Maintaining a healthy scalp is the base for any solid hair-care routine. And tea tree oil is a tried-and-true ingredient that's popping up more and more in scalp-focused goodies, thanks to its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and nourishing properties.
Native to Australia, tea tree oil is extracted from the leaves of the tea tree Melaleuca alternifolia and has a long-standing track record for improving scalp health. While its nothing new—it’s been used for thousands of years to strengthen both the scalp and hair—it works wonders for everything from dandruff and product buildup to dryness. And since strong, healthy hair starts at the root, tea tree oil deserves a spot in your routine.
Ahead, learn everything you need to know about the superstar oil, including how to use it for a balanced and nourished scalp.
How Tea Tree Oil Helps Improve the Scalp
A healthy, well-balanced scalp is the foundation for healthy hair. “When the scalp is unbalanced, an overgrowth of yeast and excess of sebum accumulation can occur, which can cause a greasy scalp and dandruff,” says Dr. Houshmand. Tea tree oil's antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce this yeast, which is why Yates calls it “the perfect supplement to traditional dandruff remedies." To alleviate the symptoms of dandruff, it can take upwards of four weeks for the effects of tea tree oil to take hold and improve the scalp.
Tea tree oil also calms irritated, dry, and itchy scalps, no matter the cause. "In a study published in JAAD, using 5 percent tea tree has shown to help hydrate the scalp and decrease flaking," she shares. It's a great ingredient in shampoos, since it has cleansing abilities can bust through product buildu. Plus, it also decreases sebum accumulation, helping to control oiliness and inflammation. And since scalp inflammation can contribute to hair loss, using tea tree oil may help with inflammatory hair loss.
The Best Tips for Using Tea Tree Oil to Improve Scalp Health
To incorporate tea tree oil into your scalp routine, seek out tea-tree-infused products. You can find tea tree products in all-over weekly scalp treatment, spot treatments to target areas that may be dry or affected by dandruff, or in shampoo. Yates says the best way to receive the benefits of tea tree oil is by thoroughly cleansing the scalp with a tea tree shampoo.
You can also seek out tea tree oil scalp serums and massage them between your strands. "The act of massaging the scalp ensures even distribution and helps stimulate blood flow and release tension," Yates explains. Then, leave the oil on the scalp and in the hair for at least 30 minutes, if not longer, and shampoo it out. It's best to use tea tree oil as a treatment once or twice per week.
Board-certified dermatologist Kseniya Kobets, MD says that since tea tree oil is known to cause irritant or allergic contact reactions, it is best to use it in lower concentrations formulated for use on the skin rather than playing chemist on your own. If you do decide to go the DIY route with pure essential oil, Yates notes that proper dilution is key to prevent irritation (which can cause irritation and inflammation—the opposite of what you want!).
Tips:
"For some, combining tea tree oil with other essential oils such as lavender and manuka oil can further improve the scalp," says Dr. Kobets.
The Bottom Line
Using tea tree oil to alleviate scalp issues like dandruff, itching, and dryness is a natural way to provide relief to the skin and resolve the issues at hand, but it may take some time to see the full results, so be consistent and patient. “There will be some instant relief with itching and inflammation, but the scalp issues will take some time to resolve with continued use,” says Yates.
Article written by Elise Tabin for instyle
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