5 Best Tea Tree Oils for Dandruff

Tea tree oil is one of the most effective home remedies for getting rid of dandruff and has been used for many years. It’s been used as a traditional alternative to cure certain skin conditions. There are also various well-known reasons for its popularity. Tea tree oil has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal properties, all of which work great when trying to remove dandruff.

Sometimes, finding the perfect anti-dandruff shampoo for you may not be enough. Since it can contain harsh chemicals, it’s recommended to only wash your hair with a shampoo every other day. That’s why natural oils, such as tea tree oil are a great natural remedy that can be used as often as you like.

There are many tea tree oils available on the market. This article will review the best tea tree oils for dandruff providing you with extensive information and showing you the pros and cons of each.

I have personally tested more than 30 different tea tree oils. In summary, here are the top 4 recommended tea tree oils for getting rid of dandruff:

How is Tea Tree Oil Effective Against Dandruff?

Tea tree oil works very well against dandruff due to it’s anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. Additionally, it’s a natural ingredient and does not contain any additives, which makes it a great alternative or addition to using anti-dandruff shampoos.

It’s Anti-Inflammatory

As tea tree oil is anti-inflammatory, applying it on your scalp and letting it settle for a few minutes will allow the oil to soothe your skin. You will notice that the itchy sensation that dandruff causes will slowly fade. Subsequently, your scalp will feel less irritated and inflamed.

This also means that the redness (often in patches) should subside after a short while of application.

Using anti-dandruff shampoos often leaves your hair and scalp dry and brittle. Tea tree oil also has a moisturize effect, as it acts like natural hair oil (sebum). 

It’s Antibacterial

Another important property of tea tree oil is that it’s anti-bacterial [1]. This ensures that your scalp is clean of certain bacteria and makes it less prone to bacterial infections. 

It’s always important to maintain a healthy scalp.

It’s Antifungal

Arguably the most important benefit of tea tree oil is its antifungal property. This is what has made tea tree oil the infamous dandruff-killer. The best tea tree oils have a high potency and can remove dandruff effectively. 

A study found that tea tree oil had the ability to inhibit the fungal growth of all 22 Malassezia furfur (a fungus that lives on our scalps) [2]. As you may already know, dandruff is caused by the sensitive reaction of oleic acid on your scalp. Malassezia is a yeast that grows on everyone’s scalp. Our seborrheic glands underneath our skin layers produces natural hair oils called sebum. The fungi interacts with our sebum and creates a by-product called oleic acid.

If you happen to be one of the 50% who have an allergic reaction to oleic acid, you may have a tendency to develop dandruff. But, don’t worry, using an anti-dandruff shampoo along with natural home ingredients such as tea tree oil will ensure that your dandruff is kept at bay.

For more detailed information on dandruff, feel free to read my complete dandruff guide.

What is Tea Tree Oil Good For?

The above mentioned properties make tea tree oil one of the most common natural ingredient of home remedies for getting rid of dandruff. Specifically, tea tree oil works well against:

• Dandruff
• Athlete’s Foot
• Ringworm
• Cradle Cap
• Fungal Keratitis (Corneal Infection)
• Onychomycosis (Toenail Fungus)

Tea Tree Oil Reviews

There are a lot of various tea tree oils on the market and each one of them has its own benefits. I’ve personally tested more than 30 different tea tree oils and I am continuing to test new ones from time to time. I’ve compiled a top 5 list of tea tree oils with reviews for my readers so that they can read more about each tea tree oil. Take a look at the list below!

1. Art Naturals Tea Tree Oil

Art Naturals’ Tea Tree Oil is the best tea tree oils available on the market for getting rid of dandruff. It’s packed in a 4 ounce (120ml) bottle and is made of natural and high-quality tea tree oil. This product is made in Australia and contains no additives. It’s also 100% organic and natural.

The manufacturer claims that this tea tree oil works well against skin irritations and inflammations, such as inflamed skin tissue that occurs when having dandruff. Additionally, it also soothes the skin on your scalp and can be an ideal way to deal with seborrheic dermatitis and scalp psoriasis.

This tea tree oil is steam distilled in Australia through a still. This process separates the oil from the leaves of the plant (Melaleuca Alternifolia).

Art Naturals’ Tea Tree Oil is also versatile, in that it can be used for various other things such as aromatherapy or even massages. Please take note that it’s recommended to only use these oils for external purposes, they are not to be consumed.

There is also a unique peppermint and woody scent, which makes massaging the oil into your hair and scalp aromatic and therapeutic.

The manufacturer also guarantees that the product is paraben and cruelty-free and made with the highest quality standards. I personally attest to the quality and effectiveness of this tea tree oil, as I use it routinely in my natural home treatments for dandruff free hair.

2. Healing Solutions Premium Tea Tree Oil

Healing Solution’s Premium Tea Tree Oil is another great product that works extremely well against dandruff. It comes in 1/3 ounce (10 ml), 1 ounce (30 ml) and 2 (60 ml) ounce bottles. I always go for the 2-ounce bottle as you get more value out of it. Depending on your usage, you should get a size that suits you the most. 

Healing Solution guarantees complete satisfaction for their tea tree oil and also offer a 100% money back guarantee if you are unsatisfied at any point. I’ve used this particular tea tree oil for more than a year and have had no complaints so far.

It works well for dandruff and it’s antifungal properties ensure that your scalp suffers from less inflammation and irritation. Apart from its anti-dandruff benefits, this tea tree oil also has a great unique and relaxing smell.

Healing Solutions also prides itself on the fact that all of its facilities and are ISO 9001 and Kosher certified, as well as FDA registered. Many users also find that it works well against seborrheic dermatitis, scalp psoriasis, and other skin conditions that can cause dandruff. It can even be used on your skin for various other health benefits.

