To treat dandruff, you can use either of, or both of, the following two methods.
As a shampoo:
- 12 ml of tea tree oil per 8 ounces of Dr. Bronner's Castile soap
(The above solution will result in a 5% solution of tea tree oil because 5 percent of 8 liquid ounces = 0.4 US fluid ounces = 11.8294118 ml)
Use this shampoo mix as you would any other shampoo, massaging the shampoo into the scalp well.
As a soak:
- 10 teaspoon of tea tree oil per 1 quart of water
(The above solution will result in a 5% solution of tea tree oil because 5 percent of 1 US quart = 47.3176473 milliliters and 50 ml = 10.1442068 US teaspoons)
For the soak method, get a mixing bowl large enough to fit your head into and fill it with water all but a few inches from the top. I prefer stainless steel, but glass will work as well. For me a 12-quart sized mixing bowl works. Mix in the tea tree oil and soak your scalp for 15 minutes.
To help add cleaning power, you may optionally add a cup of pure baking soda (not baking powder).
To help add cleaning power, you may also optionally add a cup of organic apple cider vinegar.
Depending on your hair type, you may also wish to add a couple of other essential oils. Add in up to two of the following essential oils:
15 drops peppermint oil (good for treating dry or oily hair/scalp by pH-balancing)
15 drops clary sage oil (good for treating dandruff and soaking up excess oils from the hair/scalp, also good for promoting hair growth and stronger roots)
15 drops lavendar oil (good for treating dandruff or dry hair)
15 drops spearmint
15 drops patchouli (good for treating dandruff)
15 drops cedarwood oil (good for treating dandruff)
15 drops rosemary oil
15 drops witch hazel oil
15 drops gratefruit seed oil
15 drops ylang-ylang oil (good for treating dry hair)
15 drops sandalwood oil (good for treating dry hair)
15 drops rose oil (good for treating dry hair)
Important Notes:
Tea tree oil applied at low doses can promote the resilience and resistance of bacteria to antibiotics. Studies have shown that tea tree oil should only be applied in 5% or more solutions. Tea tree oil should not be used in low concentrations - less than four per cent - to make sure that bacteria are killed, not just stressed.
Another important thing to note is that you should take care to keep tea tree oil away from children. Drinking just one cup of tea tree oil could put even an adult into a coma for as long as a week, and could potentially result in death. Tea tree oil is not meant for ingestion, and should be kept away from eyes, ears, nose, mouth. You should also generally avoid getting tea tree oil solutions into your genitalia unless you are treating yeast infect or herpes, which may best be done under the care of a specialist.