In a study published in the Journal of American Academy of Dermatology, 126 people used shampoo with 5% tea tree oil. After the study was done, dandruff got a lot better and the participants’ itchy scalps also got better. The study showed that tea tree oil can reduce inflammation, kill fungi, kill bacteria, and protect cells from damage.
People have been putting tea tree oil on their hair for hundreds of years to help it grow faster and stay healthy. Putting tea tree oil on your hair can help in a number of ways, but if you don’t do it right, it could hurt your hair more than help it.
To find out the best way to put tea tree oil on your hair, we read a lot of research papers and talked to dermatologists and people who work in the hair care business.
We’ll talk more about the technique and the research that went into it in the next sections.
Table of Contents
What does Science say of Tea Tree Oil’s Benefits on Hair?
Tea tree oil, when applied topically, may stimulate hair growth and unclog hair follicles. Researchers found that combining hair growth treatment like minoxidil with tea tree oil was superior to using alone minoxidil. It has also been discovered that tea tree oil has DHT-blocking properties.
Seborrheic dermatitis, characterized by scaly areas on the scalp, is a common skin/scalp condition that may benefit from the use of tea tree oil, according to recent research. Using tea tree oil shampoo has also been shown to reduce itching and greasiness in studies. Tea tree oil, which contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities, can be used to treat scalp irritation and injuries because of these properties. When applied topically, this oil functions as a natural scalp conditioner and removes substances that cause flaking.
As an antifungal agent, tea tree oil can be used to treat dandruff. As a powerful cleanser, it can help keep your scalp clear of dirt and dead skin cells, which can lead to dandruff and buildup in the follicles of your hair. Hair and scalp remain healthy and dandruff-free when sebaceous glands are kept in check with tea tree oil.
Hair loss and breakage can also be caused by scalp inflammation and itching. Tea tree oil can help stop hair loss by calming the scalp and addressing dandruff.
Some research has shown that nerolidol, a type of essential oil, can be particularly successful when used in combination with tea tree oil. In another study mixing tea tree oil with lavender oil has been found extremely effective in the treatment of lice.
How to Apply Tea Tree Oil to Hair in 6 Steps: As per Science
Even small amounts of tea tree oil can work because it is so concentrated. But you must mix the essential oils with a carrier oil like olive, jojoba, or grapeseed oil.
Experts say that putting tea tree oil on the surface of the hair won’t be of any good and will only make the scalp oily. You need to know how to oil your hair right if you want to get the most out of it.
In the sections that follow, we’ll talk more about the technique and the research that went into it.
Step 1: Prepare your Hair
We’ll start by detangling and removing any knots from the hair with a wide-toothed comb. When tea tree oil is used, the probability of hair breakage is reduced. This also ensures that the oil is evenly administered and dispersed across the scalp and hair.
Split your hair into two portions (or four sections if it is thick or wavy) and straighten each section from roots to ends to straighten it from top to bottom.
Step 2: Prepare the Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil molecules are much larger than hair follicles on the scalp because of how it is made. As a result, tea tree oil cannot penetrate the hair follicle at room temperature and have the desired effect.
Warming tea tree oil solves this problem by breaking up the oil molecules and making it easier for the oil to penetrate the scalp and hair. Tea tree oil’s medicinal qualities are enhanced when heated. This is very good for colored or damaged hair. Few people are aware of the fact that heated tea tree oil treatments seal the hair’s cuticle, allowing it to retain moisture.
Mix around 7 drops of essential oils into 3 to 4 tablespoons of carrier oil.
Note: Essential oils are highly concentrated and must be diluted.
In a microwave-safe dish, heat the combined oil (a glass bowl is recommended). Apply a patch test to your hand to confirm that the tea tree oil isn’t too hot and that you won’t have an allergic reaction.
Step 3: Apply the Tea Tree Oil
We’ll start with the scalp, then the crown, and eventually the rest of the hair with tea tree oil. Massage your scalp in a circular motion with your fingertips to promote hair growth. Massage your scalp well with your fingertips before applying oil to your hair.
