Itchy scalp is irritating. A tea tree oil shampoo can save you from the itchy scalp as tea tree oil is known to cure it quickly. You can choose from the best tea tree oil shampoos for itchy scalp covered below to get started.
But why tea tree oil?
Well, tea tree oil is known for its ability to cure several skin infections and acne. It is widely used to improve hair and scalp health, reduce dandruff, and cure itchy scalp. These benefits make it one of the most common ingredients of the best dandruff shampoos and itchy scalp shampoos.
Let’s see how tea tree oil cures itchy scalp, what scientific evidence we have, and what are the best tea tree oil shampoos for itchy scalp.
Table of Contents
What is Tea Tree Oil?
It is an essential oil extracted from the leaves of the tea tree plant (also known as melaleuca alternifolia). Tea tree oil has several other names such as melaleuca oil, Australian tea tree oil, tea tree, and tea tree essential oil. It has been used for centuries to treat wounds and was mostly used in Australia.
Today, it is used to cure acne, athlete’s foot, cuts, nail fungus, and other skin-related conditions (including itchy scalp).
Tea Tree Oil Benefits for Hair and Scalp
Tea tree oil consists of several compounds including terpinen-4-ol that is clinically tested to kill bacteria and fungus, and also increases white blood cells that help you fight germs. The presence of terpinen-4-ol makes tea tree a perfect antibacterial and antifungal essential oil.
These properties make tea tree suitable for fighting itchy and greasy scalp, dandruff, and other scalp related issues. This is why tea tree oil is extensively used in shampoos and conditioners for itchy scalp.
Scientific Studies
The research is still in its early phase. The commercial use of tea tree oil started in the 1920s and the research is still limited. The most notable studies are discussed briefly below:
- A study found that tea tree and lavender oils significantly reduce hirsutism in women. Hirsutism is a medical condition where excessive hair grows on women’s body. The study found that using a mix of tea tree and lavender oil twice a day for three months can cure mile hirsutism.
- Tea tree oil is found to reduce dandruff by 41% in as low as 4 weeks. A total of 126 participants used a shampoo with 5% tea tree oil daily for 4 weeks. The results revealed that the shampoo improved dandruff by 41%. It lowered scalp itchiness and greasiness.
- A study found that tea tree oil is effective in activating white blood cells. It activates white blood cells that mean tea tree oil helps your body fight infections and diseases especially bacterial and fungal.
- The antimicrobial benefits of Australian tea tree oil were found in a study where it was found that it is effective against bacteria and fungi. It penetrates the cell membrane of the bacteria and fungi cells leading to cell death that makes tea tree an effective antibacterial and antifungal oil. (1)
- Several studies have found the effectiveness of tea tree oil against acne. It helps reduce acne and its severity and is known to be as effective as benzoyl peroxide. (2, 3, 4, 5)
- Tea tree oil helps cure inflamed skin (including scalp). Several studies found its effectiveness against inflamed skin and medical conditions like contact dermatitis. (6, 7, 8, 9)
How to Use Tea Tree Oil Shampoo for Itchy Scalp
Using a tea tree oil shampoo is simple and straightforward. You have to follow the instructions on the bottle. Shampoo with 5% tea tree oil will work perfectly on all hair types. You can use it daily. Here is how:
- Lather for 3-5 minutes.
- Shampoo daily.
- Use tea tree shampoo for at least 4 weeks to see results.
You need to make sure the shampoo you are using to get rid of the itchy scalp contains tea tree oil as that’s how you’ll be able to fight dandruff and itchy scalp.
If you want to apply tea tree oil directly on your scalp, use a carrier oil (coconut or almond oil). Mix 5ml of tea tree oil with 100ml of the carrier oil and apply it on your scalp. Massage gently. Do it daily for at least a month.
Tea tree oil shampoo for itchy scalp works best because you don’t have to do all the mixing yourself, and it gets easier. When you apply the oil directly, you still have to wash your hair as you can’t go out with oily hair.
It is, therefore, best to use a shampoo with 5% tea tree oil to get rid of itchy scalp.
