The cause of oily scalp and its treatment

The cause of oily scalp and its treatment

You have probably also experienced that you have just washed your hair and after a few hours you have felt an unpleasant heaviness and dullness on it again; most likely you have wondered why our hair gets oily? This recurring experience is not a problem or a defect, but a sign of overactivity of the scalp’s defense system. Persistently oily hair can affect your self-confidence and make it a challenge to always look neat and clean. Many are looking for a temporary solution, but the truth is that to get rid of this condition completely, we need a comprehensive plan. From accurately identifying the root cause of oily hair in men and women to providing a permanent care plan, this complete guide will clear the way to a definitive treatment for oily hair. By understanding the mechanism of oil production and correcting your daily habits, you can have fresh and always clean hair.

The cause of oily scalp

The causes of oily scalp can be a combination of internal and external factors. From overactive sebaceous glands to heredity, stress, poor diet, and even improper washing methods, all can cause the scalp to produce excess oil. Below, we will examine all these causes in detail.

Sebaceous glands, or sebum production factories; the cause of oily scalp

Our scalp is covered with sebaceous glands; producers that have the vital task of producing an oily substance called sebum. Sebum is an essential substance for the health of hair and skin. This natural oil keeps the hair shaft soft and flexible and creates a protective layer against dryness and bacteria. The problem begins when these glands start to function beyond the body’s needs and direct a large amount of sebum to the surface of the skin. The result is what we call excessive oiliness or heaviness of hair

Heredity’s effect on scalp oil

Another factor on the list of causes of oily scalp in men and women is heredity. If your parents have oily hair, you are probably prone to this condition. But heredity is not the only determining factor; hormonal changes also play an important role. During periods such as puberty, pregnancy, or even menstrual cycles, hormonal fluctuations can be a strong stimulus for the sebaceous glands. A hormone called DHT (dihydrotestosterone) is one of the key factors in stimulating sebum production. This mechanism is one of the reasons why the scalp of women and men becomes oily at certain periods of life.

The connection between mood and oily hair

It may seem strange, but your mood directly affects the amount of oil in your hair. When you are stressed, your body secretes hormones such as cortisol. Cortisol, known as the stress hormone, can directly target the sebaceous glands and command more production. Thus, a stressful period of work or life can be the cause of oily hair.

1- Oily mistakes;

Hair care and washing routine errors
In addition to the above factors, sometimes we ourselves increase the production of oil with the mistakes we make when bathing and washing our hair. The following are some of the most common causes of oily hair, some of which have become our daily habits:

2- Frequent washing:

A common mistake among people is washing their hair with shampoo every day or even several times a day. This completely removes the natural and necessary oils from the scalp and makes the scalp extremely

dry. As a result, the body sends a signal to produce more sebum to compensate for this deficiency.

3- Hot water:

Washing with hot water can directly cause oily hair because, just like a strong cleanser, it removes all the sebum on the skin and makes the scalp dry and irritable. This stimulation increases compensatory sebum production to relieve dryness.

4- Inappropriate diet and products; cause of oily scalp
What you eat and what you wash your hair with or even the product you use on your hair after washing it, such as a hair mask, play a very important role in oily scalp.

5- Nutrition:

Foods with a high glycemic index (such as sweets and white bread), as well as excessive consumption of some dairy products in sensitive people, can cause sugar and hormonal fluctuations that indirectly affect sebum production.

6- Heavy products:

Using heavy care products such as thick oils or conditioners with a lot of silicone, if used close to the hair roots, clog the pores of the scalp and give the hair a greasy and heavy appearance

Choosing the right products; a definitive treatment for oily scalp

Now that you are familiar with the cause of oily scalp, to treat oily hair and control it long-term, you need to replace your past habits with a detailed and specialized routine. These strategies are the key to treating oily scalp. Remember, routine and specialized washing are a very important step in treating oily scalp, and changing the way and ingredients you wash your hair is the main factor in reducing oil.

Look for shampoos that are specifically formulated to control oil. For example, if you have oily skin, make sure to use a shampoo for oily hair. These products often contain active ingredients that balance sebum production:

1- Salicylic acid: A gentle exfoliant that helps cleanse pores and hair follicles of excess oil and dead cells.

2- Activated charcoal: A powerful oil and dirt absorber that deeply cleanses hair without drying it out.

3- Green tea or herbal extracts: Have astringent and oil-controlling properties, preventing your hair from getting greasy too quickly

Washing your hair properly; focus on the scalp and massage gently

The way you wash your hair is as important as the shampoo you use and can have a big impact on treating oily scalp or, quite the opposite, cause oily hair.

1- Massage:

When using shampoo, gently massage your scalp with your fingertips only. Rough massage with your nails or excessive pressure will stimulate the sebaceous glands and cause more oil to be secreted. The main focus should be on the scalp, not the hair shaft.

