Why Is My Scalp So Oily? 24 characters
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An oily scalp usually comes down to overactive sebaceous glands, hormonal changes, over-washing or using the wrong products, and can be managed with the right cleansing routine and scalp-specific treatments. This article explains the common causes, what makes an oily scalp worse and which products and habits can help balance oil production.
What You Need to Know
- Overactive sebaceous glands, hormones and genetics are common causes of oily scalp.
- Avoid over-washing; it can trigger the scalp to produce even more oil to compensate.
- Use a clarifying or balancing shampoo a few times a week rather than daily.
- Avoid heavy, silicone-rich conditioners on the scalp; apply them to mid-lengths and ends only.
Hair health starts at the scalp, but taking care of your scalp can be a delicate balance. If dry shampoo is your best friend, and you struggle to keep your hair clean and refreshed, we have some real solutions for you.
What Causes an Oily Scalp?
An oily scalp is caused by an excess production of sebum, or oil, which can make your hair feel dirty or greasy. Whereas a healthy amount of oil production keeps hair hydrated, protected, and strong, too much oil is a sign of an imbalance. In fact, very oily skin or scalp may indicate dehydration.
In some cases, an oily scalp is caused by genetics or skin conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis. Usually, though, the reason for oily hair and scalps is just a bit of overwashing with shampoos that contain stripping agents and artificial chemicals.
Scalp Oils and Health
An excessively oily scalp can impair the health of your hair. Not only can an oily scalp lead to heavy, greasy hair, but it also can lead to dry ends as well. On top of that, excess oil can block the hair follicles and cause an oily scalp, hair loss, and dandruff.
While these conditions are often associated with a dry and itchy scalp, imbalance works both ways. Like the skin on your face, when the scalp is overly stripped or dehydrated, it overproduces oil to compensate and struggles to regulate its natural processes.
How to Treat an Oily Scalp at Home
Don’t stress out: if you want to correct an oily scalp, there are many ways to treat it at home. The best remedies involve restoring balance through exfoliating and moisturising the scalp. To restore this balance, it’s important to avoid overwashing the hair. Furthermore, stay away from shampoos and treatments that contain Sulphates, Propylene Glycol, Silicones, and artificial fragrances. These ingredients will leave you with an oily scalp and very dry ends.
You can treat an oily scalp by gently exfoliating the scalp with scrubs or shampoos for oily hair that deeply cleanse and clear away dandruff and build-up. Home remedies such as Apple Cider Vinegar, Salicylic Acid, Aloe Vera, and Egg Yolk hair masks can work well to cure oily roots and dry ends naturally. However, if you’re not into curing an oily scalp naturally at home, we’ve put together a selection of our best hair products for oily scalp and dry ends.
- Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub with Sea Salt 250ml is a hair mask that uses Sea Salt to stimulate and reduce an oily scalp while it removes excess oil, dead skin cells, and product residue.
- Green People Irritated Scalp Shampoo - Normal/Oily Hair 200mL treats oily scalps naturally by clearing away oil and dead skin cells with lightly exfoliating enzymes. These enzymes gently cleanse without stripping your hair when you wash it.
- Sachajuan Scalp Shampoo 250mL is a detoxing shampoo for oily scalp. This cleanser improves moisture balance and lightly exfoliates while using ingredients that also calm the scalp.
- Dr Hauschka Hair Tonic 100ml is the best hair tonic for oily scalp. This product works to regulate oil production, invigorate the scalp, and enliven the hair.
- Sachajuan Scalp Treatment is an intensive oily hair and scalp treatment that effectively normalises oily hair, removes dandruff, and works to soothe irritated scalps.
- Apotecari Hair Food 2 Months is an amazing way to add supplements to your hair routine. Hair Food works to increase the hair’s strength and growth, and it can really repair damaged hair when taken regularly.
Tips & Tricks with Christoph Robin Cleansing Mask + Cleansing Scrub
If you’re still curious about how to get rid of an oily scalp or dandruff, or want to learn what shampoo and haircare are best for oily hair, continue to our Ultimate Guide to Scalp Care or our guide to washing oily hair.
