Tea tree oil is an essential oil with tons of antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties [1-3]. So it’s no surprise that applying tea tree oil for hair can relieve several common scalp conditions, moisturise your tresses, and even help slow hair loss in conjunction with other treatments.
Want to know how to get healthy hair with this essential oil? Discover more about using tea tree oil for hair here, including:
Tea tree oil is an oil distilled from the leaves of the tea tree (which, despite the name, isn’t the plant used to produce tea). It’s a significant source of terpinen-4-ol, the compound responsible for many of tea tree oil’s beneficial effects [4].
In addition to hair and scalp treatments, tea tree oil is often used to treat acne and other skin complaints. With a distinctive medicinal scent, it’s also an effective deodorant, insect repellent and hand sanitiser.
So how exactly does tea tree oil help your hair? From fighting fungal infections to adding shine to your hair, here are six benefits of using tea tree oil on your tresses.
Dandruff is caused by the Malassezia fungus. When this fungus builds up on the scalp, it disrupts the skin cell cycle, causing excessive cell growth which leads to the development of flaky white or yellow patches. A similar but more severe condition, seborrheic dermatitis, is caused by the same fungus.
As an antifungal agent, tea tree oil can significantly reduce symptoms of dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis [2, 5]. In fact, one study found that every clinical fungal isolate of Malassezia furfur — the specific fungus responsible for seborrheic dermatitis — could be reduced by tea tree oil [2]. So if you’re concerned that seborrheic dermatitis is contributing to hair loss or scalp flaking, tea tree oil is an excellent natural remedy.
Hair damage is tricky to treat and almost impossible to reverse. But research suggests tea tree oil can treat damaged hair in several ways, making it stronger, glossier, and shinier [6].
Tea tree oil reduces hair absorbency, which is particularly beneficial for those with high porosity hair. Reducing the amount of moisture absorbed by your hair can reduce frizz, so applying tea tree oil is a great treatment for hair that feels like straw.
Tea tree oil also improves the tensile strength of your hair strands, making it more resilient for styling and less prone to breakage.
Oxidative stress contributes to many different types of alopecia, from alopecia areata to telogen effluvium. Terpinen-4-ol, the main compound within tea tree oil, is an effective antioxidant that’s been shown to reduce oxidative stress [7].
While there’s little clinical evidence to support the theory that tea tree oil can directly reduce hair loss caused by these conditions, its antioxidant properties are promising. Research has already shown that tea tree oil can play a supporting role in preventing hair loss when combined with other ingredients like Minoxidil [8].
If your hair is prone to becoming oily or greasy, tea tree oil can help. This essential oil is an effective acne treatment because it reduces skin oiliness, so it may help lower scalp grease levels, too [9].
That said, using too much of any essential oil on your hair can actually make your hair look greasier. So use the product sparingly and try to avoid getting it on the lengths of dry hair.
Head lice are itchy, unpleasant, and uncomfortable. Luckily, the antimicrobial properties of tea tree oil make it an effective treatment for head lice. One study found that washing hair twice a week with tea tree oil shampoo and conditioner — along with a daily tea tree oil solution spray — led to a decline in head lice infestations [10].
While evidence for using tea tree oil is limited compared to approved pharmaceutical treatments, emerging research suggests some head lice are developing immunity to traditional over-the-counter treatments. So it may be worth trying this effective natural remedy if other treatments haven’t worked.
Scalp psoriasis is a common cause of an itchy scalp according to the NHS. Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that causes skin cells to multiply rapidly, manifesting as thick red and white plaques on and around the scalp.
Tea tree oil has anti-inflammatory properties that help control psoriasis flare-ups [11-12]. So if you’re affected by itchy or unsightly plaques on your head and neck, diluted tea tree oil may help.
Tea tree oil has numerous benefits for your hair and scalp. But applying undiluted tea tree oil directly to your skin can cause itchiness, irritation, and even allergic reactions. So it’s important to understand how to use tea tree oil for hair safely.
Here are seven tea tree oil uses for hair that are both safe and effective.
One study found that a formula containing 5% Minoxidil, 5% tea tree oil, and 0.5% diclofenac (a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) was more effective at reducing symptoms of male pattern baldness than Minoxidil alone [8]. So if you’re already using Minoxidil to tackle androgenetic alopecia, adding a diluted tea tree oil blend to your hair care routine may boost your results.
This study also found no appreciable side effects when using this formula, suggesting it’s safe to use tea tree oil alongside Minoxidil.
Many hair growth oils have properties that complement tea tree oil when it comes to boosting hair health. Rosemary oil for hair and pumpkin seed oil for hair are among the best essential oils for hair growth, as they can inhibit production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the hormone responsible for male pattern baldness.
When blending essential oils, keep an eye on the concentration. Diluting your blend with an effective carrier oil (such as olive oil for hair) will reduce the risk of irritation and other side effects.
