If you’ve noticed that you experience dandruff or are simply looking to provide more balance to your scalp, tea tree oil can help. In fact, there are multiple reasons why using tea tree oil for hair health can be beneficial.
“Tea tree oil is a natural essential oil derived from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia plant, native to Australia,” says Sara Hallajian, California-based IAT-certified trichologist. “It’s well known for its powerful antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which is why it’s become a popular ingredient in scalp and hair care.”
Shop TODAY three tapped trichologists to learn exactly what tea tree oil does for hair, how to apply it and how often you should use it for the best results. We also asked for some of their expert recommendations, which we added to our list below.
Once you start to reap the benefits of these expert-recommended tea tree oil products, you’ll never want to miss an application–your scalp (and hair) will thank you.
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Can tea tree oil help with hair growth?
Although tea tree oil doesn’t directly help with hair growth, it can provide indirect support for hair growth.
“While tea tree oil doesn’t directly stimulate hair growth like some medications or essential oils, it creates a clean and balanced scalp environment, explains Tabitha Osman, North Carolina-based master stylist and holistic trichologist. “This can help reduce inflammation and create a more balanced scalp to produce healthier hair.”
Hallajian agrees: "It [tea tree oil] helps maintain a more balanced scalp environment with its antimicrobial properties, which is essential for optimal hair growth, so in the end, yes, it can be good for your hair."
The best tea tree oil products for hair, according to trichologists
Formulated with carrier oils: Fiora Naturals Tea Tree Oil
- Includes two applicators
- Made with natural ingredients
- Affordable
- May be messy after opening
Sizes: 4.0 oz. | Key ingredients: Tea tree oil, jojoba oil, grape seed oil and castor oil | Hair type: All
Searching for a tea tree oil that’s already mixed with carrier oils? Look no further than this one from Fiora Naturals. “This is a really affordable price point, contains great carrier oils for the scalp, and has a nice scalp applicator,” says Hallajian.
When you shop this tea tree oil made with carrier oils including jojoba, grape seed and castor oils, you’ll notice it comes with two applicators (a nozzle and a comb). You can rotate between these during each use to best match your application preferences and hair needs.
Although you can transfer the oil into a different bottle if you’d like, we recommend keeping it inside its premium dark (and BPA-free) amber plastic bottle to keep it protected from UV rays; it’s also easier to squeeze.
Cleanse the scalp: Steambase Tea Tree Scalp Treatment
- Vegan formula
- Cone-tip nozzle
- Lightweight formula
- Some didn't notice a change
Size: 8.42 oz. | Key ingredients: Tea tree leaf extract, black willow bark extract and salicylic acid | Hair type: All
When it comes to tea tree scalp treatments, Hallajian recommends this one from Steambase. “This product is a prewash scalp cleanser that contains tea tree,” says Hallajian. “It’s nice to not have to apply an oil for finer hair textures while still getting the benefits of the essential oil tea tree.”
Despite its small bottle size, this formula is made with key ingredients including 23% tea tree extract, black willow bark extract and salicylic acid, which work to prevent (and get rid of) buildup on the scalp. Since it’s largely water-based, it’s easy to apply via its cone-tip nozzle and can even be used as a shampoo alternative.
Pure essential oil: Revive Tea Tree Essential Oil
- Third-party tested
- The cap is easy to open
- Pure tea tree oil
- Buy carrier oils separately
Sizes: .33 oz. | Key ingredients: Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree oil) | Hair type: All
As far as pure tea tree oil goes, Osman recommends this one from Revive. “This is a pure, therapeutic-grade tea tree oil known for its effectiveness in promoting scalp health and addressing dandruff,” says Osman.
It is important to note that this organic tea tree oil is not combined with any carrier oils, so you may have to purchase them separately (if you don’t already have them).
Expert and editor favorite: Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo
- Tingle complex
- Recyclable packaging
- Safe for colored hair
- Expensive
- Some users note hair loss
Size: 10.14 oz. | Key ingredients: Tea tree oil, peppermint, and lavender | Hair type: All
If a shampoo made with tea tree oil is what you seek, this one from Paul Mitchell is a great pick. “This is a professional salon-quality shampoo with soothing tea tree oil that deeply cleanses and refreshes the scalp without over-drying,” says Osman.
Made with key ingredients including tea tree oil, lavender and peppermint, its formula works to refresh your scalp (and hair) with a few tingles via its Tingle Complex (but don’t worry, that means it’s working).
