Having oily hair and scalp is more common you think. It’s a simple problem with a simple solution, majorly caused by the overproduction of sebum (oil) by our skin which is responsible for acne, dandruff, and many skin conditions. While sebum is necessary for healthy hair and skin, too much can lead to greasy and itchy scalp. Understanding more common causes and the effective solutions can help you get rid of oily hair and scalp.
Most Common Causes of Oily Hair and Scalp
While the main reason why you have oily hair is the overproduction of sebum from sebaceous gland but there are other more common factors which can also influence your hair.
1. Genetics
Some people are more prone to oily hair than others because of their parents. It has to do with sebaceous gland which produces sebum and causes your scalp to be oily. If you genetically have oily hair, simply your glands produce more sebum than necessary.
2. Over washing
Yes, it may sound strange but over washing your hair can cause you to have oily hair & scalp. How? The answer is simple. When you wash your hair too often, you strip away natural oil, and this makes sebaceous gland produce even more sebum in order to protect your scalp. Not only that, it can even lead to dandruff and hair fall.
3. Hormonal changes
During pregnancy, menopause or puberty, our body experiences hormonal fluctuations which can stimulate sebaceous glands to produce more oil causing you to have oily hair or scalp.
4. Wrong Product
Certain chemicals present in your haircare products can also be the cause why you have an oily scalp or hair. Ingredients like silicones, sulphates and parabens etc. Could be one of the causes. For instance, silicone is a conditioning agent which provides smoothness and shine when applied. However, they can also create a barrier that traps oil and other residue, leading to a buildup and eventually greasiness.
5. Environmental Factors
While Humidify can cause the scalp to sweat more, pollution particles can accumulate on your scalp and hard water contains minerals which can leave residue on your scalp. All eventually contributing to oily hair and scalp.
6. Hair Type
The texture of your hair can also influence how oily your hair is. For instance, curly hair makes it difficult for natural oil to travel down the length of the hair due to its structure and therefore being the reason why one might have oily hair or scalp. For Instance, curly hair can result in tangling of hair. The point is, hair type also play a significant role in what problem you may face. One more example would be Straight hair making your appear less dense and voluminous.
Let’s delve into some of the important tips, advice and solutions which can help to fix oily hair problems and can even help you prevent it from even happening.
Tips For Prevention and To Get Rid of Oily Hair and Scalp
Choose the right shampoo
As explained earlier, what you put in hair is impotent and could be one of the reasons why you have oily hair and certain hair conditions. Make sure to check the label of the products you use and avoid certain chemicals which are known to do more harm than good.
Don’t over wash your hair
Over washing your hair strip your scalp from natural oil which is important for your scalp. This removal of natural oil causes your scalp to produce more sebum and ultimately leads to oily hair.
Condition your hair properly
Firstly, choose a conditional that is good for your hair type and make sure to avoid applying directly on the scalp which can weigh your hair down while making it look greasier. Simply apply it on the lengths and ends of the hair.
Avoid over drying your hair
Overdying may lead to stimulating the sebaceous glands which make your hair oily. Limit the use of tools like hairdryers, straighteners and opt fora air drying for an overall health of your hair.
Rinse your hair with Apple cider Vinegar
Dilute apple cider with water and rinse your hair with it after shampooing. It can help balance the pH of your scalp and even remove excess oil from your hair leading to fresh and healthy hair.
Protect Your Hair from Sun
Wear a hat or use at least an umbrella (which is not enough) when you go out. This can protect you from the harmful UV rays which can stimulate the sebaceous gland and increase oil production.
Manage Your Stress
Stress could be one of the reasons why you have oily hair. It triggers hormonal fluctuation which may trigger the release of sebum and ultimately leading to an oily scalp. So, it’s important to be involved in stress relieving activating such as working out, playing with kids and pets, going for a walk and doing yoga etc.
Try Dry shampoo
If you face oily hair problem, you should try dry hair shampoo instead of a traditional one. Dry shampoo contains absorbents such as starch, charcoal, kaolin and bentonite clay which can help absorb the oil in your hair.
Rethink Your Diet
Make sure you eat a nutrient rich diet. Look for omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants etc. Which can help influence the production of sebum while on the other hand, salmon, nuts, leafy greens and berries can help you regulate oils level.
Conclusion
It may be frustrating to have oily hair all the time, however, understanding why it happens and how you can manage it can make things easier. By choosing the right product based on your hair type, conditioning properly, avoiding over washing your hair and most importantly managing the stress which can result in overproduction of sebum. So, adopting a healthy lifestyle, practicing healthy habits for your hair and overall health is a good approach to fixing many issues related to your hair, skin and overall appearance.
