As a result, tea tree oil should not be applied directly to the hair or scalp.
Before using tea tree oil, it should always be diluted with a carrier oil.
According to hair care professionals, you should leave tea tree oil on your hair for 1 to 2 hours before washing it off. The period will vary depending on your hair type and unique preferences.
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How Long to Keep Tea Tree Oil in Hair?
Tea Tree oil is a highly concentrated and potent essential oil. As a consequence, you should avoid direct application of Tea Tree oils to the hair or scalp.
Tea tree oils should always be diluted with a carrier oil prior to use.
Professionals recommend using diluted tea tree oil to your hair for at least one to two hours before washing. The duration of the treatment varies according to the kind of hair you have and your unique needs.
The most efficient approach to oil your hair is to use a cotton swab to apply warm tea tree oil in one-inch increments. Contrary to popular belief, overnight oiling is ineffective since it suffocates the scalp’s natural oil production.
Applying it to the scalp and massaging it for ten to fifteen minutes is the most effective application approach. Allow between one and two hours for the tea tree oil to absorb before gently washing. Maintain an indoor presence during this time period to avoid gathering further grime and dust.
Alternatively, you may leave the diluted tea tree oil in your hair overnight before shampooing it out the next day.
Avoid keeping tea tree oil on your scalp for more than 24 hours at a time to avoid your hair becoming brittle. Dirt may build up, causing your hair to become brittle and fragile.
If the weather is humid, avoid putting oil on your hair.
Avoid completely oiling your hair if your skin and scalp are oily since an oily scalp naturally produces oil.
If your job requires you to spend considerable time outside, you should avoid greasy hair. When greasy hair is exposed to the elements, dust may build, resulting in hair loss.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, see your doctor before using tea tree oil.
How to Choose the Best Carrier Oil for Tea Tree Oil?
The sheer volume of carrier oils on the market may be overwhelming. To get the optimum effects, use a pure carrier oil. By using a pure carrier oil, the chemical makeup of the tea tree oil is preserved and its solubility is ensured. Otherwise, the carrier oil may interfere with the desired outcomes or advantages of the tea tree oil.
Carrier oils such as petroleum jelly, vegetable shortening, and butter should be avoided since they do not penetrate deeply enough into the scalp and hair to allow the active ingredient to be absorbed.
To help you navigate the complex carrier oil selection process, we’ve put together a comprehensive list and classified it according to your specific requirements.
| Damaged Hair | Dry Hair | Oily Hair |
| Sweet Almond Oil | Pumpkin Seed Oil | Grapeseed Oil |
| Avocado Oil | Evening Primrose Oil | Apricot Kernel Oil |
| Coconut Oil | Castor Oil | Jojoba Oil |
| Pumpkin Seed Oil | Moringa Oil | Argan Oil |
Pro Tip: Anyone sensitive to tree nuts should avoid using tree nut-derived oils, since they may cause an allergic response. This category includes apricot kernel oils, argan oil, and almond oil.
How to Dilute Tea Tree Oil for Hair and Scalp?
All you need is a few drops of tea tree oil. Avoid direct application of tea tree oils to the scalp, since they may irritate the skin and cause an allergic response. Avoid excessive oil dilution; always adhere to the label guidelines.
If you have a plant allergy, test a little quantity of the oil on your scalp or skin to see how you respond.
Dilution Proportions:
- For 10% dilution, you need to mix 5 teaspoon of carrier oil with 50 drops of tea tree oil.
- For 5% dilution, you need to mix 5 teaspoon of carrier oil with 25 drops of tea tree oil.
- For 3% dilution, you need to mix 5 teaspoon of carrier oil with 15 drops of tea tree oil.
- For 2.5% dilution, you need to mix 5 teaspoon of carrier oil with 4 drops of tea tree oil.
How to Apply Tea Tree Oil on Hair?
- Divide your hair into tiny parts and massage the diluted tea tree oil into each section, working your way from the roots to the ends. Utilize a wide-tooth comb to ensure that it is spread evenly (and to prevent tangles). Massage it with the tips of your fingers to make it more comfortable.
