Healthy hair starts at the scalp and pine tar oil benefits for hair are great for attacking dandruff, and overall it promotes healthy, happy skin on the scalp.
Pine tar has been used for several decades to fight the bacterial and fungal causes of dandruff. The deep cleansing and moisturizing power of pine tar oil works combat dry and itchy scalp creating an environment for boosted hair grwoth.
Pine tar oil has been used in medicine for more than 2000 years to treat a range of skin conditions because of its soothing and antiseptic properties (1).
Pine tar oil has been shown to be antipruritic, anti‐inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal. These properties make pine tar suitable for the topical treatment of eczema, psoriasis, seborrhoeic dermatitis and other dry, itchy, flaky or inflamed skin conditions (2).
Pine tar oil comes from pine wood through distillation using extreme heat. Today, Pine tar oil is a common ingredient in shampoos and soaps. Its proven antimicrobial properties make it an excellent cleaning agent.
Studies have shown that pine oil is effective as a treatment for common skin conditions.
Tar oil benefits for hair help hydrate and nourish the scalp and skin. If someone has a scalp that has flaking, buildup of dead skin, thick patches, and dandruff, the application tar oil to the scalp overnight can soften dead skin and allow it to slough off gently.
We all want our dream hair. And whatever that means to you—be it long, luscious locks or perfectly defined curls—it all starts with a clean canvas.
The first thing to know is that your scalp is just as important as your strands. And to grow a healthy head of hair, your scalp needs plenty of nourishment and TLC.
Tar Oil Benefits For Hair
Fights Dandruff
Seborrheic dermatitis, more commonly known as dandruff or cradle cap, is one of the most common scalp problems. It causes scaly skin, skin flakes, greasy patches, and redness on our scalp. If you have a beard, you might also have dandruff on your face.
Experts aren’t sure what why some people have dandruff and others don’t. It may be related to increased sensitivity to a type of fungus called Malassezia that’s naturally found on your scalp.
Based on this theory, tar oil’s natural antifungal properties make it a good option for treating fungal scalp conditions, such as dandruff.
Treats dry scalp
Tar oil has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, it is useful in soothing skin irritation and wounds. Tar oil benefits for hair acts as a natural conditioner for the scalp and eliminates agents that cause skin to flake.
Prevents hair loss
As tar oil is effective in soothing the scalp and treating dandruff, it can also prevent excessive hair fall. Dandruff and excess sebum can block hair follicles, making hair roots weak and resulting in hair fall. As tar oil addresses both these concerns and keeps the scalp clean.
Boosts hair growth
Research shows that tar oil is conducive to faster hair growth. The oil nourishes hair follicles and roots, producing strong and thick hair.
Apart from soothing an itchy scalp, reducing dandruff and flaking, and preventing excess oil production, tar oil improves blood flow and allows nutrients to reach hair follicles, balances the pH level of the scalp, and stimulates the hair growth cycle to give you a head full of strong healthy hair.
How to Use Tar Oil Benefits For Hair
Pre Wash Treatment
Tar oil is strong smelling. So, most people prefer to use it as a wash-out treatment, rather than walking around smelling of a camp fire all day.
The easiest (and least messy) way to apply is to use a dropper or spray bottle (you may need to dilute the oil a little with water to make spritzing easier) to evenly distribute the oil over your scalp.
Then massage the oil in with your fingers for two to three minutes; this massage also helps dislodge any dead skin cells, which can collect on the scalp and exacerbate irritation.
Leave the oil on for as long as you can (ten minutes is the minimum). Then shampoo out.
Overnight Wash Treatment
Some people may also opt to wear tar oil overnight, then wash it out in the a.m.
Tip: If your scalp and hair are both on the dry side, you may be able to use a conservative amount as a daily treatment, working it into dry spots on your scalp
Massage
Massage tar oil deeply into your scalp and for the most effective conditioning, wrap your hair in a shower cap and let the oil soak in for 15 minutes or more.
If you’re trying to treat dandruff, bear in mind it has many causes, including fungus. As far as we know, there’s no cure for dandruff, though using tar oil might reduce your flakes.
Massage tar oil into your dry scalp and comb out dandruff flakes. Leave tar oil in your hair and cover with a shower cap for extra conditioning.
Perform this 3-4 times a week or apply only to the area where you want hair to regrow.
Where To Buy Tar Oil
Pine tar oil is usually found in hair greases, shampoo, shampoo bars, and conditioners. You can try our favorite brand below or try your local health food store.