Dandruff, or white flakes of dead skin on the scalp, results from abnormal activity of the sebaceous, or oil-secreting, glands. According to the Mayo Clinic, tea tree oil seems to reduce dandruff when used on a daily basis. A study published in 2002 in the "Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology" found that patients who used 5 percent tea tree oil shampoo daily for four weeks experienced marked improvement in their condition. The oil is easy to use at home to help combat dandruff.
Tea Tree Oil Shampoo
Adding tea tree oil to a mild shampoo makes an effective home remedy for dandruff, according to the "Australian Tea Tree Oil First Aid Handbook." Add 10 to 20 drops of tea tree oil to a mild, unscented bottle of shampoo, then use daily to prevent and treat dandruff. Lather well and allow the shampoo to remain in the hair for several minutes before rinsing, as this gives the oil a chance to penetrate the hair follicles.
Dry Hair
In her book "Aromatherapy: Essential Oils for Vibrant Health and Beauty," aromatherapist Roberta Wilson recommends using tea tree oil in combination with other moisturizing essential oils for treating dandruff in individuals with dry hair. Combine 6 drops of tea tree oil with 2 oz. of jojoba oil, 4 drops of rosemary oil, 3 drops of cedarwood oil and 3 drops of pine oil. Massage the mixture into the scalp and leave it on for at least 30 minutes to allow the oil time to penetrate the hair follicles. Shampoo and rinse as usual after half an hour, and repeat the treatment as often as necessary to prevent and treat dandruff.
Oily Hair
For treating dandruff in individuals with oily hair, Wilson recommends combining tea tree oil with pure grain alcohol and other drying essential oils. Combine 6 drops of tea tree oil, 8 oz. of pure grain alcohol, 4 drops of cedarwood oil, 3 drops of pine oil, 2 drops of lemon oil and 2 drops of rosemary oil. Store the mixture in a clean glass bottle and shake well before each use. Massage the mixture into the scalp daily or at least several times per week to provide the most benefit. Allow the mixture to remain on the scalp for at least 30 minutes before rinsing.
Overnight Remedy
Diluting tea tree oil in a mild vegetable oil also helps combat dandruff. Add 15 drops of tea tree oil to ¼ cup of vegetable oil, then massage into the scalp and allow the mixture to remain overnight. Avoid using cheap cooking oils, as these may clog pores and cause oily scalp and hair. Instead, use light, high-quality vegetable carrier oils such as extra virgin olive, grape seed or almond oil. Rinse the hair thoroughly in the morning and shampoo as usual with a mild shampoo. Repeat the treatment once per week as necessary to get rid of dandruff.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Dandruff Alternative Medicine
- PubMed: Treatment of Dandruff With 5% Tea Tree Oil Shampoo
- "Australian Tea Tree Oil First Aid Handbook"; Cynthia B. Olsen; 1999
- "Aromatherapy: Essential Oils for Vibrant Health and Beauty"; Roberta Wilson; 2002
- "1,801 Home Remedies: Trustworthy Treatments for Everyday Health Problems"; Reader's Digest; 2004
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