When people start to look at using aromatherapy and oils, we are often asked, Is Tea Tree oil good for hair? The answer is yes; it’s a beautiful oil when looking at natural remedies for washing or conditioning hair because of its many antifungal, anti-microbial, antibacterial, and antiseptic constituents.
Historically, aromatherapists have used Tea tree oil to ease symptoms and support normal immune function for things such as dandruff, scaly skin, eczema, acne, and treating head lice infestations.
Tea Tree Oil Constituents
Tea Tree oil is good for hair as it’s a natural product and contains no harsh chemicals that can strip away the natural protective oils on the hair produced by the scalp (sebum).
Tea tree oil is distilled from the leaves of the Melaleuca Alternifolia tree, which is native to the low-lying wetlands of the Northern New South Wales region of Australia.
Indigenous peoples of Australia used (and probably still do) the tree in their traditional, natural medicines and skincare routines. They used the leaves and branches, mainly brewed and steeped in hot water, for many health and skincare uses, including the hair.
Thankfully, the hard work has already been done for us, and we are left with a small bottle (well, depending on your intended use schedule, it could be a big bottle…) of mighty oil full of antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antimicrobial and antibacterial terpenes.
Constituents In Tea Tree Oil That Are Good For Hair
Apart from the smell from the terpenes that can make hair smell glorious, the constituents in Tea tree oil that are good for hair and scalp are the antibacterial and antiseptic qualities it has. This means that the antiseptic naturally cleans the hair and scalp without harsh soapy chemicals, and the antibacterial constituents protect the hair from any germs or bugs hanging around.
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How To Use Tea Tree Oil For Hair
Tea tree oil is good for hair in many different ways and ailments. Below, you will find some tea tree oil recipes that support the hair and scalp's natural functions.
Is Tea Tree Oil Good For Dry Hair?
Dry, dull hair can be caused by a buildup of oil and regular flakes on the scalp blocking the pores so the oil cannot reach the hair and moisturize it effectively. Tea tree oil is good for hair and scalps that are dry as the oil will use its deep cleaning antibacterial constituents to remove the dead skin cells and stimulate circulation to the follicles on the scalp to produce sebum to encourage the scalp to moisturize itself and in turn make hair nice and shiny.
Is Tea Tree Oil Good For Hair Dandruff or Dry Scalp
Dandruff is dead skin found on the scalp - it can be caused by many factors and conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, to name just two. Tea Tree oil can assist in clearing up the dead skin cells or “flakes” by stimulating the sebum glands on the head to produce more oil to rehydrate the flaky skin. This will also use the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory constituents to effectively clean the hair and scalp, keeping germs away and preventing irritated skin infection.
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Is Tea Tree Oil Good For Hair and Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic Dermatitis is a condition on the scalp similar to Dandruff. However, unlike dandruff, it is caused by a reaction to a microbe that is on all of our heads (Malassezia Globosa). Some people who are very sensitive to the oleic acid that the microbe secretes produce more skin cells as a reaction to the acid. It can result in clumps of skin, large yellowish scales, and scalp inflammation. The constituents in Tea tree oil which are antibacterial, antifungal, and antiseptic, are especially good for hair and scalp when symptoms of this type of dermatitis appear. It will help deep clean the scalp and hair, ensuring bacteria don’t linger in the loose flakes to infect the sensitive skin.
Is Tea Tree Oil Good for Oily Hair
Tea tree oil is good for oily hair (including an oily scalp), cleaning away the excess oil. The antiseptic constituents of Tea tree oil target the overproduction of oil and rinse it out along with extra flakes from the scalp, making the hair look shinier and healthier. A regular hair care routine can help support the body’s natural sebum production and avoid overstimulating the follicles to produce less oily hair.
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Is Tea Tree Oil Good for Oily Skin/Acne on Scalp
Tea tree oil's antibacterial constituents can help treat oily skin and acne found on the scalp. In addition, a daily shampoo or hair rinse containing the oil will wash away excess sebum and eliminate bacteria from the open pores and blemishes in the hair.
Is Tea Tree Oil Good For Hair That Has Head Lice
Head Lice live exclusively on the human scalp and feed solely from human blood. A live infestation of head lice, otherwise known as “nits” (the eggs), can be identified by an itchy scalp, small brown or white (empty) eggs on the shaft of the hair. You can also see the lice moving amongst the hair (if you are lucky).
They can only be caught by head-to-head contact with an infected person. It is widespread for children (and parents of small children) to have infestations. The components of Tea tree oil are excellent natural insect repellent. Especially useful when combed through as a conditioning treatment during an infestation, removing and killing the lice.
Using a daily hair spray will deter the lice from moving back in to prevent head lice or nits from becoming a recurring problem.
Related Content: Does Tea Tree Oil Kill Lice?
Is Tea Tree Oil Good For Hair To Use Neat?
Using neat Tea tree oil is not recommended at all to help with hair and scalp conditions.
Diluting Essential Oils
Dilution of any essential oils is essential (I know, I’m hilarious!) when making your recipes for use in cosmetics/skin treatments, etc.
ALWAYS dilute oils in alcohol or carrier oils - if you mix essential oils with water, you are creating an emulsion that will physically not mix. For example, if you draw a bath and put in drops of essential oils - the oils will sit on top of the water and absorb into your skin neat without diluting. This can cause skin sensitivity and, depending on what oils you use, could also be toxic.
Tea Tree Oil and Safety
Tea tree oil is safe to use. However, please do not use ANY essential oils during the first 16 weeks of pregnancy.
