This spring, we have the perfect refreshing solution for those dry, lackluster locks. Incorporating a green tea hair rinse or mask weekly will not only stimulate growth [source], but it will also encourage healthier, shinier tresses. It’s high time you included green tea as a potent anti-inflammatory in your everyday diet and your beauty routine!
Why Put Green Tea on Your Hair?
It promotes hair growth
Green tea, while derived from the same plant as black tea, is not fermented and actually has more antioxidants due to its minimal processing [source], making it an ideal choice for hair stimulation.
Caffeine, which is a methylxanthine [source], and tea catechins are both powerful antioxidants [source] found in green tea that promote blood circulation, stimulate hair follicles, and potentially inhibit the hormone DHT, which can contribute to hair loss [source].
It strengthens hair follicles
Green tea's antioxidant properties can help strengthen hair follicles, potentially reducing hair thinning. It also nourishes the scalp, creating a healthier environment for hair growth.
It improves scalp health
Green tea contains polyphenols, particularly catechins like epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe an itchy scalp and reduce dandruff [source].
Green tea also contains certain compounds that possess antibacterial and antifungal properties, which may be helpful in managing scalp issues caused by microbial overgrowth. It can also potentially balance the scalp's oil production.
Using Green Tea for Hair Growth
Looking to boost your hair growth naturally? It can be as basic as pouring green tea over your hair! Check out these DIY recipes using green tea that can help you achieve healthier, stronger hair.
A few tips before you get started:
Preparing green tea for hair treatments
Brew green tea using 2 tea bags in 2 cups of hot water for 2-3 minutes to maximize the antioxidants. Then let cool and strain.
You can apply the brewed and cooled green tea directly to your hair and scalp after shampooing. Massage it in, leave it on for a few minutes, then rinse with cool water.
You can also combine green tea with oil for a hair mask or scalp oil by infusing the oil with green tea leaves or using matcha powder.
How long to leave green tea on your hair
For a rinse, leaving green tea on your hair for 5-10 minutes should be sufficient to allow the beneficial compounds to penetrate the scalp. For a hair mask, keep it on for 30 minutes or even overnight.
Getting green tea out of your hair
You can rinse the green tea out or leave it in as a leave-in conditioner. Apply it to your hair and scalp after washing, leave it on, and style as desired. It may help add shine and nourishment to your hair.
For an green tea oil treatment, you should wash and condition like normal to remove the oil from your hair. We've got tips for removing stubborn oil out of your hair.
7 Green Tea Hair Rinse + Mask Recipes
Check out these DIY recipes using green tea that can help you achieve healthier, stronger hair.
1. Stalled growth? Use a green tea-infused hair oil
Stuck in a hair growth plateau? Try making your own green tea hair oil. Green tea is rich in antioxidants that promote hair growth. Studies have shown that green tea extracts can stimulate hair growth and increase hair follicle density. (Source: National Library of Medicine)
—2 tablespoons green tea leaves
—1 cup coconut oil
Infuse green tea into a carrier oil like coconut oil. Apply one teaspoon to the scalp and hair, leaving it on for 30 minutes, and then rinsing thoroughly to prevent product buildup and weigh down the hair.
Use as a scalp oil, a pre-shampoo treatment, or one of the many ways to use coconut oil for your hair.
2. Breakage? Strengthen hair with matcha + egg mask
Struggling with hair breakage? Give matcha and egg hair mask a try. Eggs provide hair-strengthening protein, and matcha is packed with catechins that help strengthen hair follicles. A study found that green tea extracts can prevent hair loss and improve hair strength. (Source: Journal of Dermatological Science)
Matcha + egg hair mask
—1 tablespoon jojoba oil
—1 egg
—1 tablespoon matcha green tea powder
—Comb
Whisk the egg and combine with the coconut oil and matcha powder. Using a comb, part your hair and apply to the roots, slowly working your way over your entire scalp.
Leave on for 30 minutes before shampooing. Avoid using hot water to rinse off the mask, as it can cook the egg and make it difficult to remove. This mask should be applied weekly to clean hair.
3. Thinning hair? Stop shedding with matcha scalp massage
Dealing with thinning hair and excessive shedding? Try a soothing matcha scalp massage. Matcha contains polyphenols that help reduce hair shedding. Research suggests that green tea polyphenols can inhibit the activity of an enzyme linked to hair loss. (Source: The FASEB Journal)
—1 tablespoon matcha
—1 tablespoon warm water
Mix matcha powder with warm water to create a paste and gently massage it into your scalp. Comb down to the ends of the hair.
