Tea Tree Oil for Dandruff: Does It Work?

Tea tree oil, aka melaleuca alternifolia, is a popular health and wellness product. 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 too shabby, right?

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

Plus, we gathered expert insight from Dr. Knox Beasley, MD, board-certified dermatologist and medical advisor at Hims, to help understand the ins and outs of this common remedy.

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

It may reduce:

• Dandruff flakes

• Itchy scalp

• Greasiness

In one 2002 study, 126 participants with mild to moderate dandruff used 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.

Still, this is an old study and there don’t appear to be many more recent ones conducted on tea tree oil for dandruff since.

Can Tea Tree Oil Regrow Hair?

While you’re here, you might be wondering if tea tree oil is good for other hair-related issues, like hair loss. 

Some anecdotal evidence and small studies suggest tea tree oil may support a healthier scalp environment for hair growth, especially when used alongside ingredients like minoxidil. 

However, shampooing with tea tree oil is not a proven hair regrowth treatment. We recommend sticking to tried-and-true options for that, like hair loss medications — and a chat with a dermatology professional for personalized advice.

How does it work? Well, tea tree oil has antimicrobial, antibacterial, antiviral, antiprotozoal, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties — AKA a lot of power in one potent oil.

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 a moisturizing 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.

Pro Tips

Here are some pro tips if you’re new to using tea tree oil for dandruff: 

• Do a patch test on a small part of your scalp to check for signs of irritation or an allergic reaction.

• Dilute essential oil with a carrier (e.g., jojoba or coconut)

• Limit use to two or three times per week if irritation occurs

• Avoid eye and mouth contact

How Long Does it Take to Work?

According to available research, users may notice visible improvement within four weeks of daily use with a 5% tea tree oil shampoo. However, results vary depending on the cause and severity of dandruff.

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

All said, most people tolerate it well in topical form.

Who Shouldn’t Use Tea Tree Oil?

Avoid tea tree oil if you:

• Have a history of allergic reactions to essential oils

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding without consulting your doctor (no data exist on the safety and efficacy of tea tree oil in nursing mothers or infants)

• Are applying it undiluted (it should always be mixed with a carrier oil or used in a prepared shampoo formula)

• Efficacy: ★★★ Dr. Knox tells us that “a tea tree oil shampoo is a good choice for someone who wants a natural treatment option.” He continues, “Still, there are other potentially more effective prescription medications.”

• Side Effects: ★★★★ “Usually, there are very few side effects from tea tree oil, although sometimes it can cause irritation or itching where it’s been applied,” says Dr. Knox.

• Ease of Use: ★★★★★ “You would use a tea tree oil shampoo just like your regular shampoo,” Dr. Knox says.

Overall, tea tree oil is considered to be a generally safe, well-tolerated option for dandruff relief, especially when used in a tea tree oil product like shampoo. However, other options may be more effective, and not everyone may tolerate it the same way. 

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 fights fungus and bacteria and 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^® , is an antifungal agent that targets Malassezia yeast and can treat the scaly, flaky, itchy scalp that comes with dandruff. You might see improvements within a few weeks.

• Selenium sulfide. Selenium sulfide slows skin cell turnover and 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.

• Coal tar shampoo. Coal tar helps reduce dandruff by slowing down the rapid growth and shedding of skin cells on the scalp. It's often combined with salicylic acid and used to manage seborrheic dermatitis. While effective, it can have a strong smell and may stain light-colored hair or fabrics, so use with caution.

• Salicylic acid shampoo. Salicylic acid helps exfoliate the scalp, removing dead skin and buildup that can lead to flaking. While it doesn’t have antifungal properties on its own, it’s often combined with other active ingredients to boost dandruff-fighting power. In fact, you can find it in our Dandruff Detox Shampoo.

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 currently available 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. Other benefits of tea tree oil may include helping to 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 optimize your skin and hair health.

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.