Tea Rinses For Hair – Types, Benefits, And Side Effects

Why Use A Tea Rinse For Hair?

A tea rinse is a herbal rinse that can improve the hair’s appearance and feel. It is a blend of herbs and water that keeps the hair healthy. Here are a few reasons to use tea rinses for the hair (1):

1. Herbal rinses are gentle and nourishing. They promote healthy hair and scalp.
2. They soften the hair, improve shine and volume, and make it bouncy.
3. Herbal rinses can deep cleanse the scalp, soothe irritation, and prevent dandruff. They may even stimulate hair growth.
4. They can lighten, darken, or improve natural hair color.

Quick Tip

Tea rinses are most suitable for individuals with scalp buildup or scalp irritation, dull and lifeless hair, or hair loss and hair thinning issues.

Types And Benefits Of Tea Rinses For Hair

• Green Tea: It contains flavonoidsⁱ  XNaturally occurring substances found in many fruits and vegetables that protect the cells from oxidative damage and prevent diseases. that can stimulate hair growth (2). Research found that green tea extract showed better results than minoxidil 2.5% in promoting hair growth (3).
• Black Tea: It contains tanninsⁱ  XA class of water-soluble compounds found in plants that help separate protein from a solution to help remove contaminants. that can brighten hair color intensity (4). Black tea contains caffeine that can help prevent androgenic alopeciaⁱ  XPermanent, genetic hair loss condition that affects the top and crown of the head in both men and women. and hair loss (5).
• Rosemary: It is used in herbal tea blends and is known for its antifungal properties (6). This may help keep the scalp clean and dandruff-free. It can also turn gray hair darker. Rosemary oil may also improve androgenic alopecia (7).

• Chamomile: It contains antioxidants and exhibits antimicrobial properties, making it ideal for topical use. Applying chamomile tea can reduce inflammation and soothe scalp irritation and conditions like eczemaⁱ  XA common chronic skin condition characterized by dry skin, irritation, inflammation, and red rashes. and dermatitisⁱ  XAn umbrella term for a variety of skin conditions involving itchy skin, dry skin, rashes, blisters, and crusts. (8). Research shows that chamomile can inhibit 5-alpha reductase and stimulate hair growth and prevent androgenic alopecia (9).
• Hibiscus: It may help stimulate hair growth. A mice study found hibiscus to induce hair growth (10). The leaves and flowers of the hibiscus plant are said to fight dandruff (11). They also improve the overall health and appearance of the hair.
• Peppermint: Peppermint oil is known to stimulate hair growth. It also has antimicrobial and antifungal properties (12). These properties may keep the scalp clean.
• Lavender: Lavender oil contains linalyl acetateⁱ  XAn organic compound found in many spice plants and flowers. It is widely used as a fragrance material. , linaloolⁱ  XA floral, colorless, and spicy terpene alcohol used as a fragrant ingredient. It is mainly found in citrus fruits. , and geraniolⁱ  XA terpene alcohol that occurs in the essential oils of aromatic plants used in hair styling gels, moisturizers, and conditioners. that help manage alopecia areata and promote hair growth (13).
• Nettle: Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) leaves are traditionally used for treating hair loss (14). More research is needed to prove its hair benefits.
• Sage: Anecdotal evidence suggests that sage prevents premature graying.

Nkosazana, a blogger, recounted her experience with tea rinses in her blog. She noted, “I tried Senna leaves differently, after shampoo/co-wash, I’d throw the tea rinse on hair and put the deep conditioner over the tea to work together and then rinse out, my hair absolutely loves it! Hair is softer, hardly breaks and the shedding is quite low (i).”

You can use any of the herbs or a blend of several herbs to prepare a DIY tea rinse for your hair. Here are the instructions.

How To Wash Your Hair With A Tea Rinse

Prep Time

30-45 minutes

You Will Need

• 2 teaspoons of tea herbs
• 1 ½ cups of water

Note: Adjust the quantity as per the hair length.

Procedure

1. Steep the tea herbs in hot water for half an hour.
2. Strain the tea and allow it to cool.
3. Use the tea as a post-wash rinse.

How Often

Once every week

You can also use the tea rinse to prepare the scalp for a deep conditioning treatment. After shampooing, wash the scalp and hair with the tea rinse, put on a shower cap, and leave it on for 15-30 minutes. Follow up with a deep conditioning mask, conditioner, cream, or serum and leave it on for another half hour before rinsing off the hair with cool water.

Quick Tip

Avoid using tea rinse with hair products containing alcohol to keep hair from becoming excessively dry.

Side Effects Of Tea Rinses

Using tea rinses too often can make the hair dry and brittle. Hence, use them not more than once a week. The herbs may also trigger allergic reactions and cause irritation, itching, hives, and inflammation. Ensure you do a patch test to prevent allergic reactions.

Of all the herbs mentioned in the above list, black tea contains the highest caffeine levels – a compound proven to promote hair growth. You can try a tea rinse made of black tea to promote hair growth. Let’s find out how it works.

Black Tea To Reduce Hair Shedding

Black tea contains caffeine (5). A study found caffeine to stimulate hair growth by increasing the anagen phase (growth phase) (15). Another reason for hair shedding can be scalp inflammation and itching, and caffeine can help calm an itchy scalp.

Stress is one of the most common factors contributing to hair loss. Black tea is also known to relieve stress, preventing hair shedding (16). You may apply or drink black tea to prevent hair fall. You may either wash it off or leave it on your hair.

Can You Leave A Tea Rinse On Your Hair?

Yes. You can leave the tea rinse on the hair. Tea rinses can unclog pores, cleanse the scalp, and nourish the hair follicles. Anecdotal evidence suggests that massaging the scalp after using the tea rinse can clear the pores and remove dirt and other impurities. Massaging may also stimulate blood flow and induce hair growth.

Infographic: Hibiscus Tea Rinse For Hair

People with dry or dull hair can try tea rinses like hibiscus tea for hair growth and health. Hibiscus is known for its hair growth stimulating properties and ability to fight against dandruff. It is easy to prepare this herbal tea rinse at home with two ingredients. Click on the infographic below to learn more about the hibiscus tea rinse treatment for hair and how to use it.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

What does tea rinse do for natural hair?

A tea rinse (depending on the tea you use) fights dandruff and enhances curls. It also soothes an itchy or irritated scalp. It adds shine to natural hair and helps manage product residue and buildup.

Can I use a tea rinse instead of shampoo?

A tea rinse can reduce itching and shedding, prevent dandruff, increase hair shine, and promote hair growth. But, if you use a lot of hair products, it might not be as effective as a shampoo in removing product residue and buildup.

Are non-caffeinated teas good for hair rinses?

Yes. Non-caffeinated teas can soothe inflammation, reduce frizz and dryness, and improve scalp health.

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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

Anjali SayeeAssociate Editor

 

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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