What type of hair is tea tree shampoo good for?

Just like our skin, our scalps go through a lot of changes and require some TLC. Whether you’ve noticed a little extra dryness and flakiness or have always experienced oily strands and can’t quite pinpoint why, incorporating a tea tree oil shampoo is an easy way to balance your scalp, soothe irritation, and achieve healthier hair.

First introduced to the Western world by researchers in the 1920s, tea tree oil-infused shampoos are fortified with nutrients that penetrate deep into the hair follicles and, in turn, balance the pH level of the scalp. In certain cases, it’s even been found to stimulate hair growth by removing buildup and promoting overall scalp health.

To achieve healthier and stronger strands, it’s recommended to use tea tree oil shampoo at least two or three times a week depending on your preference and hair type. If you’re not ready to part ways with your current shampoo just yet, we suggest alternating between your everyday formula and a tea tree oil-infused one when wash day comes around so you can get rid of impurities and restore your scalp’s natural balance.

Ready to embark on the exciting world of tea tree oil hair care? Keep scrolling to find the best tea tree oil shampoos that cater to a variety of hair types and budgets.

Tea Tree Special Shampoo gently washes away impurities. Great for all hair types, this invigorating cleanser leaves strands refreshingly clean and full of shine. Natural Tea Tree oil and peppermint soothe the scalp, while light notes of lavender leave hair smelling fresh. Natural Tea Tree oil, peppermint and lavender invigorate the scalp and leave hair smelling great. Apply a small amount to damp hair. Lather and rinse completely.

Dandruff can be embarrassing when the skin of your sheds flakes onto your clothes. It's a condition that makes your scalp dry and itchy but is otherwise harmless. People with dandruff don't usually need medical treatment. Simple remedies like washing your hair with tea tree shampoo may help. ‌

Tea tree oil is extracted from tea tree leaves through the process of distillation. It is used for its antiseptic properties and is effective in treating cut wounds, insect bites, acne, athlete’s foot, controlling mites, nail fungus, lice, and more.

Effects of Tea Tree Shampoo on Dandruff

Many dandruff shampoos use tea tree oil, an essential oil that soothes the scalp. It offers nutrients that reduce itching and flaking. ‌

Tea tree shampoo:

  • Has antifungal and antimicrobial properties. Tea tree oil also helps wash away oil, dead skin, and chemical buildup.
  • Unblocks pores. Tea tree oil helps improve scalp health by unblocking pores. This reduces dandruff formation. Tea tree shampoo also strengthens the roots of your hair.‌
  • Reduces yeast. Tea tree shampoo helps reduce the buildup of yeast in the scalp, which contributes to dandruff. Other dandruff-related symptoms may also be helped in this way.

Symptoms and Causes of Dandruff

Symptoms of dandruff include:

  • Scaly scalp
  • Itching scalp
  • Red patches
  • Loss of hair patches
  • Blistering or skin irritation
  • A yellow crust on the scalp (in babies)‌

Scientists say the causes of dandruff may include:

  • Fungus 
  • Dry skin 
  • Too much yeast 
  • Poor hygiene 
  • Contact dermatitis

Changes You Can Make

Try these fixes if you have dandruff:

  • Use a 5% tea tree shampoo. Using 5% tea tree shampoo has been seen to be effective due to its ability to manage fungi. Dandruff is related to the yeast family making tea tree a good solution. 
  • Use anti-dandruff shampoo. Anti-dandruff shampoos have coal tar, selenium sulfide, zinc pyrithione, ketoconazole, and salicylic acid. These may help keep yeast from growing on the skin of your scalp.
  • Shampoo more. If you are shampooing your hair only a few times a week, try increasing to daily or every other day. Not shampooing enough can make your dandruff condition worse.

Other Treatments for Dandruff

Other ways to manage dandruff include:

  • Supplement tea tree oil with other oils. You can try essential oils like coconut or castor oil. Using these products regularly controls microbes that protect the scalp from infections. 
  • Use omega-3. This nutrient is involved in regulating the skin's ability to produce oil. A lack of it can make dandruff worse. 
  • The sun. The sun’s rays are known to stop yeast production and other skin conditions in the scalp. But remember that too much time in the sun could lead to cancer.
  • Avoid stress. Stress can make skin issues like dandruff worse.

Other Uses of Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has a variety of other uses, such as managing:

  • Eczema
  • Scabies
  • Bruises
  • Corns
  • Insect bites
  • Burns
  • Canker sores
  • Psoriasis (a condition that leads to formation of plaques on the skin)
  • Skin infections
  • Rosacea (a condition that affects facial skin, causing redness and a stinging feeling)‌

Tea tree oil is often found in household cleaning products.

Risks of Tea Tree Oil

Never take tea tree oil by mouth. It can be poisonous. Large amounts may irritate the skin and cause allergic reactions. It can also be poisonous when put on a dog or cat’s skin.

Read the label completely, and follow the instructions. Get medical help right away if someone swallows tea tree oil. To prevent any accidental swallowing, don’t use it in or around your mouth. Store the oil where children can’t reach it, and avoid switching containers.‌

Show Sources

SOURCES:

‌American Academy of Dermatology Association: "How To Treat Dandruff."

‌Cedars-Sinai: "Dandruff: What It Is and What to Do About It."

‌Indian Journal of Dermatology: "Shampoo and Conditioners: What a Dermatologist Should Know?"

‌Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology: "Treatment of dandruff with 5% tea tree oil shampoo."

Is tea tree shampoo good for all hair types?

Tea Tree Special Shampoo, Deep Cleans, Refreshes Scalp, For All Hair Types, Especially Oily Hair.

What type of hair is tea tree good for?

Hair Type Considerations The experts agree that tea tree oil is safe for all hair types and textures, as it has little to no effect on the hair itself. Tea tree oil can be used to treat scalp conditions, such as dandruff, but it is important to note that it has the potential for irritation.

What is tea tree shampoo best for?

Tea tree oil helps improve scalp health by unblocking pores. This reduces dandruff formation. Tea tree shampoo also strengthens the roots of your hair.

Is tea tree shampoo good for natural hair?

Since some tea tree oil shampoos can be stripping, natural hair types might think they should avoid them. But this sulfate-free formula is a great choice because it efficiently cleanses and removes product buildup without drying out the scalp.