Does Tea Tree oil help with Dandruff? The answer is a big booming YES. It's a wonderful oil when looking at natural remedies for washing or conditioning hair affected by dandruff. This is because of its many antifungal, anti-microbial, antibacterial, and antiseptic constituents.
Historically, aromatherapists have used Tea tree oil to ease symptoms and support normal immune function for all things hair related, such as dandruff, scaly skin, eczema, acne, and treating head lice infestations.
Tea Tree Oil Constituents
Tea Tree oil is so good for hair, particularly hair with dandruff or dry skin, as it’s a natural product and contains no harsh chemicals that can strip away the natural protective oils on the hair produced by the scalp (sebum).
Tea tree oil is distilled from the leaves of the Melaleuca Alternifolia tree, which is native to the low-lying wetlands of the Northern New South Wales region of Australia.
Indigenous peoples of Australia used (and probably still do) the tree in their traditional, natural medicines and skincare routines. They used the leaves and branches, mostly brewed and steeped in hot water, and used for many health and skincare uses, including the hair.
Thankfully, the hard work has already been done for us, and we are left with a small bottle (well, depending on your intended schedule of use, it could be a big bottle…) of mighty oil full of antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antimicrobial and anti-bacterial chemical constituents.
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What Chemical Compounds?
Plants make Secondary Metabolites to give off smells and aromas to attract pollinators or change the taste of leaves to make them taste bitter or pungent to repel predators. They also use them to help the plant heal and repair, and strangely, the same seems true for how they work in the human body.
Constituents In Tea Tree Oil That Are Good For Dandruff
Apart from the smell from the ingredients that can make hair smell glorious, the constituents in Tea tree oil that are good for hair and scalp are its antibacterial and antiseptic qualities. This means that the antiseptic naturally cleans the hair and scalp without harsh soapy chemicals, and the antibacterial constituents protect the hair from any germs or bugs hanging around. For example, when dandruff appears, there can sometimes be a build-up of excess skin debris or excess sebum from clogged hair follicles. Tea Tree oil helps wash away the debris and excess oils to regulate the scalp production of sebum without stripping away the oils, which could make the scalp dry.
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How To Use Tea Tree Oil For Dandruff
Tea tree oil is great for dandruff and hair in many different ways. Below, you will find some tea tree oil recipes that support the hair and scalp's natural functions.
Does Tea Tree Oil Help With Dandruff Or Dry Scalp
Dandruff can help with both dandruff and dry scalp. Dandruff is flakes of dead skin found on the scalp - it can be caused by many factors and conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, to name just two. Tea Tree oil can assist in clearing up the dead skin cells or “flakes” by stimulating the sebum glands on the head to produce more oil to rehydrate the flaky skin. This will also use the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory constituents to effectively clean the hair and scalp, keeping germs away and preventing irritated skin infection.
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Does Tea Tree Oil Help with Dandruff and Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic Dermatitis is a condition on the scalp similar to Dandruff. However, unlike dandruff, it is caused by a reaction to a microbe that is on all of our heads (Malassezia Globosa). Some people who are very sensitive to the oleic acid that the microbe secretes produce more skin cells as a reaction to the acid. It can result in clumps of skin, large yellowish scales, and scalp inflammation.
The constituents in Tea tree oil which are antibacterial, antifungal, and antiseptic, are especially good for hair and scalp when symptoms of this type of dermatitis appear. It will help deep clean the scalp and hair, ensuring bacteria don’t linger in the loose flakes to infect the sensitive skin.
Diluting Essential Oils
Dilution of any essential oils is essential (I know, I’m hilarious!) when making your recipes for use in cosmetics/skin treatments, etc.
ALWAYS dilute oils in alcohol or carrier oils - if you mix essential oils with water, you are creating an emulsion that will physically not mix. For example, if you draw a bath and put in drops of essential oils - the oils will sit on top of the water and absorb into your skin neat without diluting. This can cause skin sensitivity and, depending on what oils you use, could also be toxic.
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Tea Tree Oil and Safety
Tea tree oil is safe to use. However, please do not use ANY essential oils during the first 16 weeks of pregnancy.
Tea Tree Oil is nontoxic when diluted and used correctly.
Should the oil be accidentally swallowed, drink milk to dilute, or seek medical advice if you feel unwell?
In case of skin irritation or rash, wash the area well and seek medical advice if feeling unwell.
Avoid contact with mucous membranes and eyes; in case of contact, rinse the area well and seek medical attention if feeling unwell.
Methods of Use
Shampoo
Tea Tree oil shampoo is good for hair as its natural cleaning constituents protect the hair from bacteria and bugs hanging around in the follicles. It is great for a regular deep clean! The shampoo is a follow on treatment after using the hair treatment (above) to get rid of the lice; this will help you keep them at bay! Please note, though, that as a rinse product, it will not have the ability to kill lice in the same way that a conditioner will.
