Tea Tree Shampoo - Analysis and Buying Guide - 2023
You may have heard of the wonders of tea tree oil. This essential oil is used in many natural health applications, including shampoo. Dandruff, hair loss and lice can be treated with tea tree shampoo. In addition to soothing and cleansing your skin, tea tree shampoo gives your freshly cleansed scalp a tingling sensation that can be a nice way to start your day.
Tea tree oil comes from a small Australian tree called Melaleuca alternifolia. As a natural antibacterial oil, it is able to thoroughly cleanse hair, skin, and pores. Tea tree oil shampoos come in a variety of scents, from pure tea tree oil to peppermint. Tea tree oil content varies from product to product, with higher concentration shampoos being slightly harsher. You should choose a tea tree shampoo based on your personal needs, taking into account any skin conditions or infections you may have.
Although tea tree shampoos are affordable and don't vary much in price, it's important to consider your needs in order to purchase the right one. Read on to learn more about tea tree shampoo.
Benefits of Tea Tree Oil
First, a word about the central ingredient in tea tree shampoo: tea tree oil. Also called melaleuca oil, tea tree oil is naturally antibacterial and antifungal. Conditions that tea tree oil shampoo can treat include the following.
- Lice : Tea tree oil can destroy the enzymes that sustain lice, causing their death. It can be used to treat an existing infestation or to prevent future infestations.
- Hair Los s: By strengthening hair roots and cleaning out dirt that can slow hair growth, tea tree oil is believed to reduce hair loss and encourage new hair growth.
- Seborrheic Dermatitis : Also known as dandruff, this skin condition exists in conjunction with a fungus that occurs naturally on the scalp. Tea tree oil can greatly reduce dandruff.
- Psoriasis : Many people find that tea tree shampoo can soothe and reduce psoriasis on the scalp.
Even if you don't have a specific condition that needs treatment, tea tree shampoo is an excellent shampoo that can keep your hair healthy, clean, and moisturized. The oil coats your hair, giving it natural protection—a great benefit if you use chemical hair products.
Key Considerations
Like any shampoo, tea tree shampoos vary in scent, texture, and ingredients. To find the right tea tree shampoo for your hair and scalp, first consider factors like tea tree oil content and the presence of additional ingredients in a product. How will they affect your hair type?
- Tea Tree Oil Content
Although many companies do not list the exact content of tea tree oil, you should look for a shampoo with 5% tea tree oil for best results.
Also consider whether a shampoo contains 100% pure tea tree oil. If a product does not mention pure tea tree oil, this is a red flag that you may be looking for a lesser quality product that would not offer the same benefits as 100% tea tree oil shampoo.
Your Hair and Scalp Type
Tea tree oil shampoos come in as many varieties as regular shampoos and are not limited to just one type of hair or scalp.
If you have an overly oily scalp, look for a shampoo with a formula focused on removing excess oil and cleansing the skin. Stay away from products focused on hydration: tea tree oil already adds natural moisture.
If you have a dry scalp, you should avoid bulky shampoos as they can strip moisture from your skin.
For brittle or thinning hair, a fortifying shampoo — especially one with tea tree oil — is your best option to prevent breakage and strengthen your hair.
For curly or fluffy hair, a moisturizing shampoo helps reduce volume and frizz.
If you have greasy or oily hair, a balancing shampoo helps your hair strike a happy medium between frizzy and oily for a healthy, hydrating feel.
- Smell
Many tea tree oils have a minty aroma that is often associated with tea tree oil. This can take a bit of getting used to, and some people find the fragrance overwhelming.
Other scents in tea tree shampoos can include lavender, mint, or rosemary. Check the ingredients to see if these fragrances are added naturally or artificially.
- Bottle Style
The style of the bottle can affect not only how you dispense the shampoo, but also how it feels on your head.
Pump bottles allow for easy dispensing and require only one hand to use. However, they are prone to leaking and can be difficult to carry when traveling. Some shampoo bottles lather so you don't have to lather on your head.
Screw cap and flip top bottles are the classic choice. The mechanism is simple, depending on gravity or physical pressure to dispense the shampoo.
Ingredients to Avoid
Just because a shampoo contains tea tree oil doesn't mean it's free of harmful ingredients that can irritate skin or damage hair.
Sulfates are added to many shampoos to increase the lather quality of the product. However, they also dry out the skin and can worsen conditions such as eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis.
Parabens are preservatives designed to reduce the growth of mold and bacteria in shampoos (and countless other beauty products). The adverse health effects of parabens are unclear, but many choose to stay away from them just to be safe.
Tips
Do not take tea tree shampoo. This could have harmful effects. However, as a topical treatment, it is perfectly safe.
Try the shampoo first. Some people are sensitive to tea tree oil. Before you lather your hair, apply a little to an inconspicuous spot to see how your skin reacts.
Explore hair care options that complement your shampoo. Tea tree oil shampoo blends well with other natural hair conditioners and products. This is particularly helpful if you want to establish a chemical-free hair care routine.
Consider using other tea tree products. If you find that tea tree shampoo works well for your hair and skin, you may also appreciate a tea tree soap or face wash.