A study indicated that shampoo with 5 percent tea tree oil was effective at reducing dandruff caused by the yeast Pityrosporum ovale (malassezia). Study participants used either tea tree oil shampoo, or a placebo, for one month. Tea tree oil shampoo users had a 41 percent reduction in dandruff severity.
Tea tree oil has antifungal properties with activity against P ovale and may be useful in the treatment of dandruff.
Tee tree oil is a great natural remedy for keeping your scalp free of irritation. Just make sure you use high-quality products that contain pure tea tree oil. If you have a scalp condition, such as dandruff, expect to wait a few weeks before you start seeing results.
Can you leave tea tree oil in your hair overnight? A. Yes, you can leave tea tree oil in your hair overnight. Choose your carrier oil – could be coconut oil, almond oil, olive oil – and add 10 drops of tea tree oil to it and leave it overnight.
Essential Oil #1 – Tea Tree Oil
It is one of the most highly recommended oils for treating dandruff and other scalp infections. Massaging your hair with olive or coconut oil mixed with a few drops of tea tree essential oil and keeping it on for just 30 minutes can reduce dandruff noticeably.
The frequency of shampooing necessary to control dandruff varies from person to person. Some need to shampoo twice a week, others more frequently, even daily. Many people forget that the scalp as well as the hair needs to be shampooed.
As a natural remedy for body odor, use Tea Tree oil as a natural deodorant by applying 2 drops directly to your underarms after showering to stave off body odor. Be sure to wait about 10 minutes after getting out of the shower, especially if you just shaved, so that your pores can close before applying the oil.
To achieve healthier and stronger strands, it's recommended to use tea tree oil shampoo at least two or three times a week depending on your preference and hair type.
The experts agree that tea tree oil is safe for all hair types and textures, as it has little to no effect on the hair itself. Tea tree oil can be used to treat scalp conditions, such as dandruff, but it is important to note that it has the potential for irritation.
Applying oils to the scalp may cause further irritation in people with seborrheic dermatitis. See your doctor about the underlying cause of your dandruff before treatment.
Unknown to most people, oil should definitely not be your go-to solution for dandruff. It's just going to exacerbate the problem further.
For mild dandruff, first try regular cleansing with a gentle shampoo to reduce oil and skin cell buildup. If that doesn't help, try a medicated dandruff shampoo. Some people can tolerate using a medicated shampoo two to three times a week, with regular shampooing on other days if needed.
Don't mix Tea Tree Oil with other active ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, retinol, retinoids, tretinoin, Retin-A, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, vitamin c, etc. Best to use one or the other, not both. Never use it more than once a day – less is more!
Studies have shown that tea tree oil reduces both inflamed and non-inflamed lesions associated with acne, Batra says. “Allow the solution to stay on your skin for a few hours or overnight then rinse your face with warm water," she recommends. "This treatment can be repeated daily and should help stop breakouts."
A study indicated that shampoo with 5 percent tea tree oil was effective at reducing dandruff caused by the yeast Pityrosporum ovale (malassezia). Study participants used either tea tree oil shampoo, or a placebo, for one month. Tea tree oil shampoo users had a 41 percent reduction in dandruff severity.
Dandruff tends to be worse during dry months. Cold, dry winter weather in particular can make dandruff worse. Stress or fatigue can trigger or aggravate it, too.
Do your best to resist the urge to touch your scalp, especially if it's already itchy. Scratching can increase irritation and lead to a vicious cycle. When you touch and scratch, you can also introduce dirt into the mix that can make dandruff worse. Find the right shampooing balance for your scalp.
You should wash your hair more often.
“Not shampooing enough will only make your dandruff worse — it causes more oil and dead skin cells to accumulate on your scalp, which the yeast and fungi just continue to feed on,” warns Beverly Hills dermatologist Stuart H.
Hot water dries your scalp, which can lead to itchiness and dandruff. Hot water makes your roots weak and as a result, your hair turns frizzy. Additionally, the texture takes a beating and hair can break easily.
Then, and this is very important: rinse out with cold water. As cold as you can possibly handle. Cold water will close the follicles of the hair as well as the skin's pores, making it much easier to keep out dirt or any harmful substances that may cause negative effects like dandruff.
It can take several weeks for dandruff to stop, so don't jump to conclusions about shampoos in the first week or two. If you don't see any improvement after about a month, it's worth using another shampoo or moving on to another dandruff treatment.
Oil your hair once every week and wash off with a gentle shampoo after a few minutes. Do not step outside with oil in your hair as it can attract all the dust. Oiling your hair helps boost blood circulation to the scalp and nourishes your hair strands[2].