FYI, These Tea Tree Shampoos May Just Give Your Itchy Scalp Some Sweet, Sweet Relief

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If you eat, sleep, and breathe beauty, then you're probs already aware of how great tea tree oil is for treating acne. What you maaaay not realize, however, is that tea tree oil (also known as melaleuca oil) can be a real treat for your scalp, too. Because of its antibacterial and antifungal properties, the essential oil can help treat dandruff and relieve you from itching and flakes—but pls don't just go pouring it directly onto your head. Want to give tea tree oil a try on your scalp? Then tea tree shampoo is the way to go, bb.

As hairstylist Meri-Kate O'Connor previously told Cosmo, choosing a shampoo formula with tea tree oil can help "get rid of any itchiness, as well as help with flaking," which will be a big relief to anyone with an irritated scalp. And since dandruff often leads to the inflammation of the scalp and hair follicles, tea tree shampoos may even improve hair quality and density (though there aren't currently any studies to support tea tree oil helping with hair growth). Let's get into some highly-rated tea tree shampoos, mmkay?

Ahead, check out the full list of tea tree shampoos for every hair type, along with expert information on how tea tree shampoo works and how to choose the best one for your hair.

Tea Tree Purifying & Balancing Shampoo

Despite what you may have heard, sulfate shampoos aren't always bad news—especially if you're someone with oily hair that's prone to buildup (hi, it's me). This formula uses sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) to help deep-clean oil and grime from your hair without totally stripping it of moisture (though anyone with curly, damaged, or dry hair should probs go with a sulfate-free formula).

• Key ingredients: Sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), glycerin, cocamidopropyl betaine, tea tree oil

• Size: 8.4 fluid ounces

• Sulfate-free? No

THE REVIEW: "Best shampoo I’ve ever used for oily hair; it kept my hair clean for several days!!" writes one tester. "Highly recommend for anyone who suffers from regular oily hair all the way up to excessively oily hair!! Definitely buying again!"

Tea Tree Oil & Vetiver Radical Refresher Shampoo

Looking for a sulfate-free shampoo that still gives ya a thorough, sudsy cleanse? Go with this option, which uses gentle, sulfate-free surfactants to lift dirt, excess oil, and buildup from your scalp and hair. This one's combined with coconut oil to keep hair hydrated, and according to testers, it can provide a nice lil volume boost as well.

• Key ingredients: Cocamidopropyl betaine, sodium methyl cocoyl taurate, tea tree oil, coconut oil

• Size: 13.5 fluid ounces

• Sulfate-free? Yes

THE REVIEW: "I’ve used this shampoo for a long time and I really like it," one reviewer notes. "I have fine hair that is easily weighed down, and this shampoo doesn’t leave my hair heavy or oily. It also helps to add a bit of texture so my hair isn’t just flat and stick-straight. Since using this shampoo, I’m also able to go days in between washes without my hair looking like an oily mess."

Low Porosity Weightless Hydrating Shampoo

As someone with low-porosity hair, I know the struggle of dry, brittle ends and a weighed-down feel all too well. That's why I loooove this low-porosity shampoo, which uses sulfate-free cleansers to remove product buildup from flat, moisture-resistant hair, all while giving it a lil boost of hydration with glycerin, shea butter, and penetrating oils.

• Key ingredients: Cocamidopropyl betaine, glycerin, sodium lauroyl isethionate, shea butter, grape seed oil, tea tree oil, sunflower oil

• Size: 13 fluid ounces

• Sulfate-free? Yes* (*but still contains strong, sulfate-free cleansers that can be a bit drying)

THE REVIEW: "As someone with 2b/2c low-porosity hair, this shampoo has been a holy grail!" one reviewer raves. "The shampoo has tea tree oil, which leaves my hair feeling absolutely amazing and gives it a wonderful, clean feeling. I’ve also seen my hair become much more voluminous after using this for just a week."

