Powerful Remedies Using Tea Tree Oil for Lice

Suffering from the menace of head lice can be an extremely annoying hair concern. As the irritation caused by lice makes one scratch the head relentlessly.

The medical term for this infestation is called Pediculosis capitis. These creatures live on human head by sticking themselves to the hair follicles and they even lay tiny eggs called nits.

Head lice infestation is highly contagious as well as it often transmits from child’s hair to others hair through touching or by sharing combs, pillows or sharing hair accessories such as hats.

Despite this infestation being contagious and irritating don’t fret as this infestation is very much treatable.

There are many medicated treatments in forms of chemical shampoos, creams and sprays available which claim to get rid of head lice.

But many times the strong pesticide chemicals substances present in this medicated shampoos and soaps can trigger many health conditions such as asthma, skin rashes and may have serious side effects too.

And most often these medicated shampoos may even fail at not providing a complete relief from the lice and nits from the scalp.

One of the quickest and the most natural alternatives for treating head lice is using Tea Tree Oil.

Tea tree oil for lice helps to get rid of these annoying creatures permanently and it’s a lot safer for people with sensitive scalps as well.

Wondering about how does tea tree oil kill lice?

Tea tree oil contains terpenoids which is a potent antiseptic, anti-fungal agent. This essential oil is even proven to contain anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that don’t irritate the scalp while treating the head lice.

Along with these properties tea tree oil is a strong disinfectant agent which acts as a natural lice and nits repellent.

Now that we have gained some basic knowledge about lice let us now proceed to some effective, safe, natural and inexpensive home remedies about how to get rid of head lice using tea tree oil.

Home Remedies Using Tea Tree Oil for Lice 

1. Tea Tree Oil and Water Remedy

Tea tree oil is one of the most effective remedies for treating head lice and it’s easily available too. But the quality of tea tree oil is most essential in treating head lice effectively.

So, look for pure tea tree oil for treating head lice faster.

This simple remedy only contains tea tree oil and water which is suitable for normal to sensitive scalp.

Ingredients:

  • Tea Tree Oil- 4 to 5 Drops
  • Water- ½ Cup
  • Lice Comb
  • Towel

Directions:

  1. Take ½ cup of water and add in 4 to 5 drops of tea tree oil.
  2. Mix well and apply the solutions on the scalp and hair evenly.
  3. Massage the scalp and hair gently so that the solution evenly spread all over the scalp.
  4. Place a towel over the pillow while sleeping.
  5. Leave on the application overnight.
  6. Next morning comb the hair with a lice comb to remove the dead lice.
  7. Later rinse your hair with warm water or wash your hair with shampoo.
  8. Follow up with a conditioner if required.
  9. Repeat this tea tree oil and lice treatment twice a week for 3 to 4 weeks to completely get rid of head lice and its nits.

2. Tea Tree Oil, Sesame Oil and Black Pepper Remedy

Want to know how to get rid of lice naturally without damaging the scalp and hair by head lice harsh chemicals?

Then try this tea tree oil, sesame seeds oil and black pepper corn remedy. This oils combination helps in gently eliminating the head lice and nourishes the scalp too.

In this remedy adding black pepper corns kills the head lice and nits effectively.

Ingredients:

  • Tea Tree Oil- 8 to 10 Drops
  • Sesame Oil- 2 to 4 tbsp. or as required depending on the length of the hair.
  • Black Pepper Corns- 4 to 5 Nos
  • Towel
  • Lice Comb

Directions:

  1. Take a small bowl and add in 2 to 4 tbsp. of sesame oil.
  2. Then heat the oil on low heat till it reaches a warm temperature.
  3. Later add 4 to 5 Nos of black pepper corns into the warm oil.
  4. Continue to heat the oil for 10 to 15 seconds more.
  5. Later remove from heat and add 8 to 10 drops of tea tree oil into the warm oil.
  6. Mix well and allow the oil to cool down to lukewarm temperature.
  7. Then apply the oils solution into the scalp evenly.
  8. Massage the scalp gently for 2 minutes to spread the oil evenly.
  9. Later wrap your head with a towel and leave on the application for 40 to 60 minutes.
  10. Then remove the towel and comb your hair with lice comb.
  11. Later rinse the hair with warm water and if required shampoo your hair with mild shampoo.
  12. This tea tree oil lice treatment can be repeated 2 to 3 times a week for 4 to 5 weeks or until head lice have been completely eliminated from the hair.

[Also Read: Homemade Avocado Hair Mask Benefits]

3. Tea Tree Oil, Olive Oil and Vinegar Remedy

Tea tree oil is a scientifically proven treatment for lice and adding olive oil in this tea tree oil lice prevention treatment provides faster results.

As olive oil suffocates the head lice and kills them faster. Adding olive oil in this remedy even helps in soothing the inflammation caused by head lice.

