Is tea tree oil good for hair care? 

According to scientific research, tea tree essential oil has antimicrobial effects, is effective against head lice, stops hair loss due to androgenic alopecia, and can diminish dandruff caused by fungus. 

We talk more about these claims below.

Table of contents:

• Is tea tree oil good for hair use?
• Does tree tea oil help hair grow?
• How do you use tea tree oil on your scalp, and why?
• Tea tree fights dandruff and flakey scalp, research says
• Tea tree soothes itchy, dry scalp
• Tea tree cleanses and purifies the scalp
• Tea tree has antioxidant and antimicrobial effects, according to research
• Tea tree reduces inflammatory processes of the scalp
• Tea tree balances the sebaceous glands
• Tea tree kills off head lice, scientific data says
• Does tea tree have side effects?
• Can tea tree oil reverse hair loss? Studies are promising
• Does tea tree add shine to your tresses?
• How to use tea tree for hair health

Is tea tree oil good for hair use?

Melaleuca Alternifolia leaves give us tea tree essential oil. While it’s been used in Australia for one hundred years, we’re just gathering scientific information on this therapeutic plant extract. 

The studies are promising, however. 

Tea tree essential oil can contribute to hair strength and scalp health. It has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effects, keeping infections at bay. It cleanses the hair and the follicles and keeps the tresses strong. It can kill off dandruff and add shine and luster. 

So yes, tea tree oil is good for hair use and scalp health.  

Does tree tea oil help hair grow?

The benefits of tea tree oil in hair growth are extensive. There is one particular claim about its contribution to hair growth.

According to scientific research, tea tree oil can be used effectively as a treatment for androgenic alopecia. 

It can relieve microinflammation of the hair follicle and diminish infections of the scalp, contributing to a balance in DHT. 

DHT is an androgenetic hormone that shrinks the hair follicle and shortens the hair growth cycle, leaving the tresses brittle and thin.  

How do you use tea tree oil on your scalp, and why?

Tea tree oil has various antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It has cleansing and deeply purifying effects, and that is why it makes a good choice for scalp health. 

It soothes scalp ailments: goodbye, itching! It treats dandruff and improves scalp health. 

Tea tree fights dandruff and flakey scalp, research says

Hair health starts in the scalp. With potent antibacterial and antifungal properties, tea tree is an effective treatment of dandruff. 

Research shows tea tree oil is effective against the bacteria and yeast that cause dandruff associated with an overproduction of sebum. 

Tea tree soothes itchy, dry scalp

Tea tree oil can alleviate the itchy scalp, often associated with dandruff. Its antimicrobial compounds fight the flake-forming yeast. 

Its anti-inflammatory compounds diminish irritation and pruritus. Since the oil removes blockages in the follicles, sebaceous glands can keep the scalp and hair coated with oil. 

Dry patches on the scalp and brittle hair stand no chance when dealing with tea tree oil. 

Tea tree cleanses and purifies the scalp

Tea tree oil has deeply purifying and antiseptic properties. When used on your scalp, it can keep follicles clear and healthy. 

Tea tree oil regulates sebum secretion and controls the oil balance on the scalp. 

How does it do that?

It deeply cleanses the follicles of sebum, dead skin cells, product buildup, grime, and dirt. When purified and unclogged, hair follicles can provide nourishment for the hair shaft, hence no hair breakage. The roots can also keep the hair shaft rooted and fixed, hence no hair fall. 

Tea tree has antioxidant and antimicrobial effects, according to research

Due to a high content in antioxidants, tea tree oil alleviated redness, pain, soreness, tightness, and itchiness that accompany many scalp conditions, such as seborrheic dermatitis or psoriasis. 

Tea tree reduces inflammatory processes of the scalp

Scalp health is correlated with keeping skin infections at bay. A dry scalp and an oily scalp become perfect environments for bacteria, fungi, and other pathogens. That’s when inflammatory processes start. 

Scientific studies sustain that the tea tree not only gets rid of microbes. It also reduces inflammation that can cause hair loss. 

No itch, no clogged scalp, no dehydration equal no scratching, no follicle affectation, aka no hair loss.  

Tea tree balances the sebaceous glands

Fungal infections thrive in excess sebum. Oily scalp and greasy hair become the perfect home for bacteria and yeast. 

Balancing the activity of the sebaceous glands, tea tree oil is in connection to scalp health. 

A healthy scalp = better-looking tresses. 

Tea tree kills off head lice, scientific data says

Tea tree doesn’t only keep bacterial infections away from your scalp. But it’s also an effective natural treatment of head lice. 

Research demonstrates how tea tree curbs the infestation and prevents new eggs from hatching. 

Does tea tree have side effects?

Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts. In pure form, when not diluted, essential oils can cause irritation and allergic reactions.

It’s important to perform a skin patch test before starting a cure. It’s highly recommended to do so with tea tree oil specifically. This oil, as beneficial as it can be, can be toxic and irritant.

• Make sure not to use it internally since it can cause a loss of balance and muscle control.
• Used topically, it can cause rashes, redness, irritation, especially on sensitive skin. That is why patch skin tests are essential.
• Tea tree oil can cause allergies. Make sure you’re safe before starting using it. 
• Tea tree oil is not to be used by pregnant women. Not to be left within children and animal reach.

Can tea tree oil reverse hair loss? Studies are promising

Adding tea tree oil to your hair products can contribute to hair growth. This essential oil has many benefits for scalp health. 

Strong, healthy, balanced scalp and follicles sustain strong, elastic, luscious hair. Combined with the tea tree’s effects on DHT, the hormone that triggers hair loss, and you’ve got a natural cure for a healthy mane.

Does tea tree add shine to your tresses?

You can enhance your beauty products for hair care with tea tree essential oil. Add this oil to a daily spray or your favorite hair oil, and you can create a perfect leave-in treatment. 

Since it removes buildup and grime from the hair, tea tree essential oil can contribute to obtaining glossy hair.

How to use tea tree for hair health

Tea tree essential oil can be added in shampoos (recommended if you have sensitive skin) and used in topical applications, diluted with a carrier oil. 

• Add a couple of drops from this essential extract, and you’ve got yourself a tea tree oil shampoo. This process is less likely to irritate. 
• Adding a couple of drops of tea tree oil to a carrier (coconut, jojoba, avocado are non-comedogenic oils, perfect for scalp and hair health!) and massaging your scalp can benefit hair growth.
• You can even drizzle a couple of tea tree oil drops in your favorite hair mask to deeply condition and keep your scalp balanced at the same time. 

Yes, everybody’s been talking about tea tree oil. 

And after all the data we have so far, it’s no wonder! 

Its fresh and clean scent and its therapeutic properties make tea tree essential oil one ingredient we’ll be hearing more about. 

Make sure to stash on it before it gets all Hollywood-famous!

Explore the WOW website for more natural hair care products. From our all natural sulfate, silicone and paraben-free hair care collection we recommend Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo and Red Onion Black Seed Oil Shampoo. And if you would like to learn more about apple cider vinegar's benefits or onion oil's benefits check out our ultimate guide on how to use them on your hair.