Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsBenefitsWashing StepsSpecial ConsiderationsTreatment Ingredients
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Benefits
Washing Steps
Special Considerations
Treatment Ingredients
Tea tree oilcan be used in shampoos and other hair products. When tea tree oil is applied to the hair and scalp, it can help strengthen hair and remove scalp residue. It also helps relieve symptoms of hair and scalp ailments like dandruff and head lice.
This article describes the benefits and uses of tea tree oil for hair. It also explains how to wash your hair with tea tree oil and the considerations for using this product at home.
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Tea Tree Oil Hair and Scalp Benefits
Tea tree oil may help with the following hair and scalp problems:
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Promote Healthy Hair
While tea tree oil does not cleanse hair, adding small amounts to the hair shaft can help prevent the daily buildup of chemicals and dead skin with styling. The oil helps keep your hair healthy and moisturized, supporting hair growth. However, no scientific evidence exists that tea tree oil alone can promote hair growth.
Oily Hair: What Causes Wet and Shiny Symptoms?
Treat Dandruff
Eradicate Head Lice
In a study that compared tea tree oil and nerolidol (a natural compound in some essential oils), a 1% concentration of tea tree oil successfully eradicated 100% of treatedhead liceafter 30 minutes.
Small studies have also shown that combining tea tree oil andlavenderoil can reduce the number of live lice and kill lice eggs.
Relieve Scalp Eczema
Atopic dermatitis (eczema)can make your scalp dry and itchy. The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of terpinen-4-ol in tea tree oil can help reduce symptoms of redness, irritation, and swelling that occur with eczema.
Reduce Unwanted Hair
Research indicates that lavender and tea tree oils may have antiandrogenic properties—those that inhibit the production or effects of the sex hormone androgen, which is in much higher quantities in men—in treatinghirsutism. Hirsutism is excessive hair growth on the face and body of females in areas typically seen in males.
Tea Tree Oil vs. Eucalyptus OilTea tree oil has value for topical treatments as an antiseptic, antimicrobial, and antifungal. Research indicates that eucalyptus oil has many of the same antimicrobial antifungal properties. Like tea tree oil, there is some evidence that eucalyptus oil may help improve hair health, promote hair growth, relieve itchy scalp, and eradicate head lice.
Tea Tree Oil vs. Eucalyptus Oil
Tea tree oil has value for topical treatments as an antiseptic, antimicrobial, and antifungal. Research indicates that eucalyptus oil has many of the same antimicrobial antifungal properties. Like tea tree oil, there is some evidence that eucalyptus oil may help improve hair health, promote hair growth, relieve itchy scalp, and eradicate head lice.
Tea Tree Oil Hair Washing Steps
Tea tree oil washing steps vary slightly based on the hair or scalp problem being treated. When using shampoo or conditioner containing tea tree oil, follow product directions.
Tea tree oil manufacturers warn against applying tea tree oil directly to the scalp. This is because the oil is very concentrated and is likely to irritate your skin. Instead, tea tree oil should be diluted with shampoo or a carrier oil like coconut, almond, or sesame oil.
When using tea tree oil, manufacturers advise following these instructions for the best results:
How to Relieve a Dry, Itchy Scalp
Tea tree oil should only be used as a topical treatment. It should not be swallowed. Taking tea tree oil orally can cause serious issues such as confusion, breathing problems,ataxia(loss of muscle coordination), andcoma.
Most people do not react to the topical application of tea tree oil when used as directed. However, some people develop an allergic skin rash calledcontact dermatitisor other types of skin irritation in the area where the product is used.
Before using tea tree oil on your scalp, test a small amount on the inside of your arm. If you do not have a skin reaction after 24 hours, it is likely safe to use.
There is little information on the safe use of tea tree oil while pregnant or breastfeeding. Consult your healthcare provider before using tea tree oil during either of these conditions.
Tea Tree Oil Hair Treatment Ingredients
Not all tea tree oil products are the same. To get the best results when using tea tree oil for hair treatment, manufacturers advise choosing a tea tree oil that provides the purest and highest-quality ingredients.
Look for Quality Ingredients
Choose tea tree oil that has the recommended percentage of terpinen-4-ol and other key components.
Terpinen-4-ol is the ingredient that provides natural antiseptic properties in tea tree oils. According to criteria from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), major components of manufactured tea tree oil include the following in their recommended value ranges:
Tea tree formulations with these values contain enough components to provide results without higher concentrations that may increase your risk of an allergic reaction.
Consider Packaging and Storage
Look for packaging that uses dark bottles since terpinen-4-ol rapidly oxidizes when exposed to light. This can cause a decrease in quality. Exposure to light also increases levels of para-cymene in tea tree oil, which could lead to skin irritation. To maintain the quality of tea tree oil, store it in areas not exposed to light or extreme temperatures and moisture.
Avoid High Concentrations
Choose hair products without high concentrations of tea tree oil to prevent triggering allergic reactions. In 2002, the European Cosmetics Association recommended that tea tree oil not be used at a concentration greater than 1% when applied to the skin.
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A Word From VerywellStudies of tea tree oil’s efficacy have been scarce, and it is not recognized in the United States as an approved drug. However, many people agree that it is indeed beneficial in sustaining hair brilliance.—WILLIAM TRUSWELL, M.D., MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
A Word From Verywell
Studies of tea tree oil’s efficacy have been scarce, and it is not recognized in the United States as an approved drug. However, many people agree that it is indeed beneficial in sustaining hair brilliance.—WILLIAM TRUSWELL, M.D., MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Studies of tea tree oil’s efficacy have been scarce, and it is not recognized in the United States as an approved drug. However, many people agree that it is indeed beneficial in sustaining hair brilliance.
—WILLIAM TRUSWELL, M.D., MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Summary
Tea tree oil is an essential oil used to treat many skin problems and infections. When used to enhance or treat the hair and scalp, it is applied as an ingredient in shampoo.
Pure tea tree oil must be diluted with shampoo or carrier oil before being applied to your hair or scalp. Using tea tree oil alone can increase your risk of rash because the oil is highly concentrated. Tea tree oil poses the risk of severe effects when taken orally.
Research on tea tree oil for hair is somewhat limited. Its antibacterial and antifungal properties are valuable in fighting dandruff and head lice. It also may help relieve symptoms of itching that come with scalp eczema.
Because of its highly concentrated makeup, it’s advised to patch-test tea tree oil before putting it on your scalp for the first time. Consult your healthcare provider about other safety concerns or if you notice a skin rash from using it.
12 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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Henry Ford Health.5 causes of dandruff (and how to treat them.)
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Kama Ayurveda.8 ways to use tea tree oil for healthy hair.
BeBeautiful.Tea tree oil for hair: the benefits and uses.
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