Introduction

With all the talk around the use of essential oil, it’s quite likely you have heard about ‘tea tree’ oil. Originally tea tree oil is from a swampy, southeast coast of Australia. The tea tree, scientifically, is known as Melaleuca alternifolia. The indigenous communities in Australia have been using tea trees as an antiseptic (germ killer) and an herbal medicine.

Did you know that besides hair and scalp benefits, tea tree oil has been used for a number of conditions? These range from acne, athlete’s foot, lice, nail fungus, cuts, mite infections, and even insect bites. Although not these uses have been proven, real-life anecdotal evidence is great.

Now, let's dive into the benefits of this natural resource for our hair health. As you walk through the hair products aisle in the supermarket, I can almost guarantee you will find at least one product containing tea tree extracts. It has been shown to be very effective in improving the overall health of hair and scalp, especially in fighting dandruff.

Tea tree oil, what is it?

Extraction of oil

The oil is extracted from the tea tree leaves by a process called steam distillation. The fresh leaves and twigs of the tea tree undergo steam treatment. The steam opens the cells carrying the oil. This oil is collected and separated from the water. Now, we are left with pure tea tree oil!

Properties of tea tree oil

Even though large-scale medical studies haven’t yet been done, a huge amount of data shows that tea tree oil has antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. Many patients view alternative therapies, besides conventional medicines, favourably because they may not have found help in conventional therapy and also because they believe there are fewer side effects.¹ The medical profession is slow to catch up with these holistic therapies, but it’s about time we start believing in them!

Benefits for hair and scalp health

Hair health

• A study found that the treatment of hair loss with tea tree oil, along with the conventional treatment of minoxidil, was more beneficial compared to conventional therapy alone² 
• It has also been found that tea tree oil helps in balancing the natural hair oils present, so it may be of benefit to those who have dry hair and those who suffer from oily hair³ 
• Tea tree oil has positively helped in increasing hair thickness, hair weight, and hair count⁴

Scalp health

• One major role of tea tree oil in scalp health is its contribution to fighting dandruff. Tea tree oil-infused shampoo (5%) has shown great benefits in reducing dandruff, itchiness, and greasiness.⁵ The tea tree has given great relief to those suffering from symptoms of ‘seborrhoea’, starting from dandruff to hair loss and an oily scalp
• Tea tree oil is also used for treatment of other fungal infections of the scalp which may lead to hair loss⁶
• This amazing powerhouse of essential oil also has antiparasitic properties, which means it has great potential in the treatment of head lice⁷
• Because of the anti-inflammatory properties of tea tree oil, it is effective in the treatment of psoriasis, which may affect the scalp too⁸

Other benefits of tea tree oil

• Among the numerous other benefits of tea tree oil is its potential as an anti-skin cancer agent due to its ability to reduce necrosis factor production
• Since it is a potent antifungal agent, it is also used to treat other skin and nail infections⁹
• Tea trees also have the capacity to strengthen the immune system, and hence, they may be used to treat diseases like asthma, psoriasis, and arthritis
• It also has the capacity in skin regeneration, and perhaps might work as an anti-ageing agent too! 
• An oral solution containing tea tree oil can improve oral health by reducing bleeding and swelling of the gums in cases of gingivitis and even helping fight bad breath

How to use tea tree oil

Some confusion here?

Firstly, we need to clear off the confusion between an essential oil and a fragrance oil. Essential oils are those that are directly derived from the tree by the process of steam distillation, mechanical pressing of the leaves or other similar methods. However, fragrance oil is manufactured in a factory. Think of it as the perfume of a fake knockoff of the actual product! The benefits of tea tree oil are from the essential oil. 

Ways to use

Tea tree oil may be used as an oil routine or part of the cleaning routine. 

• Oil massages: A few drops of this potent oil may be mixed with a carrier oil to massage onto the scalp
• Into the shampoo: You may add a few drops to your normal shampoo or perhaps choose commercially infused tea tree hair shampoos
• Hair mask: A few drops may be mixed into your hair mask to add its benefits

There are chances of overusing or underusing the oil, especially if you are new to this. Here, it is best to start your journey with infused products and gradually experiment with oil later. 

Side effects

As with any other product, natural or conventional, there are some precautions or side effects that we need to be aware of. 

• Never apply essential oils directly to the skin or hair. They must be used along with a carrier oil or another product
• Tea tree oil should not be ingested, especially not in large quantities
• It may result in an allergic reaction. If this is your first time using it, you may want to test it first
• Some people may experience occasional dryness, redness, and sensitivity, however, it is usually either self-limiting or due to improper use

Real-life testimonials

Even after all the scientific research, we humans love to read some real-life experiences. 

“...It would provide immediate relief for my itchy scalp, and if you deal with dryness, I think it's worth trying…” - a user of a tea tree product.

“...My husband developed an extremely bad case of scalp folliculitis … Merely 2 weeks later, his scalp is over 90% healed, and he has no pain or itchiness…” - user of a tea tree product.

“... in her class, there is a lice epidemic. Tea tree oil keeps the buggies away. In her 5 years of teaching and plenty of lice outbreaks, she's been free of them…” - user of a tea tree product.

FAQs

Can all hair types use tea tree oil? 

Tea tree oil is ‌safe for most hair types, but it's important to be mindful of allergies or sensitivities. Before using the product, always perform a patch test. If you have very sensitive skin or specific scalp conditions, you may start slow or it is best to consult with a dermatologist.

Can tea tree oil be used on colour-treated hair? 

Tea tree oil is safe for colour-treated hair. Some people find that essential oils, including tea tree oil, may slightly dull or remove the hair colour. It's best to perform a strand test before applying it and consider or consult with your hairstylist about the specific hair dye you have on.

How frequently should I use tea tree oil on my hair? 

The frequency depends on individual preferences and their particular hair condition. For some, using it as a regular shampoo routine a few times a week works well. Others prefer using it as a ‘treatment’ once a week. It’s important you start any new regimen at a small dose spaced apart and then gradually increase to an extent where you can see the benefit of the side effects. 

Summary

Tea tree oil has become a powerhouse in hair and scalp care. Extracted through steam distillation, this oil has been long used among the natives of Australia. However, only in recent years have we discovered its numerous medicinal benefits from research.

Tea tree oil's impact on hair health is remarkable. It balances natural oils, enhances thickness, and fights issues like dandruff and fungal infections. Its benefits are not limited to hair or scalp; they extend to anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties, contributing to skin health, oral health, and anti-cancer agents, health, oral health, and anti-cancer agent too.

There are many ways of using it  through massages or shampoos, making it yourself or using the commercially available options

Caution should always be exercised to prevent side effects. 

This is the end of our holistic nature journey with tea tree oil. Always remember to seek medical advice in case of any unpleasant side effects or reactions.