Head lice are one of the most common problems among children – and just as annoying as they are difficult to get rid of. While many turn to pesticide-based products from the pharmacy, tea tree oil offers a natural and non-toxic alternative that has long been used against lice.
The tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) is a medicinal plant native to Australia. The oil is extracted by steam distilling the plant's leaves. The active ingredient is terpinen-4-ol, a substance believed to attack head lice and help loosen them from the scalp.
Thanks to its strong antiseptic properties, tea tree oil can be used both to treat an ongoing lice infestation and preventively to keep the lice away. Many parents choose to use the oil as a protective measure during outbreaks at schools and preschools, where lice easily spread between children.
The most common method is simple: mix a drop or two of tea tree oil into a mild shampoo, such as baby shampoo. Wash the hair thoroughly with the mixture and let it sit for a while before rinsing. Then comb through the hair with a fine-toothed lice comb to remove dead lice and nits.
The oil can also be mixed with water in a spray bottle and lightly sprayed on the hair daily as a preventive measure during periods when lice are circulating in the child's environment.
Even though tea tree oil is a natural treatment with minimal side effects, it is a potent product. Undiluted oil can cause irritation and rashes in people with sensitive skin. Therefore, always dilute the oil before applying it to the scalp, and test on a small area of skin first if you are unsure.
Tea tree oil has received a low hazard score of 1 according to the Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep database, indicating a good safety profile. The oil is safe for external use but should never be ingested. Keep the bottle out of reach of children and avoid contact with the eyes.
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