Tea tree oil is a natural product that is distilled from the leaves of a tree commonly found in Australia called the Melaleuca alternifolia. The oil is usually used topically because it is effective against organisms that can infect the skin, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. While tea tree oil is not generally considered a remedy for hair loss, it can be helpful in some cases.
Effects
Tea tree oil is an effective antibacterial and antifungal agent used for a wide variety of skin conditions including acne and staphylococcus skin infections found on the skin or in the upper respiratory tract. It can be useful in eradicating head lice as well as treating athlete's foot and nail infections. Tea tree oil has the ability to break through the cell membrane of a micro-organism to destroy it and, eventually, eliminate an entire colony.
Causes of Hair Loss
It is important to understand that hair loss and thinning hair can occur for a variety of reasons. Men and women can experience hair loss that is caused by aging, genes, or a change in hormones. Thinning hair can also be caused by a condition called telogen effluvium which can be triggered by a sudden emotional or physical stress. In these cases, the hair loss can be dramatic or mild and usually occurs up to several months after the stressful experience. Thinning hair can also be due to a wide variety of causes, including certain medications, autoimmune diseases, thyroid disease, radiation therapy, ringworm, and dandruff.
Dandruff Effects
Dandruff is a mild form of a skin disorder called seborrheic dermatitis, which can cause micro-inflammation, scaling, and flaking of skin. If left untreated, it can disturb your normal hair shedding cycle. Using a product that can eliminate inflammation and cleanse your scalp of dead cells can unclog hair follicles to help encourage hair re-growth and add moisture to your hair.
Expert Insight
It is important that you talk with your dermatologist or physician to determine the reason for your hair loss. However, if dandruff is a concern, evidence shows that tea tree oil may be helpful. Andrew Satchell and scientists from the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Australia reported the results of their dandruff treatment study using tea tree oil in the December 2002 issue of the "Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology". They confirmed that a 5 percent solution of tea tree oil used for 4 weeks can provide a significant reduction in dandruff.
Products
Several retail shampoo products that contain 2 to 5 percent tea tree oil are available in health food stores and specialty health shops. Two examples that are widely available are Jason Natural Products Dandruff Relief Shampoo and Giovanni Hair Care Tea Tree Triple Treat. A 2 percent tea tree shampoo can also be made at home by adding 10 drops of tea tree oil to one cup of shampoo. Because some commercial shampoo products can contain harsh chemicals, use a natural shampoo.
Cautions
Tea tree oil is a concentrated product so begin cautiously to be certain that your skin is not overly sensitive to it. Additionally, it is not recommended for use for long periods of time because mild side effects like skin dryness and mild allergic reactions have been reported in some people. According to Intelihealth, a website with content developed by Harvard Medical School, children and pregnant or breast-feeding women should avoid using it.
References
- "Journal of Applied Microbiology"; The mode of antimicrobial action of the essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia; S.D. Cox, et al; January 2000
- National Institutes of Health MedlinePlus: Hair Loss
- "International Journal of Cosmetic Science"; Nudging hair shedding by antidandruff shampoos; C. Pierard-Franchimont et al; October 2002
- "Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology"; Treatment of dandruff with 5% tea tree oil shampoo; Andrew C. Satchell, et al; December 2002
- Intelihealth: Complementary & Alternative Medicine - Tea Tree Oil
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