Tea trees, or melaleuca alternifolia, are native to Australia. Their name comes from explorer Captain Cook, who brewed their leaves into a hearty tea for his men. Tea tree oil has become a popular alternative for people wanting to reduce the amount of artificial chemicals in their daily lives. Tea tree products are most often used for skin care, but tea tree hair care products are also widely available.
Treat Dandruff
Tea tree oil is proven to be an effective treatment for scalp problems such as dandruff. According to Anitra C. Carr, Ph.D., from the Linus Pauling Institute, tea tree oil is "effective against fungal infections, such as ringworm, athlete's foot and thrush, as well as dandruff--a mild form of seborrheic dermatitis." There are many shampoos and conditioners on the market which contain tea tree oil, but you can control the concentration by placing five to 10 drops of pure tea tree oil in your regular shampoo and conditioner.
Moisturize Dry Hair
Tea tree oil is an effective treatment for dry, damaged or over-processed hair. According to carefair.com, "Regular use of tea tree oil on the hair and scalp unclogs hair follicles, moisturizes and prevents bacteria and fungal problems from attacking the scalp." Tea tree oil can be allergenic, so to use it as a deep oil treatment for your hair, mix pure tea tree oil with equal parts almond, olive or baby oil and massage it into your scalp. Wrap your head in a sleep turban and let it soak in overnight, then shampoo as usual.
Eliminate Head Lice
Many parents use tea tree oil as a chemical-free way to eliminate head lice. If you have ever battled head lice, you know how difficult it can be to banish them for good. Add five to 10 drops of pure tea tree oil to your child's shampoo. Wash his or her hair, letting the shampoo sit for at least 12 minutes. Rinse it out, and use a lice comb to remove any nits, concentrating on the areas behind the ears and at the nape of the neck.
Cure Cradle Cap
Use diluted tea tree oil on your infant's scalp to treat cradle cap. Cradle cap is a patchy, flaky scalp condition that is a form of seborrhea. According to pediatrician Dr. Alan Greene, cradle cap develops because your baby's sebaceous glands go into overdrive in response to maternal hormones. Mix one part tee tree oil to 10 parts of almond or baby oil and massage them gently into your baby's scalp. Let the oil sit for a minute or so, and then gently remove the loosened flakes with a clean, dry washcloth or a soft baby brush.
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