Green Tea Rinse For Dry Damaged Hair
Green tea is made from the leaves of the camellia sinensis plant, according to the United States Department of Agriculture green tea has a high flavanoid content. Though this content may vary in different tea products. Green tea is said to be cancer fighting and and disrupts the production of harmful bacteria.
Why are we interested in green tea rinse for hair?
- Green tea stimulates hair growth and combats hair loss. The antioxidant epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) that is present in green tea is said to stimulate the hair follicles.
- Green tea is very effective in treating and curing certain scalp conditions such as dandruff, dry scalp, and psoriasis.
- Green tea strengthens and conditions the hair, it contains vitamin C, E and panthenol and when used as a rinse is a great way to get hair conditioned naturally.
- Green tea restores dry damaged hair because of its high Vitamin E content it can combat dryness effectively.
- Green tea guards against sun damage to hair and skin.
- Green tea softens hair and at the same time strengthens the hair.
How to use green tea rinse
Green tea can be used in the loose tea format (easily found in health food stores) or as tea bags; there are several varieties of green tea on the market. When using loose leaves use less than you would tea bags. One tea bag to one cup of water is the usual dosage.
To make the tea rinse boil water and then add to leaves or tea bag, cover and allow to steep. If using loose leaves strain after the water has cooled. For stronger potency use more tea bags or allow to steep in hot water for a longer time.
When To Use Green Tea Rinse
You can use the green tea rinse instead of conditioner. You can mix it other herbs or you can add it to your regular shampoo for a nutritious wash. Green tea can also be added to homemade moisturizing mixtures instead of water. It works well with peppermint tea rinse and horsetail tea rinse. A drop or two of essential oil when you are steeping your green tea will also increase its potency; jasmine essential oil is a great addition to this rinse.
Source: Green Tea: Health Benefits and Applications
About Brenda Barrett
hi Brenda
can i add grapeseed hasmine/ lavendar/jojoba/rosemary oil to the chamomile tea rinse ?
Hi Himani,
I don’t know if it would work. What I would suggest though is to use the tea rinse and then use your oils. Or you can experiment with it and then tell us how it goes.
so this will definately work in my hair because its brittle in the back right
I can’t say definitely for your hair but it has worked for others. Give it a try and let me know.
Hello Brenda,
I was wondering if i had to put on the green tea rinse when it was warm or cold, also do i have to wash it out right after or do I leave it on my hair for a certain amount of time? Sorry if these questions sound silly it is just that I am new to this and want to get as much information as I can.
You can use it warm, leave it in for a time if you wish (up to half an hour and rinse out). I don’t think your question silly at all. We can all learn from each other.
Hi Brenda,
Thanks for this informative post. I have very dry locs and scalp and was wondering if I could use this green tea as a daily moisturizing spray. I was thinking to add the peepermint essential oil like you mention. Do you recommend using it in this way? Would it be a problem if I am not rinsing it out immediately?
Thanks so much!
Emme
Hi Emme,
You are welcome. Its not a problem if you don’t rinse it out immediately but you can test it on your hair and see if it is okay for you. It can be used instead of water in a moisturizing spray but go easy on the peppermint unless you like the scent in your hair all day. A nicer scent and EO for dry scalp is lavender.
Hi Brenda I was wondering if I can use green tea in my spray bottle for everyday use, along with a few drops of essential and carrier oils. If this is okay how much should I use?
Hi Mishelle,
Check out this moisturizing recipe Rosemary and Lavender Moisturizer where it has 1 ½ cup filtered water, substitute with green tea. You can use any other essential oil that you want.
Thanks so much for the information. My mother used to rinse my hair in tea when I was little. Now I am transitioning and I am experiencing lots of shedding and breakage (always had this issue but lately seems like more). I will be doing this rinse on wash day. I hope this helps. I did use mayo to condition my hair last week and I do have a lot less shedding then before.
You are welcome Lunye and all the best.