How to Remove Lice Using Tea Tree Oil

Last Updated: November 9, 2021 References Approved

If you’re looking to get rid of head lice fast, you’ve probably heard about using tea tree oil as a natural method. Does it really work, though? Yes and no. Anecdotal evidence and some medical studies suggest that tea tree oil can get rid of head lice (as well as eggs), but few medical sources support it as a verified method. Read on for information on tea tree oil's effectiveness and more!

Question 1 of 7:

Will tea tree oil actually remove lice?

1
Potentially, but it's not the most effective method. Tea tree oil isn't regulated by the FDA because it is an essential oil. This makes doctors hesitant to recommend it as a good treatment. Independent medical research suggests that tea tree oil can be an effective treatment method, though. ^{[1]
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Research source}
- A study published by Parasitology Research found that tea tree oil contains insecticidal properties that kill lice. It concluded that tea tree oil was an effective treatment.^{[2]
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  PubMed Central
  Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
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- Another medical study in Australia found that the combination of tea tree oil and lavender oil was a successful treatment against lice.^{[3]
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  Research source}
2
Over-the-counter treatments are still more effective. This is usually what doctors recommend. These usually come in the form of an anti-lice shampoo. To kill the lice, the shampoo includes active ingredients like pyrethrins or permethrin lotion.^{[4]
X
Trustworthy Source
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services
Go to source}
- The shampoo can't kill unhatched eggs, so you'll need to do two rounds of treatment. Follow the first treatment with another 9-10 days later. This will get rid of any lice that hatched after the first round.^{[5]
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  National Health Service (UK)
  Public healthcare system of the UK
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Question 2 of 7:

How do you use tea tree oil to get rid of lice?

1
Mix tea tree oil in your shampoo. Mix 3 to 5 drops of tea tree oil for every 1 oz of shampoo.^{[6]
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Research source} Wash your hair with the product in the shower. After, work a fine-toothed comb through your hair. Use the comb to get rid of any lice or nits (lice eggs).^{[7]
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Trustworthy Source
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services
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- Always combine tea tree oil with another substance, like shampoo or a carrier oil. Tea tree oil can be pretty harsh on your skin. Diluting it makes it more gentle!
2
Alternatively, make a solution of olive oil and tea tree oil. Apply a combination of 3 tablespoons (44 mL) olive oil and 1 teaspoon (4.9 mL) tea tree oil to your hair. Wait for 30 to 40 minutes before washing out the solution.^{[8]
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Research source} A study by Parasitology Research found that it takes about 30 minutes for the tea tree oil solution to effectively kill the lice.^{[9]
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Trustworthy Source
PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
Go to source}

Question 3 of 7:

Will tea tree oil kill all the lice immediately?

You may need a few tea tree oil treatments to get the job done. Anti-lice treatments, including both tea tree oil and even over-the-counter methods, may need to be repeated to kill any lice that hatch after the first treatment.
- Use a fine-toothed comb to comb through your hair every 2-3 days after treatment. Do this for a total of 17 days to make sure the lice are gone!^{[10]
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  National Health Service (UK)
  Public healthcare system of the UK
  Go to source}
- Repeat the treatment 9-10 days after the first round to get rid of any newly hatched lice or lice that you might have missed.^{[11]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  National Health Service (UK)
  Public healthcare system of the UK
  Go to source}

Question 4 of 7:

Will tea tree oil cause an allergic reaction on my scalp?

Possibly, if you have sensitive skin. Tea tree oil is relatively safe, but potential side effects of the product include skin irritation, itching, burning, dryness, and redness on the scalp. Only apply tea tree oil to your skin. Never drink or ingest it, as it's toxic.^{[12]
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Mayo Clinic
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- Spot test the tea tree oil on a small part of your skin before applying it to your scalp and hair. If you experience any side effects, don't use tea tree oil. Use another method to remove the lice instead, like over-the-counter treatments.
- Remember to use a carrier oil (like olive oil) or shampoo to dilute the tea tree oil. This will make it more gentle!

Question 5 of 7:

Do I need to call a doctor if symptoms persist?

Yes, your doctor can recommend a stronger treatment. If the tea tree oil isn't working, talk to your doctor about what medication they recommend. They may suggest over-the-counter treatment or, in particularly pesky situations, prescription medication. Never combine multiple types of anti-lice treatment unless your doctor specifically tells you to do so.^{[13]
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Trustworthy Source
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services
Go to source}
- Your doctor may recommend OTC medication containing either pyrethrins or permethrin lotion.
- They may recommend prescription medication if necessary. These stronger methods include either benzyl alcohol lotion, ivermectin lotion, or malathion lotion.^{[14]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services
  Go to source}

Question 6 of 7:

Do any other essential oils get rid of head lice?

