Top-Rated Tea Tree Oil Shampoos for Healthier Hair

These clarifying and soothing shampoos can help eliminate dryness and flakes.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 8:07am

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Tea tree oil is a natural ingredient with antimicrobial and antifungal properties that can help clarify the scalp, reduce flakes, and increase circulation for fuller, stronger hair. Experts recommend looking for tea tree shampoos that also contain hydrating or soothing ingredients like aloe vera or vitamin E. After speaking to hair experts and testing numerous products, ELLE.com has rounded up the 10 best tea tree shampoos for all hair types and textures.

Why it matters

Dealing with an itchy, flaky scalp can ruin even the best hair days. Tea tree oil shampoos offer a natural solution to clarify the scalp and promote healthier hair growth, making them a great option for anyone experiencing scalp buildup, dandruff, or irritation.

The details

Tea tree oil is a natural cleanser that can help reduce flakes, soothe itching, and increase circulation for fuller, stronger hair. Experts recommend looking for tea tree shampoos that also contain hydrating or soothing ingredients like aloe vera or vitamin E, and avoiding formulas that list tea tree as the first ingredient as those can be overly drying. Tea tree shampoos are suitable for all hair types and textures, and can be used more frequently by those with specific scalp issues like flaking or dandruff, or every other shampoo for general scalp maintenance.

  • ELLE.com published this article on March 19, 2026.

The players

David Lopez

An Ulta Beauty Pro Team Member, celebrity hairstylist and content creator.

Sara Hallajian

A trichologist and LA-based salon owner.

Paula Peralta

An LA-based multi texture hair stylist and artistic director at Paul Mitchell.

ELLE.com

A leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content that 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.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Sara Hallajian, Trichologist and LA salon owner

“All hair types and textures can benefit from using tea tree shampoo. They are best for anyone who is experiencing scalp buildup and looking to clarify and invigorate while hydrating the scalp and promoting healthy hair.”

— Paula Peralta, LA-based multi texture hair stylist and artistic director at Paul Mitchell

“This depends on your hair type and scalp needs. 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.”

— David Lopez, Ulta Beauty Pro Team Member, celebrity hairstylist and content creator

The takeaway

Tea tree oil shampoos offer a natural solution to clarify the scalp, reduce flakes, and promote healthier hair growth, making them a great option for anyone dealing with an itchy, flaky scalp or other scalp-related issues.