How to Choose the Right Tea Tree Oil Shampoo for Itchy Scalp
Selecting the right and the best tea tree oil shampoo for itchy scalp isn’t easy. There are multiple things that you have to look for before buying the right shampoo. Here is how to select the right tea tree shampoo for itchy scalp:
- Check the label and make sure it mentions tea tree oil, tea tree, Australian tea tree oil, or melaleuca alternifolia
- The tea tree oil must be 100% natural or organic
- It must have 5% tea tree oil as this is the percentage that’s scientifically proven to cure dandruff and itchy scalp. If a shampoo contains a small percentage of tea tree oil (less than 2%), it won’t help you cure itchy scalp
- The tea tree oil must be steam distilled as this is the most efficient technique for oil extraction.
Any shampoo for itchy scalp that fulfills the above criterion is safe and effective, and you can buy it without hesitation.
Best Tea Tree Oil Shampoos for Itchy Scalp
If you are interested in buying the best tea tree oil shampoo to get rid of itchy scalp and dandruff, check out the following list of the leading shampoos. The shampoos in this list meet the criterion listed above so you can buy them with peace of mind:
1. Tea Tree Special Shampoo
Tea Tree Special Shampoo is one of the best tea tree oil shampoos in the market that is suitable for all hair types. It removes impurities from your hair, promotes scalp health, and makes your hair clean, full, and shiny. It is color-safe, paraben-free, and vegan.
Key Features
- Amazon’s Choice
- Over 19K+ customer reviews and counting with a 4.7-star average rating
- Paraben-free and color-safe.
2. OGX Hydrating + Tea Tree Mint Shampoo
Hydrating tea tree mint shampoo by OGX is a perfect daily use shampoo for damaged, oily, and frizzy hair. It is, in fact, suitable for all hair types as it works individually for each strand. It contains Australian tea tree oil, milk proteins, and peppermint makes your scalp fresh and moisturized. It ensures that your hair is soft, strong, and shiny.
Key Features
- Amazon’s Choice
- 5K+ customer reviews with a 4.5-star rating
- Affordable and suitable for all hair types.
3. OGX Extra Strength Refreshing Scalp + Tea Tree Mint Shampoo
Extra Strength Refreshing Scalp Tea Tree Mint Shampoo by OGX cleanse your hair and makes your hair soft, hydrated, and shiny. The tea tree oil strengthens your hair while peppermint improves sense and makes your scalp healthy and refreshing. It has a refreshing effect on your scalp that feels amazing. The iced vanilla and mint will keep your hair and scalp fresh for a few good hours after every wash.
Key Features
- Amazon’s Choice
- 10K+ customer reviews with a 4.4-star rating
- Affordable with healthy ingredients.
4. Avalon Organics Scalp Treatment Tea Tree Shampoo
Avalon Organics Scalp Treatment Tea Tree Shampoo is Amazon’s Choice that consists of natural ingredients. It has a certified organic formula that consists of essential oils and plant extracts, no chemicals or artificial ingredients are used in its manufacturing. It cleanses your hair, makes it strong and shiny, and helps relieve scalp issues. If you prefer an organic, non-GMO, and hair-friendly tea tree oil shampoo, this is your best bet.
Key Features
- 5K+ customer reviews having a 4.1-star rating
- Natural and organic ingredients
- Sulfate and paraben free.
5. GVP Tea Tree Oil Shampoo
Tea Tree Oil Shampoo by Generic Value Products contains special conditioning agents that make your hair soft and smooth. It promotes scalp health by preventing moisture loss from the scalp. It is specifically made for dry hair type and is suitable for females. It is a toxic-free shampoo that has made it to Amazon’s Choice.
Key Features
- Amazon’s Choice
- 1K+ customer reviews with a 4.7-star rating
- Cleanses your scalp.
6. Yes To Naturals Tea Tree & Sage Oil Scalp Relief Shampoo
Yes To Naturals Tea Tree & Sage Oil Shampoo is a perfect tea tree oil shampoo for itchy scalp that soothes the dry and itchy scalp with its powerful natural ingredients. Over 97% of ingredients used in the shampoo are organic. It works for both men and women. All you have to do is massage the shampoo gently in your scalp and hair and wash with water. It will keep your hair refreshing and soothe your scalp.
