While tea tree oil may help with several conditions, it’s also known to help clean the hair and reduce dandruff. You can use the essential oil itself or buy a shampoo containing tea tree.
People have been using plant extracts for thousands of years, and they often serve as an alternative to Western medicine. Tea tree oil is a particularly popular essential oil derived from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia plant.
In particular, people use tea tree oil for dandruff and hair health. It’s commonly found in everyday products like shampoo.
Read on to learn more about using tea tree oil in your hair.
Tea tree oil can help with various scalp conditions, such as dandruff.
Using a shampoo with harsh chemicals could strip your hair follicles of much-needed nutrients. If you use a lot of products or dye your hair often, you can also put your hair at risk of breaking off or falling out.
Adding small amounts of diluted tea tree oil to your shampoo can help prevent a buildup of chemicals and dead skin. This keeps your hair healthy and moisturized, allowing it to grow without breaking or falling out.
When scaly, dry skin builds up on your scalp, it may cause dandruff. Left untreated, the dead skin buildup could ultimately hinder hair growth. Because tea tree oil is antifungal, it can help
If you have an autoimmune condition, are going through chemotherapy, have a genetic disposition to losing hair, or have hair loss associated with aging, tea tree oil likely won’t help with your hair loss. If any of the above apply to you, it’s a good idea to speak with your doctor about treatment options.
Unlike many popular alternative remedies, some research supports the benefits of tea tree oil. Much of the research focuses on maintaining healthy hair and scalp, as well as managing various hair conditions.
According to a 2021 study, tea tree oil shampoos can effectively soothe dandruff.
To help with dandruff, apply a shampoo with 5% tea tree oil to your scalp. Start by using it once per week, and increase to more if needed.
For healthy hair, dilute tea tree oil with a 1 to 10 ratio of tea tree oil to almond or another similar oil. Use the mixture every day to get the best results.
Although tea tree oil provides benefits, there are a few precautions to consider.
For example, do not ingest any essential oils. Only use them topically, and dilute them in a carrier oil first. It’s also best to patch test any product with tea tree oil on the lower inside of your arm first. Wait 12 to 24 hours to see if you have a reaction.
Look for signs of a severe reaction, such as swelling, pain, hives, and extreme itching. These are all potential signs of a topical allergic reaction.
If you’re allergic to Balsam of Peru, benzoin, colophony tinctures, eucalyptol, or plants from the myrtle family, you have a greater probability of also being allergic to tea tree oil. In this case, it’s usually a good idea to avoid it.
People who are pregnant and nursing should use tea tree oil with caution. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, speak with your doctor before trying tea tree oil on your hair.
Tea tree oil can be an effective way to help with dandruff and get healthy hair. Look for it in the ingredient list of your shampoo. You should always test it on your skin before use, as it can be mildly irritating to some people.
If you experience a strong allergic reaction, seek medical attention immediately.