1
Neem oil can be used to kill head lice. A study done by Parasitology Research found that shampoo containing neem oil effectively removes lice. In the study, children were given the treatment for 10-20 minute periods. After 7 days, the shampoo killed all the lice and eggs.^{[15]
X
Trustworthy Source
PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
Go to source} To use this method, use a neem oil shampoo or add 10 to 20 drops of neem oil to 1 oz of your normal shampoo.
- Leave the shampoo in your hair for 20 minutes before washing it out!
2
Lavender oil is another remedy you can try. The National Library of Medicine published a study that suggested lavender oil as a semi-effective method to get rid of lice. The research noted, though, that tea tree oil was more effective.^{[16]
X
Trustworthy Source
PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
Go to source} To use lavender oil, mix 2 drops of lavender oil in 10 millilitres (0.35 imp fl oz; 0.34 fl oz) of water. Use this instead of shampoo 2-3 times a week for 3 weeks.
- Lavender oil does not kill nits (lice eggs).^{[17]
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  Research source}

Question 7 of 7:

What over-the-counter methods are available?

The most common OTC treatment is anti-lice shampoo. These contain pyrethrin, an active ingredient found in flowers like chrysanthemums that is toxic to lice. To effectively get rid of lice, follow the instructions on the label and repeat the treatment 9-10 days after the first dose. This will hopefully remove any remaining lice.^{[18]
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Trustworthy Source
Johns Hopkins Medicine
Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital
Go to source}
- You need two treatments because the shampoo isn't able to kill unhatched eggs.
- See your doctor if the lice persist after two treatments. They may be resistant to the pyrethrin. If so, your doctor can prescribe prescription medication like benzyl alcohol lotion, ivermectin lotion, or malathion lotion.^{[19]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services
  Go to source}

Expert Q&A

Question

I did all the things recommended to remove head lice but it's very disgusting to find them again after all the struggle.

Zora Degrandpre, ND
Natural Health Doctor
Dr. Zora Degrandpre is a Natural Health Doctor and Licensed Naturopathic Physician in Vancouver, Washington. She is a grant reviewer for the National Institutes of Health and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. She received her ND from the National College of Natural Medicine in 2007.

Zora Degrandpre, ND

Natural Health Doctor

Expert Answer

It can be frustrating. Did you got through all the bedding and towels and wash them in hot soapy water? Have you cleaned and vacuumed all your furniture and rugs or carpeting. Are there others in the family or the home who may be re-infecting you? Try checking all those things to see if there is a source of lice in your home.
Question

My granddaughter's hair is so thin and fine that every comb, including baby combs, won't get the eggs and nits out. We've even tried a brush. What do I do?

Zora Degrandpre, ND
Natural Health Doctor
Dr. Zora Degrandpre is a Natural Health Doctor and Licensed Naturopathic Physician in Vancouver, Washington. She is a grant reviewer for the National Institutes of Health and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. She received her ND from the National College of Natural Medicine in 2007.

Zora Degrandpre, ND

Natural Health Doctor

Expert Answer

It may help to cut your granddaughter's hair a bit shorter to make it easier to see the eggs and nits. You may also have to apply an oily conditioner and use a pair of fine tweezers to gently pull off eggs and nits. Be very gentle and don't pull hard! The oily conditioner should make it easier to pull off the nits and eggs. To get a better view, try using a good, direct light and a magnifying glass. Also, you may want to talk to a local hairdresser and see if they have any suggestions for even finer combs.

Warnings

Tea tree oil has not been tested for safety in pregnant or breastfeeding women and is not recommended for use by these women.

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Tea Tree oil is not the most effective treatment for lice removal, although it has the benefits of being milder than other treatments. Lice infestations are serious and often persistent problems. You may want to consider conventional chemical treatments if effectiveness is the most important factor.

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Tea tree oil is toxic when ingested by mouth. Do not apply tea tree oil near your mouth, and do not ingest it orally.^{[22]
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Some people may have an allergic reaction to tea tree oil. If you experience redness, irritation, or itching, stop using the tea tree oil treatment.^{[23]
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Tea tree oil may cause hormonal side effects in pre-pubescent males when combined with lavender oil, including abnormal breast growth (gynecomastia). While no direct link between tea tree oil and this condition has been established, it is not recommended that you use tea tree oil on young males regularly.^{[24]
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Mayo Clinic
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