To improve shine, gloss, and tensile strength, use tea tree oil on the lengths of your hair. The easiest way to do this is to add a few drops of tea tree oil to your shampoo and lather it in as normal. For an extra boost, add some tea tree oil to your conditioner as well.
Alternatively, add a few drops of tea tree oil to a spray bottle with a thin carrier oil and spritz this over wet hair, then comb through your hair for even distribution. Avoid applying tea tree oil to dry hair, as this can make it look greasy.
Head lice are repelled by the strong scent of tea tree oil, so adding a few drops to your shampoo and/or conditioner can help control head lice infestations [10].
After you’ve treated your scalp with tea tree oil, comb through the hair to remove any nits and/or lice.
Children are more commonly affected by head lice and also tend to have more sensitive skin, so err on the side of caution if using tea tree oil to treat a child’s scalp. Tea tree oil is also toxic if consumed, and there have been some cases of accidental exposure in children. So consider the risks before using tea tree oil for head lice.
Avocado oil has many benefits for hair, from hydrating your tresses to minimising scalp inflammation. Mixing tea tree oil with avocado creates a nourishing mask to moisturise your hair and scalp.
If you have dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, or psoriasis, you may not want to risk irritating your scalp further by exposing it to lots of different ingredients. Instead, keep things simple: blend a few drops of tea tree oil with a gentle carrier oil (coconut oil and olive oil are good choices).
Apply this mixture to the flaky or sore areas of your scalp for a soothing anti-inflammatory and antifungal balm.
Scalp massages can promote hair growth, so give your hair a well-earned boost by introducing a diluted tea tree oil blend to the process. This video demonstrates how to massage your scalp with essential oils:
While research into the hair growth benefits of tea tree oil alone is limited, there is some evidence that it can help promote regrowth when combined with other ingredients [8]. Adding tea tree oil to a Minoxidil and diclofenac solution offered safer, faster, and more effective results for men with male pattern baldness than Minoxidil alone.
In addition, if your hair loss is linked with a fungal infection, tea tree oil can treat the problem and give your hair a chance to regrow.
There’s not yet any evidence that tea tree oil can treat other types of alopecia, but there are signs it may be helpful for hair loss caused by oxidative stress, inflammation, and breakage [1-3].
Tea tree oil is a relatively safe essential oil when applied topically. You may experience mild to moderate skin irritation (such as rashes, itchiness, and redness), especially if you’re using a higher concentration. Major side effects are more likely to occur in concentrations of 25% or higher [5].
Allergic reactions are also possible, so it’s a good idea to patch test if you haven’t used tea tree oil before.
Ingesting tea tree oil can cause more serious effects. There have been reports of disorientation, ataxia, and even short-term coma after consuming tea tree oil [13]. So don’t put tea tree oil in your food or use it as a cooking oil.
It’s easy to create a safe, effective tea tree oil blend for your hair and scalp. Simply mix 5-10 drops of tea tree oil with 100 ml of your preferred carrier oil. Olive oil, almond oil, and coconut oil all make great carrier oils.
Alternatively, mix 3-5 drops of tea tree oil with a standard measure of shampoo and lather into your hair during your normal hair wash.
While tea tree oil has many excellent benefits for hair health, there are better products for hair growth and thickness out there. If you want to slow hair loss and stimulate regrowth, try these treatments instead:
If these treatments fail to give you the regrowth results you want, a hair transplant may be the answer. While it’s more invasive than topical solutions or oral medication, a hair transplant is a permanent way to restore your hair even in the more advanced stages of balding.
Our clinic has been named Hair Transplant Clinic of the Year four years running, from 2021 to 2024. So whether you’re looking for personalised hair loss advice, prescriptions for hair growth medication, or hair transplant surgery, you’re in good hands at any of our clinic locations.
Book a consultation today to speak to one of our friendly hair loss advisors and get a personalised treatment plan.
Learn more about tea tree oil for hair in these frequently asked questions.
While tea tree oil is generally safe, some users have reported skin irritation, especially when using higher concentrations. To minimise the risk of rashes, redness, and itching, dilute tea tree oil before applying it.
If you do experience any irritation, stop using the oil and speak to a trichologist about alternative products.
Yes. As long as you’ve diluted tea tree oil in a carrier oil or shampoo, it’s safe to apply it to your hair.
If you don’t experience any irritation, it’s safe to leave diluted tea tree oil solutions on your scalp overnight. However, it’s best to limit your exposure to 30 minutes the first time you use it to check for side effects. You can then gradually increase this until you find the optimum exposure time.
While there’s no scientific evidence to prove tea tree oil can treat ingrown hairs, it may offer some relief thanks to its soothing anti-inflammatory properties. Applying diluted tea tree oil with a clean flannel or cotton pad can also encourage your pores to open, loosening the ingrown hair.
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