Daily Shampoo

If you're all about clean beauty, this tea tree shampoo should be on your radar. Made with surfactants derived from coconuts, reviewers say this all-natural, plant-based option lathers surprisingly well for a sulfate-free formula, and it helps to leave hair refreshed and voluminous with a v mild scent.

• Key ingredients: Aloe juice, cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate, glycerin, tea tree oil

• Size: 9.6 fluid ounces

• Sulfate-free? Yes* (*but still contains strong, sulfate-free cleansers that can be a bit drying)

THE REVIEW: According to one review, "This is by far my favorite natural shampoo. I've tried too many to count and this one works the best. It seems a little pricey, but I only need a small amount, which is much better than other brands I have tried. It also gives me the volume I am looking for. Overall, this is a really good value for the money. I don't expect to ever use anything else!"

Lemon Tea Tree Shampoo

Fact: Your hair needs to be clarified from time to time (no matter your hair type), and this tea tree clarifying shampoo can help give your hair the "reset" it needs. The MVP cleanser in this one is sodium coco-sulfate (SCS), a slightly gentler, less-stripping sulfate that can give you a super-clean feeling without totally drying your hair out, thanks to a dose of aloe vera and glycerin. Plus, the citrus scent is *chef's kiss.*

• Key ingredients: Aloe juice, sodium coco-sulfate (SCS), decyl glucoside, coco glucoside, glycerin, tea tree oil, panthenol

• Size: 8 fluid ounces

• Sulfate-free? No

THE REVIEW: "The smell is amazing & a small amount goes a long way, even for my very thick, coarse hair," one tester writes. "It lathers up a lot too & leaves my hair feeling really clean."

Hydration Shampoo

Founded by actress Tracee Ellis Ross (ever heard of her??), PATTERN products are made with 3b to 4c curls in mind, and this moisturizing shampoo is a fan fave for a reason. Since sulfates can strip coils and curls of natural oils, this one uses sulfate-free clarifying ingredients to remove product and oil buildup, and it's packed with humectants to keep curly hair from falling limp.

• Key ingredients: Sodium c14-16 olefin sulfonate, cocamidopropyl betaine, argan oil, coconut oil, honey, tea tree oil, olive oil

• Size: 9.8 fluid ounces

• Sulfate-free? Yes* (*but still contains strong, sulfate-free cleansers that can be a bit drying)

THE REVIEW: "I am obsessed with this line," writes one reviewer. "You will not have hair like Tracee Ellis Ross (or her mother, for that matter), but you with have clean, beautiful hair that smells amazing. I am multi-race and my hair has a slight wave air-dried, but this product offers definition, shine, and smoothness. Also, feels much healthier. Worth the price."

Scalp Revival MegaStrength+ Dandruff Relief Shampoo

Is it cheap? Lol, no. But for those with dandruff, or seborrheic dermatitis, this shampoo could be worth the investment. It uses chemical exfoliants and tea tree oil to help relieve itching, flaking, and irritation—and since it relies on milder, naturally-derived surfactants, many testers found that it's gentle enough for everyday use.

• Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, sodium methyl cocoyl taurate, cocamidopropyl betaine, glycerin, tea tree oil, sodium PCA, lactic acid

• Size: 8.4 fluid ounces

• Sulfate-free? Yes

THE REVIEW: "This shampoo is amazing for dry scalp flakes," writes one tester. "I had tried numerous dandruff shampoos with no success. I have curly hair, so I make sure to use a deep conditioner after each use because it does leave hair feeling dry, but it’s flake-free, so beyond worth it."

Moisturizing Black Soap Shampoo

Formulated with exfoliating black soap and packed with skin- and hair-loving oils, this cleansing shampoo is a great choice for those whose hair could use a lil TLC. Since it's free from sulfates (or any surfactants, aside from raw black soap), the formula is gentle and hydrating, and provides a thorough cleanse and tons of moisture to damaged hair and dry scalps.

