Tea Tree For Hair And Scalp: Expert Review

Summary Of Benefits of Tea Tree For Hair And Scalp

• Strong anti-microbial properties with beneficial effects on scalp microbiome.
• Powerful antioxidant modulating effects of reactive oxygen species.
• Powerful anti-inflammatory preventing early miniaturization.
• Stimulates growth of hair follicle stem cells.
• Potential benefits in management of dandruff, dry scalp, scalp inflammation and lice infestation.
• Pleasant odor and excellent tolerability.

Introduction

These trees are native to Australia. Primarily to the eastern parts of the country in the states of Queensland, New South Wales. It has been used for hundreds of years, as a medicinal plant by the Aboriginal People of Australia and Torres Strait Islanders.

Tea tree oil (TTO) is an essential oil that is obtained by steam distillation of the leaves and terminal branches of the Melaleuca alternifolia plant. 

Given the analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of tea tree oil and its relative safety for topical use, tea tree oil is increasingly being used in cosmetic and pharmaceutical products including tea tree for hair growth. (e.g., shampoos, soaps and liquid body wash, mouth washes, as well as over-the counter treatments for cold sores, acne, burns, bites, lice, and fungal nail infections). 

Name

Tea Tree // Scientific Name: Melaleuca Alternifolia , 

Family: Myrtacea; Genus: Melaleuca

Historical Uses

Indigenous Australians have a long history of using the tea tree plant for medicinal purposes, of which they still practice today. The earliest written record of its use by Indigenous Australians was by the Bundjalung people of northern New South Wales who use it to treat wounds, burns, insect bites and upper respiratory infections. Subsequently, during World War I, Australian troops carried drops of tea tree oil in their first aid kit to treat burns, bites and infections!

Arthur Penfold described the medicinal value of tea tree essential oil in the first Australian report of its use in western medicine. Published in 1930 in the Medical Journal of Australia (MJA), tea tree oil it was described as having ‘impressive wound healing and antiseptic qualities’. According to the European Medical Agency (EMA) monograph, tea tree oil has a well-established use as a traditional herbal medicinal product for:

1. The treatment of small superficial wounds and insect bites.
2. The treatment of small boils (furuncles and mild acne).
3. Relief of itching and irritation in cases of mild athlete's foot, and
4. Symptomatic treatment of minor inflammation of the oral mucosa, based upon its' long-standing use for these indications (European Medical Agency, 2012).

Modern Day Uses

The benefits of tea tree oil have made it a popular essential oil.

Regulation of Wheal and Flare 

A wheal and flare reaction is a local allergic reaction to something under the skin, such as an insect bite. The foreign object causes the skin to swell and become red. Tea tree modulates this allergic reaction by decreasing the blood flow to the region and the mediators that cause inflammation.

Antibacterial activity

Tea tree's main phytonutrient, Terpinen-4-ol (see table 1) is a potent agent against methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Staphylococcal aureus can cause inflammatory diseases including skin infections. Emergent antibiotic resistant strains has become a major issue confronting modern medicine. The effectiveness of tea tree oil against such infections has drawn great interest in its anti-bacterial activity. One study showed that a 10% concentration tea tree oil has effects comparable with those of mupirocin (topical antibiotic used in skin infections) when used against the S. aureus. At this concentration, no resistance has been detected. Furthermore, washing with a 5% mixture may be effective in removing MRSA from the skin.

Antiviral activity

Tea tree has been shown to have potent anti viral activity against herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) and HSV-2. Randomized, placebo-controlled trial demonstrated that tea tree may be a potentially cheaper alternative for the treatment of recurrent herpes labialis. Tea tree oil has been shown to be efficient in the treatment of hand warts caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), facilitating the complete re-epithelialization of infected areas.

Antifungal Properties

A randomized controlled trial (RCT) showed a marked clinical response to tea tree oil in the treatment of interdigital tinea pedis (Athletes foot). Other studies have shown to effectiveness in treating toenail onychomycosis (a fungal infection in the nails) to eumycetoma which is a deep fungal infection of the skin.

Acne Vulgaris

Acne vulgaris, common acne, is caused by dead skin cells, sebum and bacteria in the pores of the skin. Antibiotics which inhibit the growth of related bacteria are the standard treatment for acne vulgaris. The emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains has become problematic. Tea tree oil has been shown to have broad-spectrum antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. These effects have formed the basis of its use in acne treatment. Tea tree oil preparations are extensively used as topical treatments for the control of skin bacteria involved in acne.

Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis is a common clinical conundrum of the skin, affecting 3–5% of the population. It is commonly caused by a superficial fungal skin disorder. It can often cause an itchy scalp. A yeast, Malassezia furfur, is thought to play a role and several studies have revealed that tea tree’s anti-fungal activity against this yeast species, may be of benefit in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis.

Benefits of Tea Tree For Hair

General Benefits in Hair and Scalp

• Anti-oxidant properties combat damage from reactive oxygen species.
• Anti-inflammatory properties lead to prevention of premature miniaturization from inflammation.
• Stimulates release of PGE2 which leads to increase number of hair follicle stem cells.

Tea Tree and Dandruff

Dandruff causes flaking, itchiness and irritation of the scalp. Multiple factors including sebum over-production, fungal infection and dryness are thought to play a role. One of the major benefits of adding tea tree for your hair care routine is its ability to mitigate the symptoms of dandruff and other scalp conditions.

