Tea for hair: Benefits, Types and how to use it

Tea is a diet staple for many people. That is because drinking tea is also associated with health benefits such as stronger immune system, weight loss, and healthy heart. Did you know that one of the benefits of tea is also healthy hair? Well, tea rinses have become popular due to this reason. Different types of tea are known to promote hair growth, get rid of dandruff and nourish your mane. Read on to know about the types of tea for hair growth and how to use tea for hair!

What are the different types of tea good for hair?

When it comes to nurturing your hair, incorporating various types of tea into your hair care routine can be incredibly beneficial. Here are some of them:

1. Green tea

Renowned for its rich antioxidant content, green tea is a powerhouse for promoting hair growth and preventing hair loss, says beauty veteran Dr Blossom Kochhar. The antioxidants help to rejuvenate hair follicles, encouraging healthy hair growth from the root. During a 2007 study published in the Phytomedicine journal, researchers found that epigallocatechin gallate in green tea stimulates hair growth.

2. Black tea

Loaded with caffeine, black tea stimulates blood circulation in the scalp, promoting hair growth. It also possesses properties that contribute to maintaining a healthy scalp, which is essential for hair growth. Black tea has high antioxidant and caffeine contents that may support a healthy scalp and hair, and promote hair growth, as per a 2019 study published in the Molecules journal.

3. Chamomile tea

Known for its soothing properties, chamomile tea can calm the scalp and alleviate issues like dandruff and itchiness, says the expert. So, if dandruff is making you lose hair, chamomile tea may help.

4. Peppermint tea

With its antimicrobial properties, peppermint tea can help maintain a healthy scalp environment by warding off harmful microbes. This tea stimulates blood flow to the hair follicles, promoting healthy hair growth.

5. Rosemary tea

Rosemary tea is known for its ability to increase circulation to the scalp, and improved blood flow means better nourishment for hair follicles. This can lead to enhanced hair growth and reduced hair thinning, says Dr Kochhar.

6. Jasmine tea

Fighting off scalp infections while keeping it moisturised, jasmine tea offers a dual benefit. It not only ensures a healthy scalp, which is a must for hair growth. But also aids in deep conditioning the hair, maintaining its natural colour and luster.

What are the ways to use tea for hair?

To enjoy the benefits of these teas for your hair, it is essential to use them correctly.

1. Tea rinse

After washing your hair with a gentle shampoo, rinse your hair with brewed tea.
Allow the tea to cool down before using it on your hair. The frequency of using tea rinses depends on your hair type. For those with normal to oily hair, using tea rinses two or three times a week can be beneficial. This helps to maintain a healthy scalp environment without causing excess oiliness. However, women with dry or damaged hair should use tea rinses less frequently, such as once a week or every other week. Overuse can potentially exacerbate dryness. It is important to be mindful of tea rinses’ potential drying effects. To counteract this, balance tea rinses with moisturising treatments. Incorporating hydrating masks or conditioners into your hair care routine can help maintain moisture levels and prevent dryness.

2. Tea hair mask

You can create a nourishing hair mask by mixing the brewed tea with other ingredients like honey, yogurt, or aloe vera. This allows for deeper penetration of the tea’s nutrients into the hair and scalp, says the expert. You can use this once a week.

Can drinking tea be beneficial for hair?

It is not just the topical application, but drinking these teas can also contribute to overall hair health. The internal nourishment and hydration provided by consuming these teas can have a positive impact on hair growth and strength. They help to fortify the mane from within, resulting in healthier and more stronger hair strands, says the expert.

You may experience allergic reactions to certain types of tea, so perform a patch test before using any new tea on your hair to rule out any potential sensitivities.