Tea Tree Oil Vs Rosemary Oil: Which Works Best For Dandruff Treatment?

Come winter, and dandruff woes become common for many. During this time, people try almost every hack to treat dandruff – be it using special shampoos or DIY hair packs. Did you know that it can be treated with natural oils too? Yes, you read that right. Dandruff can be treated with tea tree and rosemary oils. If you are confused about which oil to choose for a healthy, dandruff-free scalp, then this article is for you.

To get a better idea about this, the editorial team of OnlyMyHealth reached out to Dr Ruben Bhasin Passi, Consultant, Dermatology, CK Birla Hospital Gurgaon, who answered whether tea tree oil or rosemary oil is better for dandruff treatment and haircare. Read on.

What is Tea Tree and Rosemary Oils?

Tea tree oil is an essential oil. It originates from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia, an Australian native plant. It grows in the southeast Australian coast. This oil has multiple benefits. People use it to treat conditions like acne, toenail fungus, athlete's foot, dandruff, lice, and bad breath. But there is no solid scientific evidence to support its uses.

On the other hand, rosemary oil originates from the leaves of Rosmarinus Officinalis. It is one of the most popular medicinal oils, and is recognised for its therapeutic and aromatic properties.

Can Tea Tree Oil Help Treat Dandruff?

“Tea tree oil is known for its powerful antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, making it an effective natural remedy for dandruff. Dandruff is often caused by an overgrowth of Malassezia yeast on the scalp, and tea tree oil helps control this by reducing fungal activity,” says Dr Passi.

She adds that this oil also soothes scalp irritation, reduces itchiness, and helps remove dead skin cells that lead to flakiness. “By cleansing the scalp and balancing oil production, tea tree oil promotes a healthier scalp environment that discourages dandruff recurrence,” explains the expert.

Can Rosemary Oil Help Treat Dandruff?

Dr Passi answers this by saying that rosemary oil helps combat dandruff by improving scalp circulation, reducing inflammation, and maintaining a clean, balanced scalp environment.

“Its antibacterial and antifungal properties prevent buildup of dead skin cells and control fungal infections that can trigger dandruff. Moreover, rosemary oil strengthens hair follicles, reduces dryness, and helps regulate sebum production — preventing both excessive oiliness and flakiness. Its refreshing aroma and stimulating effects also leave the scalp feeling rejuvenated,” shares Dr Passi.

Also Read: What Happens When You Apply Rosemary Oil On Your Hair Once Every Week? Doctor Tells

Tea Tree Oil VS Rosemary Oil: Which One Is Better?

One question that often gets asked is – which oil is better? “Both oils benefit the hair, but their strengths differ. Tea tree oil is best known for its cleansing and clarifying effects — it helps maintain scalp hygiene, prevent dandruff, and reduce itchiness. Rosemary oil, meanwhile, is celebrated for stimulating hair growth, strengthening roots, and improving overall hair thickness,” explains Dr Passi.

Addressing the commonly-asked question – which oil is better for dandruff treatment, the expert says: “Both tea tree and rosemary oils are excellent for dandruff, but they work slightly differently. Tea tree oil is particularly effective for those with itchy, irritated scalps or fungal-related dandruff due to its strong antifungal and antimicrobial action. Rosemary oil, on the other hand, works better for dry, flaky dandruff and scalp buildup while also promoting stronger, healthier hair growth. If your goal is a clean, flake-free scalp, opt for tea tree oil; if you’re looking to enhance growth and strengthen your strands while keeping dandruff in check, rosemary oil may serve you better. For best results, some people even combine both oils to enjoy their complementary benefits.”

Tips to Use Tea Tree Oil For Haircare

You can incorporate tea tree oil into your routine in several easy ways. Our expert shares some simple ways to do so:

• Add a few drops of pure tea tree essential oil to your regular shampoo and mix well before use — this helps cleanse and refresh your scalp each wash.
• Alternatively, create a DIY scalp treatment by mixing tea tree oil with a carrier oil like coconut, jojoba, or olive oil, and gently massaging it into your scalp before washing.
• For a quick refresh, you can also use a diluted tea tree oil spray between washes to keep your scalp balanced and itch-free.

Tips to Use Rosemary Oil For Haircare

Dr Passi also shares how you can add rosemary oil to your haircare routine:

• To use rosemary oil, mix a few drops with a carrier oil such as coconut or castor oil and massage it into your scalp 30 minutes before shampooing. This helps nourish the scalp and stimulate blood flow.
• You can also add a few drops of rosemary essential oil to your shampoo or conditioner to enjoy its benefits daily.
• For a simple rinse, steep fresh rosemary leaves in hot water, let it cool, and use it as a final rinse after washing your hair for added shine and scalp health.

Also Read: Are Your Supplements Hurting Your Hair? Here's How To Find Out

The Final Word

Both tea tree and rosemary oils are good for hair. If your goal is a clean, flake-free scalp, opt for tea tree oil; but if you’re looking to enhance growth and strengthen your strands while keeping dandruff in check, rosemary oil may serve you better.