It’s also, if you weren’t aware, a prime ingredient for the hair and scalp. The essential oil is extracted from evergreen leaves of the Australian Melaleuca alternifolia tree and has been used locally there for some time—so while many are well versed in the active’s multiple roles, others may be new to this particular use. So, here, we dive into tea tree oil for your hair and scalp: One study found that using shampoo that contained tea tree oil was an effective way to improve mild to moderate dandruff1. The group that used the oil for four weeks showed a 41% improvement in symptoms (less itchiness, scaliness, etc.) compared to the placebo group, which had an 11% improvement. Taz Bhatia, M.D., an integrative doctor and mbg Collective member, recommends throwing in some peppermint oil, too, for max relief: “Melaleuca oil, better known as tea tree oil, functions as an antifungal and antibacterial. It can help kill Candida and, with the help of peppermint, soothe an itchy scalp.” “Tea tree cleanses and purifies buildup on the scalp,” senior director of global training and education at Young Living Leslie Lewis told us about EO’s role in hair growth. “I love pairing it with rosemary and coconut oil to massage my scalp before shampooing.” (Also, we love a good scalp massage as it has been shown in studies to contribute to hair regrowth—so while you’re shampooing with your tea tree oil, be sure to spend some time working it in.) Tea tree has an impressive ability to tend to acne and breakouts. This, again, is thanks to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. One double-blind placebo-controlled study found that a 5% tea tree oil gel blend was an effective treatment for mild to moderate acne2. Or, you could simply use a shampoo formulated with the EO and take the guesswork out of it. When going this route, stick to once or twice a week as needed (since it’s on the clarifying side of things, you won’t want to use it every day as it may be too strong).
