Tea Tree Oil For Lice: How Does It Work?

Quick Tip

The first extraction of tea tree oil was from the plant Melaleuca alternifolia, and this species of plant native to Australia remains the most important for commercial extraction.

What Does Research Say?

Does tea tree oil kill lice? Yes, according to a 2012 study, tea tree oil may help kill lice in the nymph and adult stages of their life (1). Tea tree oil treatments may also keep the lice eggs from hatching.

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, long-term of 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

1. Dip the cotton ball in the oil.
2. Apply the ball to the scalp.
3. Wrap your hair in a towel and leave it on overnight.
4. Wash as usual the following morning.

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

1. Take some shampoo in your palm.
2. Add a few drops of tea tree oil.
3. Mix together and clean your hair as usual.

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

1. Pour the water into the spray bottle.
2. Add the essential oil to the bottle and shake well.
3. Spritz the mixture on your hair and scalp.
4. Leave it on for half an hour and wash your hair as usual.

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

Coconut oil may help nourish the scalp and hair. The anti-inflammatory properties may also help fight inflammation caused due to lice (4).

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 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.

Quick Tip

When choosing tea tree oil, ensure the label mentions its Latin name Melaleuca alternifolia, states that it is 100% tea tree oil in the ingredients list, and says that it is steam-distilled.

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).

Infographic: Removing Lice With Tea Tree Oil

A lice infestation is never good news for anyone. As read above, tea tree oil can eliminate lice in the nymph and adult stages, especially when used with peppermint. Check out the infographic below for four effective methods for using tea tree oil to reduce a lice infestation.

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Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

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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.

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Dr. Shruti ChavanMBBS

Dr. Shruti Chavan is a consulting dermatologist at Dr.Sheth's Skin and Hair Clinic since 6 years. She is a co-committee member of CDSI (Cosmetic dermatologist Society of India). She is highly skilled in non-surgical facial skin rejuvenation and face lift by the use of injection treatments and lasers.   Dr. Chavan is well-versed with dermatological and aesthetic procedures. Her special...more

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Anjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy. She has taken it upon herself to show...more

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Eshna is an associate editor and a certified skin care coach. She has over three years of experience, a triple main bachelor’s degree in psychology, English, and journalism from Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, and a master’s degree in psychology from Sampurna Montfort College, Bengaluru. Her passion for writing and editing and her background in psychology help her create content that...more

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