Tea Tree Shampoo Benefits
When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you (learn more)
Shampoos that include tea tree oil have many benefits for your hair and scalp. As a natural antiseptic, tea tree oil is effective at healing wounds and killing fungal and bacterial infections. Tea tree shampoo is, therefore, an excellent choice if you have a skin disorder, itchy scalp, dandruff, or any infection affecting the skin on your head.
Native to Australia, the Melaleuca alternifolia plant produces tea tree oil. Its benefits have been known to the natives of that country for centuries, and recently, tea tree oil has become more widely available for the rest of the world to enjoy.
Heal Your Scalp with Tea Tree Shampoo
The skin on your head is very sensitive and prone to developing skin disorders. From treating minor fungal infections to chronic diseases that cause itching and flaking, taking care of your scalp is an essential part of maintaining good health.
Dandruff, which is also known as seborrheic dermatitis, is a very common scalp problem. Dandruff causes flaky, scaly skin as well as oily patches and scalp redness. Dandruff can happen in other areas besides the scalp, including facial hair.
The exact cause of dandruff is not fully understood, but some believe it is related to a sensitivity to Malassezia, which is a type of fungus that naturally forms on the scalp. As a natural antifungal, tea tree oil can, therefore, be an effective treatment for dandruff and other fungal scalp disorders.
Other skin conditions, like psoriasis and eczema, can also affect the scalp. Psoriasis is an inflammatory condition that causes patches of scaly, raised skin. Tea tree oil is a natural anti-inflammatory, which means it can help reduce scalp psoriasis symptoms and scalp irritation.
Other Benefits of Tea Tree Shampoos
The most common use for tea tree shampoo is to treat lice. This medicinal herb and the essential oils derived from it are excellent for eliminating head lice. When combined with lavender essential oil, tea tree has been proven to be just as effective as over-the-counter products at treating lice. When you combine these essential oils with a nourishing carrier oil like coconut oil, you can treat your scalp, get rid of lice, protect against secondary infection, and leave your hair moisturized and healthy.
Because of its antimicrobial properties, tea tree hair treatments are also effective for any skin or scalp disorder caused by bacteria, fungi, yeast, or other microorganisms.
Before incorporating tea tree oil into your hair care routine, ensure you use it safely and effectively. Since tea tree oil can cause irritation in some individuals, taking a few precautions will help you enjoy its benefits without adverse reactions.
Safety First: Perform a Patch Test
Always conduct a skin patch test before applying tea tree oil to your scalp or any broken skin. Simply place a drop or two on a small area of your inner arm or leg, then wait 24 hours to monitor for any reaction. If you experience no redness, itching, or irritation, it’s safe to use it on your scalp and other areas.
How to Dilute Tea Tree Oil Properly
Tea tree oil is highly concentrated and should never be applied directly to your scalp in its pure form. Here are the best ways to dilute it:
-
Add to your existing shampoo: The simplest method is to mix tea tree oil directly into your regular shampoo. Aim for a 5% concentration—that’s about 5 milliliters of tea tree oil per 100 milliliters of shampoo.
-
Mix with carrier oils: Combine tea tree oil with nourishing carrier oils like coconut oil, jojoba oil, or sweet almond oil for a pre-shampoo scalp treatment.
-
Blend with natural ingredients: You can also dilute tea tree oil with aloe vera gel or apple cider vinegar for additional scalp-soothing benefits.
-
Use as directed: Once diluted, apply the mixture to your scalp, massage gently, and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing thoroughly.
Choosing Commercial Tea Tree Shampoos
If you prefer the convenience of ready-made products, many high-quality commercial shampoos now contain tea tree oil. When shopping, look for products with the proper 5% concentration and choose brands that source their tea tree oil from organic botanical sources to ensure purity and effectiveness.
