Dandruff is a common scalp condition. Flaking of the skin on the scalp is a sign of this condition. Flaking is normal when the skin cells die. The excessive flaking of the skin cells is called dandruff. Dandruff is neither contagious nor it becomes a serious condition. Yet, dandruff is embarrassing especially while wearing dark clothes. Dandruff is often accompanied by itching and scratching of head. The condition may worsen during winter because of dry scalp. The scalp becomes dry due to indoor heating. A particular type of yeast infection causes dandruff. Use of tea tree oil for dandruff is effective in controlling it.
The sebaceous glands produce oil on the skin. When the supply of oil exceeds the necessary amount, fungus attacks skin. The fungus attack can spread and cause dandruff. Tension, stress and anxiety can speed up the dandruff spread. Eating food which causes more oil to produce can also speed up the infection.
Why using tea tree oil for dandruff is effective?
Dandruff is a problem that affects both men and women. Aromatherapy using essential oil can be very effective against dandruff. This is because of the effect of dandruff is both physical and psychological. The good smell from essential oils can be refreshing. Tea tree oil for dandruff treatment is effective because it contains “terpinen-4-ol“. This component has anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties. Tea tree oil is strong smelling and volatile. Hence, it is not safe to apply the oil on the scalp without diluting it. Various oils can be used to dilute tea tree oil.
How to use tea tree oil for dandruff?
Since tea tree oil is volatile, you should not apply the oil undiluted on the scalp. The scalp tissues are sensitive. Hence, a carrier oil can help you dilute the oil. We will use the following combination:
- Tea Tree Oil
- Coconut Oil
- Lavender Oil
You may skip lavender oil, but I recommend using that too. As I mentioned above, dandruff is both physical and psychological problem. Tea tree oil has a very strong smell and you may take some time to get adjusted with its smell. On the other hand, lavender oil has a pleasing smell. This pleasing smell can help you relax. Besides the smell, even the lavender oil helps you reduce the flakes.
- Take four tablespoon of coconut oil.
- Add one teaspoon of lavender oil to the coconut oil
- Add three drops of tea tree oil to the mix.
- Apply the oil on your scalp and keep it for half an hour.
- Wash it off after half an hour
You should be able to see notable difference right from day two or three. Yet, you should continue to use this for a week. That will give a cooling effect to the scalp.
Precautions
Use of tea tree oil for dandruff should help you reduce the problem effectively. Yet, great power comes with great responsibility. You should not overlook the safety aspects of using tea tree oil. Remember following aspects when you use the oil.
- Because tea tree oil is volatile, you should not use it without diluting it first. The use of tea tree oil on skin without dilution may cause sensitivity problems. The skin will be come sensitive to sunlight.
- Tea tree oil is toxic when taken inside by mouth. Do not make that mistake.
- Tea tree oil may produce allergic reactions in some people. Hence, use a small amount of the prepared solution on a small area and wait for 10 minutes. Should there be any allergic reactions, it should be visible by now.
- Keep the tea tree oil from the reach of children. They might consume it without our knowledge and the results can be fatal.
- Tea tree oil is not safe for pets as well.
- Ensure that you take similar precautions for lavender oil as well.
Judicious use of the oil combination can help you relax and reduce flakes. With the flakes gone, you can wear your favorite dark cloths again.