Tea Tree Oil is taken from the tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)leaves. This plant is native to Australia. Aboriginals have used tea Tree Oil for centuries. It is used for healing wounds. It treats infections. Tea Tree Oil is a potent antimicrobial agent. This volatile essential oil is a remedy for dry scalp. The oil itself is rich in terpene hydrocarbons. Commercial production of this oil began when its medicinal properties were proven in the 1920s.
Why Tea Tree Oil for Dry Scalp Works
Tea Tree Oil is potent as a therapeutic agent. In so many ways, the oil benefits the hair strands. It reduces swelling and fights bacteria. It also wards off virus and fungi growth. Many conditions in the scalp are caused due to fungal growth.
The scalp is particularly prone to fungal skin infections. These infections can lead to diseases like dandruff. Seborrheic dermatitis is also commonly a result of fungal infection. Tea Tree Oil also wards off itchiness. It prevents dryness due to scratching of the scalp. Dandruff, also called cradle cap(1), is an annoying dry scalp condition. Scaly skin flakes and dryness result.
To cure this condition, Tea Tree Oil for dry scalp is ideal. Studies suggest increased sensitivity of a fungus Malassezia in the scalp may lead to dryness. Tea Tree Oil neutralizes this naturally-found fungus. As such, it wards off scalp dryness. Itchiness and lesion causing dandruff can also be eliminated using this oil. One study even found a 78 percent reduction in microbial growth when this oil was used.
[Also Read: Health Benefits of Tea Tree Oil]
Benefits of Tea Tree Oil for Dry Scalp
1. Improves Scalp Health
Using this oil ensures the scalp is clean. It also works to make the scalp healthy. It is antifungal and antibacterial. So, it treats microbes found on the scalp. Massaging the head with this oil can control itchiness and excess oil production. Tea Tree Oil unclogs the pores and promotes hair growth. It is non-comedogenic. It reduces boils on the scalp. Clogged pores can be a reason for dry scalp. To this end, Tea Tree Oil helps in battling this condition.
2. Battles Dandruff
Tea Tree Oil for dry scalp conditions like dandruff work best. The oil contains antibacterial and antifungal properties. This oil soothes itchiness. It also moisturizes the hair. It is a natural conditioner. Tea Tree Oil also battles head lice. This oil contains 1,8-cineole plus terpinene-4-ol. Both of these prevent head lice from thriving.
[ Read: How to Get Rid of Dry Scalp at Home ]
How to Use Tea Tree Oil for Dry Scalp
1. Hot Oil
As a hot oil treatment, Tea Tree Oil(2) works wonders. The oil should be diluted. Use carrier oil like sesame, coconut, almond, castor, jojoba, or olive. Add half a cup of carrier oil to two drops of Tea Tree Oil. If the hair is oily, use a lesser amount of Tea Tree Oil. Increase the quantity for dry scalp.
Warm this oil mixture. When it boils, remove the container. Place this container in hot water. Test the temperature of the oil. Then divide your hair into sections and massage the oil carefully. Coat the hair strands at the ends. Once you leave the oil in the hair for 30 minutes, rinse off and shampoo the scalp for best results.
2. Hair Oil Mask
A hair mask using Tea Tree Oil is just as beneficial. Hair Mask eliminates dryness and itchiness of the scalp. The first step is to select a base for the hair mask. Use avocado mashed up. You can also use plain curd. Such ingredients are thick in texture. They can quickly form a paste. They also contain fat that coats the hair. It lubricates the strands.
To this paste, add two tablespoons of honey. Ten drops of the carrier or Argan oil should then be added. Apply this paste after mixing it thoroughly. Massage the paste into your head. Leave on the hair mask for 10 minutes. Then, wash your hair for relief from dry scalp.
3. Hair Rinse
As a hair rinse, Tea Tree Oil works wonders. When coupled with Apple Cider Vinegar, it gives relief from dryness. Apple Cider Vinegar has cleansing properties. It rejuvenates the hair. It removes clogged pores and build-up of chemical products used on the hair. It also treats split ends. It makes the hair shine. For a healthy scalp, try one part Apple Cider Vinegar with 10-15 drops of Tea Tree Oil. Add one part water to this. Use this rinse for a healthy scalp.
4. Blended Hair Mask
Tea Tree Oil for dry scalp also works well as a blended hair mask. Coconut oil can be added to the Tea Tree Oil for best results. Coconut oil enters the hair shaft quickly. So, it’s a suitable carrier oil. It also improves scalp health and fights fungi. Tea Tree Oil in a few drops should be added to half a cup of coconut oil. This mixture should be applied. It should be used as an overnight hair mask. Wash your hair in the morning for best results.
[Also Read: Benefits of Coconut Oil for Dry Scalp]
A dry scalp is a common problem. Tea Tree Oil is the solution for it. A potent antimicrobial agent, this oil has many unusual healing properties. This oil has benefits stemming from its capacity to reduce swelling. It also fends off free radical damage. The oil is a potent antiseptic, too. It wards off wounds, skin infections, and dryness of the scalp quickly. So, next time you face a dry scalp, reach out for the bottle of Tea Tree Oil, and get instant relief!
[Also Read: Get rid of Dry Scalp with Essential Oils]
FAQs
1. Does Tea Tree Oil for Dry Scalp Have Side Effects?
There are no risks or side effects. But if you use undiluted Tea Tree Oil, your skin can develop a rash. Tea Tree Oil should also not be used in the case of children, according to some experts. It is linked to conditions like prepubertal gynecomastia in young boys.