Tea Tree oil is generally regarded as a safe oil.
Tea Tree Oil is non-toxic when diluted and used correctly.
Should the oil be accidentally swallowed, drink milk to dilute, and seek medical advice if you feel unwell.
In case of skin irritation or rash, wash the area well and seek medical advice if feeling unwell.
Avoid contact with mucous membranes and eyes. In case of contact, rinse the area well and seek medical attention if feeling unwell.
Methods of Use
Shampoo
Tea Tree oil shampoo is good for hair as its natural cleaning constituents protect the hair from bacteria and bugs hanging around in the follicles.
- 150ml Shampoo (any, can be cheap, can be expensive if you are feeling luxurious)
- 90 drops of Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca Alternifolia)
Method of use: Apply a small amount to wet hair and wash and rinse as usual. Repeat if required. Best to use this every other day.
Safety: Unsuitable for use in the first 16 weeks of pregnancy.
Conditioner
Tea tree oil conditioner is good for hair as its natural moisturizing, and circulatory stimulant constituents keep the hair shiny and supports regular sebum production on the scalp.
- 150ml Conditioner (any, cheaper the better usually)
- 5 drops of Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca Alternifolia)
Method of use: Apply a small amount to wet hair after washing, condition, and rinse as usual. Repeat if required, like the tea tree shampoo - keep it to every other day.
Safety: Unsuitable for use in the first 16 weeks of pregnancy.
Hair Rinse
A sterile rinse with water and 5 drops of tea tree oil makes a beautiful rinse that can be used on the hair daily after shampooing and conditioning. It is safe for all body areas (including sensitive bits, so you can use it in the shower).
- 5 drops of Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca Alternifolia)
- 10 ml Vodka (alcohol)
- 500ml of Cooled Boiled Water
Method of Use: After shampooing and conditioning, cover the hair liberally with the rinse, leave for a few minutes and rinse again with clean water.
Safety: Unsuitable for use in the first 16 weeks of pregnancy.
Cream and Lotions
Creams and lotions are an excellent base for essential oils. For example, any unscented plain lotion will blend with Tea tree oil and, when used as part of a skincare routine, will keep the skin moisturized and help your skin be free from germs.
- 30 ml of Non-fragranced Cream or Lotion.
- 1 drop of Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca Alternifolia)
Method of use: After cleansing with face wash and toner, apply this lotion twice daily, in small amounts using a circular upward motion (go with your circulation, not against it)
Safety: Not suitable for the first 16 weeks of pregnancy. Do not use mucous membranes (inside nose, mouth, or genitals).
Hair Mask
Hair masks are excellent at moisturizing and deep cleaning the hair and skin on the scalp. This one, in particular, is for soothing an irritated scalp and deep cleaning hair and follicles.
- 120ml Coconut Oil (cocos Nucifera)
- 3 drops Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca Alternifolia)
Method: Apply with fingertips, apply liberally over lengths and roots of hair using fingertips to massage the mask into the scalp. Incubate with a shower cap for ten minutes. Rinse with warm, clean water - no need to shampoo or condition. The tree oil will have cleaned the hair while the coconut oil conditions it.
Safety: Unsuitable for use in the first 16 weeks of pregnancy.
Compress
A compress can either be hot or cold. Use it as a circulatory stimulant (hot, bring blood to the area you are compressing) and colds (reduces inflammation in the area).
- 500ml Water
- 5 drops of Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca Alternifolia)
Method of use: In a large bowl, fill it with either hot (enough to hold your hand in) or cold water approx 500ml. Then add 5 drops of tea tree oil. Soak a small towel or flannel (if you are over 30, you’ll know what these are) in the mixture - thoroughly wring out the oily water and place it on the area you want to heat up or cool down.
Alternating hot and cold compresses can be used in the same treatment. If you want to draw out the toxins in a pustule, place a hot compress on the area to open up the pores/follicles. After five minutes, change to a cold compress to rest the pores/follicles. Then use a hot one again.
Safety: Not suitable for use during the first 16 weeks of pregnancy, Do not use on mucous membranes (penis, vagina, inside of nose, mouth, and eyes).
Hair Treatment
This conditioner, as well as being a wonderful delouser, can also be used for dandruff as a regular conditioner.
- 5 drops of Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca Alternifolia)
- 200ml of Conditioner (any, cheaper the better)
Method of Use: To remove a head lice infestation, cover hair from root to tip with this conditioning treatment and leave for five minutes. Combine through the hair's sections from root to tip with a fine tooth comb. Start by combing the underneath section of hair by the nape of the neck. As you comb out, wipe the comb or rinse and dry before tackling the next section of hair. Do this for the entire head.
For full effect, leave the conditioner on to do its job for 45 minutes.
Follow this step by rinsing the hair with clean water, then comb out again.
Safety: Not suitable for use during the first 16 weeks of pregnancy.
Hair Spray
After removing a head lice infestation, we would like to keep it that way. Spray this hairspray on the hair daily and liberally to ensure the little mites don’t return!
Method of use: In a large spray bottle, mix:
- 300ml of Water
- 1 tsp Alcohol to help the oils to disperse.
- 10 drops Tea Tree Essential Oil (Melaleuca Alternifolia)
Safety: Unsuitable for use in the first 16 weeks of pregnancy.
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So! Is Tea Tree Oil Good For Hair?
Yes, it is. It can help in many ways, from reducing swelling in hair follicles, regulating sebum production, drawing out toxins, and making your hair nice, clean, and smelling gorgeous. So give the recipes a try, and let us know if they do wonders for you, please let us know.