- There is no need to apply more oil to your hair after an adequate amount has been applied. Rather than that, apply your current hair oil evenly to completely coat each strand. More oil production results in increased shampooing, which depletes the natural oils and moisture in your hair, leaving it dull, brittle, and dry.
- Once every strand of hair on your head is covered, twist it into a bun and wear it in a high bun to complete the appearance. According to trichologists, over-tightening ponytails may damage the hair’s roots and cause it to break when the ponytail is weighted down.
- Taking a steamy shower may be useful due to the fact that the steam promotes nutrient absorption. Additionally, a warm towel draped over your head may be beneficial.
- Lather up many times if required to completely remove all signs of oil residue.
- Finally, rinse your hair well with lukewarm water.
Pro Tip: Tea Tree oil might trigger a minty and tingling sensation on your scalp. If the sensations become very intense for you, dilute the tea tree oil further by adding carrier oil.
To know more, check the detailed article on How to Scientifically apply Tea Tree Oil on Hair
Final Thoughts
When it comes to hair loss and dandruff tea tree oil has been found extremely helpful.
Tea tree oil, diluted, may be applied to the hair shaft to prevent the development of pollutants and dead skin cells. Hair that is healthy and well-moisturized is less likely to fall out, therefore doing so may help it grow.
An excess of flaky, dry skin on your scalp is the primary cause of dandruff. The accumulation of dead skin cells may eventually impede hair development if left unattended. The antifungal and antibacterial properties of tea tree oil along with a gentle shampoo can remove these harmful flakes.
Researchers from the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology tested the efficacy of a shampoo containing 5% tea tree oil on 126 people. They found it to be extremely beneficial. Four weeks of research were conducted. Dandruff was reduced by 41% when the product included only 5% tea tree oil, according to the research. The subjects also said that the shampoo reduced the greasiness and itching of their scalp, and there were no negative side effects from using it.
Apply only pure, high-quality tea tree oil on your scalp and hair for the finest benefits. Even though the price is higher, the return on investment will be larger.
Due to the versatility of tea tree oil, it is an excellent hair and scalp treatment for all hair types.
Tea tree oil is a wonderful oil for revitalizing damaged hair due to its potent and efficient properties. Additionally, it may help strengthen and thicken hair strands.
Oiling your hair and then rushing to the shower to wash it is a waste of time and energy. Allow an hour before washing your hair if you have the time. Wrap your hair with a warm, damp towel to help your pores open and absorb the oil’s benefits. Following that, rinse your hair completely with lukewarm water.
Brush your hair as little as possible immediately after the application of tea tree oil to minimize hair breakage and loss. To eliminate knots, begin at the tips and work your way up to the ends. This method of detangling your hair and scalp guarantees that the tea tree oil is distributed evenly.
FAQ
What happens if you leave tea tree oil in your hair too long?
If you leave diluted tea tree oil in your hair too long it collects dust, which can block the hair follicles and can cause scalp infection. Furthermore, if the tea tree oil you’re using is unrefined and absorbs into the scalp, it might hinder hair growth.
How often should you put tea tree oil in your hair?
You should apply diluted tea tree oil on your hair no more than once or twice a week.
It is acceptable to leave it on for an hour or two, but this is not required.
Bear in mind that using tea tree oil on your hair for an extended period of time might cause significant harm.
The tea tree oil will collect dirt and blend with your natural scalp oil after five to eight hours. Allowing dirt and grime to accumulate in your hair will help keep it clean and well-groomed.
Oil retention on the hair and scalp for a lengthy period of time may cause irritation to the scalp and skin, as well as oil flow down the face, and has no practical benefit.
Creative, versatile, and passionate about her craft, Rupa Das is a well-recognized name in the world of fashion and makeup! This is a woman who has been in the fashion and makeup industry for 24 years and is still one of the leading international makeup artist in the circuit! She has worked in big brands like Lakme, Green Trends, Colors and transitioned to become a Beauty (Hair & Skin) Trainer.