An oily scalp can lead to issues like dandruff and leave your hair looking greasy and unkempt. Styling oily hair is a challenge in its own right. That’s why we’ve put together this oily scalp treatment guide to help you restore the optimal moisture balance. Learn how to treat oily hair and scalp issues below, with recommendations for shampoo and conditioner and other products that we recommend. You’ll also gain tips on dealing with an oily scalp in general, from diet to lifestyle changes. First things first – what causes oily scalp?
What Causes Oily Scalp?
Before we get into how to treat oily scalp and hair, let’s talk about the issue itself. An oily scalp can often feel like a relentless nemesis. The primary culprit behind excess scalp oil production is sebum, a natural oily substance produced by our sebaceous glands.
Sebum is essential for maintaining healthy hair and skin as it helps to moisturise and protect them. However, when these glands go into overdrive, it can result in an oily scalp and greasy hair. Several factors contribute to this overproduction of sebum:
- Hormonal Changes: Significant life stages such as puberty, pregnancy, and menopause are known to affect sebum production due to hormonal fluctuations. For instance, higher levels of hormones like androgens can increase sebum production, leading to oilier scalp and hair.
- Stress: Stress prompts the body to release certain hormones, notably cortisol, which can activate the sebaceous glands to produce more oil than necessary. Managing stress through activities like yoga, meditation, or regular physical exercise can help moderate sebum production.
- Inappropriate Hair Care Products: Using hair care products that are too harsh for your scalp type can strip away natural oils, prompting a surge in oil production as the scalp tries to compensate for the loss. Choose shampoos and conditioners suited to your scalp type and avoid those with harsh detergents like sulfates.
- Environmental Factors: High humidity and pollution can also contribute to an oily scalp. These conditions lead to sweat and dirt accumulating on the scalp, which can make the scalp feel oilier and necessitate more frequent washing.
- Diet: What you eat can influence the health of your hair and scalp. Diets high in greasy foods and dairy products can exacerbate oil production. Conversely, a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals from fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can help regulate sebum levels.
- Genetic Factors: Like many aspects of our physical makeup, an oily scalp can be passed down by your parents. If oily hair is common in your family, you may be more predisposed to experiencing it yourself.
So, if you’re tired of your hair turning into a slick, heavy mess, keep reading to discover the solutions that will leave your locks looking fresh and revitalised.
How to Treat Oily Scalp and Hair: Products That Will Restore Balance Fast
Now that you know what causes oily scalp, let’s get into some tips on overcoming these challenges – we have a great selection of products to help with oily hair right here at My Haircare & Beauty.
Here’s how to treat oily scalp and hair by replacing your shampoo and conditioner, and maybe even considering a scalp scrub!
Oily Hair Shampoo Remedies
Using a shampoo for oily hair offers several advantages. Firstly, they typically contain ingredients that help regulate excess sebum production, effectively reducing the greasiness and oiliness of the scalp. Additionally, they often incorporate gentle cleansing agents that remove dirt, debris, and excess oil without over-drying the scalp or stripping it of its natural oils, promoting a balanced and healthier scalp environment. It is important to shampoo twice to properly remove all traces of dirt, debris and product buildup.
Shampoo Top Picks:
Add an Exfoliating Scalp Scrub to Your Regimen
Adding an occasional scalp scrub to your routine can help remove dead skin cells and reduce oil buildup. In addition to this, the act of massaging alone can enhance circulation, ensuring continuous delivery of nutrients to the hair follicles, the precise location where each strand originates and matures.
Exfoliating Scalp Scrub Top Picks:
Consider Trying Dry Shampoo
Dry shampoo is a quick and easy way to absorb excess oil between washes. It can help refresh your hair and scalp without the need for a full wash.
Aside from that, some dry shampoo types can also lift the roots and add volume. There are even options specifically for dark hair which means you won’t be left with any white residue on the scalp!