Key Features
- Amazon’s Choice
- 1K+ customer reviews having a 4.4-star rating
- Made from natural ingredients.
7. Maple Holistics Tea Tree Shampoo
Tea Tree Shampoo by Maple Holistics provides a perfect solution to itchy scalp and works on all hair types including oily, thin, dry, color-treated, curly, and others. It removes dandruff, cures itchy scalp, prevents hair loss, and makes your hair healthy and strong. It has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties ensuring that your scalp is free from oil and dirt build-ups. It contains natural ingredients including tea tree oil, rosemary oil, vitamins, etc.
Key Features
- Amazon’s Choice
- 1K+ customer reviews with a 4.7-star rating
- Pure and natural ingredients.
8. Australian Bodycare Tea Tree Oil Shampoo
Tea Tree Oil Shampoo by Australian Bodycare is a natural shampoo that works great in curing itchy scalp. It provides an instant solution to dry, itchy, and flaky scalp especially if you use the shampoo with their Scalp Serum. It is one of the few tea tree oil shampoos that offer a full refund. If you don’t experience any improvement in itchy after using the shampoo (with serum) for two weeks, you can ask for a full refund.
Australian Bodycare tea tree oil shampoo for itchy scalp is made of 100% natural tea tree oil without any preservatives. It is 100% vegan and clinically tested and proven tea tree oil shampoo with no side effects at all.
Key Features
- Amazon’s Choice
- More than 1K+ customer reviews with a 4.2-star rating
- 100% natural ingredients.
9. CHI Tea Tree Oil Shampoo
CHI Tea Tree Oil Shampoo contains natural ingredients and oils that promote hair health and cures the itchy scalp. It is suitable for all hair types and genders. It maintains the oil balance in your scalp, helps you get rid of itchiness, and strengthens your hair. As it contains natural ingredients, CHI tea tree oil shampoo has no known side effects.
Key Features
- Amazon’s Choice
- More than 500 customer reviews with a 4.6-star rating
- Natural ingredients.
10. Botanic Hearth Tea Tree Shampoo
Tea Tree Shampoo by Botanic Hearth is an amazing dandruff shampoo for itchy scalp. It fights dandruff, cures dry scalp, treats itchy scalp, and keeps your hair healthy and shiny. It is a daily use shampoo that’s ideal for all hair types. It is made in the USA and is never been tested on animals. It is a paraben-free and sulfate-free organic shampoo with no side effects.
Key Features
- Amazon’s Choice
- 500+ customer reviews with a 4.2-star rating
- 100% pure tea tree oil.
11. OGX Refresh & Balance + Tea Tree Mint Dry Shampoo
Tea Tree Mint Dry Shampoo by OGX cures the itchy scalp with its tea tree oil and mint. It has oil-absorbing potential that gives your scalp and hair a fresh look. It contains natural ingredients such as peppermint oil, witch hazel, and tea tree oil. These natural ingredients soothe your itchy scalp and keep your hair fresh, shiny, and fuller.
Key Features
- 5K+ customer reviews with an average of 4.3 stars
- Tea tree oil and mint soothes itchy scalp
- Works for all hair types.
12. ShiKai Natural Tea Tree Oil Shampoo
Natural Tea Tree Oil Shampoo by ShiKai contains two essential vitamins (calcium and magnesium) that improve blood supply to the scalp and hair. It helps you get rid of itchy scalp and meantime it significantly improves hair health with its natural ingredients. It doesn’t contain any preservatives, artificial colors or flavors, or any other toxic ingredients. It is gluten-free and vegan shampoo.
Key Features
- Contains essential oils
- Tea tree oil as an active ingredient
- Gluten-free.
Conclusion
Nothing works better than tea tree oil for itchy scalp. The number one reason why you should use a tea tree oil shampoo for itchy scalp is that it gets easier to use it daily. Simply wash your hair with the shampoo and you’ll start seeing results.
When you use a shampoo to cure itchy scalp, make sure you stick with it for a few good weeks. Avoid changing your shampoo too quickly. I’d recommend using a shampoo for a month (at least). Nothing works overnight. Give it some time.
If it doesn’t work after 2-3 months, you can then switch your shampoo.