The 6 Best Tea Tree Oil Shampoos That Calm Itchy Scalps and Reduce Dandruff

Best Overall

John Paul Mitchell Systems Tea Tree Special Shampoo

$30 at Amazon View on Sephora $20 at Ulta

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

Voilà, haircare icon John Paul Mitchell’s bestselling tea tree oil shampoo for dandruff relief. The potent tea tree oil deeply purifies your scalp and hair, paired with peppermint and lavender oil to feel extra refreshing and even a little tingly (in a good way), making it a nice scalp pick-me-up. These essential oils also give it a signature, clean, spa-like scent.

Our top pick is excellent for getting rid of dandruff and relieving an itchy scalp, making it an outstanding choice if you’re dealing with a persistently itchy or flaky scalp. In addition to cleansing oily scalps and purifying, we also love that this volumizing shampoo revives lifeless hair, leaving strands that look truly voluminous and vibrant. It’s no surprise that this top-rated tea tree shampoo also tops our list of the best shampoos for men, especially for scalp health.

Best for Itchy Scalps

Desert Essence Tea Tree Replenishing Shampoo

$13 at Amazon $12 at IHerb

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

Tea tree oil and peppermint oil together deliver tons of soothing scalp benefits, so we already love this Desert Essence formula. What’s more, this shampoo formula also claims to be specially made to help rebalance the pH of your scalp and help alleviate itching in the process. It also touts yucca extract, which has some nice effects on the hair, namely, leaving it smoother and shinier for a healthier appearance.

Best Organic

Avalon Organics Scalp Treatment Shampoo

$21 at Amazon $18 at IHerb View on Walmart

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

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

Best Sulfate-Free

Luseta Tea Tree Shampoo

$16 at Amazon $14 at IHerb

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

If you have a sensitive scalp that’s easily irritated or have dry or damaged hair, seeking out a sulfate-free shampoo is always a good move. This gentle formula meets the bill and is also paraben-free (fyi, parabens can sometimes cause irritation, dryness, and hair loss). Tea tree oil provides a deep-cleansing, purifying experience, while argan oil softens, smooths, and adds plenty of shine to your hair. It’s an Amazon fan favorite, with reviewers noting how well this hair and scalp treatment works on both hair and scalp, resulting in a truly balanced feel.

Best for Natural Hair

Eden Bodyworks Peppermint Tea Tree Clear Clarifying Shampoo

$11 at Amazon

Hair Type: Curly, wavy | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Size: 8 oz | 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 appreciate that their scalp feels clean and refreshed, and that their hair is easier to detangle and style after use.

Best Tea Tree Oil Shampoo and Conditioner

Hask Tea Tree Oil & Rosemary Invigorating Shampoo + Conditioner

$17 at Amazon

If you’ve been using (and loving) tea tree oil in your shampoo already and want to incorporate it into your whole routine, consider this Hask set, which includes both shampoo and conditioner. These formulas include not only tea tree oil but also rosemary, an ingredient revered in haircare for its ability to help promote hair growth—this powerhouse combination can transform the look and feel of your hair in more ways than one. Another benefit of this set is the lack of sulfates, parabens, phthalates, and silicones on each ingredient list, making it ideal for anyone with scalp irritation and sensitivities who wants to avoid unnecessary additives.