Tea Tree Oil for Dandruff: Does It Work and How to Use It?

Tea tree oil — aka melaleuca alternifolia — is no stranger to health and wellness products. You’ll find it in everything from acne treatments to natural deodorants to — yes — anti-dandruff shampoos. But does tea tree oil for dandruff really work?

Research shows that tea tree oil shampoos can reduce dandruff and symptoms like itchiness and greasiness by stopping fungal growth.

Not bad, hey?

Below, we’ll dive into the science behind tea tree oil for dandruff, how to use it, and alternative treatments that might be more effective.

Believe it or not, tea tree oil may be an effective dandruff treatment.

It may reduce:

• Dandruff flakes

• Itchy scalp

• Greasiness

Here’s the proof: A 2002 study had 126 participants with mild to moderate dandruff use either a 5% tea tree oil shampoo or a placebo. Participants used the shampoo daily for four weeks.

At the end of the experiment, those who had used the tea tree oil shampoo saw a 41 percent improvement in the severity of their dandruff. The placebo group saw only an 11 percent improvement.

Participants using the tea tree oil shampoo also saw an improvement in itchiness and greasiness. And — more good news — there were no side effects.

How does it work? Well, tea tree oil has antimicrobial, antibacterial, antiviral, antiprotozoal, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties — is there anything this oil can’t do?

So, when it comes to dandruff, tea tree oil can inhibit the growth of Malassezia fungus and bacteria that can cause dandruff.

Tea tree oil may also help treat seborrheic dermatitis, a skin condition that causes a scaly rash on the scalp and more severe dandruff.

Though the studies we have so far look promising, more research is needed to confirm whether tea tree oil can really improve dandruff and overall scalp health.

Adding tea tree oil to your hair care routine is easy.

You can:

• Purchase an anti-dandruff shampoo that contains tea tree oil. Follow the instructions on the hair product you buy, but you can probably use it just like you would any other shampoo. You can also find tea tree oil in products like hair masks.

• Add tea tree oil to your current shampoo. Add a few drops of tea tree essential oil to your current shampoo and use it as you normally would.

• Use tea tree essential oil to make an anti-dandruff treatment. Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with a carrier oil, like jojoba oil, almond oil, or coconut oil, and apply it to your scalp.

If you’ve never used tea tree oil before, do a patch test on a small part of your scalp to check for signs of irritation or an allergic reaction.

You should also avoid getting tea tree oil in your eyes and mouth.

Topical tea tree oil is considered safe, but just like practically everything in life, there are a few risks you should know about.

Tea tree oil can cause:

• Irritation

• Contact dermatitis — an allergic itchy skin rash

You should also never swallow tea tree oil. Ingesting it could cause serious side effects like:

• Confusion

• Loss of muscle coordination

• Breathing problems

• Coma

But most people tolerate it well in topical form.

Tea tree oil is sometimes also used as a remedy for:

• Eczema

• Psoriasis

• Bruising

• Insect bites

• Burns

• Canker sores

• Skin infections

That said, the science isn’t very strong in terms of how effective tea tree oil is for these uses.

So, it looks like tea tree oil could be an effective treatment for dandruff, but more research is needed to know for sure.

In the meantime, other options out there if you find it doesn’t work for you or if the smell of tea tree isn’t your thing.

Alternatives to tea tree oil for dandruff include:

• Pyrithione zinc shampoo. Pyrithione zinc is proven to help treat dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. Our Dandruff Detox Shampoo contains 1% pyrithione zinc to target a flaky scalp and soothe itchiness, plus salicylic acid to wash away dead skin buildup and avocado oil to hydrate a dry scalp.

• Ketoconazole shampoo. Ketoconazole shampoo, like Nizoral®, can stop fungal growth and treat the scaly, flaky, itchy scalp that comes with dandruff. You might see improvements within two to four weeks.

• Selenium sulfide. Selenium sulfide can help treat seborrhoeic dermatitis and reduce symptoms in those with moderate to severe dandruff. A dermatologist or healthcare provider can help you figure out if the skin condition is behind your dandruff.

We’ve covered more ways to get rid of dandruff, including home remedies and lifestyle changes for a healthy scalp.

So, is tea tree oil good for dandruff? The research we have so far looks promising.

Here are the key takeaways:

• Tea tree oil could help reduce dandruff. Thanks to its antifungal properties, tea tree oil could help minimize dandruff and relieve the itchiness that often comes with it. It may also help treat seborrheic dermatitis.

• Take care when using tea tree oil. Topical use is generally safe, but watch out for signs of irritation or allergic reactions — and despite the “tea” in tea tree, this oil isn’t safe to consume.

• Tea tree oil isn’t your only option. Consider other dandruff treatments like shampoos with pyrithione zinc, ketoconazole, or selenium sulfide.

If your dandruff hasn’t improved, reach out to a dermatologist or another healthcare provider. They can help you get to the bottom of what’s behind your scalp troubles and recommend the best treatment options to help.

Got more questions about dandruff? Explore whether dandruff causes hair loss.

Hims also has a wide range of hair growth and skincare products worth checking out.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Learn more about our editorial standards here.