A miracle cure in this day and age of science and technology?
Not possible, right?
Well, you may be a skeptic until you try tea tree oil. This is an incredible essential oil to say the least with so many applications that it was deemed the ‘miracle cure’ for most ailments by ancient traditional healers.
This oil has been used for many decades if not centuries, but it’s only until recently that it is starting to become popular as a natural hair product.
This essential oil is derived from a narrow leafed tree native to Australia and the north-east coast of New South Wales. Most women are now just beginning to discover tea tree oil for hair.
Also known as Melaleuca Alternifolia, pure tea tree oil has a fresh and pleasant odor and the oil itself has a pale yellow color that in some cases is clear.
Contents
- Tea tree oil benefits
- Common questions about using tea tree oil for hair
- 1. Can I use tea tree oil for beard growth?
- 2. Is tea tree oil good for oily hair?
- 3. Is it safe to use tea tree oil on children?
- 4. Is tea tree oil shampoo safe for color treated hair or will it fade color?
- 5. Tea tree oil for growing eyebrow hair?
- 6. Is tea tree oil good for moisturizing a shaved head?
- 7. Does tea tree oil help bald spots?
- Tea tree oil compared
- Bonus tip: How to make tea tree oil spray?
- Conclusion
Tea tree oil shampoo
What makes tea tree oil an excellent choice for hair is its ability to hydrate and nourish the hair strands. It is ideal for several hair and beauty problems and can help to reduce hair loss while promoting hair growth.
The oil can be used alone or in a shampoo to gently cleanse and moisturize both the scalp and the hair.
Benefits of tea tree oil shampoo
- Kills lice
- Kills the bacteria and fungus on the scalp that causes dandruff
- Moisturizes hair and scalp
Tea tree oil benefits
This tree was discovered by the aborigines in Australia. Evidence points to them using it as a medicinal herb to treat many ailments for at least 100 years.
It was used as an antiseptic to treat cuts, burns, boils. The technological advances being used in research today reveal that the oil is effective in treating a number of ailments, though to what degree is still under study. Tea tree has been found to alleviate the discomfort of:
- Mild to moderate acne – although it works slower than gels like benzoyl peroxide, it has been found to be less irritating. A 5% gel of tea tree oil applied twice daily for 45 days has been found to reduce acne symptoms and severity
- Fungicide infection of the nails – topical application of 100% tea tree oil for six months will work with about 18% of the people who try it
- Athletes foot – the oil effectively relieves symptoms of athletes foot including scaling, itching, burning and inflammation. 25% to 50% of tea tree oil is needed to cure this condition. Application is topical
- Dandruff – there is sufficient early research evidence to suggest that application of a 5% tea tree oil scalp moisturizer for 3 minutes a day for a month has the ability to reduce scalp lesions, itchiness and greasiness in patients with dandruff
- Abrasions, cuts, burns, insect bites, boils and stings – tea tree oil has antiseptic properties which help soothe and disinfect breaks in the skin
- Sore throat and congestion – this oil helps to open up the respiratory system and soothes the irritation resulting from throat infections
Let’s explore how tea tree oil can be beneficial to your hair’s health.
There are many beauty products for your hair on the market. However, using tea tree oil is a natural way to open up your follicles and re-grow your hair.
Hair growth
Making your own tea tree oil shampoo is fairly simple. You simply add a few drops of tea tree oil to your favorite shampoo. This will help to boost the shampoo properties.
By applying the mixture to your scalp and massaging for the few minutes, it will help enhance the medicinal properties of the tea tree oil by unclogging hair follicles and nourishing the roots.
Here are simple instructions on how to use tea tree oil for hair growth:
You will need tea tree oil and a carrier oil such as almond, coconut or jojoba. Mix it well and massage the mixture onto the scalp. Then rinse thoroughly. You will find the mixture to be refreshing with a mild tingling sensation on your scalp.
Additionally, to change the texture of tea tree oil, you can mix it with olive oil as this adds softness, smoothness and a protective layer that promotes growth and is resistant to toxins.
Rash
Topical application of a mixture of tea tree oil and iodine effectively deals with skin infections caused by specific viruses. The pair has displayed better results than each being used individually in the case of viral skin infections.
Scalp psoriasis
Symptoms of scalp psoriasis include tremendous itching and brittle hair. Although tea tree is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and all natural, it does not relieve psoriasis. However, it does help keep the scalp from infection as a result of frequent scratching.
Hair lice
Lice are hard to get rid of and are unfortunately very good at survival. Shampoos like NeutraLize Lotion® Key Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd, Australia comprises of 1% tea tree and is a tree oil shampoo that is 97.6 % effective at killing head lice in only 15 minutes exposure time. Double concentration is required to kill lice eggs.
Alternatively, a home remedy that is just as effective is a combination of tea tree oil and lavender which kills eggs and reduces lice.
Can you prevent lice with tea tree oil?
