The 11 Best Tea Tree Shampoos for a Healthy, Flake-Free Scalp
They may just be the key to growing your hair stronger and longer, too.
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Even the best hair days can be completely ruined by an itchy, flaky scalp. If you find that your regular hair care routine just isn’t able to eradicate those pesky white flakes, it might be time to pick up one of the best tea tree shampoos. “Tea tree is a natural cleanser with antimicrobial and antifungal properties that can clarify and moisturize the scalp, reduce flakes, and increase circulation for fuller, stronger hair,” explains trichologist and LA salon owner Sara Hallajian.
As a result, the essential oil often plays a starring role in some of the best shampoos for dandruff and dry scalp. These products clear buildup from the hair, which is why celebrity hairstylist David Lopez likes to “recommend it for thicker, coarser, curlier hair types that get product buildup on the scalp and notice flaking.” Like clarifying shampoos, you shouldn’t use them every single time you shower since they can dry out your hair and scalp. Hallajian recommends avoiding formulas that list tea tree as their first ingredient since those can be especially harsh and irritating. However, using the ingredient as needed can provide the satisfying deep clean your strands desperately crave. “I would also look for hydrating or soothing ingredients as well, like aloe vera or vitamin E,” Hallajian adds.
Thankfully, there are a multitude of formulas to choose from, but it makes it that much more difficult to select the right one. After speaking to experts, testing products on our own scalps, and reading hundreds of customer reviews, we narrowed it down to the 11 best tea tree shampoos for stronger, scalp-free hair.
Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Treat Invigorating Shampoo
Pros
- Suitable for sensitive scalps
Cons
- Some may dislike scent
This cruelty-free tea tree shampoo includes other botanical oils, like refreshing peppermint and growth-promoting rosemary, for a formula that both strengthens and deep cleans your hair in a flash. Even if you have color-treated hair, the shampoo clarifies without overly stripping your strands.
Hair type: All hair types
Key ingredients: Tea tree oil, peppermint, eucalyptus, rosemary
Size: 8.5 fl.oz
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “I've been a fan of this shampoo since college days because of its affordability and performance. This formula stimulates my scalp and gives it a tingly, minty sensation. Plus, my super thick, coily hair never feels stripped or dry.”—Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor
Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo
Pros
- Cleanses and adds shine
Cons
- Not everyone likes the tingling sensation
Along with Lopez, Paul Mitchell artistic director Paula Peralta is also a big fan of this cult-loved shampoo. “The Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo is safe to use daily. It's also a great first shampoo option for people who shampoo once a week and are looking to clarify as part of their wash day routine,” says Peralta. Thousands of customers also rave that it helps wash away impurities and leave hair looking shiny, all while delivering a tingling sensation and an aromatherapy-inspired experience.
Key ingredients: Tea tree oil, peppermint, lavender
Hair type: All
Size: 10.1 oz
Ulta rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer says: “This shampoo makes my hair and scalp feel very clean and refreshed. There is a tingling feeling on your scalp! Might not be for some people, but I love that, too! It also helps me with my wintry dry, flaky scalp (not dandruff).”
Pros
- Pleasant scent
- Synthetic fragrance-free
Cons
- May not be suitable for very sensitive skin
While this product features tea tree oil to give your scalp a fresh start, its formula is also infused with soothing and moisturizing aloe and vitamin E to counteract the essential oil’s drying effects. Your strands will feel fresh, clean, and softer than ever post-shower.
Hair type: All hair types
Key ingredients: Tea tree oil, beta-glucan, aloe, quinoa protein, vitamin E
Size: 32 fl.oz
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “It took me a long time to get through the first bottle, washing my hair daily, and when that was gone, I was ready to try something else. I picked up a different brand from Amazon, and while using the different shampoo, I realized that this shampoo with its extreme amount of essential oils was keeping my on-again-off-again dandruff at bay! My dandruff was coming back when I switched, so after using most of the new shampoo, I placed an order for my second bottle of this one.”
