Tea Tree Oil For Dandruff: Does It Really Work?

You’ve probably come across tea tree oil when it comes to skincare, right? You’ve seen it in acne-busting products that help treat breakouts and also help soothe inflamed skin. But, did you know that tea tree oil is also an elixir for your hair routine too. Popularly found in many hair care products, this type of hair oil hosts a plethora of hair and scalp loving properties that aid in boosting your mane’s health. As a matter of fact, tea tree oil for dandruff is probably one of the most effective ingredients one can use to treat the scalp condition.

Derived from Australia’s very own plant known as Melaleuca alternifolia, tea tree oil actually houses properties such as antivirals, antibacterials, and antifungals, which help treat many skin and hair conditions. This essential oil, however is pretty strong and therefore needs to be mixed with a carrier oil for full effect, especially when used topically on the scalp. Scroll down to see how to use tea tree oil for dandruff and whether it actually benefits your hair and scalp. 

5 Benefits Of Using Tea Tree Oil for Dandruff

So, what makes tea tree oil for dandruff so special? For this one needs to understand what exactly dandruff is and why it occurs. Defined as a scalp condition, dandruff can be identified by its white and dried flakes which is actually dead skin. The cause of this varies from excessive dryness, irritation, or excessive oiliness to a fungal infection or contact dermatitis.

Thanks to its antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties, tea tree oil for dandruff helps tackle these conditions, allowing for your scalp to heal itself from the infection. Read on to understand why tea tree oil plays an important role when it comes to treating dandruff.  

1. Reduces Yeast Growth

Dandruff can be triggered by a fungal infection which is caused due to an overgrowth of yeast and tea tree oil proves to be effective when tackling it. It helps reduce the excess yeast, and therefore aids in treating dandruff.

2. Soothes Itching & Inflammation

Tea tree oil has anti-inflammatory properties which aids in soothing the itchiness and inflammation that comes along with having dandruff.

3. Moisturises The Scalp

Did you know that tea tree oil contains moisturising properties that help nourish and hydrate the scalp? This also helps get rid of dandruff, especially when it is caused by excessive dryness.

4. Gets Rid Of Excess Greasiness 

Looking at how to get rid of oily scalp? Tea tree oil is one way forward! Thanks to the same moisturisation properties, tea tree oil also prevents your scalp from producing too much natural oil. This helps treat dandruff, especially when it’s being triggered by an excessively oily scalp.

5. Removes Scalp Buildup

Since tea tree oil is also an excellent cleanser, it can help get rid of any scalp buildup and unclog pores. This also helps treat dandruff in the long run.

How To Use Tea Tree Oil For Dandruff

Here’s where it can get tricky—while tea tree oil is effective when it comes to treating dandruff, how you use tea tree oil for dandruff also makes a whirlwind of a difference. Tea tree oil is a very potent essential oil, and therefore needs to be combined with a carrier oil, shampoo, or conditioner, so that it isn’t too harsh on the skin. Fret not! We give you a couple of ways on how to use tea tree oil for dandruff. 

#1: Combine It With A Carrier Oil

Wondering how to get rid of dandruff? Another way to use tea tree oil is to mix it with a carrier oil or some of the best hair oil for dandruff like coconut or jojoba. This’ll boost the effectiveness of the tea tree oil, while harnessing the benefits of the carrier oil for the rest of your hair.

#2: Mix With Your Regular Shampoo

Use a few drops of tea tree oil in your shampoo and massage the mixture into your scalp and hair. This is one of the most effective and easy ways to use the essential oil to treat dandruff in your daily hair care routine.

#3: Add It To Aloe Vera Gel

What happens when you pair a cooling ingredient like aloe vera gel and an anti-bacterial like tea tree oil? You’re left with a hair and scalp loving mixture. Mix fresh aloe vera gel for hair with a few drops of tea tree oil and apply the paste to your scalp and hair. Leave it on for about an hour and rinse it off with a gentle shampoo.

#4: Create An Apple Cider Rinse

Looking for the perfect detoxing hair rinse? Take some apple cider vinegar, dilute it with some water, and add a few drops of tea tree oil. Apply the rinse on to your hair and scalp, and let it sit for 20 to 30 minutes. 

#5: Use It As A Hair Mask

Create your own DIY scalp and hair conditioner with this amazing hair mask. Mix the juice of one lemon, add a few drops of tea tree oil, a few more drops of olive oil, and half a teaspoon of honey all together to form a thick paste. Apply this mixture to your scalp and the lengths of your hair, pull it up into a bun and cover it with a shower cap. Let it sit for 30 minutes, before rinsing it off with a mild shampoo.

Organic Harvest Recommended 7 Best Tea Tree Infused Products For Dandruff

Another way to go forward with using tea tree oil in your hair care routine is to include tea tree infused products. Here are some of the best products containing tea tree oil for dandruff.

1. Organic Essential Oil: Tea Tree

Want to dive into the amazing benefits of tea tree oil? This essential oil contains 100% pure organic tea tree oil. The skincare and haircare elixir helps treat acne, scarring, and even nourishes your hair and protects it from deterrents.

