The chilly season is upon us and with these long, cosy nights, hot chocolate indulgences and dashing winter coats, we’re also sadly served a side of dry skin and flaky scalp. Central heating systems in office buildings further exacerbate the situation, leaving your skin parched and irritable. While your regular shampoo may have worked perfectly well during the warmer, humid months, in winter, it’s time to amp up the moisture and scalp-care with the help of antibacterial wonder-fluid; tea tree oil.
The native Australian plant was used as a healing balsam for centuries by Aboriginal inhabitants, and English explorer Captain James Cook brewed it as a tea upon his discovery of the country in the 1770s. We all know how much the British love their tea, but we can’t imagine any pleasure being derived from this medicinal version. In 1923, chemist Dr A.R. Penfold’s studies declared the antiseptic oil thirteen times stronger than carbolic acid, while during World War II, Australian soldiers were treated with the anti-fungal emollient during an outbreak of what’s more commonly known now as Athlete’s Foot. Whether you’re drinking it, disinfecting your gym socks or using it as homemade deodorant, tea tree extract has a multitude of uses with hair- and scalp-care being one of the most prominent.
Here’s why you should be adding this golden elixir to your winter hair-care routine:
Tea tree vs dandruff
There’s nothing worse than wearing your favourite black tweed coat to work, only to find that it’s covered in a snowstorm of unsightly white flakes by the time you get there. A dry scalp condition is further aggravated when temperatures drop. Trying to warm up in the shower on 10-degree mornings with scorching hot water worsens the Sahara-like surface of your scalp. We recommend The London Grooming Company tea tree shampoo which has anti-fungal properties that repress the bacteria associated with dandruff, and also nourishes your scalp without drying it out.
Tea tree vs itchy scalp
A cosy woollen hat may hide a bad hair day, but it can’t conceal the discomfort and itchy, inflamed skin underneath. Skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema and dermatitis singe the delicate scalp area to what can feel like a third-degree burn. Itching can be alleviated by adding a nourishing, antiseptic tea-tree-infused product to your daily hair-washing routine. Our London Grooming tea tree conditioner is an invigorating salve that gently pacifies irritated and sensitive scalps. The addition of menthol to this soothing formula lends a revitalising touch, giving you that fresh, just-showered feeling for the entire day.
Tea tree vs thinning hair
It’s often found that dandruff and itchy scalp ailments can lead to hair loss. Constant scratching doesn’t help either. Dandruff causes blocked pores which can clog hair follicles, preventing them from sprouting new hairs. Instead of drastically opting for a meme-worthy hairpiece or investing in a new cap collection, there are other ways to go from follicularly-challenged to a full mane.
Tea tree oil is known to terminate all microbes which inhibit hair growth, so encourage new hair development by massaging 3-4 drops of essential tea tree oil (diluted with 1-2 tablespoons of olive or coconut oil) in circular motions into your scalp. Allow it to sink in for 30 minutes while you scroll through your social media, then rinse out using The London Grooming Company tea tree shampoo which is proven to unclog hair follicles. Add a dollop of moisturising tea tree conditioner and you’re on your way to healthy, luscious hair.
Tea tree vs product build-up
As our hair tends to feel more dehydrated during winter months, we’re inclined to add more product than usual to rehydrate lifeless and brittle strands. While it may be a temporary fix, the build-up of creams, clays, gels, mousses and sprays amass a film of residue around your scalp, preventing water and other nutrients from reaching the skin. Clarify your hair with tea tree shampoo to easily get rid of greasy build-up and cleanse your scalp of any silicone accumulation.
Our tea tree hair care products are also ideal for scalps sensitive to sulphates and chemicals found in generic shampoos and conditioners.
So dust off those flakes, remove that hat and confidently run your hands through healthy and dandruff-free hair this winter. Trust us, your dry cleaner will thank you.