Briogeo MegaStrength+ Dandruff Relief Shampoo
Pros
- Gentle enough for daily use
Cons
- May not be suitable for those with psoriasis
If dandruff is the issue, look no further than the Briogeo Megastrength + Dandruff Relief Shampoo. This product is gentle enough for daily use yet highly effective for combating pesky flakes due to a dry, oily, or irritated scalp. Formulated with 92 percent natural ingredients, this shampoo provides gentle exfoliation while helping address symptoms associated with dandruff, seborrhoeic dermatitis, and psoriasis. It’s composed of tea tree oil, Binchotan charcoal, three percent salicylic acid, and lactic acid, all of which work to alleviate the scalp.
Key ingredients: Binchotan charcoal, tea tree oil, lactic acid, salicylic acid
Hair types: All, with dry or oily scalps
Size: 8.4 fl. oz.
Briogeo rating: 4.5/ stars
A Briogeo reviewer says: “This stuff is amazing! With not washing my hair as often and using dry shampoo, my scalp gets irritated. Using this once a week keeps my scalp feeling good and healthy.”
Herbal Essences Clarifying Shampoo
Pros
- Leaves hair feeling extra clean
Cons
- May not be suited to dry hair
This Herbal Essences Clarifying Shampoo will leave your hair squeaky clean and full of weightless volume. It’s gentle enough for daily use and helps detangle, moisturize, and enhance shine. Moreover, it’s infused with a lime-herb scent that instantly energizes the senses.
Key ingredients: Tea tree, minty citrus
Hair type: All
Size: 13.5 fl. oz.
Walmart rating: 4.7/5 stars
A Walmart reviewer says: “My hair stays cleaner for longer with this Tea Tree Shampoo, without becoming oily, which is what most shampoos do to my baby fine hair. I recommend this shampoo highly.”
Pros
- Nourishing
- Gently yet deeply cleanses
Cons
- Some reviewers dislike the scent
If your mane’s on the drier side, the Miribel Naturals Creamy Hair Cleanser is here to save the day with a burst of creamy moisture. This unique formula is technically not a shampoo since it doesn’t lather (hence the name), but it contains apple cider vinegar and tea tree oil to deeply cleans without stripping hair of its natural oils. It’s naturally fragranced with essential oils, so you can rest assured your curls will look and smell extra bouncy and beautiful.
Key ingredients: Apple cider vinegar, tea tree oil, turmeric, jojoba seed oil, peppermint oil
Hair type: Dry
Size: 8 oz.
Amazon rating: 3.9/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “This shampoo has a nice clean scent, and I like that it contains quality ingredients. Since it’s sulfate-free, it does not lather at all. I realize that’s a good thing, but it takes a little getting used to. Overall, this shampoo left my scalp feeling clean and my hair silky smooth. I like it a lot!”
Pros
- Helps to detox the hair and scalp
Cons
- Can be hard to work into roots
The first time I tried this rinse, I wasn’t quite sold by it, but after a couple of more uses, it became clear how it can help maintain overall hair health. This power rinse is a clarifying cleanser that can be used instead of shampoo to detox and help remove excess product buildup. Like a reset for your scalp, it works to give your roots a full-on purifying experience. I also appreciate that it’s free of harsh chemicals and safe for color-treated hair.
Key ingredients: Tea tree, peppermint, apple cider, quinoa protein, carrot seed extract
Hair type: All
Size: 8 fl. oz.
EO Products rating: 4.9/5 stars
An EO Products reviewer says: “After a week spent in the pool and at the beach, this Power Rinse is just what I needed to rescue my hair and return it to its beautiful, natural state. As soon as I rinsed it out, my hair felt softer and more lively. My curls, quite literally, bounced back! This will be my go-to product.”
Luseta Tea Tree & Argan Oil Shampoo
Pros
- Helps reduce dryness and itchiness
Cons
- May not help with dandruff
Soothe your strands with the power of Luseta’s Tea Tree & Argan Oil Shampoo. This product supplies intense moisture to help repair damaged strands and relieve dry, itchy scalps. It also offers a cooling sensation, leaving your scalp feeling super clean and refreshed. With this product, you’re getting the best of both worlds by marrying a deep cleaning effect with a high dose of moisture.