3. Essential Oils Labs Tea Tree Oil

Essential Oils Lab’s Tea Tree Oil makes it to number 3 on this list. It’s another great tea tree oil that is effective against dandruff and comes in a standard 4 ounce (120 ml) bottle.

Essential Oil Labs state that this product not only soothes your scalp, but it also clears blemishes without drying your skin. This means that applying it on your head and hair will keep it moisturized while reducing the inflammation and irritation on your scalp. 

Additionally, it can also minimize the itching sensation that dandruff causes on your scalp. So make sure to use it regularly. 

This tea tree oil is ethically sourced and contains no fillers, additives, and carrier oils. It contains only one ingredient, which is undiluted steam-instilled tea tree oil that is bottled in the USA. I must also remark that the tea tree oil is high in quality. 

I also liked the distinct scent of Essential Oil Lab’s Tee Tree Oil and its versatility in application. It can be used for a wide variety of things such as Aromatherapy and most importantly getting rid of dandruff. I often find myself using this oil for my regular dandruff home treatments.

4. Eve Hansen Tea Tree Oil

Eve Hansen Tea Tree Oil is another great option if you are looking for an effective home remedy. It contains 100% pure steam-distilled tea tree oil that is pharmaceutical grade. 

This tea tree oil also has a very unique smell that is atypical of most generic tea tree oils, which usually smell dry with a hint of alcohol. 

Eve Hansen offers a 2 ounce (60 ml) and 4 ounce (120 ml) bottle. As usual, I recommend going for the bottle size that suits your usage. I personally use tea tree oil as a regular home remedy for getting rid of dandruff so I usually get the bottle that is the best value for money. 

The bottle contains an in-built dropper that can be conveniently used to take out the tea tree oil, without creating a mess.

It’s also USDA certified and can be used along with shampoo or on its own.

5. Radha Tea Tree Oil

Radha Tea Tree Oil is the final entry to the top 5 tea tree oils in the market. The product comes in a 4 ounce (120 ml) bottle that includes a dropper. 

The contents are 100% pure and natural tea tree oil of pharmaceutical grade. The tea tree oil originates from Australia, while the contents are bottled in the United States of America. 

I’ve used this product for several months and it’s worked great in removing dandruff. The dropper ensures that you can easily extract the tea tree oil from the bottle. Using the dropper also allows you to evenly distribute the oil on your head, making sure that the entire scalp is covered.

Radha also states that the tea tree oil can alternatively be used for aromatherapy, massages, diffusers, blends, and other various home treatments. 

Even though it essentially does what it’s intended to do, it has a quite strong smell that not everyone would find aromatic. Although this may be off-putting for some, you can always mix this tea tree oil directly into your shampoo. I recommend pouring a few drops of this tea tree oil into your hand, followed by your preferred anti-dandruff shampoo. Apply it onto your scalp and let the magic happen!

How to Use Tea Tree Oil for Dandruff?

Now that you have found the best tea tree oil for dandruff, it’s now time to understand how best to use them. As tea tree oil is a natural ingredient you can use it either as a home remedy on its own, or by directly pouring it into your anti-dandruff shampoo bottle. Let’s take a look at both methods more closely.

You should try both of these methods and find out which one works best for you. I personally add some tea tree oil into my shampoo directly, as well as use tea tree oil as a separate home treatment every other day.

Method #1 – Mixing it with Shampoo

The first method is mixing the tea tree oil directly into your anti-dandruff shampoo bottle. Technically speaking, you can mix tea tree oil into any shampoo. However, tea tree oil works well with anti-dandruff shampoos as it is anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal. 

If you wish to only use this method occasionally, simply pour shampoo into your hand first and then add a few drops of tea tree oil. Remember to massage your scalp and let the shampoo in tea tree oil rest there for a few minutes. 

Complete this routine by washing your hair thoroughly with water before drying it. 

Method #2 – Home Treatment

If you don’t wish to add tea tree into your shampoo or onto your scalp while you are washing you hair, you can use it separately. 

Use a dropper or a spoon to extract the tea tree oil of your choice and put it directly on your scalp. Alternatively, you can also mix it with other oils such as coconut oil, jojoba oil or even oregano oil. 

Ensure that you distribute the oil evenly on your scalp and massage your head. Let the tea tree oil rest for around 15 – 20 minutes. Lastly, thoroughly rinse your hair and scalp with water and make sure that the oil removed. 

How is Tea Tree Oil Made?

Tea tree oil, also known as Melaleuca alternifolia oil, is made from the leaves of a narrow-leaf tree. These trees are native to Southeast Queensland and New South Wales, located in Australia. They can also be found in some parts of New Zealand.

Tea tree oil is extracted from  Melaleuca trees through water distillation. However, not all tea tree oils are the same. Depending on the distillation process and the tea tree oil leaves, there are different grades of tea tree oil. 

The best tea tree oils are pharmaceutical grade and have the best effect against getting rid of dandruff. Make sure to read tea tree oil reviews thoroughly to see which one appeals the most to you. 

Conclusion

Getting a high quality tea tree oil is an essential step to getting rid of dandruff. Due to it’s anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal properties, tea tree oil lives up to the reputation of one of the most effective home remedies against dandruff. 

I hope that the reviews have given you an idea of my top 5 tea tree oils so that you can make an informed decision. 

My all time favorite is Art Naturals’ Tea Tree Oil and I use it regularly. I encourage you to try a few different ones to see which one has be best effect against your dandruff. I will continue to test new products and add more to the list of best tea tree oil reviews from time to time.