Tea tree oil is extracted from Melaleuca alternifolia leaves, a tree native to Australia. The oil has antiseptic properties and is used in the treatment of bacterial and fungal infections on the skin and nails, especially against Pityrosporum ovale, a yeast associated with dandruff. A study published in the December 2002 issue of the "Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology" found tea tree oil to be an effective treatment for dandruff when used daily. The oil may also help treat lice and speed the healing of scalp eczema.
Step 1
Purchase a shampoo containing 5 percent tea tree oil to treat mild to moderate dandruff. The Mayo Clinic states 5 percent tea tree oil may be an effective treatment for mild cases of dandruff when applied to the scalp. Shampoos containing tea tree oil are available at most health stores and some pharmacies.
Step 2
Mix 2 percent tea tree oil in with your favorite shampoo to prevent a return of dandruff. Apply to your scalp and hair as normal, allow the shampoo to sit for two minutes, and then rinse well. Use every day or as often as needed to control dandruff.
Step 3
Dilute tea tree with olive oil and baking soda to make a scalp treatment for moderate cases of dandruff. Apply the paste to your scalp and leave for 15 to 20 minutes. Wash and dry your hair as normal.
Step 4
Treat flaking and itching associated with lice by adding ten drops of tea tree oil to your shampoo. Massage the shampoo into your scalp to repel lice. Work undiluted tea tree oil through your hair to make removal of nits easier. Do not use undiluted tea tree oil on your scalp, however, as doing so may cause burning and other side effects. The Mayo Clinic states that tea tree oil may be irritating or cause allergic contact dermatitis when applied directly to the skin.
Things You'll Need
- Tea tree oil shampoo
- Olive oil
- Baking soda
References
- Mayo Clinic: Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia [Maiden & Betche] Cheel) Safety
- Mayo Clinic: Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia [Maiden & Betche] Cheel) Evidence
- Andrew C. Satchell, Anne Saurajen, Craig Bell, Ross StC. Barnetson. Treatment of dandruff with 5% tea tree oil shampoo. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Dec 2002;47:852-5.
- Bastyr Center for Natural Health: Tea Tree Oil Shampoo Effective Dandruff Treatment
- BellaOnline: Tea Tree Oil
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