Key ingredients: Tea tree oil, argan oil, peppermint oil, lavender oil
Hair type: Damaged, oily
Size: 16.9 oz
Luseta rating: 4.7/5 stars
A Luseta reviewer says: “It has helped my scalp from being itchy, dry, and broke out! My hair is so soft after using this and has also helped my husband’s scalp as well!! It smells great too!”
Pros
- Strengthens hair
- Helps clear oil and product buildup
Cons
- Some reviewers claimed their hair felt greasy
A scalp shampoo that also helps reduce breakage is a win-win for those with an irritated scalp and dull, fragile hair. The Divi Cleanse and Hydrate Shampoo is a great option, as it provides nourishing ingredients while helping to remove product and oil buildup.
Key ingredients: Tea tree oil, betaine, menthol, amino acids
Hair type: Dull and/or fragile with oily scalp
Size: 12 fl. Oz.
Divi rating: 4.2/5 stars
A Divi reviewer says: “I have been using the serum, shampoo, and conditioner for months and definitely feel a difference in the strength and health of my hair— even my hairdresser noticed. Not to mention, the tingle feels amazing.”
Kitsch Tea Tree & Mint Clarifying Shampoo Bar
Pros
- Deep cleans without drying out hair
Cons
- Some reviewers didn’t love the scent
Shampoo bars have become popular in recent years, thanks to their eco-friendly nuance of not using plastic. This one here is specially formulated with tea tree and mint to deeply cleanse hair without stripping or drying it out. One bar is estimated to last 100 washes, and its formula contains no sulfates, parabens, phthalates, or silicones.
Key ingredients: Tea tree oil, mint
Hair type: All
Size: One bar
Ulta rating: 4.9/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer says: “This shampoo leaves hair very clean and soft. It removes hairspray and other hair care products very well leaving behind clean, shiny, and manageable hair! Recommend 100%.”
Pros
- Affordable
- Pleasant scent
Cons
- May not be suited for dry hair
If you happen to go heavy on hair products, you can count on this OGX shampoo to remove buildup and balance moisture levels for healthier-looking hair. The invigorating scent offers a great way to jumpstart your morning, too.
Hair type: All hair types
Key ingredients: Tea tree oil, peppermint, witch hazel
Size: 13 fl.oz
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I didn’t have very high hopes for this product since I’ve tried a lot of tea tree products in the past that did nothing to help my dandruff and dry scalp. I was pleasantly surprised that this does a really good job at moisturizing my hair! Even if I don’t condition, it still feels super soft and smooth, and my scalp doesn’t itch. The smell is also really good—not super minty that it takes your breath away but also smells fresh and clean. It has a sort of sweet scent. I will be purchasing this product again in the future.”
Who should use a tea tree shampoo?
“All hair types and textures can benefit from using tea tree shampoo,” says Peralta, adding that they are best for “anyone who is experiencing scalp buildup and looking to clarify and invigorate while hydrating the scalp and promoting healthy hair,” she adds.
Tea tree is also a great ingredient for those with itchy, flakey, oily, or red and irritated skin, adds Hallajian.
How often should you use a tea tree shampoo?
“This depends on your hair type and scalp needs,” explains Lopez. “If you have a specific issue, like flaking or dandruff, you might use it more frequently, but using it every other shampoo or every couple of shampoos can also be great for maintaining scalp health.”
Be sure to read the instructions on the shampoo label as well, since the frequency of use can depend on the formulation.
Meet the Experts
David Lopez is an Ulta Beauty Pro Team Member, celebrity hairstylist and content creator.
Sara Hallajian is a trichologist and LA-based salon owner.
Paula Peralta is an LA-based multi texture hair stylist and artistic director at Paul Mitchell.
Why Trust ELLE Beauty
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, ELLE.com writers spoke with numerous trusted hair experts to learn the benefits of tea tree shampoos.
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