Method: Apply a small amount to wet hair and wash and rinse as normal. Repeat if required. Use this shampoo every other day.
- 150ml Shampoo (any, can be cheap, can be expensive if you are feeling luxurious)
- 90 drops of Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca Alternifolia)
Safety: Unsuitable for use in the first 16 weeks of pregnancy.
Conditioner
Tea tree oil conditioner is good for hair as its natural moisturizing, and circulatory stimulant constituents keep the hair shiny and supports regular sebum production on the scalp.
- 150ml Conditioner (any, cheaper the better usually)
- 5 drops of Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca Alternifolia)
Method of use: Apply a small amount to wet hair after washing, condition, and rinse as normal. Repeat if required, like the tea tree shampoo - keep it to every other day.
Safety: Unsuitable for use in the first 16 weeks of pregnancy.
Hair Rinse
A sterile rinse with water and 5 drops of tea tree oil makes a wonderful rinse that can be used on the hair daily after shampooing and conditioning. It is safe for all body areas (including sensitive bits, so you can use it in the shower).
- 5 drops of Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca Alternifolia)
- 10 ml Vodka (alcohol)
- 500ml of Cooled boiled water
Method of Use: After shampooing and conditioning, cover the hair liberally with the rinse, leave for a few minutes and rinse again with clean water.
Safety: Unsuitable for use in the first 16 weeks of pregnancy
Hair Mask
Hair masks are wonderful at moisturizing and deep cleaning the hair and skin on the scalp. This one, in particular, is for soothing an irritated scalp and deep cleaning hair and follicles.
- 120ml Coconut Oil (Cocos Nucifera)
- 3 drops Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca Alternifolia)
Method of use: Apply using fingertips, apply liberally over lengths and roots of hair using fingertips to massage the mask into the scalp. Incubate with a shower cap if possible for ten minutes. Rinse with warm, clean water - no need to shampoo or condition. The Tea tree oil will have cleaned the hair while the coconut oil conditions it. As this is so conditioning, it only needs to be done once a week.
Safety: Unsuitable for use in the first 16 weeks of pregnancy.
Deep Conditioning Dry Scalp Mask
This mask recipe is excellent at rehydrating dry skin on the scalp, making hair glossy and smell beautiful. Adding Patchouli oil is wonderful for dry skin conditions such as dandruff and skin regeneration. Use this mask once a week, especially when your scalp is irritated, and deep clean the hair and follicles.
Method: Apply with fingertips, apply liberally over lengths and roots of hair using fingertips to massage the mask into the scalp. Incubate with a shower cap for ten minutes. Rinse with warm, clean water. The tree oil will have cleaned the hair while the coconut oil conditions it.
- 120ml of Coconut Oil (Cocos nucifera)
- 1 drop of Patchouli Oil (Pogostemon cablin)
- 3 drops of Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca Alternifolia)
Safety: Unsuitable for the first 16 weeks of pregnancy.
Cream and Lotions
Creams and lotions are a great base for essential oils. Any unscented plain lotion will blend with Tea tree oil and, when used as part of a skincare routine, will keep the skin moisturized and help your skin be free from germs. This is for use as needed around the hairline when acne or pimples are visible coming from the hair; it can also be used in the hair when dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis is especially itchy
- 30 ml of Unfragranced cream or lotion.
- 1 drop of Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca Alternifolia)
Method of use: After cleansing with face wash and toner, apply this lotion twice daily, in small amounts using a circular upward motion (go with your circulation, not against it)
Safety: Not suitable for the first 16 weeks of pregnancy. Do not use on mucous membranes (inside nose, mouth, or genitals).
Hair Spray
To keep your hair nice and clean and free from visible dandruff flakes, use this conditioning spray daily when styling your hair; this is also an excellent deterrent for head lice. Use it daily and liberally.
Method: In a large spray bottle, mix:
- 10 drops of Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca Alternifolia)
- 300ml of Water
Safety: Unsuitable for use in the first 16 weeks of pregnancy.
Does Tea Tree Oil Help Dandruff When Used Neat?
Using neat Tea tree oil is not recommended at all to help with hair and scalp conditions.
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So! Does Tea Tree Oil help with Dandruff?
Yes, it does. It can help in many ways, from reducing swelling in hair follicles, unplugging blocked follicles and washing away excess skin and sebum, regulating sebum production, and drawing out toxins. Most of all, making your hair flake-free, nice, clean and smells gorgeous. So give the recipes a try, and if you like them or if they do wonders for you, please let us know; we’d love to hear from you!