Dry Shampoo Top Picks:
Don’t Forget the Conditioner
We know what you’re thinking…conditioning my hair is just going to leave it oily and greasy, won’t it? Not if you use a specially formulated conditioner for oily hair!These are actually an essential component in any oily scalp treatment as they can reduce flaking and itching associated with excess oil. When paired with an oily hair shampoo they work wonders to balance your hair’s natural oils and preserve its healthy, glossy appearance. You can learn more about using shampoo vs conditioner in our blog if you’d like.
Conditioner Top Picks:
More Ways to Manage Oily Scalp and Hair
We’ve talked a lot about how to treat oily scalp through shampoo, conditioner, and other scalp care solutions. But before we bring our oily scalp treatment guide to a close, here are a few more tips to help you get a grip on the grease:
- Adjust Your Washing Frequency: While it might seem counterintuitive, overwashing can actually stimulate your scalp to produce more oil. Try reducing the number of washes per week and observe how your scalp adjusts over time. For many, washing every other day or even just twice a week can significantly improve the scalp’s oil balance. Learn more about how often to use blonde shampoo in our blog.
- Incorporate a Weekly Hair Mask: Hair masks aren’t just for dry or damaged hair – they can also benefit oily hair types. Masks containing clay or charcoal can absorb excess oil and impurities while providing a deep cleanse. They help purify the scalp without stripping away necessary moisture. Applying a mask once a week can regulate oil production and enhance overall scalp health.
- Choose the Right Hair Styling Products: Avoid heavy styling products like waxes, creams, and oils, which can weigh down your hair and add to the oiliness. Opt for lightweight styling mousses or sprays that offer hold and volume without the grease. You also need to be mindful of how much product you use – a little often goes a long way. You can browse our hair styling products if you’re not sure where to start.
- Use a Boar Bristle Brush: These help distribute scalp oils evenly along the hair shaft to prevent buildup at the roots and add shine throughout your hair. Brushing daily with a boar bristle brush can reduce the oily appearance and improve hair texture.
- Maintain a Balanced Diet: You are what you eat – consuming too many oily and fatty foods can put your body’s oil production into overdrive. Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support skin and hair health. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins so your hair gets the nutrients it needs.
- Stay Hydrated: Hydration helps regulate the sebaceous glands and can aid in reducing oil production. Drink at least eight glasses of water a day to keep your scalp hydrated and healthy.
Find more haircare tips in our blog, such as how to wash curly hair or how to shampoo hair in general, permanent vs semi permanent hair colour, how to style wet curly hair, and more. Otherwise, it’s time we wrapped up our guide on how to deal with oily hair below with a few parting thoughts.
Wrapping up Our Guide to Oily Scalp Treatment
Dealing with excess scalp and hair sebum can be frustrating and demoralising. You just want to be able to easily style your hair and feel confident in the way it looks – but all that oil can make things tough. Fortunately, you now know what causes oily scalp and how to treat oil scalp!
It’s as simple as replacing your existing regimen with the right products to help with oily hair, from our shampoo and conditioners to scalp treatments. Pair these products with our other advice on how to stop oily scalp and you’ll be well on your way to restoring optimal moisture balance.
Remember, My Haircare & Beauty has you covered with all the solutions you need to bring out the full potential of your hair, be it the best shampoo and conditioner for hair loss or the best shampoo and conditioner for blonde hair.
We’re the #1 choice in Australia because we’ve curated a collection from the most sought after brands and back them up with world-class customer service every step of the way.
So, what are you waiting for? Jumpstart your oily scalp treatment regimen today and put the grease behind you for good!
Find the perfect hair products for oily hair from My Haircare & Beauty.
See similar:
Causes of Oily Hair and How to Stop Them
Nourish Your Scalp with the New Kevin Murphy Scalp Spa Treatments
Philip Kingsley: The Science of Hair and Scalp
Dermalogica Daily Exfoliant Guide
Mel
Mel is a former Hair Stylist with over a decade of industry experience.
She enjoys writing about all aspects of the hair & beauty world including, trends, new products & best-sellers.
