Oily Scalp: Know What it Means and How can it be Treated
Waking up to greasy-looking hair certainly doesn’t make for a great morning. But why do some people have oily hair while others do not? Well, the scalp produces the natural oil called sebum. Sebum is the body’s natural moisturizer that softens the skin and hair. Sebaceous glands, which produce sebum, also protect the body against bacterial and fungal infections by forming a thin film on the skin.
Oily hair and sebum: what’s the connection between the two
The reason why some people have oily hair is because of the overproduction of sebum. Genetics or hormonal imbalance (found during pregnancy, menopause, or puberty) or skin infections are some factors that cause sebum overproduction . Often people with straight hair have an oily scalp more than any other hair type. It is because sebum travels easily from roots to tips. People with curly hair also experience oiliness but at the roots and because oil builds up close to the scalp. However, people with straight hair are likely to have an oily scalp as well as oily hair from root to the tip.
Oily scalp treatment: Simple ways to get rid of greasy looking hair
- Use cool water in the shower: Always use cool water to wash hair. Hot water causes the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum. During winter, use lukewarm water instead of hot water.
- Avoid daily shampooing: Daily hair wash is not at all good for the oily hair. It may seem that you are getting rid of the oil but frequent shampooing is causing the scalp to produce more oil. Every time you wash your hair with shampoo, the scalp produces more sebum. If you’re washing your hair too often, the scalp will go into oil production overdrive. Try washing your hair no more than 2 to 3 times a week. You can even replace one of the wsh days into a rinse day – just water, no shampoo.
- Wash your hair thoroughly: When it comes to oily hair, the focus should be on the roots. When you are shampooing, gently massage the cleanser into your roots and scalp. Avoid using your nails as that can irritate the scalp. Focus on your scalp, where the oil is, rather than on the length.
- – Rinse properly: Spend extra few minutes to properly rinse hair products out of your hair. Rinsing not only helps in removing the oil but it also removes product residue that may be causing the greasiness.
- – Clean your combs and hair brushes: Always use clean brushes, combs and hair styling tools. Clean your hairbrushes and combs at least once a week with a mild cleanser. Air-dry them to avoid damaging the bristles. Clean heat styling tools with cotton balls soaked in alcohol.
To get rid of greasiness, use right shampoos for oily hair
The Earth Collective shampoo for oily and conditioner for oily hair gently work on the excess oil and cleanse the scalp. The non-greasy formula of our products soaks up the excess oil. Our hair products do not remove all the natural oils released in the scalp but regulate them to ensure that your scalp is clean and your hair doesn’t dry out. For better results, follow our oily hair treatment regimen.