Tea tree oil is commonly used as a topical treatment for various skin and hair conditions. When it comes to hair health, some key potential benefits of tea tree oil include helping to soothe dry, itchy scalp, and improve hair growth.
However, there are situations where improper or overuse can potentially lead to hair loss or scalp irritation in some people.The key is using tea tree oil correctly and safely. When diluted properly and used sparingly, tea tree oil is generally considered safe and potentially beneficial for most hair types.
Read on for tips on safe usage, potential risks to be aware of, and more information to help you decide if tea tree oil could be helpful for your hair care regimen.
How Tea Tree Oil Can Cause Hair Loss?
While tea tree oil use carries many hair and scalp benefits, misuse does pose a risk of hair loss in some cases. Several factors determine whether hair loss or thinning occurs:
Sensitivity
Allergic reactions or skin sensitivities to compounds in tea tree oil can sometimes trigger increased shedding in prone individuals. Discontinue use immediately if noticeable increased loss occurs.
Improper or Over Dilution
Using tea tree oil undiluted or under-diluted greatly raises the risk of chemical burns, inflammation, clogged follicles and increased loss over time. Always mix with a carrier and adhere to safe dilution percentages.
Overuse
Using tea tree oil treatments too frequently can lead to buildup or overly dry scalp, causing hair loss from breakage or brittle strands. Limit to 1-2 times weekly at most.
Application Method
Applying excess amounts of tea tree oil directly onto scalp instead of hair lengths/ends can increase absorption into follicles and raise irritation risks for some.
Hair Porosity Issues
Very porous, damaged hair soaks up oils easily and could absorb too much tea tree oil before it’s sufficiently diluted by a carrier substance, leading to increased fragility.
If noticing any unusual shedding, hair feeling brittle, or scalp irritation from tea tree oil treatments, stop using immediately. The reaction should resolve on its own once the stimulus is removed. See a dermatologist if symptoms persist longer than 1-2 weeks after ceasing usage.
Simple Way To Dilute Tea Tree Oil For Hair
When using tea tree oil directly on your scalp and hair, it's crucial that you dilute it first. Used undiluted at full strength, the compounds in tea tree oil can sometimes cause skin irritation, rashes, or even chemical burns for some people.
As a general rule of thumb, tea tree oil only needs to make up 1% to 5% of your end solution. To be safe when starting out, begin with only 1%.
Here is an easy beginner’s dilution using common household measurements:
- In 1 ounce (30 mL) of any carrier oil or conditioner, add 12 drops tea tree oil.
- In 1 cup (8 ounces/250 mL), add 30 drops.
- In 1 pint (16 ounces/500 mL), add 60 drops.
Shake or mix well before each use to incorporate throughout the solution.
Choosing a carrier oil or conditioner allows the tea tree oil to spread evenly over the hair while also providing additional hair health benefits without risk of burns. Good options include coconut oil, grapeseed oil, aloe vera gel, shea butter, or a nutrient-rich hair mask product.
Listen to your hair and scalp carefully, and discontinue use if any irritation develops. Monitor for any unusual shedding or loss and stop using if noticed. As with any new product, it’s wise to perform an allergy test on a small area first before applying all over.
If opting to buy premixed hair care products containing tea tree oil, check that they follow safety standards - the tea tree oil concentration should fall somewhere within that safe 1% to 5% dilution range discussed above.
How to Use Tea Tree Oil for Hair
Once properly diluted, here are some simple ways to use it:
- As a scalp treatment: Apply diluted oil directly onto dry or damp scalp and massage gently. Leave on for 30-60 minutes then shampoo as usual.
- Mixed into shampoo or conditioner: Add drops as per the dilution instructions above into your usual products. Lather and rinse as normal.
- As a post-shampoo rinse: After shampooing, massage diluted oil into scalp and evenly through hair lengths. Leave for 2-5 minutes then rinse out - no need for additional conditioner.
- Overnight deeply nourishing treatment: Apply diluted oil generously on scalp, hair lengths and ends. Cover with a shower cap and leave overnight. Wash out in the morning.
Only use tea tree oil treatments once or twice per week at most as overuse could cause scalp irritation or excessive dryness. Monitor closely for increased shedding or loss and discontinue use if experienced.
Benefits Of Using Tea Tree Oil For Hair
Soothing Dry, Flaky Scalp
Tea tree oil possesses potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can effectively address the issue of a dry, flaky scalp. Dryness often leads to irritation and itching, causing discomfort and potentially contributing to more severe scalp conditions.
Tea tree oil's ability to moisturize the scalp helps alleviate dryness and soothe irritation, providing relief from discomfort. Its anti-inflammatory properties further contribute to calming the scalp, reducing redness, and promoting a healthier environment for hair follicles.
Reducing Buildup and Cleaning Clogged Hair Follicles
Tea tree oil serves as a natural cleanser, helping to reduce buildup on the scalp and unclog hair follicles. Over time, hair care products, dead skin cells, and excess oils can accumulate on the scalp, potentially leading to clogged follicles.
When applied properly, tea tree oil helps break down this buildup, keeping the hair follicles clear and promoting a healthy environment for hair growth. Clear follicles are essential for the unhindered growth of strong, vibrant hair.
Improving Hair Growth
By maintaining a healthy scalp and clear hair follicles, tea tree oil indirectly contributes to improved hair growth. A nourished and irritation-free scalp provides an optimal environment for hair follicles to thrive.
When follicles are healthy, hair growth can occur more efficiently, leading to increased thickness and overall improvement in hair quality. Regular use of tea tree oil in hair care routines has been associated with a positive impact on hair growth over time.
Adding Shine and Smoothness
Tea tree oil contains nourishing oils that can strengthen the hair shaft and improve overall hair texture. This, in turn, enhances the natural shine and smoothness of the hair.
The oil's conditioning properties help combat frizz and contribute to a sleeker appearance. As a result, hair looks healthier, feels softer, and gains a noticeable sheen, making it a desirable ingredient in various natural hair care products.
Final Thoughts
When used correctly, tea tree oil can be a helpful addition to a natural hair care regimen for many people. Follow the proper dilution, application tips and frequency guidelines outlined above to unlock its antimicrobial and hair growth supporting benefits while minimizing any irritation risks.
As with any new product, monitor closely and remove from your routine at the very first sign of any increased hair shedding or scalp discomfort. Using tea tree oil safely comes down to smart, sparing use - a little goes a long way