Another 2010 study showed promising results while using tea tree oil for treating lice (2). In the study, researchers used three types of treatments to treat children with head lice. One of the treatments contained a mix of essential oils like tea tree and lavender oils, which showed the greatest benefit to those with head lice. In another study, researchers compared certain botanical and synthetic substances that can be used to prevent lice in kids (3). Tea tree oil was the most effective treatment of all. This oil, when used with peppermint, could also help repel lice. However, the long-term use of tea tree oil for removing head lice is yet to be studied. In the following section, we have discussed the different ways you can use tea tree oil for reducing head lice.
How To Use Tea Tree Oil To Kill Head Lice
1. Tea Tree Essential Oil
Why This Works As we saw, tea tree can help kill lice. It also works as a lice repellent. You Will Need
5 to 6 drops of tea tree essential oil A cotton ball A head towel
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This Do this twice a week, till you find total relief from lice.
2. Tea Tree Oil Shampoo
Why This Works The lice-repelling properties of tea tree oil can help. You Will Need
Shampoo Few drops of tea tree oil
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This You may use this remedy once every week for a few weeks.
3. Tea Tree Oil Spray
You Will Need
100 ml of water 7 to 8 drops of tea tree oil A spray bottle
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This Use this spray 2 to 3 times a week.
4. Coconut Oil And Tea Tree Oil
Why This Works Many consider tea tree oil and coconut oil, as they may help nourish the scalp and hair and help remove lice. The anti-inflammatory properties may also help fight inflammation caused by lice (4). You may also consider exploring more about using coconut oil to get rid of lice and enhance your knowledge of the same further. You Will Need
2 to 3 tablespoons of coconut oil 6 to 7 drops of tea tree oil
What You Have To Do
Mix the tea tree oil with coconut oil. Apply the mixture to your scalp and hair. Leave it on for an hour. Wash your hair with a shampoo and conditioner.
How Often You Should Do This Do this twice a week.
5. Olive Oil And Tea Tree Oil
Why This Works Anecdotal evidence suggests that olive oil may have moisturizing properties that may soothe the scalp. You may combine tea tree oil with olive oil for head lice and see tremendous results, as they both facilitate the easy removal of lice and nits (lice eggs) from the hair and scalp. To be more sure about your approach, you may also read about the effectiveness of olive oil for head lice. You Will Need
2 tablespoons of olive oil 5 to 6 drops of tea tree oil
What You Have To Do
Mix the two oils together Apply the mixture to the scalp and hair. Leave it on for at least an hour. Rinse your hair as usual.
How Often You Should Do This Do this twice a week, for a few weeks.
6. Lavender And Tea Tree Oil
Why This Works Often used for aromatherapy, lavender oil may help you overcome the strong smell of tea tree oil. Also, lavender oil is claimed to relieve insect bites, and may have the same effect on lice too (5). You Will Need
3 to 4 drops of lavender oil 5 to 6 drops of tea tree oil 2 tablespoons of coconut or olive oil
What You Have To Do
Mix the oils. Apply the mixture to the scalp and hair. Leave it on overnight. Wash your hair in the morning.
How Often You Should Do This Do this once or twice a week, for a few weeks.
7. Tea Tree Oil And Vodka Or Rubbing Alcohol
Why This Works Anecdotal evidence suggests that vodka or rubbing alcohol may help cleanse the hair. Its alcoholic content may help kill the lice. You Will Need
3 tablespoons of vodka or rubbing alcohol 5 to 10 drops of tea tree oil Cotton ball
What You Have To Do
Add the oil to the vodka or rubbing alcohol and mix well. Apply the mixture to your hair and scalp using a cotton ball. Leave it on overnight. Rinse your hair in the morning with shampoo.
How Often You Should Do This Do this twice a week.
Side Effects Of Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil may cause skin irritation and allergies in a few people. It has been identified as a contact allergen (6).
There is no evidence stating that tea tree oil is safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Hence, stay safe and avoid use.
Tea tree oil can be toxic if ingested in high doses. Hence, use it for topical application alone (7).
Do you put tea tree oil on wet or dry hair for lice? It is recommended to put tea tree oil on wet hair and then comb out the lice. Can I spray tea tree oil on my hair? Yes, you can spray tea tree oil on your hair to keep it healthy and shiny. Can tea tree oil be used to treat other scalp conditions in addition to lice? Yes, tea tree oil can aid in dandruff reduction. A study suggests that using a shampoo containing 5% tea tree oil might be effective at minimizing dandruff brought on by Pityrosporum ovale (Malassezia) (9). Make sure you consult a doctor before adding this product to your hair care routine. How long does it take for tea tree oil to kill lice? Anecdotal evidence suggests that it may take between two to four weeks to kill lice. However, more studies are warranted to support this claim. Consult your doctor for further guidance on the dosage and usage of tea tree oil.
Illustration: Tea Tree Oil For Lice: How Does It Work?
Watch the following video and discover effective step-by-step instructions on head lice removal using tea tree oil. Learn the proper application techniques and the benefits of this natural remedy.