2- Rinse:

Rinse your hair with lukewarm or even cool water. As mentioned earlier, hot water stimulates the glands. Cool water helps close the hair cuticles and increases the shine and vitality of the hair

Using conditioners wisely

Conditioners should not be the cause of oily hair for women or men or exacerbate oily scalp. To prevent this from happening, you should know the golden rule of using this product. Always remember this rule that conditioner is only for the hair shaft and ends. Hair conditioner should never touch the scalp or hair roots. These products are often heavy and lead to clogged pores and a greasy appearance within a few hours.

Natural remedies and home masks to help with oily scalp
Some natural ingredients with balancing properties can be effective in addition to your routine and control your hair oiliness to a good extent.

Apple cider vinegar; restores balance

Due to its mild acidic properties, apple cider vinegar helps to naturally regulate the oiliness of the scalp. Vinegar also has antibacterial properties that control the growth environment of bacteria and fungi.

How to use:

Mix one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with a cup of water. After shampooing and rinsing, spray or pour the diluted solution onto your scalp and rinse again after a few minutes.

Green Tea; A Powerful Antioxidant to Control Sebum

Green tea is rich in antioxidants and research has shown that it can be effective in controlling sebum production.

How to use:

Brew two green tea bags in hot water and let it cool completely. After washing your hair, pour the cold tea on your head and massage. Emphasizing its anti-inflammatory properties, it helps to soothe the scalp.

Aloe Vera and Lemon; Soothing and Deep Cleansing

Aloe vera gel can reduce inflammation of an irritated scalp due to its soothing and healing properties. Combining it with a little lemon juice, which has mild cleansing power, helps to remove stubborn grease. Note that due to the acidity of lemon, this mask should be used with caution and infrequently to avoid over-irritating your scalp.

How to use:

Mix 2 to 3 tablespoons of aloe vera gel with a few drops of fresh lemon juice, gently massage onto your scalp, and rinse after 15 to 20 minutes.
Dry shampoo; instant relief for oily hair
On days when you don’t have time to wash your hair or when you’ve washed it and it’s oily again, using these shampoos can save the look of your hair. Dry shampoo is a golden solution for absorbing excess oil without the need for water. This product increases the time between washes and prevents irritation of the sebaceous glands. To use this shampoo, spray it from a suitable distance (about 15 to 20 centimeters) onto the roots and scalp. Wait a few minutes for it to absorb the oil, then gently massage with your fingers or a brush until the powders disappear

Creating new habits helps your hair health

To permanently control oiliness, you need to take a look at your overall life habits. Sometimes, changing one of these habits or creating a new habit will give you the miracle you have always been waiting for.

Peace of mind: Stress control and mental health

As mentioned, stress increases the hormone cortisol, which directly affects sebum. Dedicating your time to activities such as yoga, meditation, deep breathing, or even getting enough and quality sleep will help calm the nervous system and, as a result, reduce sebum production.

Proper nutrition; the effect of B vitamins and zinc

You must have noticed that when you eat very fatty food, the oily areas of your skin become oilier and shinier than the day before, or you may even get pimples and acne in these areas. Naturally, this oil production is not limited to the skin of the face, but affects the entire body, and the scalp is no exception. Remember that your diet is a powerful tool for managing oil.

Minimize your intake of fast food, fried foods, fatty foods, and foods containing refined sugars.
Increase your intake of foods rich in B vitamins and zinc. These nutrients play a vital role in regulating the function of the sebaceous glands. Eggs, green leafy vegetables, and legumes are very rich sources of these vitamins.

The No Touch Rule; Prevent Skin Irritation

One of the simplest, yet most effective ways to reduce oiliness is to touch your hair less. Even if you use hair oil, you should not touch your hair too much. Because every time you touch your hair, you transfer the oil that should nourish the hair shaft, as well as the oil and dirt on your hands, to the hair shaft and roots. Also, excessive combing or brushing quickly spreads the natural oil of the scalp throughout the hair.

Clean tools; comb and pillowcase hygiene

It is vital to clean the tools that come into contact with your hair daily. These two can even cause oily scalp.

Brushes and combs should be cleaned at least once a week with a mild shampoo or soap to remove sebum, product residue, and dirt.
Pillowcases should also be changed regularly (at least once a week), as sebum and hair products accumulate on them overnight and return to the scalp. In addition, they may cause acne on the face or scalp.

The clear path to achieving hair oil balance

Scalp oiliness is not a permanent condition and can be reduced. As mentioned, this problem has multiple roots; from overactivity of the sebaceous glands due to heredity and hormonal fluctuations, to daily stress and common mistakes in washing with hot water or the wrong shampoo! Controlling this condition requires a careful and conscious routine. By choosing specialized shampoos, avoiding daily washing and using conditioner wisely (only for the hair shaft), you take the main steps and make this balance permanent by making lifestyle changes, including stress management and diet modification. Remember that the secret to having healthy and vibrant hair is hidden in creating the right care routine.