Does dandruff keep coming back to you like an unwelcome guest? Is your anti-dandruff shampoo causing you more harm than good? Well, we have just the right solution for you! Try using Tea tree oil for dandruff which only fights itchy, white flakes on your scalp, but also promotes a healthy, glossy mane.
To those who are hearing about it for the first time, Tea tree oil is an essential oil derived from a plant called Melaleuca Alternifolia, a native Australian plant. It offers a myriad of medicinal benefits to the body and is used as a key ingredient in many skin and hair care products.
In this article, we shall look into the top benefits of tea tree oil for treating dandruff and itchy scalp with DIY hair mask recipes.
Benefits of Tea Tree Oil For Dandruff
Let’s find out how tea tree oil addresses the problem of dandruff in detail:
- Anti-Fungal Properties: Dandruff is caused by fungal and yeast overgrowth which results in a flaky, irritated scalp. Tea tree oil has powerful anti-fungal properties to inhibit this growth and effectively and lower the severity of the condition. A study also shows that people who used 5% tea tree oil shampoo for one month showed 41% improvement from dandruff than those who used a regular one (1).
- Anti-Inflammatory Activity: Tea tree oil has anti-inflammatory properties which can reduce scalp inflammation and lesions caused by dandruff. It can even reduce the sensation of itching and irritation from the very first application.
- Treats Dry Scalp: Tea tree oil can treat dandruff caused due to dry scalp by acting as a natural moisturizer. When combined with a carrier oil like coconut oil, this agent improves scalp health and reduces the risk of dandruff in future.
How to Use Tea Tree Oil For Dandruff?
Now that you have learnt the impressive advantages of tea tree oil for dandruff and itchy scalp, let us look into the different ways to use it in our haircare regimen:
1. Tea Tree Oil with Coconut Oil Mask:
Tea tree oil is a highly potent ingredient which must not be used directly on the scalp or skin. The best and safe way to use it as a topical application is by diluting the oil with a carrier oil like coconut. This can double up the benefits as each of these individual oils support tea tree oil in fighting dandruff. Alternatively, you can use any carrier oil like olive, jojoba, almond etc.
Ingredients:
- Tea Tree Oil – Few Drops
- Coconut Oil – 2-3 tbsp
How to Prepare and Use?
- Dilute tea tree oil with coconut oil
- Warm the mixture slightly
- Apply it on scalp and hair
- Massage for 2-3 minutes
- Leave for an additional 15-20 minutes
- Wash thoroughly with a mild shampoo
2. Tea Tree Oil In Shampoo:
Make your own tea tree oil shampoo by adding this oil to a mild cleanser. Not only is this safe on hair, but also effective in treating dandruff. Unlike the strong anti-dandruff shampoos present in the market, this DIY shampoo doesn’t dry out or damage the roots. Here’s the method:
Ingredients:
- Tea Tree Oil – Few Drops
- Mild Shampoo or Herbal Cleanser
How to Prepare and Use?
- Add a few drops of tea tree oil to a mild hair cleanser
- Shake well
- Wet hair and use some shampoo to create lather
- Massage scalp with fingers to spread the product evenly
- Leave it on 3-5 minutes
- Wash off with water
3. Tea Tree Oil Hair:
If you want to target dandruff infested areas on your scalp, a tea tree oil spray can be a great idea! This easy to make spray solution works as a pre-shampoo treatment for dealing with the patchy, scaly scalp. All you need is some water and a spray bottle to get started.
Ingredients:
- Tea Tree Oil – Few Drops
- Water
- Spray Bottle
How to Prepare and Use?
- In a spray bottle, add tea tree oil in some water
- Shake well
- Spray the mixture directly on the affected areas
- Leave on for 20 minutes
- Wash off with a shampoo, followed by a conditioner
[ Read More: Tea Tree Oil Benefits for Skin ]
4. Tea Tree Oil Deep Conditioning Mask for Dry Scalp:
One of the best ways to deal with dandruff is to prevent scalp dryness. Here is one such DIY conditioning and repair mask with tea tree oil which combats dandruff, flakiness, itchy scalp and makes your hair shine with health.
Ingredients:
- Tea Tree Oil – Few Drops
- Avocado Puree- ½ Cup
- Yoghurt – 2 tbsp
How to Prepare and Use?
- Combine all the ingredients in a bowl
- Section your hair
- Apply the paste all over your hair and scalp
- Massage for a minute for deep penetration
- Leave it on for 20 minutes
- Wash thoroughly with water and shampoo
5. Tea Tree Oil Mask For Oily Scalp:
Dandruff can also be caused due to excess grease and oil on your scalp. This tea tree oil mask works by absorbing the excess oil and stopping the yeast from multiplying. It also keeps your scalp moisturized.
Ingredients:
- Tea Tree Oil – Few Drops
- Baking Soda – 3-4 tbsp
- Honey – 2-3 tbsp
How to Prepare and Use?
- Combine all the ingredients in a bowl
- Make a smooth paste and add little water if needed
- Apply it all over your scalp and hair
- Leave it on for 10 minutes
- Wash thoroughly with water and shampoo
Side Effects of Using Tea Tree Oil For Hair:
As mentioned earlier, Tea tree oil is a highly concentrated essential oil which can cause many side effects if used in the wrong way. Here are some of the potential problems of using this oil on the scalp:
- Tea tree oil can give scalp burns if it is applied directly without dilution.
- Some people might experience allergic reactions like redness, inflammation due to tea tree oil. So, it is recommended to do a patch test before application.
- Tea tree oil can cause irritation, stinging and burning sensation on sensitive scalps
We hope this article helped you understand the wonderful benefits of tea tree oil for dandruff. Using natural ingredients like tea tree oil is a safe way to fight with scalp infections without damaging your hair. Along with using these remedies, it’s also important to practice good hair care routine to keep this problem at bay! Do let us know your experiences with tea tree!
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