Oily hair is a headache that can be exacerbated by various factors. Getting to the root of the issue is important, as the best cure is prevention!
Oily hair can be lifeless and therefore challenging to style. But other than styling concerns, one major risk factor is that sebum glands may clog the hair roots, leading to excessive hair loss and dandruff.
Here are some tips and tricks to address these oily hair concerns and get you back on the road to healthy hair, with the good kind of shine.
Dandruff
An excess build-up of oil on the scalp can lead to dandruff. Many dandruff sufferers produce an excess amount of skin oil that combines with a yeast commonly found on the scalp, which can irritate the skin.
- Use an anti-dandruff shampoo with salicylic acid twice a week. This serves two purposes. It ensures the hair is clean, which cuts down on oil and has yeast-fighting ingredients.
- Try at-home remedies. Products like apple cider vinegar, tea tree oil, and coconut oil have vitamins and natural antifungal and antibacterial properties that can help with dry skin on the scalp and yeast build-up.
- Avoid greasy or sticky products like styling gels, mousse, and hairspray.
Hair Loss
An oily scalp is often associated with hair loss. The excess oil production is a sign of inflammation, and when hair follicles are inflamed, hair growth is slowed because the hair produced is weaker in structure. Severe cases that are left untreated block the hair follicles, inhibiting the natural growth cycle.
- Restore the normal biome of your scalp. As the scalp’s antimicrobial peptides, proteins, and waterproofing lipids are replenished, inflammation will gradually subside and sebum production will diminish along with excessive hair loss.
- Examine your diet: a lack of B vitamins, zinc, and good fats can lead to hair loss.
Limp and Lifeless Hair
Too much oil will weigh your hair down, leaving it limp and lifeless. Those with fine and straight hair are most susceptible.
- Use a dry shampoo (or powder). Spray the crown of your hair in short bursts and work in with your fingertips to soak up the excess oils that weigh your hair down.
- Curl your hair. Sebum can travel down straight strands with ease; adding curls will slow that process down.