To use tea tree oil on your scalp, dilute a few drops with a carrier oil before massaging it in and washing it out.
According to Leave, using tea tree oil for a scalp treatment requires dilution. You should always mix a few drops of tea tree oil with a carrier oil before applying it directly to your skin or scalp.
Applying Tea Tree Oil for Scalp Treatment
The most common and recommended method for using tea tree oil on your scalp, as suggested by Leave, involves mixing it with a carrier oil.
Step-by-Step Application
Here’s a simple process to follow:
- Mix: Take a small amount of a carrier oil (like almond or jojoba oil) in a clean container or directly in your hand. Add a few drops of tea tree oil to the carrier oil. It's crucial to maintain a low concentration of tea tree oil, as it is potent.
- Massage: Gently massage the diluted oil mixture directly into your scalp. Focus on areas that need attention, ensuring even coverage.
- Wait: Leave the mixture on your scalp for 15 to 30 minutes. This allows the tea tree oil to work.
- Wash: After the waiting period, thoroughly wash your hair and scalp with shampoo to remove the oil mixture. You may need to shampoo twice to ensure all residue is gone.
Why Dilution is Essential
Tea tree oil is very concentrated and can cause irritation, burning, or allergic reactions if applied undiluted to the skin or scalp. Mixing it with a carrier oil dilutes its potency, making it safe for topical application while still allowing you to benefit from its properties.
Choosing a Carrier Oil
As mentioned, oils like almond or jojoba oil are excellent carrier oil choices. Other common carrier oils include coconut oil (fractionated), olive oil, grapeseed oil, or argan oil. Choose one that works well with your hair type.
Treatment Duration
Leaving the mixture on for 15-30 minutes, as suggested by the reference, is typically sufficient for a scalp treatment before washing it out.
Here is a summary of the steps:
| Step | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dilute tea tree oil | Mix a few drops with a carrier oil |
| 2 | Apply to scalp | Massage gently into the scalp |
| 3 | Wait | Leave on for 15-30 minutes |
| 4 | Wash hair | Shampoo thoroughly to remove oil |
Always perform a patch test on a small area of skin before applying the mixture to your entire scalp, especially if you have sensitive skin.
