I mixed 5 drops of tea tree oil into my shampoo every morning. 4 days later… What happened is unbelievable.

Tea tree oil has long been celebrated for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, often used in skincare to combat acne and in hair care to tackle dandruff. As someone who struggles with an oily scalp and occasional itchiness, I was intrigued by the idea of incorporating tea tree oil into my hair care routine.
Curiosity led me to try a simple experiment: adding five drops of tea tree oil to my shampoo every morning for four consecutive days. I was eager to see if this small change could make a noticeable difference in my hair health and overall scalp condition.
1. Why I Decided To Add Tea Tree Oil To My Daily Shampoo
The decision to add tea tree oil to my shampoo stemmed from several factors. First, I had read numerous anecdotes online about its effectiveness in reducing dandruff and soothing irritated scalps. Additionally, tea tree oil is known for its ability to cleanse the scalp and prevent the buildup of dead skin cells and oil, which sounded perfect for my needs.
After some research, I discovered that tea tree oil contains terpinen-4-ol, a compound believed to be responsible for most of its antimicrobial activity. This compound could potentially help reduce the bacteria and fungi on my scalp that contribute to dandruff and itchiness. With this information, I decided to give it a try, measuring precisely five drops each morning to ensure consistency.
2. The Exact Routine: Five Drops, One Bottle, Four Days
To maintain consistency throughout the experiment, I used the same bottle of my regular shampoo, a sulfate-free formula known for its gentle cleansing properties. Each morning, I added exactly five drops of tea tree oil to a quarter-sized amount of shampoo in my palm, mixed them together, and massaged it into my wet scalp.
I made sure to leave the mixture on my scalp for a couple of minutes to allow the tea tree oil to penetrate and work its magic before rinsing thoroughly with lukewarm water. This routine was followed diligently for four days, with the expectation of observing tangible results by the end of the trial.
3. Day 1: The Tingling Sensation I Didn’t Expect
On the first day of trying this new routine, I was immediately struck by the tingling sensation on my scalp as I massaged the shampoo in. The cool, minty feeling was unexpected yet refreshing, giving me the impression that the tea tree oil was actively working to cleanse and invigorate my scalp.
After rinsing, my hair felt clean and invigorated, though I didn’t notice any significant changes in its appearance. However, the tingling sensation left me hopeful that positive changes were on the horizon.
4. Day 2: Scalp Freshness And The First Visible Changes
By the second day, I began to notice that my scalp felt fresher throughout the day. The persistent oiliness that typically plagued me seemed to be reduced, and there was a subtle improvement in the itchiness I usually experienced.
Visually, my hair appeared slightly less greasy by the end of the day, which was a promising sign. The tea tree oil seemed to be balancing my scalp’s oil production, and the invigorating scent lingered pleasantly in my hair.
5. Day 3: What Happened To My Grease, Itchiness, And Flakes
The third day marked the most noticeable change. My scalp felt cleaner and lighter, and the persistent itchiness had significantly lessened. The reduction in dandruff was clear, as I noticed fewer flakes on my shoulders and clothes.
My hair also appeared more voluminous, suggesting that the tea tree oil was helping to remove excess oil and product buildup, allowing my hair to have more body and movement.
6. Day 4: The Surprising Difference In Volume And Texture
On the fourth day, the changes were undeniable. My hair had more volume and felt softer to the touch, with a noticeable improvement in texture. The tea tree oil seemed to have effectively balanced my scalp’s oiliness, leading to a fresher, more vibrant appearance.
The improvement in my hair’s overall health was evident, and the cooling sensation of the tea tree oil continued to provide a refreshing start to my day.
7. The Good: Clearer Scalp, Less Itch, And A Cooling Clean
The benefits of adding tea tree oil to my shampoo were clear by the end of the four days. My scalp was significantly clearer, with less itchiness and reduced dandruff. The cooling sensation provided by the tea tree oil was invigorating and left my scalp feeling refreshed and clean.
The improvement in my hair’s volume and texture was an added bonus, making my hair look healthier and more manageable.
8. The Not-So-Good: Dry Ends, Strong Scent, And Sensitivity Risks
While the overall experience was positive, there were a few downsides. The tea tree oil seemed to dry out the ends of my hair slightly, which might be problematic for those with already dry or damaged hair. I also noticed that the strong scent, although refreshing, could be overpowering for some.
Those with sensitive skin might experience irritation, so it’s important to conduct a patch test before using tea tree oil extensively. Additionally, overuse could potentially lead to further dryness or sensitivity issues.
9. What Dermatologists Say About Tea Tree Oil In Shampoo
Dermatologists often highlight the benefits of tea tree oil for its antimicrobial properties, making it a popular choice for treating dandruff and minor scalp irritations. However, they caution against using too high a concentration, as it can lead to irritation or dryness.
It’s generally recommended to use a diluted amount, as I did with the five-drop method, to minimize risks while still reaping the benefits. Consulting with a dermatologist before introducing any new ingredient into your routine is always a wise step.
10. How This Hack Compares To Viral TikTok Scalp Remedies
In comparison to other viral TikTok remedies, the tea tree oil method offers a simple, natural solution that doesn’t require any specialized products or complicated steps. Many TikTok remedies can be gimmicky or overly complicated, but the tea tree oil hack is straightforward and supported by some scientific evidence.
While results may vary, this method provides a practical and accessible option for those looking to improve their scalp health without jumping on every new trend.
11. Who Should (And Shouldn’t) Try The Five-Drop Method
The five-drop tea tree oil method could be beneficial for individuals with oily scalps, mild dandruff, or those seeking a natural way to refresh their hair care routine. However, those with very dry or sensitive scalps should proceed with caution, as tea tree oil can exacerbate dryness or irritation.
It’s important to consider personal hair and scalp conditions before trying this method and to discontinue use if any adverse reactions occur. A patch test is advised to ensure no allergic reactions occur.
12. If I’d Keep Going: Adjustments I’d Make After Four Days
If I were to continue using tea tree oil in my shampoo routine, I would likely reduce the frequency to a few times a week rather than daily, to prevent potential dryness. I might also experiment with adding a moisturizing conditioner or hair mask to counteract any dryness at the ends of my hair.
Overall, I found the experience to be beneficial and would recommend it to others with similar scalp concerns, provided they monitor their hair’s response and adjust as necessary.