Avoid applying too much pressure while massaging to prevent scalp irritation.
4. Dandruff? Nix flakes with matcha + coconut oil
Frustrated with dandruff? Say goodbye to flakes with a nourishing matcha and coconut oil hair mask.
Matcha's anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties can help soothe the scalp. In fact, one study found that green tea extract can help reduce dandruff symptoms by inhibiting the growth of dandruff-causing fungi.
—1 tablespoon coconut oil
—2 teaspoons matcha green tea powder
Mix matcha powder with coconut oil and apply it to your scalp, leaving it on for 30 minutes before washing. Wash your hair thoroughly to remove any residue.
5. Itchy scalp? Soothe inflammation with green tea hair rinse
Tired of dealing with an itchy scalp? Try a calming green tea hair rinse. Green tea's anti-inflammatory properties can help relieve scalp irritation to promote hair growth.
Green tea hair rinse
—3 organic green tea bags
—16 oz hot water
—Nonbreakable cup
Steep 3 green tea bags in the hot water for 2-3 minutes to maximize the extraction of antioxidants. Allow it to cool to room temperature, then transfer it into a large nonbreakable cup or bowl (accidents with glass in the shower are never a good thing!).
Once you’ve shampooed and conditioned your hair, use the cooled green tea as your final rinse. This will help to soothe the scalp and make your hair shine. Avoid using hot water for the rinse, as it can strip away natural oils from your hair.
6. Scalp buildup? Clarify with ACV + green tea rinse
Experiencing scalp buildup? Clear it away with a green tea and ACV clarifying rinse. Apple cider vinegar helps balance the scalp's pH, while green tea removes excess oil and impurities. Plus the catechins found in green tea can help improve hair strength and promote shine.
—½ cup apple cider vinegar
—2 cups steeped organic green tea (2 tea bags)
Steep the green tea bags in 2 cups of hot water for 2-3 minutes. Remove the bags and let the tea cool slightly to a warm temperature. Add ½ cup of ACV.
Once your hair has been washed and is clean, use this rinse all over your scalp and hair. Leave on for a minimum of 5 minutes before rinsing out thoroughly.
This easy 2-ingredient ACV and green tea rinse is a perfect addition to your weekly routine. Avoid using undiluted apple cider vinegar, as it can be too harsh for your scalp.
7. Scalp sunburn? Soothe with green tea + tamanu oil
This gentle hair mask, which includes green tea, tamanu oil and Roman chamomile, can do wonders for your hair and scalp after a day at the beach.
Green tea scalp mask
—1 tablespoon matcha powder (you can also use loose green tea, just turn it into a powder using a coffee grinder.)
—1 tablespoon tamanu oil
—½ teaspoon carrot seed oil
—⅓ cup unsweetened yogurt
—3 drops Roman chamomile essential oil
Combine ingredients in a small bowl. Part hair and apply mask directly to the scalp, using your fingers to work it into the skin.
Let sit for 15 minutes and then wash hair twice to remove the oil. (I also use a sprinkle of baking soda to get any lingering residue out of my fine hair, but that’s optional.)
Start Drinking Green Tea for Hair Growth!
Drink green tea regularly as part of your overall hair growth routine to benefit from its internal effects. A study published in the Journal of Pharmacological Research found that the antioxidants in green tea can improve hair health and promote hair growth when consumed internally.
Learn how to perfect a matcha latte at home or make this chilled green tea energy drink. Just don't over do it—consuming excessive amounts can lead to caffeine-related side effects or interfere with medication.
Green Tea for Hair FAQs
Will green tea damage my color-treated hair?
Green tea has flavonoids that will actually help protect your color-treated hair from oxidative stress, and it has been shown to provide protection from UV damage [source].
Is drinking green tea going to have positive effects on my hair?
Yes. Green tea is high in antioxidants and can deliver these nutrients to your scalp, which should help to maximize hair growth potential and improve hair and skin circulation [source]. Drinking up to 3–4 cups a day will provide anti-inflammatories that can improve overall health [source], including that of your hair and scalp.
What other items with green tea should I be using on my hair?
Green tea extract can be found in shampoos, conditioners, hair masks, and other beauty recipes. Be sure you apply these products to the scalp and roots of your hair for maximum benefits.
This article was medically reviewed by Dr. Gina Jansheski, a licensed, board-certified physician who has been practicing for more than 20 years. Learn more about Hello Glow's medical reviewers here. As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.