• Key ingredients: Aloe vera, palm oil, cocoa seed butter, shea butter, tea tree oil, coconut oil

• Size: 8 fluid ounces

• Sulfate-free? Yes

THE REVIEW: "I was worried about the liquid consistency, but this lasts for so many washes," one review reads. "It’s really concentrated and lathers great while leaving my hair soft, absolutely not stripped, and most importantly, clean. Amazing shampoo. New holy grail for sure."

Hair Thinning Therapy Shampoo

This anti-thinning shampoo first came on my radar when I began experiencing postpartum hair loss, and I'm SO glad it did. No, it didn't magically make my hair grow, but it *does* give the appearance of thicker, fuller hair thanks to its hair health-supporting ingredients, such as aloe vera for promoting regrowth and argan oil for protecting each strand.

• Key ingredients: Aloe vera, cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, cocamidopropyl betaine, cocamide MIPA, tea tree oil, argan oil, biotin

• Size: 16 fluid ounces

• Sulfate-free? Yes

THE REVIEW: "From the first shampoo, I had significantly less hair falling out. I am simply amazed!" writes one tester. "I used to have a small ball of hair in the drain every time I shampooed and then even more when I combed it out. After one month of use, I can definitely say that I am back to losing what I consider a normal amount of hair. Plus, it has a nice fragrance that is not too strong."

TripleX 3 Natural Shampoo

Essential oils like tea tree oil can sometimes trigger irritation in folks with sensitive skin, but this pH-balanced formula (which relies on mild, natural surfactants) was made specifically with sensitive scalps in mind. Reviewers <3 the soothing lavender scent, as well as the fact that it can alleviate scalp flaking and itching without further irritating your precious lil scalp.

• Key ingredients: Lauryl glucoside, cocamidopropyl betaine, disodium laureth sulfosuccinate, lavender oil, tea tree oil

• Size: 16.9 fluid ounces

• Sulfate-free? Yes

THE REVIEW: "Best scalp treatment shampoo I have ever used," one reviewer notes. "I have been tried a lot shampoo for my itchy, dry, and sensitive scalp, but nothing worked. I tried this natural shampoo and my scalp doesn’t feel itchy anymore. It is soothing. I will continue to purchase this—very happy with it."

Dry & Itchy Scalp Care Dandruff Shampoo

Got an itchy scalp? Give this soothing formula a try. Created specifically for wavy, curly, and coily hair, this dandruff relief shampoo uses fungus-fighting zinc pyrithione to curb your scalp's yeast production, along with moisturizing, plant-based oils to soothe skin and mild, naturally-derived surfactants to help you avoid any additional irritation.

• Key ingredients: Aloe vera, disodium laureth sulfosuccinate, cocamidopropyl betaine, sodium cocoyl isethionate, cocamide MIPA, zinc pyrithione, glycerin, tea tree oil, olive oil

• Size: 12 fluid ounces

• Sulfate-free? Yes

THE REVIEW: According to one review, "I have had either dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis my entire life. I have now been using this shampoo at least once a week for a little over a year now. The entire duration I’ve used this shampoo, I haven’t had a flake, itch, irritation—nothing. It's truly a miracle, especially for my extremely sensitive scalp. I will be buried with this shampoo."

What are the benefits of tea tree shampoo?

Because of tea tree oil's antimicrobial properties (antifungal and antibacterial), the benefits of tea tree shampoo include combating dandruff and helping to relieve scalp irritation. But you don't have to suffer from seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, or any other scalp condition in order to benefit from tea tree oil. Tea tree shampoos are also great at regulating excess sebum production and unclogging hair follicles without stripping away the natural oils, which can *potentially* encourage fuller, denser hair growth.

"Dandruff plays a huge part in inflammation of the scalp and hair follicles, which totally affects the quality and density of hair," dermatologist Dr. Sheila Farhang previously told Cosmo. And while there are no studies to support tea tree oil helping with hair growth, its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties can improve overall scalp health and foster a healthier environment for hair to grow. As Dr. Farhang added, "I usually always include anti-dandruff treatments in my hair growth protocol even if I don’t necessarily see flakes."

