Evidence supporting the use of: Tea Tree Oil
For the body system: Hair

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) is commonly used in hair care products to support scalp health and hair quality. Its primary active component, terpinen-4-ol, gives it notable antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Scientific research supports the use of tea tree oil for certain scalp conditions that affect the hair, such as dandruff (seborrheic dermatitis) and mild fungal infections. For example, a randomized controlled trial published in 2002 in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that a 5% tea tree oil shampoo significantly improved dandruff symptoms compared with placebo. The oil’s antifungal activity is believed to help reduce Malassezia species, which are involved in dandruff development.

There is also some evidence that tea tree oil can help reduce itching and flaking associated with scalp conditions, supporting overall scalp health, which in turn can benefit hair appearance and comfort. However, direct evidence that tea tree oil promotes hair growth or prevents hair loss is limited and not robustly established. Most benefits pertain to improved scalp health, which is indirectly supportive of hair quality.

While tea tree oil is widely used in traditional medicine for various skin and scalp ailments, the scientific evidence for its use in the hair body system is moderate and primarily supports its role in managing scalp conditions rather than directly improving hair growth or strength.

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