Satchell et al., put tea tree oil to the test against mild to moderate dandruff. Patients were randomized to receive either 5% tea tree oil shampoo or placebo, each of which was used daily for four weeks. The group using 5% tea tree oil shampoo showed the best result with a much higher improvement of whole scalp lesion score at 41% vs the placebo group that only showed an improvement of 11%. The 5% tea tree appears to be useful and is well tolerated with no reported adverse effects. 

Tea Tree Oil as a Natural Remedy for Lice

Tea tree oil has been added to several preparations as an alternative treatment for head lice infestations. One randomized, investigator-blind study of 123 volunteers from Australia found a mixture of tea tree oil and lavender oil was more effective than standard treatment for the management of head lice.

How Does Tea Tree Oil Promote Hair Growth and Scalp Health?

Tea tree oil promotes hair growth and scalp health by unclogging hair follicles, nourishing hair roots, and fighting off bacteria and fungus that could hinder hair growth. Its natural cleansing properties also help maintain a healthy scalp environment for hair to thrive.

The Science

Mechanism of Action

• Reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines (Tumor Necrosis Factor, Interleukin(IL)-1, IL-8, IL-10 and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2).
• Reduces inflammatory activity.
• Stimulates hair follicle growth.
• Suppresses radical oxygen species formation which can lead to scalp and hair damage.
• Restores scalp microbiome through anti-microbial properties.

Phytonutrient Profile

The components of tea tree oil; (Imam et al; 2024).

Terpinen-4-Ol

• Comprises 30-48% of concentration of tea tree oil.
• Powerful antioxidant.
• Anti-inflammatory.
• Reduces redness and itching on scalp.

Gamma- Terpinene

• Comprises 10-28% of concentration of tea tree oil.
• Powerful antioxidant.
• Anti-Inflammatory

Alpha - Terpinene

• Comprises 5-13% of concentration.
• Antioxidant activity greater than alpha-terpinolene and gamma-terpinene.
• Increases growth factors (wnt and beta catenin) related to hair growth.

1,8 - Cineole (Eucalyptol)

• Comprises between 0-15%
• Powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
• May have potential role in human chronic disease.
• Toxic in excessive dosing.

Safety First: Risks and Warnings

• Topical Tea Tree Oil has minimal side effects. Most common is skin irritation.
• Tea tree oil should NOT BE INGESTED.
• Tea tree oil should NOT BE USED ON YOUR PETS.
• Patch test on a small area of your skin and scalp first before using any new botanical. Particularly if you have a history of allergic reactions or sensitive skin.
• Check the percent tea tree oil concentration and ensure it is consistent with regulations.
• If DIY, mix with carrier oil like coconut oil.

Conclusion

Melaleuca oil (TTO or Tea Tree Oil) has stood the test of time for hundreds of years as a health-giving essential oil. A growing body of scientific evidence is showing modern man what Indigenous Australians have known for centuries.

With its, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-microbial, wound healing properties it has added tremendous value to high quality skin and hair products such as ORIGENERE Buongiorno Rosemary Oil, Mint and Tree Tea shampoo / conditioner. These properties are shown to be an effective treatment for dandruff and scalp inflammation. Further, they promote healthy hair by cleansing, detoxifying and soothing the scalp - relieving scalp itching and inflammation.

Whether for hair loss or skincare make sure to use safely. Keep away from pets and kids. Patch test before using.

References

• Seol GH, Kim KY. Eucalyptol and Its Role in Chronic Diseases. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2016;929:389-398. doi: 10.1007/978-3-319-41342-6_18. PMID: 27771935.
• Kairey L, Agnew T, Bowles EJ, Barkla BJ, Wardle J, Lauche R. Efficacy and safety of Melaleuca alternifolia(tea tree) oil for human health-A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Front Pharmacol. 2023 Mar 24;14:1116077. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1116077. PMID: 37033604; PMCID: PMC10080088.
• European Medical Agency (2012). 
• Iman S, Mehdi S, Mansuri A. A Comprehensive Review on The Pharmacological Potential of Red Ginseng Oil, Tea Tree Oil and Hemp Seed Oil. European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences. 2015. Link
• Pazyar N, Yaghoobi R, Bagherani N, Kazerouni A. A review of applications of tea tree oil in dermatology. Int J Dermatol. 2013 Jul;52(7):784-90. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-4632.2012.05654.x. Epub 2012 Sep 24. PMID: 22998411.
• Satchell AC, Saurajen A, Bell C, Barnetson RS. Treatment of dandruff with 5% tea tree oil shampoo. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2002 Dec;47(6):852-5. doi: 10.1067/mjd.2002.122734. PMID: 12451368.
• Barker SC, Altman PM. A randomised, assessor blind, parallel group comparative efficacy trial of three products for the treatment of head lice in children--melaleuca oil and lavender oil, pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide, and a "suffocation" product. BMC Dermatol. 2010 Aug 20;10:6. doi: 10.1186/1471-5945-10-6. PMID: 20727129; PMCID: PMC2933647.
• Cheng H, Liu F, Zhou M, Chen S, Huang H, Liu Y, Zhao X, Zhang Q, Zhou X, Li Z, Cai H. Enhancement of hair growth through stimulation of hair follicle stem cells by prostaglandin E2 collagen matrix. Exp Cell Res. 2022 Dec 15;421(2):113411. doi: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2022.113411. Epub 2022 Nov 6. PMID: 36351501