How to choose the best tea tree shampoo

Consider your hair concerns

Again, you don't have to suffer from an itchy, irritated scalp in order to benefit from a tea tree shampoo. But if you do have dandruff, then you might want to consider getting a shampoo with medicated antifungals (like As I Am Dry & Itchy Scalp Care Dandruff Shampoo) or chemical exfoliants (like Briogeo Scalp Revival MegaStrength+ Dandruff Relief Shampoo), which will work alongside tea tree oil to help to control your scalp's yeast production.

For the record, dandruff is actually triggered by excess oil on your scalp, not dry skin (which is why tea tree oil is clutch at helping to clear it up). So how can you tell the difference between dandruff and dry skin flakes? As trichologist Dr. Dominic Burg previously told Cosmo, "Dry-scalp flakes are usually quite small and noticeably dry," while dandruff "sheds as larger flakes that are usually clumped together." Oh, and keep in mind that you can have both dandruff and a dry scalp, just to make things more confusing!

Those with dry scalps can still benefit from tea tree shampoos—as tea tree oil helps wash away the flakes and debris—but if a dry scalp is your main concern, then you'll want to make sure any tea tree oil shampoo you buy includes soothers, like aloe vera, to help with itch, as well as moisturizers, like shea butter, to hydrate your skin. A prime example: Alikay Naturals Moisturizing Black Soap Shampoo.

Examine the ingredients

Along with tea tree oil, ofc, the best tea tree shampoos tend to include moisturizers, exfoliants, and soothers that'll help to calm inflammation and hydrate your skin, whether you're dealing with a dry scalp or dandruff (or both!). And while hairstylist Meri-Kate O'Connor says anyone with dry scalp concerns—like dermatitis or eczema—should avoid harsh ingredients such as sulfates and artificial fragrance, some people can actually benefit from using sulfated detergents.

According to O'Connor, those who are oil-prone (as many dandruff sufferers are) could benefit from sulfates because of how deeply they can cleanse the hair. Sulfates tend to give the strongest cleanse, but there are plenty of sulfate-free surfactants that also do their job really, really well. You can always refer to a surfactants list to see which surfactants are harsh, mild, or gentle before buying a shampoo—and consider skipping the sulfate formulas if you have damaged, dry, or curly hair (think: types 3a to 4c).

Keep your hair type and texture in mind

Since tea tree oil has little to no effect on your hair itself, it's widely considered safe for all hair types and textures. However! It's always helpful to understand your hair porosity (aka your hair's ability to absorb and retain hydration) when choosing a new shampoo. For instance, those with low-porosity hair will typically wanna stick with formulas that use lightweight serums to moisturize and soothe, while those with high-porosity hair can usually handle heavier oils and butters. (Not sure about your hair porosity? Take the Curls Bot porosity quiz.)

Likewise, it's also good to know your hair type and determine what kind of formula will work best for your texture. (Did you know there are 12 distinct hair types??) Cosmo's got a helpful hair type guide to get ya started, 'cause knowledge is power, bb.

Meet the experts:

• Meri-Kate O'Connor is a hairstylist at Benjamin Salon in Los Angeles, CA. Her expertise is in hair coloring, extensions, and keratin treatments.

• Dr. Dominic Burg is a trichologist and chief scientist at évolis Professional. His expertise includes hair cycles and how they are impacted by inflammation and age-related diseases.

• Dr. Sheila Farhang is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Avant Dermatology & Aesthetics in Oro Valley, AZ. Dr. Farhang has expertise in both integrative skincare and cutting-edge procedures.

Why trust 'Cosmopolitan'?

Corinne Sullivan is an editor at Cosmopolitan and has five years of experience writing about beauty, fashion, and lifestyle news, including the best clear eyebrow gels and the best drugstore sunscreens. She feels especially knowledgeable with tea tree shampoos thanks to her own struggles with postpartum hair loss., and her tea tree shampoo picks were based off of reviews and product testing.

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