Tea Tree Oil for Dandruff: Studies and Safe Use
One well-known trial found that a 5 percent tea tree oil shampoo eased mild to moderate dandruff. Here is what that study showed, how to use tea tree oil diluted and safely, and why proven dandruff shampoos still come first.
Dandruff is very common. It shows up as white or yellowish flakes, often with an itchy or greasy scalp, and it tends to come and go. Most people can manage it at home.
Tea tree oil, from the leaves of the Australian tree Melaleuca alternifolia, is one of the most popular natural options. There is a small amount of real research behind it. But it is a strong essential oil that must be diluted, can irritate skin, and is toxic if swallowed. This guide covers what is known and how to use it as safely as possible.
What the evidence says
The best-known study was published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology in 2002. It included 126 people aged 14 and over with mild to moderate dandruff. Half used a shampoo containing 5 percent tea tree oil every day for 4 weeks, and half used a placebo shampoo.
The tea tree oil group improved by 41 percent on a dandruff severity score, compared with 11 percent in the placebo group. People using tea tree oil also reported less itching and greasiness. The change in scaliness they reported was not large enough to be sure it was real. No side effects were reported.
That is encouraging, but it is one study of a ready-made shampoo. Mayo Clinic sums it up fairly: research has not shown that tea tree oil will definitely treat dandruff, though one study found a 5 percent shampoo helped. Results with a homemade mix may differ.
Diluted Tea Tree Oil Shampoo (about 5 percent)
You need
- your usual mild, fragrance-free shampoo10 ml (2 tsp)
- tea tree oil0.5 ml (about 10 drops)
Method
- Patch test first. Mix the shampoo and oil, dab a little of the mix on the inside of your forearm and leave it for 48 hours. If you notice redness, itching, stinging or a rash, do not use it.
- Make a fresh small batch in a clean cup each time, and stir well. Drop sizes vary, so this strength is approximate. Do not add more oil; stronger is not better.
- Wet your hair, then massage the mix gently into your scalp with your fingertips, not your nails.
- Leave it on for 3 to 5 minutes, keeping your eyes closed and your head tilted back so it does not run into your face.
- Rinse thoroughly and follow with conditioner on the lengths if you like.
- The study used the shampoo daily for 4 weeks. You can use it daily or a few times a week, and judge results after about 4 weeks. Stop sooner if your scalp becomes irritated.
Tips
- Never put undiluted tea tree oil on your scalp.
- Keep the bottle tightly closed and store it away from heat and sunlight.
- If you get any in your eyes, rinse with plenty of clean water.
Proven dandruff shampoos come first
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends dandruff shampoos with ingredients such as zinc pyrithione, salicylic acid, sulfur, selenium sulfide, ketoconazole or coal tar. If one does not work, you can alternate between shampoos with different active ingredients. Some need to stay on the scalp for 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing, so follow the label.
How often to use them depends on your hair. People with fine, straight or oily hair may need a dandruff shampoo about twice a week. People with coarse, curly or coily hair may do better with once a week, applied only to the scalp because these shampoos can dry the hair.
Tea tree oil can be something to try alongside these, or if you would rather start with a gentler option for mild flakes.
Keep it away from children and pets
Tea tree oil must never be swallowed. Mayo Clinic notes that even small amounts taken by mouth can cause confusion, problems with movement, breathing problems and coma. Store the bottle tightly closed and well out of reach of children.
The ASPCA warns that concentrated tea tree oil can poison cats and dogs, possibly in amounts as small as seven or eight drops, through skin contact or licking. Never put it on a pet, wipe up spills straight away, and keep bottles where animals cannot reach them.
Questions people ask
Can I put a few drops of tea tree oil straight on my scalp?
No. Undiluted tea tree oil is more likely to irritate or burn skin. The study that found a benefit used a 5 percent shampoo, so always dilute it.
Is tea tree oil better than a regular dandruff shampoo?
There is no evidence that it is. Dermatologists recommend shampoos with ingredients such as zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide or ketoconazole, which have stronger evidence. Tea tree oil is a milder option with one good study behind it.
How long does it take to see a difference?
In the main study, people used the shampoo daily for 4 weeks. Give it about that long, and stop if your scalp becomes irritated or nothing changes.
Sources
- Treatment of dandruff with 5% tea tree oil shampoo — Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (PubMed)
- Tea tree oil — Mayo Clinic
- How to treat dandruff — American Academy of Dermatology
- Is the Latest Home Trend Harmful to Your Pets? What You Need to Know! — ASPCA
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Herbs can interact with medicines and health conditions. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist before trying a herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, giving it to a child, or taking any medication.
