When it comes to hair, an oily scalp is a common concern of both men and women. It can make hair look dull, heavy and lifeless. A little oil on your scalp is not just okay, it’s necessary. That waxy oil is called sebum. Your scalp produces it from glands beneath your skin, and it plays a critical role in protecting your scalp from infection. It also keeps your scalp moist and lubricates your hair and skin. In other words, oil is an essential component of a healthy scalp and hair.
However, too much of a good thing is never good for you. Excessive sebum production can cause your hair to feel heavy and look greasy. It will also mix with dead skin cells, sweat and hair products on your scalp, creating an effect that isn’t beneficial for your scalp and hair health.
Fortunately, it doesn’t take much to deal with an oily scalp. With a few small changes to your hair care routine, you can have a well-balanced scalp and keep your hair looking its best.
What Your Oily Scalp Is Telling You
Before delving deeper into ways to treat your oily scalp, you must first pay attention to what your condition is telling you. While your genes may contribute to the amount of oil your sebaceous glands produce, an oily scalp could also be an indication of a skin issue that you need to address. Alternatively, it could just mean that you need to be more mindful of your hair care routine and the products you apply to your scalp.
If you are unclear about the cause of an oily scalp, then what follows may provide some possible reasons to explain it.
You Are Using The Wrong Product
Everyone’s hair is different and needs a unique balance of ingredients, which is why you can find tons of products for various hair types. Using the wrong product for your hair, or overusing the right product, can cause a buildup that will irritate your scalp and make it extra oily.
You Are Overwashing Your Hair
When you overwash your hair, you strip your hair of its natural oils. Your body resolves this by producing even more sebum to make up for what’s been lost, resulting in excessive oil production on your scalp.
You Are Not Washing Enough
If cleansing isn’t done often enough, then oil, dirt and debris will weigh your hair down. It’s important to make sure you use the right shampoo to remove excess oil from your scalp and keep it clean.
You Don’t Condition Your Hair Correctly
Applying conditioner to your scalp instead of the strands will make the roots greasier and oilier than they naturally are. If the product is too heavy for your hair type, it can also result in oily roots and hair that feels weighed down.
4 Ways To Treat Your Oily Scalp
Now that you know the common factors contributing to your oily scalp, let’s learn how to fix the problem and prevent greasy hair.
Revamp Your Hair Care Routine
If you know your routine is contributing to the production of excess oil on your scalp, it’s time to make some changes. First, switch to a shampoo that doesn’t have oils built-in, then train your scalp by shampooing every other day. Also, make sure you only apply conditioner to the ends of your hair. Remember that it’s your strands that need the most hydration, so you must condition from the middle of your hair down to the end.
Add A Clarifying Treatment
If your scalp still produces a lot of oil despite the changes in your hair care routine, you should include a monthly clarifying treatment. A clarifying shampoo provides a deep cleanse and gives your mane a fresh start by removing oil, dirt and grease, restoring your locks’ softness, manageability and shine.
Try A Scalp Scrub
Just as your body benefits from a scrub to exfoliate the skin, a scalp scrub is also essential. Regular scalp scrubs remove dead skin cells, excess oil and dirt buildup. In addition, scalp scrubs typically have granular ingredients to exfoliate your scalp and reduce potential dandruff and irritation caused by excess oil. Just make sure to choose the scrub suitable for your scalp type.
Avoid Oil-infused Styling Products
Heavy oil or wax-based products may be too much if your scalp is naturally oily. They can also add to buildup and residue, giving your scalp a greasy appearance. Always look at the ingredients of a styling product before purchase, therefore, to save your scalp from further oiliness.
Conclusion
Treating an oily scalp isn’t exactly rocket science if you know what to do. It simply requires an understanding of the root problem so you can figure out the best solution to apply. Once you find the correct remedy, you’ll enjoy having bouncy and shiny hair that everyone envies.
Vinci Hair Clinic specialises in treating hair loss and is on hand to provide diagnosis and treatment options. If you are experiencing hair loss, receding hairline or thinning, give us a call and book your free, no-obligation consultation today!
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