In this remedy vinegar is equally beneficial in treating head lice as it kills the lice and helps in releasing the nits from the hair which can be combed out easily from the hair.

Ingredients:

  • Tea Tree Oil- 4 to 5 Drops
  • Olive Oil- 2 to 3 tsp or as required according to the hair’s length.
  • White Vinegar- ½ Cup
  • Water- ½ Cup
  • Lice Comb

Directions:

  1. Take a small bowl and add in 2 to 3 tsp of olive oil.
  2. Then add 4 to 5 drops of tea tree oil into olive oil.
  3. Mix the oils well and spread the oils evenly on the scalp.
  4. Massage the scalp gently for 1 to 2 minutes.
  5. Later leave on the tea tree oil and olive oil solution into the scalp for 45 to 60 minutes.
  6. Later wash off the application with warm water and mild shampoo.
  7. If required follow up with a conditioner.
  8. Later comb the hair with lice comb dipped in warm water and vinegar solution when the hair is still damp.
  9. This olive oil, tea tree oil and lice remedy can be repeated twice a week for 2 to 3 weeks to get rid of head lice completely.

4. Tea Tree Oil and Lavender Oil Remedy

Want to know how to effectively use tea tree oil for head lice?Then try combining tea tree oil with lavender essential oil and water.

This oils blend is beneficial in treating head lice infestation and the lavender essential oil even calms the irritation caused by head lice.

Ingredients:

  • Tea Tree Oil- 1 to 2 tsp
  • Lavender Essential Oil- 1 tsp
  • Water- 1 Cup
  • Towel
  • Lice Comb

Directions:

  1. Take a bowl and add 2 tsp of tea tree oil and 1 tsp of lavender essential oil.
  2. Dilute these oils with 1 cup of water and mix well.
  3. Then apply this oils and water solution all over the dry or damp hair and scalp.
  4. Wrap your scalp with a towel.
  5. Leave on the application for 25 to 30 minutes.
  6. Later rinse off the application with warm water and if required follow up with regular shampoo and conditioner routine.
  7. Comb your hair with lice comb to remove dead lice.
  8. This lavender and tea tree oil for lice remedy can be repeated 2 to 3 times a week regularly to treat head lice effectively.

[Also Read: How to Stop Hair Breakage Naturally at Home]

5. Tea Tree Oil, Coconut Oil, Essential Oil with Shampoo Remedy

Want to know about how does tea tree oil prevent lice?

Then try this tea tree oil remedy by combining it with coconut oil, lavender essential oil with shampoo makes it’s an effective solution to tackle these annoying little creatures from the hair and scalp completely.

Coconut oil is like tea tree oil in nature as it contains potent anti-bacterial, anti-viral properties (1) and its fatty substance that kills the head lice effectively.

The vitamin E content in coconut oil even helps in nourishing the scalp.

Whereas adding lavender essential oil soothes the inflammation and its strong smell suffocates the lice. And combining all these ingredients with shampoo makes it more potent to get rid of head lice completely.

Ingredients:

  • Tea Tree Oil- 3 to 4 Drops
  • Coconut Oil- 3 to 4 Drops
  • Lavender Essential Oil- 3 to 4 Drops
  • Shampoo- 2 to 4 tsp or as required
  • Lice Comb
  • Shower Cap

Directions:

  1. Take a small bowl and add in tea tree oil, coconut oil and lavender essential oil.
  2. Mix well and then add in shampoo.
  3. Mix again until all the ingredients are well combined.
  4. Then spread solution all over the scalp and hair until the lengths of the hair.
  5. If required cover your hair with a shower cap.
  6. Leave on the application for 25 to 30 minutes.
  7. Then rinse off the application with warm water and towel dry your hair.
  8. Later comb your hair with lice comb thoroughly, for better results add 1 to 2 drops of tea tree oil on the lice comb before combing the hair to remove dead lice.
  9. Use this lice prevention shampoo with tea tree oil twice a week for 3 to 4 weeks.

6. Tea Tree Oil, Apple Cider Vinegar and Shampoo Remedy

This is yet another effective remedy for getting rid of head lice and nits. This remedy contains easily available ingredients such as tea tree oil and shampoo.

The combination of shampoo with tea tree oil easily helps to get rid of head lice and prevent further infestation as well.