Tea tree oil should only be used sparingly. You have to wash your hair more regularly when there is an excess of oil, which undermines the benefits of oiling. Shampooing too frequently strips your hair of its natural oils and nutrients, leaving it brittle, lifeless, and dry.
Step 4: Get Rid of Knots
The wide-toothed comb will be used once more to untangle any knots that may have formed during the oil application. This can assist oil in reaching neglected areas of your head and lessen the likelihood of your hair breaking when you wash it.
When combing your hair after a massage, be careful because the massage has loosened the cortex and roots of your hair, making them more vulnerable to injury.
Step 5: Cover your Head
We must cover our heads with a shower cap or a cotton T-shirt for the next 15 to 20 minutes. This will give you the sensation of heating while also opening the pores on your scalp and cuticles. Tea tree oil will penetrate your scalp and hair follicles more efficiently if you do this than if you don’t.
Note: Because towels are abrasive, you should not wrap your head in them because the friction may cause hair damage.
Step 6: Wash Off the Tea Tree Oil
The oiling procedure is finished with a mild shampoo and a lukewarm water rinse. To open pores and eliminate excess oil and debris, wash with lukewarm water.
To close the freshly opened pores and preserve moisture, we must now wash our hair with cold water.
How to Choose the Best Carrier Oil for Tea tree Oil?
There are so many carrier oils available that it can be confusing. For the best results, go with a carrier oil that is 100% pure. Pure carrier oil protects tea tree oil’s chemical composition and maintains its solubility. The carrier oil may otherwise interfere with the tea tree oil’s intended effects or benefits.
Carrier oils such as petroleum jelly, vegetable oils, and butter should be avoided because they do not penetrate the scalp and hair well enough to absorb the active ingredient.
We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of carrier oils and organized them to match your unique needs.
| 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
Individuals who are allergic to nuts should avoid using nut oils since they can cause an allergic reaction. This category includes oils made from apricot kernels, argan, and almonds.
How to Dilute Tea tree Oil for Hair and Scalp?
Only a few drops of tea tree oil are required. Applying tea tree oil to the scalp directly can irritate the skin and create an allergic reaction. When it comes to oil dilution, follow the recommendations on the label.
If you are allergic to plants, test a small amount of the oil on your scalp or skin to see if you have a reaction.
Dilution Proportions:
- For 10% dilution, you need to mix 5 teaspoons of carrier oil with 50 drops of tea tree oil.
- For 5% dilution, you need to mix 5 teaspoons of carrier oil with 25 drops of tea tree oil.
- For 3% dilution, you need to mix 5 teaspoons of carrier oil with 15 drops of tea tree oil.
- For 2.5% dilution, you need to mix 5 teaspoons of carrier oil with 4 drops of tea tree oil.
How to Choose the Best Tea Tree Oil?
All of the studies and research discussed thus far indicate that tea tree oil may be beneficial for hair health. However, if the tea tree oil is of poor quality, you will not be able to enjoy any of these benefits. Consider the following when searching for the best tea tree oil for hair:
- Make sure the tea tree oil is made to be used for cosmetic use. It is often written on the back of the container.
- In higher quality tea tree oils, terpinen-4-ol concentrations are higher and cineole concentrations lower. Choose oils with terpinen-4-ol concentrations of 30-40% and cineole concentrations of less than 7 percent when comparing different brands of the same type of oil.
- Make sure the tea tree oil bottle is dark and made of glass at all times. The dark tint of the container prevents the tea tree oil from going bad by blocking light.
- Tea tree oil should always be 100 percent pure organic oil that has not been processed. Tea tree oil that has not been processed is labeled “virgin.”
- If possible, go with a well-known brand.
How to Use Tea Tree Oil to Promote Hair Growth, Increase Density, and Prevent Hair Loss
Tea tree oil promotes healthy hair development by removing toxins from the scalp and increasing blood circulation. It also wakes up the dormant hair follicles by stimulating them. For hair growth, it helps the hair and scalp absorb nutrients more effectively.
If you want to use tea tree oil to help your hair grow and thicken, apply it to your scalp first. You don’t need to apply any oil to your hair in this scenario because the growth factor is controlled by each hair shaft under the scalp.