Sierra Hoeger, an associate editor at Shop TODAY, says she “always used to sneak dollops of this shampoo” that her dad used to use because it smelled good. She continues, “Turns out, tea tree is really good for your hair, and I’ve since started incorporating it into my routine sometimes, thanks to this affordable version from Trader Joe’s.”
The best tea tree oil products for hair, according to editors
Gone through "multiple" bottles: Maple Holistics Tea Tree Conditioner for Dry Hair
- Remedies dry, itchy scalp
- Softens hair
- Smells good
- Shampoo sold separately
Size: 8 oz. each | Key ingredients: Tea tree oil, keratin and silk amino acids | Hair type: Oily, dry and damaged
Evan Siegel, an editor on our team, recommends this conditioner that's infused with tea tree oil. He tells us, "With all the luxe hair products we try at Shop TODAY, I was surprised by how much I liked Maple Holistics’ modestly priced tea tree conditioner. After trying it on a whim, it’s become my go-to!"
He continues, "It leaves my hair super soft, and has even helped improve my dry scalp and flakiness (which I attribute to the tea tree oil). Not to mention, it smells great! I’ve gone through a couple bottles by now, and have no plans of stopping."
Affordable 2-for-1: First Botany Tea Tree Mint Shampoo and Conditioner
- Helps add volume and shine
- Softens hair
- Scent doesn't last long
Size: 16 oz. each | Key ingredients: Tea tree oil and peppermint oil | Hair type: All
Bella Druckman, a former production coordinator at Shop TODAY, once incorporated this shampoo-and-conditioner duo into her hair care routine and raved about the results. The formula — which is infused with both tea tree oil and peppermint oil — not only remedied her scalp (which she noted was itchy before use), but it also added shine and volume to her hair.
Druckman said, "If you’re looking to say goodbye to your dry, itchy scalp and hello to some soft, shiny locks, this duo is for you."
More benefits of tea tree oil for hair
It’s true: Tea tree oil has multiple hair-related benefits. “Tea tree oil can be beneficial for the scalp, particularly for those dealing with excessive sebum [and] oily scalp concerns like itchiness, flaking or sweat buildup,” explains Hallajian.
Osman adds that tree oil can also help combat some common scalp issues, such as dandruff and irritation.
With this in mind, Penny James, New York City-based IAT-certified trichologist, notes that you want to make sure you’re using tea tree oil as directed and in small quantities, as using too much can be harmful to the scalp, potentially causing contact dermatitis if too much is used or applied incorrectly.
How to apply tea tree oil to your hair
The application of tea tree oil is crucial to receiving its benefits. One of the most important things to note about applying pure tea tree oil to your hair is that you should never apply it directly to your scalp.
First, Hallajian advises diluting two to three drops of pure tea tree oil in a tablespoon of a carrier oil (such as jojoba oil or grapeseed oil).
After diluting your pure tea tree oil, she adds that you can either use your fingertips or a dropper to target your scalp (before gently massaging the oil to increase bloodflow to the area). This can also help aid with better absorption before sitting for 15 to 20 minutes and shampooing it out.
James notes that it is important that the tea tree oil mixture not sit on your scalp for longer than 30 minutes before washing.
However, if you’re using a shampoo or conditioner containing tea tree oil, you likely won’t have to dilute it — which can be particularly beneficial for those who simply want to add it to their hair without taking any extra steps.
Frequently asked questions
How often one should apply tea tree oil to their hair varies by person. That said, application once or twice a week is generally recommended, says Hallajian.
“Those with more serious scalp concerns may use it up to three times weekly,” adds Osman.
If your scalp is on the itchier side, James recommends only applying it once per week (depending on your tolerance).
Osman notes that you should avoid using tea tree oil on your hair if you have any allergies or sensitivities to essential oils. If you’re unsure whether or not you’re allergic to tea tree oil, a patch test can help.
Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding should refrain from using tea tree oil on their hair unless they are approved to do so their care team, adds Hallajian.
That said, Osman advises always consulting with your physician and/or trichologist before adding tea tree oil to your hair care routine, especially if you have any open wounds or scalp irritation.
How we chose
To compile our list of the best tea tree oils for hair, Shop TODAY considered the insight and recommendations provided by the trichologists we interviewed. We also included editor-favorite shampoos and conditioners that are made with tea tree oil.
Meet the experts
- Sara Hallajian is an IAT-certified trichologist and owner of âme Salon in Santa Monica, California.
- Tabitha Osman is a North Carolina-based master stylist and holistic trichologist at Haven Holistic Salon.
- Penny James is an IAT-certified trichologist at the Penny James Trichology Center in New York City.
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