Whereas the apple cider vinegar rinse prior to shampooing can loosen the nits which makes the treatment work better on scalp. ACV can also helps you get rid of dandruff naturally at home

Ingredients:

  • Tea Tree Oil- 3 tbsp.
  • Regular Shampoo- 2 tbsp.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar- 1 tbsp.
  • Water- 1 Cup

Directions:

  1. Take a small bowl and add in shampoo required for single use.
  2. Then add in tea tree oil into the shampoo and mix well.
  3. Use this tea tree oil in shampoo to wash your hair as regular.
  4. Massage the shampoo well into the hair roots and allow the shampoo to sit in the hair for 2 to 3 minutes.
  5. Later rinse off the shampoo thoroughly with warm water.
  6. After shampooing the hair, towel dry your hair.
  7. Then take 1 cup of water and add in 1 tbsp of tea tree oil and 1 tbsp. of apple cider vinegar.
  8. Stir well and use this solution as a last rinse for your hair.
  9. Squeeze out excess water from the hair and allow the hair to dry naturally.
  10. Then run a lice comb several times from the hair and scalp to get rid of the lice completely.
  11. This tea tree oil shampoo lice treatment can be repeated every 3 days for preventing head lice.

7. Tea Tree Oil, Sesame Oil, Neem Oil, Eucalyptus Oil, Rosemary Oil, Lavender Oil and Apple Cider Vinegar Healing Remedy

 Want to know about how to use tea tree oil for lice? Then try this scalp healing remedy which is highly beneficial in getting rid of head lice easily.

This remedy is a blend of scalp nourishing and potent essential oils such as tea tree oil, sesame seeds oil, neem oil, eucalyptus oil, rosemary oil and lavender oil.

In this head lice solution oils such as eucalyptus, rosemary, lavender and neem oil contains strong antibacterial compounds.

Whereas sesame seeds oil is a rich source of antibacterial, antifungal properties and natural insecticides.

The acidic properties of apple cider vinegar helps in dissolving the glue like substance of nits which makes them stick to the hair shaft.

All these oils when combined with tea tree oil acts as an overnight solution to tackle the annoying head lice and nits infestation.

Ingredients:

  • Tea Tree Oil- 1 tsp
  • Neem Oil- 1/3 Cup
  • Eucalyptus Oil- 1 ½ tsp
  • Lavender Essential Oil- 8 to 10 Drops
  • Rosemary Essential Oil- 10 Drops
  • Sesame Seeds Oil- ¼ Cup
  • Apple Cider Vinegar- ½ Cup
  • Shower Cap
  • Lice Comb
  • Clean Bottle- For Storage

Directions:

  1. Firstly start by rinsing the hair with apple cider vinegar and then allow the hair to dry.
  2. Then take a bowl and add in tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil, neem oil, lavender essential oil, rosemary oil and mix well.
  3. Then add in sesame seeds oil and stir again.
  4. Later store the oils blend in a clean bottle.
  5. For usage take required quantity of oil in a bowl, using fingertips spread the oil all over the scalp and hair.
  6. Massage the scalp for 1 to 2 minutes gently to spread the oil well into the scalp.
  7. Later cover the hair with a shower cap.
  8. Leave on the application overnight.
  9. The next day wash off the oil application with warm water and shampoo.
  10. Then towel dry your hair and run the lice comb several times through the hair to remove the dead lice and nits.
  11. Use this oils combination with tea tree oil to prevent lice effectively. This remedy can be repeated twice a week for 2 to 3 weeks for getting rid of head lice and nits easily

8. Tea Tree Oil Hair Spray Remedy

It can be a very embarrassing situation for children suffering from lice infestation and one of the easiest and quick solutions to tackle this hair concern is with tea tree oil spray.

This spray is one of the easiest remedies to prepare and quickest alternatives to get rid of head lice as this spray only contains tea tree oil and water.

Ingredients:

  • Tea Tree Oil- 5 to 6 Drops
  • Water- 1 Cup
  • Spray Bottle
  • Funnel

Directions:

  1. Take a spray bottle and place a funnel on the bottle.
  2. Then pour 1 cup of water into the spray bottle.
  3. Later add 5 to 6 drops of tea tree oil into spray bottle.
  4. Shake well the bottle well.
  5. For usage spray the tea tree oil and water solution on hair.
  6. Then style the hair as usual.
  7. Later again after styling the hair for better results.
  8. This tea tree oil for lice spray can be applied daily once to prevent and treat head lice and nits easily.

[Also Read: Great Ways in Which You Can Use Mayonnaise for Hair Treatment]

9. Tea Tree Oil and Rubbing Alcohol Remedy

Want to know about how to get rid of lice easily at home

Then try this tea tree oil and rubbing alcohol remedy.

Along with the multiple benefits of tea tree oil adding rubbing alcohol’s effective disinfectant properties helps in treating lice effectively.

