Often tea tree oil has been regarded as a jack of all trades but a master of none. Much like retinol, tea tree oil requires us to pass the test of time to see its impact and benefits being reflected. Tea tree oil has a long history of traditional use by the indigenous people of Australia, who would crush the leaves of the tea tree and apply them topically for various purposes. Today, it’s an immensely popular ingredient thanks to its benefits on the skin and scalp.
Yes, you read it right. Tea tree oil has a lot to offer as part of nature's bounty, such as:
1. Antifungal and antibacterial properties:
Tea tree oil possesses antifungal and antibacterial properties, which can help combat scalp infections caused by fungi, bacteria, or yeast. It can help alleviate conditions like dandruff, scalp acne, and scalp folliculitis.
2. Soothing and calming:
Tea tree oil has soothing and calming effects on the scalp. It can help reduce scalp itching, irritation, and inflammation associated with conditions like psoriasis, eczema, or contact dermatitis.
3. Scalp cleansing:
Tea tree oil has excellent cleansing properties that can help remove impurities, excess oil, and product buildup from the scalp. It can promote a clean and healthy scalp environment.
4. Scalp moisturisation:
While tea tree oil has cleansing properties, it is not excessively drying. It can help maintain the natural moisture balance of the scalp, preventing dryness and flakiness.
5. Promotes hair growth:
A healthy scalp is essential for promoting hair growth. Tea tree oil's antimicrobial and cleansing properties can create a healthier scalp environment, which can support optimal hair growth.
6. Helps control dandruff:
Dandruff is often caused by a fungal infection on the scalp. Tea tree oil's antifungal properties can help control the overgrowth of fungi, reducing dandruff and flakiness.
7. Reduces scalp odour:
Tea tree oil's antimicrobial properties can help eliminate the odour-causing bacteria on the scalp, reducing unpleasant scalp odour.
How to incorporate tea tree oil in your daily haircare regime
Goal: Improved blood circulation, smooth scalp, and hair growth stimulation
Tea tree oil scalp massage: Dilute tea tree oil with a carrier oil (such as coconut oil or olive oil) and massage it into your scalp. Leave it on for a few hours or overnight before washing.
Goal: Antifungal and antibacterial properties, prevent scalp infections and hair cleansing routine
Tea tree oil shampoo or conditioner additive: Add a few drops of tea tree oil to your regular shampoo or conditioner and mix well before applying it to your hair.
Goal: Dry scalp treatment, relief from itching and irritation and control of excess oil production
Tea tree oil scalp treatment: Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with a carrier oil, apply the mixture to your scalp, and leave it on for 20-30 minutes before washing.
Goal: Ongoing scalp care and a clean and refreshed scalp
Tea tree oil leave-in treatment: Dilute tea tree oil with water in a spray bottle and spray it onto your scalp and hair after washing and conditioning.
Goal: Nourished and hydrated hair, strengthened hair follicles and shiny hair
Tea tree oil hair mask: Create a homemade hair mask by mixing tea tree oil with natural ingredients like yoghurt, honey, or aloe vera gel. Apply the mask to your hair and scalp, leave it on for 30 minutes, and rinse.
Goal: Scalp exfoliation, dead skin removal and healthy scalp growth
Tea tree oil scalp scrub: Mix tea tree oil with a gentle exfoliating agent like brown sugar or sea salt and massage it onto your scalp in gentle circular motions. Rinse thoroughly.
