Ever heard of using tea for hair growth? In this post, we’ll cover why a black tea hair rinse works wonders and teach you exactly how to do it at home.
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I love an elaborate DIY hair mask with a bunch of ingredients.
But sometimes, it’s nice to keep it super simple.
And there’s one ingredient that’s a staple in my hair routine.
Tea! When your hair needs more shine, a boost in growth and strength – tea rinses are the awesome.
They’re very easy and quick to do, take only 2 base ingredients, and are all-natural.
This makes it an amazing option for people who prefer to keep their hair care routine clean and simple.
Here’s your guide with step-by-step instructions on how and why you should use black tea hair treatments.
Benefits of a Black Tea Hair Rinse
1. Promotes Hair Growth & Reduces Shedding
Black tea is rich in caffeine, tannins, and other antioxidants that have been known to promote hair growth by encouraging a healthy scalp environment.
The caffeine in black tea helps to block the DHT hormone, which is often associated with hair loss.
Regular use of a black tea hair rinse can potentially extend the anagen (growth) phase of the hair follicles, leading to longer and thicker strands over time.
2. Makes Hair Shiny
Thanks to its high concentration of tannins, black tea can add a gorgeous shine to dull, lackluster hair.
Tannins help to seal the cuticle of the hair strand, which not only prevents moisture loss but also reflects light for a smoother, shinier appearance.
The result? Hair that looks healthy and vibrant without the need for any harsh chemicals or artificial ingredients.
3. Reduces Scalp Oiliness
If you have an oily scalp, black tea rinses can be a great solution. The astringent properties of black tea help to control and reduce excess oil production on the scalp.
By balancing oil levels, black tea helps keep your hair looking fresher for longer so you can cut down on how often you wash it.
This can be really useful if you struggle with greasy hair or find that your scalp gets oily quickly throughout the day.
4. Strengthens Hair
Black tea contains compounds that can significantly boost hair strength. The caffeine in black tea stimulates blood circulation to the scalp, enhancing nutrient delivery to hair follicles.
This improved nourishment can lead to stronger hair growth and reduced shedding. Also, the antioxidants in black tea help protect hair from environmental damage and oxidative stress.
Regular use of black tea rinses may result in noticeably thicker and more resilient hair, reducing breakage and promoting overall hair health.
5. Reduces Frizz & Static
Black tea rinses can help reduce frizz and flyaways, making hair of any texture look sleeker.
The smoothing effect of black tea on hair is primarily due to its tannin content. These natural astringents work by temporarily closing the hair cuticle, creating a smoother surface along each strand.
Black tea can also help reduce static electricity in the hair, flyaways and boost overall smoothness.
6. Reduces Dandruff and Scalp Irritation
The anti-inflammatory properties of black tea can help to get rid of dandruff and scalp irritation.
Black tea has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for various skin conditions, including eczema and psoriasis.
When used as a hair rinse, black tea can help to soothe an itchy scalp, reduce flakiness, and promote overall scalp health.
7. Makes Hair Easier to Manage & Style
Black tea rinses can make a big difference in how easy your hair is to manage, because it makes your hair softer.
The conditioning effect of black tea can also help smooth your hair, so you may notice your hair strands become more flexible and less tangly.
The natural ingredients in black tea helps your hair strands slide past each other more easily, so you’ll have fewer tangles and knots to deal with.
With these effects, you could even end up using less heat on your hair – which is always a good thing for keeping it healthy!
8. Makes Dark Hair Darker
If you have dark hair, it can enhance your natural color, making it look richer and shinier.
Some people even use it to temporarily cover early grays. For light or blonde hair, it might add a slightly darker tone.
Black tea is gentle, unlike harsh dyes, so it won’t dramatically change your color. Instead, it gives your hair a subtle boost in color and a healthy glow.
9. Removes Buildup and Clarifies the Scalp
Black tea is known for its astringent properties, meaning it can help remove buildup and clarify the scalp.
This can be especially useful if you tend to use a lot of styling products or want to get rid of dandruff.
By cutting through the buildup and gently cleansing the scalp, black tea can help create a cleaner and healthier environment for your hair to grow.
10. Balances Scalp pH
Black tea rinses can help to balance the pH of your scalp, which is important for maintaining scalp health.
A balanced pH level prevents the scalp from becoming too oily or too dry, both of which can lead to issues like dandruff or excessive oiliness.
By restoring the scalp’s pH balance, you can promote a healthier environment for hair growth!
Plus, it’s easy!
A black tea hair rinse is suuuper simple to do.
You don’t need any fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients – just some black tea bags and water. It’s as easy as making a cup of tea, but for your hair!
DIY Black Tea Hair Rinse Recipe
What You’ll Need:
- 2-3 black tea bags (or 3-4 tablespoons loose black tea leaves)
- 2-4 cups of water (depending on the length of your hair)
- A pot or kettle for boiling water
- A heatproof glass container
- Optional: add a 10-15 drops of your favorite essential oils for hair growth. If you’ve got oily hair, check out these recommendations
- Peppermint oil and spearmint oil are terrific options if your goal is hair growth!
Instructions:
- Boil the water
- Steep the tea bags in the hot water in your heatproof container for 30-60 minutes
- I like to brew mine in the evening, leave it to steep overnight and use it in the morning
- Once cooled, add in your essential oils if you’re using them
Always do a patch test when trying a new ingredient for the first time, especially if you are allergy prone or have sensitive skin. If you experience itching, burning or other signs of an allergic reaction, discontinue use and consult a dermatologist.
How to Use the Rinse
- Pour the tea rinse over shampooed hair, covering your entire scalp and hair from root to tip
- Massage your scalp for a few minutes
- Squeeze out the excess liquid and cover your hair with a plastic cap (and you may want a towel around your shoulders)
- Leave the rinse on your hair for 15-20 minutes
- Rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water
- Follow with conditioner
Tips for Best Results
- For those with dry hair, follow up with a deep conditioning treatment after the rinse
- Experiment with different types of black tea to see which one works best for your hair. Some popular options include Darjeeling, Assam, and Ceylon tea.
- I just use basic black tea from the grocery store, so you don’t have to get a specific type, unless you want to!
You May Also Like: This Gelatin Protein Hair Mask Fixes Damaged Hair Fast
Who Should Avoid Black Tea Hair Rinses?
Those with blonde hair may want to skip it, as it could slightly darken your hair.
If you have an extremely dry scalp, it’s possible that using a caffeinated tea rinse regularly could make it worse because of it’s astringent properties.
If you do deal with dryness, use the rinse less often and make sure you’re regularly using hydrating hair masks.
You could also skip using the rinse on the lengths of your hair, and apply it only to your scalp using an applicator bottle or spray bottle.
Tangle Teezer Fine Mist Spray Bottle – Pink
brushworks Hair Oil Applicator
Whether you’re into all-natural beauty or just looking for an easy way to boost your hair health, a black tea rinse can be the perfect addition to your hair care routine.
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