Tea Rinses for Hair: Benefits and How to Use It

Tea rinses have been utilized for centuries for various benefits to hair health. Here are the key benefits and how to use them:

Benefits of Tea Rinses:

1. Promotes hair growth: Green tea is rich in nutrients and antioxidants, delivering a reinvigorating charge to hair follicles, potentially blocking DHT, a hormone that can shrink hair follicles.
2. Enhances hair color: Tea rinses can brighten light-colored hair, such as blonde and red tones. Black teas can darken grays and deepen color in dark hair.
3. Reduces breakage and shedding: Black tea contains tannins that help block DHT, which can lead to hair shedding.
4. Promotes a healthy scalp: Both black and green tea have antioxidant properties that can soothe an irritated scalp.

How to Use Tea Rinses:

1. Choose the right tea: Green tea is good for growth, black tea for color and shedding, chamomile for blonde hair, and hibiscus/rooibos for red hair.
2. Brew tea: Add tea bags to hot water and let steep, then cool.
3. Prepare for the rinse: Wash hair with shampoo or a cleansing conditioner, then towel-dry until hair is damp.
4. Apply tea rinse: Funnel the tea into a spray bottle and massage it into your scalp and hair.
5. Wait: Cover hair with a plastic cap for 30 minutes (for a stronger result) and rinse with cold water.
6. Skip shampooing afterward and condition as needed.

Precautions:

• Do a patch test if you have sensitive skin.
• Avoid tea rinses if you have pre-existing scalp conditions like seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, or infections.
• Observe frequency and avoid overuse, as it may cause hair to become dry and brittle.
• Use conditioner afterward to moisturize the hair, especially if your hair has low porosity.

Despite the anecdotal claims, scientific studies have yet to conclusively prove the benefits of tea rinses on hair growth and loss prevention, but they can temporarily enhance hair color and shine.