What Is Tea Tree Oil?
Tea tree oil is an essential oil that is extracted from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia plant. It has strong antimicrobial properties that have made it a popular remedy for treating issues of the scalp and skin (1). It is often used in cosmetic products, like shampoos and conditioners, and to treat issues like dandruff and acne (2), (3), (4).
How Does Tea Tree Oil Promote Hair Growth?
There is no scientific evidence that links tea tree oil to hair growth. However, tea tree oil may help treat issues of the hair and scalp, which facilitates healthy hair growth. Research shows that hair loss can be caused due to less blood circulation (5). Tea tree oil improves the circulation of blood, which can help flush out toxins. Tea tree oil also exhibits antifungal properties against M. furfur, fungi that cause dandruff (6). Dandruff can cause severe itching and scratching, which can injure the scalp and cause inflammation in the hair follicles, resulting in hair fall. The antiseptic, antifungal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties of tea tree oil ensure that your hair stays clean and healthy (1). The improved scalp health makes the follicles more receptive to nutrition, and the unclogged pores help promote unhindered hair growth.
Does Tea Tree Oil Work For Oily Hair?
Yes, it does! For greasy hair, the essential oil helps unclog pores and calms down the overzealous sebaceous glands. More often than not, hair loss is a direct result of clogged follicles and an irritated scalp. It also improves scalp health on the whole with its antimicrobial properties.
How To Use Tea Tree Oil For Hair Growth
Tea tree oil can be used on dry and oily hair types to improve hair growth. You can add various ingredients to this essential oil to create the perfect hair growth solution for your hair. One of the best ways to use tea tree oil is in combination with other carrier oils. Given below is a step-by-step guide on how to use tea tree oil to stop hair loss and promote hair growth.
Using Tea Tree Oil With A Carrier Oil For Hair Growth
Tea tree oil needs to be diluted before you can use it. By combining a few drops of the essential oil with your regular hair oil, you can create a hair growth solution that boosts scalp health. While tea tree oil induces new hair growth, the carrier oil will help nourish your follicles. This can work to your advantage if you already know what oils work best for your hair. If not, read on to find out which oils will best suit your hair type. You Will Need
2 tablespoons of any carrier oil 10 drops of tea tree oil A bowl for mixing Hot towel
How To Apply How Often Since washing your hair too often can be detrimental to hair health, it is recommended that you treat your hair with hot oil not more than three times a week. Oily hair types can use lighter oils like jojoba or olive. Precautions
Do not overheat the oil as it can lose nutrients, and you also run the risk of burning your scalp. It is completely normal for your scalp to feel a little tingly during and after this treatment.
Since everyone’s hair is different, something that works for one person may not work for you. However, choosing a carrier oil for your hair type is pretty simple. In fact, there are many oils that work well for each hair type – be it oily, dry, or combination. The following is a list of oils that can be used with tea tree oil to promote hair growth.
Tea Tree Oil Blends For Hair Growth
1. Use Tea Tree Oil With Olive Oil For Hair Growth
Olive oil contains oleuropein that could promote hair growth in mice (7). It hydrates your hair and is light and does not weigh your hair down, which makes it perfect for all hair types. In combination with tea tree oil, it makes a hydrating hair growth remedy. Ideal For Due to its lightweight and hydrating properties, olive oil can be used by everyone regardless of their hair type. It leaves the hair feeling soft and silky while keeping it moisturized.
2. Tea Tree Oil With Jojoba Oil For Hair Growth
Jojoba oil is very similar to the natural oils present in your scalp (8), (9). More often than not, the reason your hair gets oily is that your sebaceous glands are pushed into overdrive because of dry conditions. Using jojoba oil calms them down while making your hair stronger and promoting hair growth (10). It also minimizes the damage caused by heat styling and makes your hair soft and shiny. Ideal For This oil is perfect for oily hair types. With regular use, jojoba oil can control the amount of oil produced and also reduce hair fall.
3. Castor Oil And Tea Tree Oil For Hair Growth
Castor oil is hailed as a miracle solution for hair loss. However, there is no scientific evidence linking castor oil to hair growth. Castor oil nourishes your follicles and hair with omega-9 fatty acids. It strengthens dry hair while nourishing and hydrating it. It also helps increase hair luster (11). Due to its thick and sticky consistency, castor oil can be used better in combination with a lighter carrier oil, like coconut or olive. Anecdotal evidence suggests that it may not only promote hair growth but also helps prevent dandruff and split ends. Ideal For The thick consistency of castor oil makes it ideal for dry and damaged hair types. Mix one part of castor oil with two parts of a lighter carrier oil and 10 drops of tea tree oil.
4. Coconut Oil And Tea Tree Oil For Hair Growth
Coconut oil is one of the most popular and penetrative hair oils (12). This means that it penetrates through your hair cuticles and nourishes your hair shafts with its rich content of fatty acids. It prevents the loss of protein from your hair, keeping it healthy and strong. When used with tea tree oil, it nourishes your hair while improving your scalp health and stimulating hair growth. Ideal For Coconut oil can sometimes weigh your hair down if not washed out properly, so it is not recommended for oily hair. It can be used for hair types that range from normal to dry.
