Oily hair is greasy hair. The oil and grease come from the oil glands on your scalp that produce sebum. Oily hair can be genetic and is a condition that can occur when the glands sense that the scalp needs major hydration, so they end up working in overdrive and produce excess sebum. This then throws off the balance of natural oils in the scalp, leading to hair that’s overcoated and weighed down with grease. The cause for this sebum overproduction could be the result of a slew of factors, ranging from hormones to weather to bad hair care.
Oily hair can cause limp locks, itching and dandruff. It is also prone to infections and hair loss, since the hair follicles responsible for hair growth can get clogged with sebum and buildup at the root. Lots of unhealthy residue may also stick around, leaving you with overall dull, stringy, lackluster-feeling locks that are near impossible to manage.
There are a variety of ways one can treat and get rid of an oily scalp.
Some of these are, but not limited to, the following:
1. Powder Your Roots.
Adding baby powder helps absorb excess oil and is a good D.I.Y. trick to resort to in a pinch, or in case you don’t have any dry shampoo handy.
2. Rinse Well.
Make sure to remove any product buildup to ensure your scalp is thoroughly cleansed and refreshed, and that there are no hindrances to healthy hair growth.
3. Use Dry Shampoo.
Dry shampoo is helpful for in-between washes, but make sure it’s used optimally—in short, don’t overdo and leave it for second- or third-day hair, depending on your hair type. Oily hair usually benefits from an actual shampoo wash a few times a week.
4. Stay Away from Heat Tools.
Heat-styling on too-greasy hair can encourage more damage and “hot spots”—just like grease on a pan! Make sure hair has an even coating of moisture, but no overly oiled areas.
5. Opt for Messy Buns.
Get on that messy updo trend and simply tie your hair into a loose bun or ponytail for those in-between wash days, to camouflage any greasy locks before your wash.
6. Try a Literal Refresh!
Using paraben free shampoos like RE-fresh Scalp Care Honeysuckle & Cleanse Anti-Dandruff Shampoo with Salicylic Acid helps clarify and cleanse hair and scalp, with a satisfying tingling sensation to boot. This system consistently hydrates, minimizing the need for any sebum overproduction, and helps give you a cleaner, more revitalized scalp with each use.
7. Use Conditioners Towards the Ends.
Oily hair still needs some healthy amount of moisture. Try putting more conditioner towards the lengths and ends of your hair, avoiding the scalp.
8. Brush Your Hair.
Make sure hair oils are evenly distributed with a healthy brushing routine. This can also prevent knots, tangles and future breakage. Also, clean your brushes regularly so you’re not redistributing old residue back into your strands!
9. Eat Healthy Fats.
You want to help maintain the nutrients that go into your hair. If you have oily skin, you’ll likely have oilier hair. Maintain a slightly acidic pH level of your entire system. When your pH is off in a certain area, you’re more prone to bacterial infection and irritation.
10. Take Time.
Becoming aware of any unhelpful patterns is the first step. Be patient as you adjust and bring your scalp back to optimum condition!