With its distinct fresh herbaceous aroma, Tea Tree Essential Oil once had a reputation of being a “hippie oil,” but this highly beneficial oil has been around long before the Summer of Love. Boasting a number of natural chemical compounds that can assist with fighting some viruses, bacteria, and fungi – many people have taken advantage of the oil’s anti-inflammatory and antiseptic abilities for hundreds of years.
Tree oil help you achieve longer, thicker, flowing locks as it has been found to be a direct benefit in treating hair loss if the condition is related to clogged hair follicles, dead skin buildup or some sort of scalp condition. In regard to hair growth, the essential oil could have an indirect benefit in that a healthy scalp supports proper and healthy hair growth. It is also one of the most inexpensive and natural was to stimulate hair growth, so you’re going to want to get this little miracle oil in your hands (and on your head) and fast.
Hair-Related Benefits:
• Moisturize and purify the scalp and stimulate hair growth
• Fights viral bacterial, fungal infections
• Prevents build-up of dead skin cells and residue of commercial hair products
• Controls excessive hair oils
Are your current hair products leading to hair loss and thinning?
While tea tree oil can help combat hair loss, it’s important to check the ingredients in your current hair products. The true culprit of your hair problems may be hiding in plain sight: your shampoo and conditioner which can actually lead to hair loss and thinning. While these products smell good and create a luxuriant bubbly lather, they are full of synthetic chemicals that strip your hair of essential oils, breaks down protein essential for hair health, halts hair growth and can lead to hair loss.
Ingredients that can be harming your hair goals:
Foamers and thickeners
• Sodium laurel sulfate (SLS)
• Sodium chloride (better known as table salt)
• Polyethylene glycol (also known as PEG, polyethylene or polyoxyethelyne)
Preservatives
Often included to prolong the product’s shelf life, but some can affect hormonal balance and encourage hair loss.
• Quanternium-15
• Formaldehyde
• Parabens like methylparaben and propylparaben
Irritants
While not all manufacturers are adding ingredients intended to irritate many still do. These ingredients exacerbate hair loss and cause your hair to become thin, dry, brittle and lifeless.
• Diethanolamine (DEA)
• Triethanolamine (TEA)
• Fragrances and artificial colors
• Propylene glycol (commonly found in antifreeze)
Alcohol
Almost all hair products have some type of alcohol; using it in high concentrations will dehydrate your hair. It is best to avoid products that list alcohol as one of the first four ingredients.
Greasers
These ingredients can prevent absorption of natural oils and weighs down thin hair:
• Lanolin
• Petroleum
• Mineral oil
How to use tea tree oil
So, if you’re convinced that tea tree oil can help your hair reach its full potential, here is how to use it.
If you’ve never used tea tree oil, begin with a 24-hour patch test to make sure you don’t have a reaction. If you don’t have a reaction, you should be fine to use it in larger areas, such as your scalp.
Never apply pure tea tree oil to your scalp, this potent essential oil is best diluted first with a carrier oil. We recommend coconut oil, olive oil or jojoba oil. You can even add 5-10 drops to your favorite shampoo (just check your shampoo’s ingredients with our list above!)
If you are diluting the tea tree oil with a carrier oil, apply it down the shaft of your hair prior to your normal shampoo conditioner routine. Massage it into your scalp thoroughly and let sit for 2-4 minutes. Rinse and continue with your normal hair care routine.
Tea Tree oil is so darned versatile, check out other ways to love and use this amazing essential oil.
Other uses for Tea Tree Oil:
• Calms nerves
• Soothes sore, overworked muscles
• Opens sinuses
• Deters insects indoors and out