5. Almond Oil With Tea Tree Oil For Hair Growth
Almond oil has emollient properties (13). It hydrates and relaxes your cuticles while promoting hair growth. It is light and does not weigh your hair down. It aids hair growth by unclogging follicles and improving blood circulation. It leaves your hair feeling smooth and looking shiny. Ideal For Almonds oil’s lightness and moisturizing properties make it ideal for all hair types.
6. Lavender Oil And Tea Tree Oil For Hair Growth
Lavender essential oil has antimicrobial properties (14). This can help improve scalp health. Lavender essential oil also promoted hair growth in mice studies (15). Another study showed that aromatherapy with essential oils, including lavender oil, promoted hair growth (16). Hair fall is often a common by-product of stress. Lavender essential oil can help with this as it is often used in aromatherapy to relieve depression and stress (17). A lavender and tea tree essential oil combination can work miracles to improve scalp health. When using this combination, add them to a carrier oil suitable for your hair type. Ideal For This combination can be used for all hair types as long as you select a carrier oil that suits your hair. Combine 2-3 drops of lavender oil to 10 drops of tea tree oil and 2 tablespoons of carrier oil.
7. Rosemary Oil And Tea Tree Oil For Hair Growth
Rosemary oil is often used as a hair growth remedy (18). It thickens your hair and leaves it feeling soft and manageable. In combination with tea tree oil, it can make for a good hair growth solution. This solution also needs to be diluted with a carrier oil. Ideal For This solution can be used for all hair types if you use it with a carrier oil suitable for your hair. Combine 2-3 drops of rosemary essential oil with tea tree oil and carrier oil of your choice. Tea tree oil can be used in hair masks and added to other hair products to promote hair growth. Listed below are the different ways in which you can use tea tree oil to treat hair loss.
Other DIY Tea Tree Oil For Hair Growth Remedies
8. Aloe Vera-Tea Tree Oil For Hair Growth
Aloe vera is known for its healing and hydrating properties (19). It contains vitamins and minerals that promote healthy hair growth. It can also soothe an irritated scalp and deal with issues, such as dandruff (20). It also leaves your hair with a pleasant sheen. To use aloe vera with tea tree oil to promote hair growth, follow the steps below. You Will Need
4-5 drops tea tree oil 1/2 cup of water 1/2 cup of aloe gel Bowl for mixing
How To Apply Ideal For This hair mask is ideal for all hair types as it cleanses your scalp while moisturizing your hair. How Often Apply this mixture at least once a week in combination with regular oiling to promote hair growth.
9. Tea Tree Oil And Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse For Hair Growth
A hair rinse can go a long way in maintaining the health of your scalp and hair. Apple cider vinegar is a popular hair cleanser, often used also to clean hair extensions. It also helps reduce split ends, hair loss, baldness, dandruff, scalp acne, amongst other hair care benefits. Clean hair and scalp are more receptive to nourishment and hydration from hair treatments, and unclogging your hair follicles is crucial for healthy hair growth. You Will Need
2-3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar 5 drops of tea tree oil 2 cups of water.
How To Apply
10. Tea Tree Oil And Shampoo For Hair Growth
Adding tea tree oil to your shampoo is one of the most convenient ways of using it to prevent hair fall and promote hair growth. To create your own tea tree oil shampoo, you can combine 10 drops of the oil to 250 ml of shampoo. You can add more to create a stronger solution, but do not cross 25 drops to prevent potential scalp irritation and dandruff.
Precautions And Tips
Do not exceed the recommended amount of tea tree oil.
Unless you are using it in a carrier oil solution, do not leave the oil on for more than an hour.
Steaming your hair after you oil it is a good idea as it will open up pores and allow for deep action.
Ensure that you thoroughly wash the oils off your hair and scalp.
Other Benefits Of Applying Tea Tree Oil On Your Hair
Tea tree oil is an effective cure for dandruff and lice (2), (21). If you have a lice problem, a tea tree shampoo will make dealing with it a whole lot easier.
It treats dry and oily scalps and restores the pH levels of your scalp.
It soothes itching and irritation.
Can You Apply Tea Tree Oil Directly To Your Hair?
While a few drops of tea tree oil can be rubbed directly on your scalp, it would be a waste to apply it directly to your hair. A little bit of this essential oil goes a long way, so it is recommended to dilute it with other carrier oils before applying it to your hair.
How Long Can You Leave Tea Tree Oil In Your Hair?
Tea tree oil, when used in small amounts and in combination with other oils, can be left in overnight as a deep conditioning treatment. However, when using it by itself as a scalp treatment, it is better to wash it off within an hour to avoid possible irritation. Does tea tree oil help thinning hair? It may help maintain scalp health, which is crucial for preventing hair loss. If your hair thinning is caused by dandruff, scalp irritation, and related issues, tea tree oil may help prevent hair fall and thinning. However, if it’s due to some underlying condition, tea tree oil may not help unless you address it. Does tea tree damage your hair? No, tea tree oil has little to no impact on the hair, making it safe for all hair textures and types.
