The Best Tea Tree Oil Shampoos to Relieve Itchy Scalps and Help Address Dandruff (2025)

Our Top Picks

Hair Type: All | Sulfate-Free: No | Scent: Tea tree | Size: 10.1 ounces, 16.9 ounces, 33.8 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This is the haircare giant’s best-selling shampoo, no small feat considering the vast array of competition. The tea tree oil works to deeply purify and is paired with peppermint oil and lavender oil to make it feel extra refreshing and even a little tingly (in a good way), a nice pick-me-up on sleepy mornings. All those essential oils also give this a signature clean and spa-like scent.

It's great for getting rid of dandruff, so it's an excellent choice if you're dealing with an itchy or flakey scalp, Along with being effective at cleansing, we also love that it revives lifeless hair for strands that look voluminous and vibrant. It should come as no surprise that this product also topped our list of the best shampoos for men.

Read Full Review: John Paul Mitchell Systems Tea Tree Special Shampoo Review

Hair Type: All | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Vetiver | Size: 13.5 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

In theory, tea tree oil can be a bit stripping, which is why we appreciate that this one is combined with coconut oil to keep your hair nice and hydrated. It’s also sulfate-free, relying on plant-based cleansers instead—which is always a good thing if your hair goal is to maintain moisture. And even though you can nab this shampoo at the drugstore, the sophisticated scent is much more like something you’d find in a pricier option. It’s a go-to for Brown, who praises not only the scent and price, but also points out that it adds a nice amount of volume to the hair as well.

Hair Type: All | Sulfate-Free: No | Scent: Carrots, fresh | Size: 12 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Here, you get not only tea tree but also soothing sage oil and gently exfoliating salicylic acid, a choice ingredient for helping to break down any flakes, too. The formula is 97% natural and isn't overly stripping or drying. Plus, it’s another great wallet-friendly option.

Hair Type: Dry | Sulfate-Free: No | Scent: Tea tree | Size: 11 ounces, 32 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

“I love that this supports scalp health with both tea tree oil and vitamin E and contains quinoa protein for hydration and strength,” says Brown. “It cleanses effectively and gently, and it’s also a good option if you’re sensitive to fragrance.” Not to mention that it's squeaky clean with an organic formula that’s even EWG verified and NSF certified (two accreditations that aren’t easy to come by).

Hair Type: All | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Tea tree, mint | Size: 13 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: No

If your scalp is constantly oily and greasy, consider taking this pick for a test run. Along with purifying tea tree oil, this formula also contains witch hazel, a known astringent that’s especially good at absorbing excess oil. Peppermint oil gives it an invigorating feel, and this earns bonus points for also having an accompanying tea tree conditioner, too.

Hair Type: All | Sulfate-Free: No | Scent: Tea tree | Size: 12.7 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Tea tree oil and peppermint oil deliver tons of soothing benefits, but this formula also claims to be specially made to help rebalance the pH of your scalp and help alleviate itch in the process. It also touts yucca extract, which has some nice effects on the hair, namely, leaving it smoother and shinier.

Hair Type: All | Sulfate-Free: No | Scent: Tea tree | Size: 13.5 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: No

A shampoo with tea tree oil can be a great pick for those dealing with dandruff, and reviewers note that this shampoo is especially great at getting rid of flakes. This formula also boasts pyrithione zinc, which is another proven anti-dandruff ingredient.We also love that it's budget-friendly and easy to pick up at your local drugstore.

Hair Type: Curly, wavy | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Size: 8 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: No

Since some tea tree oil shampoos can be stripping, those with natural hair types might think they should avoid them. But this sulfate-free formula is a great choice because it effectively cleanses and removes product buildup without drying out the scalp. Reviewers love that their scalp felt clean and refreshed, and that their hair was easier to detangle and style after use.

Hair Type: All | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Tea tree, argan oil | Size: 16.9 ounces, 33.8 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you have a scalp that’s easily irritated or have hair that’s dry or damaged, seeking out a sulfate-free shampoo is always a good move. This one fits the bill and is paraben-free, too. Tea tree oil makes for a nice deep clean, while argan oil softens, smooths, and adds plenty of shine to your hair. It’s an Amazon fan-favorite, with reviewers pointing out how well it works on both their hair and scalp.

FAQ

• What are the benefits of tea tree oil shampoo?

  “Tea tree shampoo is helpful for unclogging hair follicles without stripping away the natural oils,” says Brown, who also points out that it’s great for addressing both scalp irritation and dandruff.Shampoos with salicylic acid can also help with these issues.

• How often should you use tea tree oil shampoos?

  Tea tree oil is a great ingredient, but too much of it can have the opposite of its intended effect. Rather than using it daily or every time you wash, Brown suggests using it every other day or every other wash.

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