An oily scalp is one of the most common concerns people experience. You may also notice your hair getting 'greasy' even when you have only just washed it. While natural oils are essential for keeping your scalp healthy, too much oil can leave hair looking flat, heavy, and difficult to style. In this advice article, we will dive deep into the causes of oily scalps and greasy hair, impact of hormones and other factors and solutions on how to keep your hair oil and grease free.
Understanding oily and greasy hair
Your scalp is lined with sebaceous glands. Sebaceous glands are located at the base of each hair follicle and produce sebum – a waxy oil that hydrates the scalp and lubricates each strand. This sebum is essential as without it, your hair would be brittle, dry and prone to breakage.
When sebaceous glands become overactive, excess oil quickly weighs strands down. Sebum production isn't the same for everyone, and various factors such as age, climate and scalp microbiome health all have an influence on the sebaceous glands.
Hormones are one of the biggest affects of oil production. Androgens, a group of hormones common to everyone, stimulate sebaceous gland activity.
When androgen levels shift, oil production often does too. Puberty, menstrual cycles and pregnancy, stress and medication can all influence sebaceous gland activity and oil production on the scalp.
Common causes:
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Over washing.
Using harsh shampoo or cleansers that strip your scalps protective microbiome and irritates your skin sends oil production on the scalp into overdrive. -
Product buildup
What you put on your hair and scalp matters. Heavy conditioners or waxy serums often leave behind a film. These residues mix with natural oils and create a greasy coating instead of washing away. -
Not rinsing thoroughly
Poor rinsing is one of the most overlooked causes of grease build up and oils on the hair. Take that extra time when rinsing to ensure all products have been rinsed away. -
Touching and brushing too often
Every time you brush or run fingers through your hair, oils from the scalp and being spread down the hair shaft. Oils and dirt from your hands or build up on your brush can add to the problem too.
Solutions on tackling an oily scalp and greasy hair
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Washing your hair the right way
It might seem logical to wash your hair every day when it is oily or greasy, but over washing can make it worse.
Use a gentle, balancing shampoo designed for oily scalps and focus on cleansing the scalp rather than the ends. Rinse thoroughly to make sure no product is left behind. Double shampooing can help remove excess oil without the need for using more products. -
Choose lightweight products
Heavy conditioners, serums and styling creams can build up on the scalp and make hair appear greasy more quickly.
Apply conditioner only to the mid-lengths and ends, avoiding the roots. This keeps your hair soft without adding any unnecessary oil to the scalp. -
Avoid touching your hair as much
Try to style hair once and leave it alone as much as possible. If you do need to re style or touch up your hair throughout the day, use a clean brush or comb. You should clean your hairbrushes and combs regularly to prevent oil and product build up transferring back onto clean hair. -
Rethink your dry shampoo
Dry shampoo can be a good way to maintain your look in-between washes. It absorbs excess oil at the roots and helps add volume too. Don't always rely on dry shampoo to achieve your desired look as it can also have the opposite effect if used incorrectly. As it is another product on your scalp and in your hair, the powder mixed with the natural oils on your scalp can build up very quickly. -
Keep your scalp healthy
Greasy hair often starts at the scalp. Regular salon treatments such as our 'Scalp Rejuvenation' treatment can help reset the scalp and remove build up that normal shampoo may not fully clean.
Our expert stylists can analyse your scalp health and recommend the right treatment and products for your hair type.