2. Anti-Dandruff Shampoo: Apple Cider Vinegar & Tea Tree

An anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory shampoo, this one is enriched with apple cider vinegar and tea tree, both of which helps tackle and prevent dandruff, protect your hair, repair damage, and so much more. It gently cleanses the scalp without stripping it off its natural oils.

3. Anti-Dandruff Conditioner: Apple Cider Vinegar & Tea Tree

Dive into the goodness of tea tree and apple cider vinegar! Thanks to its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, this conditioner is the perfect go-to for when you’re dealing with dandruff. Formulated to tackle and prevent dandruff, this hair conditioner provides your hair with complete protection while repairing damage simultaneously.

4. Anti-Dandruff Hair Oil: Apple & Tea Tree

Enjoy the benefits of this anti-dandruff hair oil! Loaded with anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties present in tea tree, this product helps treat dandruff, repairs damage, treats split ends, and aids in fixing an ill-nourished scalp.

5. Eucalyptus & Tea Tree Oil Hair Repair Shampoo

Enriched with eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, macadamia oil, aloe vera gel, avocado oil, peppermint oil, lemongrass oil, and grapeseed oil, this shampoo gently cleanses away dirt, grease, and residual product, while nourishing your hair too. The natural oils present in the formula target the scalp, minimise dryness, treat itching, and reduce dandruff. This hair shampoo is great to repair damage and control hair fall.

6. Australian Tea Tree Hair Shampoo

Healthy and nourished hair is just a shampoo away, especially when you use this one. Formulated with Australian tea tree, aloe vera, shea butter, and pro vitamin B5, this shampoo cleanses the scalp without irritation, strengthens your hair, soothes dryness, prevents dandruff, and balances out the pH levels of your scalp. It leaves your mane squeaky clean and manageable.

7. Australian Tea Tree Hair Conditioner

Want silky smooth strands? This tea tree conditioner is the answer! Formulated with tea tree, peppermint, ginger oil, rosemary, and lavender, this hair conditioner prevents dryness, tackles itchiness, reduces hair breakage, strengthens the hair, and smoothens and adds shine. It leaves you with a frizz-free and healthier mane.

Price: 449 INR

Buy link: Australian Tea Tree Hair Conditioner

Who Should Avoid Using Tea Tree Oil?

While tea tree oil for dandruff is probably one of the most effective ways of getting rid of the condition, it comes with a word of caution. Here’s what you need to be wary of:

– Those allergic to tea tree oil should steer clear of it. Always do a patch test before applying it directly on your scalp.

– Tea tree oil is very potent, and therefore should not be used directly without being diluted. Always use a carrier oil in the mix to avoid any sort of reaction, burns, or scars.

– Those who are breastfeeding or are pregnant should avoid using tea tree oil.

– Do not mix tea tree oil with other active ingredients such as retinols, retinoids, salicylic acid, vitamin C etc.

FAQs

Can tea tree oil cause irritation on the scalp?

Tea tree oil is an essential oil and therefore when used by itself it can cause irritation. When combined with other carrier oils like almond, jojoba, olive, or coconut oil, it has the ability to soothe irritation, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Can I put tea tree oil directly on my scalp?

It isn’t advisable to put tea tree oil directly on your scalp as it is a potent essential oil. What you can do is apply a few drops of tea tree oil that is diluted with another carrier oil—this way you want cause any sort of irritation.

Can I dilute tea tree oil with water before using it for dandruff?

Yes, you can dilute tea tree oil with water before applying it to your scalp for dandruff. Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with some water and gently massage it into your scalp. This helps reduce dryness and itchiness too.

Can I leave tea tree oil on my scalp overnight for dandruff?

It is safe to leave tea tree oil on the scalp, provided it is diluted and not applied directly.

Does tea tree oil stop itchy scalp?

Tea tree oil contains antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties that help combat itchiness.

Conclusion

An amazing elixir for hair and scalp, tea tree oil for dandruff is probably one of the best ways for you to combat the scalp condition. Its amazing properties help you treat the issue, while leaving your locks luscious, healthy, and absolutely gorgeous.

Related Stories:

How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Dandruff – Apple cider vinegar contains salicylic acid to control excess sebum production which helps treat oily scalp.  Here’s how to use it to combat dandruff and keep your scalp flake-free.

Best Shampoo for Oily Scalp – If you’re looking for a good shampoo to treat oily and itchy scalp, this piece is for you. We end your search for the best natural shampoo to maintain a healthy scalp. Checkout now!

Best Anti Dandruff Shampoo for Hair – Wondering which is the best anti dandruff shampoo for hair? Read on this article to discover some of the best anti-dandruff for hair in India. Click to find out.
Homemade Hair Packs for Dandruff – A good hair pack works as the best remedy to treat dandruff at home.  We have jotted down the step-by-step process to making various hair packs. Here’s the list for you.

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