Seasonal changes make me itch. Especially the change from Autumn to winter. As the crisp air chills outside, and the heated air dries out inside, my skin dries, too. I get itchy eczema patches on my arms and legs. My scalp tightens and begins to itch. My hair gets extra dry. I used to run for the dandruff shampoo. But those shampoos only solved my problem in the short term. They stripped essential oils from my scalp, and created a cycle of flaking and itching that was uncomfortable and sometimes embarrassing. Plus, because I have sensitive skin, the dandruff shampoo that would get on my skin when I’d wash and rinse my hair in the shower made my skin raw, bumpy, and irritable.

Three years ago, I learned about the antibacterial, antifungal cleansing power of tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is an essential oil that comes from the Melaleuca altemfolia, a plant native to Australia. Australian aboriginals used the oil to heal cuts and burns, much like we use aloe vera. You can find tea tree oil in Paul Mitchell’s Tea Tree Special Shampoo. I love this product! This shampoo does what it promises: it cleanses my scalp, leaves it feeling refreshed, and makes my hair feel soft as well. When I shampoo, I let the lather sit on my hair for a few minutes to give the suds extra time to cleanse my scalp and dissolve flakes. Not only does Paul Mitchell’s Tea Tree Special Shampoo contain tea tree oil, but it also has wonderfully moisturizing oils and soothing botanicals like henna, aloe vera, and awapuhi. And, unlike most products I’ve used, it doesn’t irritate my skin.

Looking for tea tree without the parabens? Then check out Jason’s Tea Tree Scalp Normalizing Shampoo and Conditioner. In my trials, I found that, like Paul Mitchell’s Tea Tree Special Shampoo, Jason’s Scalp Normalizing Shampoo also cleans my scalp well and softens my hair. Plus it contains no lauryl or laureth sulfates that can irritate your skin. Both product lines are safe for relaxed, color treated, and otherwise processed hair.

By Nicole Furlonge