Ingredients:

  • Tea Tree Oil- 20 Drops
  • Rubbing Alcohol- ½ Cup
  • Spray Bottle
  • Funnel

Directions:

  1. Take an empty clean spray bottle and pour in ½ cup of rubbing alcohol.
  2. Then add 20 drops of tea tree oil into the spray bottle.
  3. Later shake the spray bottle vigorously until the oil and rubbing alcohol is mixed well.
  4. For usage spray the tea tree oil and rubbing alcohol solution liberally all over the scalp and hair till the ends.
  5. Leave on the application overnight for best results.
  6. Next morning wash off the application thoroughly with warm water and shampoo.
  7. Follow up with a conditioner if required.
  8. Then towel dry the hair and run a lice comb through the hair several times.
  9. This rubbing alcohol and tea tree oil lice prevention treatment can be repeated twice a week for 3 to 4 weeks to eliminate all signs of lice from scalp and hair.

10. Tea Tree Oil, Eucalyptus Oil, Olive Oil and Shampoo Remedy

Are you confused about how much tea tree oil to put in shampoo for sensitive scalp?

Then try this remedy which will soothe the inflammation caused by head lice and gently eliminate these tiny creatures from your scalp completely.

This remedy contains potent ingredients such as tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil, olive oil and shampoo.

Tea tree oil and eucalyptus oil posses a strong smell and potent insecticide properties (2) which is beneficial in this treatment.

Whereas the thick texture of shampoo and olive oil makes the head lice to loosen their grip on the hair shaft so that they can be removed from the hair easily.

Ingredients:

  • Tea Tree Oil- 1 tbsp.
  • Eucalyptus Oil- 1 tsp
  • Olive Oil- 3 tbsp.
  • Regular Shampoo- 100 ml

Directions:

  1. Take a bowl add in 1 tbsp. of tea tree oil, 1 tsp eucalyptus oil and 3 tsp of olive oil in a bowl.
  2. Mix all the oils well and then add in 100 ml of regular shampoo.
  3. Mix again and pour this oils and shampoo blend back into the shampoo bottle.
  4. For usage take ample amount of shampoo and apply it over damp hair.
  5. Massage well and leave on the oils and shampoo solution in the hair for 25 to 30 minutes.
  6. Then rinse off the shampoo thoroughly with warm water and towel dry your hair.
  7. Later run a lice comb through the hair several times to get rid of dead lice and nits.
  8. This tea tree shampoo lice remedy can be repeated 2 times a week for 2 to 3 weeks or until lice have been completely eliminated from the scalp.

11. Tea Tree Oil and Vodka Remedy

Head lice can cause constant itching sensation which causes a lot of discomfort. For an instant relief from head lice and its nits the combination of tea tree oil and vodka is considered as a very effective remedy.

For lice tea tree oil’s strong antibacterial properties combined with the alcohol content in vodka is proven to be a beneficial for curbing these lice.

Ingredients:

  • Tea Tree Oil- 8 to 10 Drops
  • Vodka- 3 tbsp.
  • Cotton Ball- 1 Nos

Directions:

  1. Take a small bowl and add in 3 tbsp. of vodka and tea tree oil.
  2. Mix well and saturate a cotton ball with this solution.
  3. Then apply the solution saturated cotton ball on the roots of the hair liberally.
  4. Leave on the application over night for best results.
  5. Next morning wash off the application thoroughly with warm water and follow up with a shampoo and conditioner routine.
  6. Then towel dry your hair and run a lice comb through your hair to remove the dead lice and nits.
  7. This vodka and tea tree oil for lice treatment can be repeated twice a week for 3 to 4 weeks for removing lice completely.

So these were our top most suggestions for remedies with tea tree oil for lice. Apart from these suggestions there are a few other important tips that one needs to follow in order to prevent the hair from lice.

Important Tips to Prevent Lice Infestation:

  • Add tea tree oil to wash clothes, pillow covers, children’s toys and bed sheets to get rid of lice and nits.
  • Avoid head to head contact.
  • Regularly clean your hair care products such as combs, hair ties etc. with water diluted with tea tree oil to avoid lice infestation. Follow a proper Hair Care Routine for Healthy Hair
  • If you have long hair try to keep your hair tied in a ponytail to avoid lice infestation.

Here we have listed out the most effective and easy tea tree oil for lice prevention remedies.

So, the next time you suffer from lice infestation don’t reach out to the harmful chemical laden products and instead give these remedies a try as they are safe and natural.

All these remedies contain easily available ingredients and proven to be safe to treat lice and nits effectively and cause no side effect or harm what so ever.

However if the hair lice concern prolongs for a longer period of time it is best suggested to consult a specialist for the same.

Do drop in a line and let us know if at all you liked any of the remedies recommended by us  using tea tree oil for lice prevention and how did it help you. We would love to hear from you and know your opinion in order to serve you with better suggestions.

51 COMMENTS

  1. You made some first rate factors there. I regarded on the internet for the issue and found most individuals will associate with together with your website.

  2. Does Vinegar helps in getting rid of lice and its eggs

  3. I tried many home remedies can you suggest me the best home remedies and please tell me how to get rid of lice permanently

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