- Warm 2 to 3 tablespoons tea tree oil, plus coconut, castor, or olive oil.
- Massage the tea tree oil mix in a circular motion into the scalp with your fingers.
- For 15 to 20 minutes, keep it covered with a shower helmet or a t-shirt.
- Use lukewarm water and gentle shampoo to gently rinse it out.
- To close the pores, rinse with cold water.
What to mix with Tea Tree Oil for hair growth?
Castor oil is the ideal oil to use with tea tree oil to encourage hair development, according to a study. This is because castor oil contains a lot of ricinoleic acids. Every month, the average person’s hair grows 0.5-0.17 centimeters.
Castor oil has been shown to promote quicker hair growth. Reheat the tea tree oil and castor oil mixture, as is typical, to allow it to enter deeper into the hair shaft.
How to use Tea Tree Oil as a conditioner?
Tea Tree Oil can be used in a variety of ways, including as a hair conditioner. When used as a hair conditioner, Tea Tree Oil makes your hair smooth, soft, and free of knots.
- Combine tea tree oil with a carrier oil such as coconut, castor, or olive oil and massage it into your hair and scalp.
- Using your fingertips, massage your head and hair until they are completely covered.
- For 15 to 20 minutes, wrap your hair in a shower hat or t-shirt.
- Wash your hair with ordinary water to keep some of the tea tree oil on it.
Risks of using Tea Tree Oil for Hair
People who are allergic to tea tree oil should get medical advice before using the oil. Tea tree oil can make you sick even if you don’t ingest the extract. A patch test should be done before applying tea tree oil on hair for the first time.
If tea tree oil causes skin redness or itching, stop using it and try a different oil.
FAQ
When should we apply tea tree oil to hair? Wet or dry hair?
Tea Tree Oil should only be used on dry hair. Before you begin, make sure you have at least one hour free. Tea tree oil molecules are larger than the pores on your scalp, therefore it takes at least an hour for them to penetrate.
Tea tree oil should not be applied to damp hair because the water in the hair shaft and the pores on the scalp prevent the oil molecules from penetrating the hair.
Can we apply tea tree oil directly to hair?
Tea tree oil should always be diluted with another carrier oil. Tea tree oils are extremely concentrated and can be powerful even in little doses. Essential oils must, however, be used with a carrier oil such as olive, jojoba, or grapeseed.
To get the intended effect, only a few drops of essential oil are required. When applied directly, some essential oils can hurt your scalp, so use caution. Always dilute oils according to the label’s instructions, and never use more than the recommended amount of each.
How long should you leave tea tree oil in your hair?
Tea tree oil should be applied to your hair for at least two hours before washing it, according to specialists and studies. The real-time will vary depending on the desired style and hair type.
Tea Tree Oil is so powerful that it should only be used for 10 hours at a time. Tea tree oil applied to the scalp over an extended period of time may irritate the scalp, dry it out, and clog the pores.
To know more, check the detailed article on How Long to Keep Tea Tree Oil in Hair? As Per Experts
Can you put tea tree oil in your hair every day? How often should you apply tea tree oil to your hair?
Only if your hair is dry should you use tea tree oil on a daily basis. Tea Tree Oil should only be used once a week for oily hair, according to specialists. The product can be used up to twice a week on normal hair types.
Is too much tea tree oil bad for hair?
Yes, too much tea tree oil can harm your hair because it requires more frequent shampooing. Excessive hair washing also drains the hair of its natural oils and dries out the scalp and hair, as you are surely aware. This negates the benefits of using oil on your hair and may result in more damage.
If you use too much tea tree oil on your scalp, it might clog your pores and lead to hair loss.
Can you sleep with tea tree oil in your hair? Can I leave tea tree oil overnight?
With tea tree oil in your hair, you can sleep for up to eight hours. When you wake up, immediately wash it out. Tea tree oil can clog hair follicles and cause irritation and inflammation if kept on the scalp for more than eight hours. Tea tree oil can attract dust and hinder the growth of new hair if left on your hair for too long.
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.