Doubts have been cast on the ability of tea tree oil to prevent lice. However, tea tree oil on it’s own is enough to repel lice but will not kill the eggs.
Hair dandruff
Due to its anti- bacterial nature, tea tree oils is effective in eliminating dandruff causing bacteria. The oil kills the bacteria that make the scalp dry and flaky.
Common questions about using tea tree oil for hair
1. Can I use tea tree oil for beard growth?
Managing a beard can be a tricky affair. Beards, like head hair, need care in the form of grooming in order to turn out stylish. Tea tree oil is great for keeping your beard glossy, and thick without entanglements.
At the same time it does nourish the roots and well as keep the base of your chin clean, free of dandruff and moisturized.
For your beard, tea tree oil is beneficial because it stimulates hair growth and maintains hair quality.
If you happen to have itchy skin under your beard, tea tree oil might just be the remedy you need to soothe the skin under your beard.
2. Is tea tree oil good for oily hair?
The natural composition of tea tree oil can control excess oil produced in the scalp. This excess oil blocks hair follicles preventing hair growth. Tea tree oil’s ability to break down the excess oil makes it a good option since the unwanted oil can be easily rinsed out.
3. Is it safe to use tea tree oil on children?
Because of tea tree oil antiseptic properties, it is beneficial as a topical remedy on most children especially for diaper rash and fungal infections.
Nevertheless, you should be aware of possible side effects before using it on children. Side effects of topical use may include, skin rash, redness and inflammation that are as a result of an allergic reaction to tea tree oil.
Only diluted tea tree oil should be used on children and if any signs of allergic reactions manifest, usage should be discontinued immediately. Tea tree should never be consumed orally as it can cause nerve damage and toxicity.
4. Is tea tree oil shampoo safe for color treated hair or will it fade color?
Tea tree oil is absolutely safe for color treated hair. It actually removes debris from your scalp and hair while retaining the color on hair. The oil does not have astringent properties instead hydrating and nourishing the hair strands despite the color.
5. Tea tree oil for growing eyebrow hair?
Tea tree oil is known to unclog pores and promote growth when applied to your eyebrows. It also prevents hair thinning and hair loss, creating optimal conditions for thick eyebrows.
6. Is tea tree oil good for moisturizing a shaved head?
Tea tree oils is a good option even for shaven scalp. It is good for moisturizing the scalp so that it is no longer dry, which can cause itchiness.
It also does a great job of preventing dead cells from building up.
7. Does tea tree oil help bald spots?
Tea tree oil promotes growth by cleaning and opening up hair follicles on your scalp while keeping it moisturized. If you are looking to rejuvenate hair follicles with the aim of experiencing hair growth, then tea tree oil is the ideal option for you. It allows the hair follicles to become healthy and robust, which encourages growth.
Tea tree oil compared
Tea tree vs. olive oil
While olive oil is just as respected in the world of essential and carrier oils, it is has nothing on the anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties of tea tree. Having said that, olive oil has vitamin E which is rich in antioxidants that help the skin and hair stay hydrated and nourished.
Olive oil can strengthen hair, prevent premature graying, promote the elasticity of the skin, a and repair both skin and hair. Olive oil is more versatile than tea tree oil.
Tea tree vs. neem oil
Neem oil has a good level of antiseptic qualities but not to the degree that tea tree oil does. Tea tree oil reduces inflammation faster and more effectively than neem oil.
The ayurvedic neem oil also cannot be used in acne treatments as it does not have a direct effect on the condition. Tea tree, on the other hand, is the number one selling herb for acne treatment with only a 72 hour period needed to start seeing results.
Tea tree vs. castor oil
This becomes a tight tug of war since both have powerful antiseptic abilities. However, castor oil has been known to cause irritation quite frequently, on all skin types.
In addition, some instances have occurred where one is looking to boost hair follicles to grow using castor oil and ends up having their eyebrows fall off. Tea tree, on the other hand, is gentle enough to nurture the follicles by nourishing, strengthening and hydrating them.
However, castor oil can be a great addition to your beauty regimen in small quantities that are used once in a while.
Bonus tip: How to make tea tree oil spray?
A little spritz of tea tree may be just what you need to get your body feeling revitalized and rejuvenated. But you do not have to go to the store and buy it. Here is a simple way to make your own tea tree oil spray.
Using a dropper, put 3 – 4 drops of pure tea tree essential oil into a bottle. Add water and dilute until you get the strength you are aiming for. Shake well and use immediately. The spray is ready to use on your skin, hair or scalp.
Tea tree and water do not mix well so you have to give the mixture a shake before you use it.
Conclusion
Getting rid of lice, repairing skin and hair and treating abrasion, cuts and bites should not cost you a lot of money. With tea tree oil, you have the option to go the natural way and achieve stellar results. This oil is nature’s answer to our skin and hair.
Fortunately, we have been able to discover its benefits before we gave ourselves completely over to harsh store bought chemicals.
Image credits: Everypixel.com and Amazon.com
Additional resources:
