According to Leave, tea tree oil can be used in several ways: “If you’re looking for a scalp treatment, mix a few drops of tea tree oil with a carrier oil, like almond or jojoba oil, and massage it into the scalp.” Leave it in for 15-30 minutes before washing your hair. Tea tree oil is generally safe for use on the scalp, but it is important to test a small amount on the skin before use to ensure you don’t have a sensitivity or allergic reactio n. “For a deep-cleansing shampoo, mix a few drops of tea tree oil with your regular shampoo and massage it into the hair and scalp," Leave adds. "Remember to rinse thoroughly!” Hair Type and Product Considerations My first homemade lice prevention spray combined many different oils. It worked quite well for us for several years. While I will share the recipe for that original spray below, I’ve decided to update this post with new options. Is it effective? Tea tree EO has many benefits for hair, but it's important to dilute it with a carrier oil like coconut oil and use it in moderation. Using undiluted tea tree EO on your scalp can cause irritation and dryness. If you have any concerns or questions about using tea tree EO for your hair, consult with a healthcare professional or a qualified hair care specialist. Put 5 to 6 drops into your shampoo and massage it into the scalp. Let it sit for several minutes before rinsing off. If your hair feels greasy, shampoo a second time. Make a hair mask . You may doubt the effectiveness of making a spray with essential oils to help prevent lice, but there is some scientific evidence to support the idea. For preventing lice

One of the best ways to help rid our hair from the lice was to do thorough combing with a nit comb. Each night, for several weeks, I combed through our hair thoroughly. (I had my son sit in my lap and watch tv to make the process more enjoyable.) Combing with a nit comb removed the adult lice. The rash didn’t improve after several days, so I finally went to the doctor. I had put it off, thinking it would be a waste of time. I figured they’d prescribe a steroid cream and an antihistamine and send me on my way. (Having a son with atopic skin, I’m pretty used to the drill.) Opting for natural (diluted) tea tree oil can help prevent the build-up of dead skin and depositson the hair shafts, which can ‘free’ the hair and help it grow at its normal rate. Commonly recommended dosage As any reader of mine will know—I fully believe in the power of plants, particularly when concentrated into essential oils. Tea tree oil , also known as melaleuca oil, is an EO derived from the leaves of the Australian tea tree.

Umar H, et al. Formulation and in vitro characterization of tea tree oil anti-dandruff shampoo . Curr Cosmet Sci . 2022.

Are you in a battle with head lice? Use tea tree oil to scare them off. Many essential oils are used to keep pests at bay efficiently, because their sensory organs may not like the smells of certain oils. Here's a simple recipe for a tea tree oil hair mask that deeply nourishes the scalp to promote hair growth: Ingredients Depending on the ingredients used, the procedure will be different. I’m giving several options because people have varying ideas about what they want to avoid in their personal care products. Formulating with alcoholOnce I found them, I immediately began to remove them naturally from both my son and me. I also immediately made a new batch of lice prevention spray! Ingredients More of concern, though is the potential for microbial growth. I never had problems with that spray. Or, at least I never knew I had problems with it. Note: This hair rinse can be used once or twice a week to promote hair growth. Be sure to avoid getting the tea tree oil mixture in your eyes, as it can cause irritation. 3. Coconut + Tea Tree Oil Hair Mask Barve, K., & Dighe, A. (2016,January). Hair shampoo. In K. Barve & H. Dinhe (eds.), The chemistry and applications of sustainable natural hair products. Retrievedfrom

Create a massage oil for your scalp: Rabach recommends applying tea tree oil post-shampoo by using your fingertips to massage it into your damp scalp. Since this will be a leave-in treatment, it may be beneficial to mix the two to three drops of tea tree oil with your favorite carrier oil, such as almond or coconut oil, to prevent irritation. The act of massaging the scalp also increases blood flow, which can benefit hair growth. From my research, I think that an effective spray should include various oils. The most effective sprays will include not only tea tree oil, but also eucalyptus and peppermint oils. The problem is that you should be very cautious with those oils if you have younger children. Homemade lice spray using lavender and tea tree is very popular because those oils are the safest for use on all kids. Unfortunately, alone, they may not be the most effective.Prior to using tea tree oil for the first time, test 1 or 2 drops on a small area of your skin and wait 24 hours to see if any reaction occurs. Be sure to use pure aloe vera gel, as many store-bought aloe vera products contain added ingredients that can cause irritation. Ingredients On the other hand,another study found that many oils were effective against lice in an alcohol spray. They studiedaniseed oil, cinnamon leaf oil, red thyme oil, tea tree oil, peppermint & nutmeg oil (together), rosemary oil, and pine oils. All of them except rosemary and thyme were found effective in preventing lice infestation. Antifungal medications are considered standard treatment for athlete’s foot. Yet studies suggest that tea tree oil may be an effective alternative for relieving symptoms ( 31, 32). Tirabassi,G., Giovannini, L., Paggi, G., Panin, F., Papa, R., Boscaro, M., Balercia, G.(2013, January). Possible efficacyof lavender and tea tree oils in the treatment of young women affected by mildidiopathic hirsutism. Journal ofEndocrinological Investigation (36)1, 50-54