Tea Tree Oil is the Key to a Healthy Scalp

Maintaining a healthy scalp is the foundation of any solid hair care routine. Tea tree oil is a tried-and-true ingredient that’s increasingly popping up in scalp products, thanks to its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and nourishing properties.

Native to Australia, tea tree oil is extracted from the leaves of the tea tree Melaleuca alternifolia and has a long-standing track record of improving scalp health. While it’s not new (it’s been used for thousands of years to strengthen both the scalp and hair), it works wonders for everything from dandruff and product buildup to dryness. And since strong, healthy hair starts at the roots, tea tree oil deserves a spot in your routine.

Find out everything you need to know about Superstar Oil below, including how to use it for a balanced and nourished scalp.

How Tea Tree Oil Helps Improve Scalp

A healthy, balanced scalp is the foundation of healthy hair. “When the scalp is out of balance, yeast overgrowth and excess oil buildup can occur, which can lead to an oily scalp and dandruff,” says Dr. Houshmand. The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of tea tree oil can help reduce this yeast, which is why Yates calls it “a perfect complement to traditional dandruff remedies.” It can take up to four weeks for tea tree oil to start working to relieve dandruff symptoms and improve your scalp.

Tea tree oil also soothes irritated, dry, itchy scalps, regardless of the cause.” In a study published in JAD“Using 5% tea tree oil has been shown to help moisturize the scalp and reduce flaking,” she explains. It’s a great ingredient in shampoos because it has cleansing abilities that can remove product buildup. Plus, it also decreases oil buildup, helping to control sebum and inflammation. And since scalp inflammation can contribute to hair loss, using tea tree oil can help combat inflammatory hair loss.

Top Tips for Using Tea Tree Oil to Improve Scalp Health

To incorporate tea tree oil into your scalp care routine, look for products infused with tea tree. You can find tea tree products in weekly scalp treatments, spot treatments to target areas that may be dry or affected by dandruff, or in shampoos. According to Yates, the best way to reap the benefits of tea tree oil is to thoroughly cleanse your scalp with a tea tree shampoo.

You can also use tea tree oil-based scalp serums and massage them through your strands. “Massaging the scalp ensures even distribution and helps stimulate blood flow and release tension,” says Yates. Then, leave the oil on your scalp and in your hair for at least 30 minutes, if not longer, and shampoo. It’s best to use tea tree oil as a treatment once or twice a week.

Kseniya Kobets, a board-certified dermatologist, says that because tea tree oil is known to cause irritant or allergic contact reactions, it’s best to use it in lower concentrations formulated for use on the skin rather than playing chemist on your own. If you decide to go the DIY route with pure essential oil, Yates notes that proper dilution is key to avoiding irritation (which can lead to irritation and inflammation—the opposite of what you want!).

The essential

Using tea tree oil to relieve scalp issues like dandruff, itching, and dryness is a natural way to soothe your skin and address the issues at hand, but it may take some time to see full results, so be consistent and patient. “You’ll feel instant relief from the itching and inflammation, but scalp issues will take some time to resolve with continued use,” says Yates.