Tea tree oil can be used as a remedy for several hair problems, including dandruff, lice and dry scalp.
Tea tree oil comes from the leaves of a tea tree. It is used as an antiseptic that prevents and kills bacteria and fungus and reduces allergic skin reactions. Numerous laboratory studies show that tea tree oil has antimicrobial properties, but very few high-quality trials have been published. Still, the oil is applied to the skin to treat fungal conditions and is also used as a base for several hair remedies.
Lice
Tea tree oil is a safe alternative to harsh anti-lice shampoos.
Tea tree oil is used to prevent and treat lice infestations. While over-the-counter shampoos are more effective at treating lice, they also contain chemical pesticides that can cause side effects. Tea tree oil is a safe alternative. To treat lice, add five to 10 drops of tea tree oil to shampoo and wash the hair, massaging the mixture into the scalp. This will dislodge mature lice from the hair, and they can easily be combed out with a lice comb. To prevent new infestations, pour a few drops of tea tree oil into a water diffuser along with water and spray hair daily.
Dandruff
Tea tree oil alleviates dandruff caused by bacteria and fungus.
Dandruff can be linked to a variety of sources, including infection, poor diet and bad nerve stimulation. It can also be caused by a yeast called Petyrosporum ovale or a fungus called trichoplyton that live on the scalp. Tea tree oil eliminates bacteria and fungus, stopping these types of dandruff. The Mayo Clinic reports that using shampoo containing 5 percent tea tree oil is effective in treating mild-to-moderate dandruff.
Cradle Cap
Cradle cap is a crusty skin rash that appears on the scalp of infants. This rash is not painful or harmful and does not need to be treated, as it will eventually disappear on its own. If you would like to help get rid of the cradle cap more quickly, you can dilute one part tea tree oil into ten parts of another oil, such as almond oil. Gently massage the oil into the baby's scalp. Leave it on the scalp for a few minutes before washing it out with a tea tree shampoo.
Dry Hair
Harsh environment, overuse of hair products or over-processing of hair can cause it to become dry. A tea tree oil shampoo or the addition of tea tree oil to your shampoo helps to unblock clogged hair follicles, getting rid of product buildup. It also unblocks the sebaceous glands and allows the body's own natural oils to moisturize the hair strands.
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