Greasy hair is commonly misinterpreted for gloss and shine, especially with males. People feel that their natural gleam is a distinguishing feature, and they would even go to events flaunting their tresses.
Most people do not perceive oily hair as a severe issue. Concerns arise if the oiliness becomes bothersome, accompanying itching and probable seborrheic dermatitis. An oily scalp provides a delicious feast for ravenous fungus, which can result in oily scalp hair loss.
Of course, this does not mean one should abandon oil usage entirely. Everyone’s scalp gets a little oily sometimes, which is completely okay, as oil or sebum helps protect the scalp and is critical for healthy hair.
However, if your hair feels greasy or unclean all the time, you may have an unusually oily scalp. Furthermore, an oily scalp might occur in conjunction with other symptoms that may indicate a skin problem.
Let us understand what can cause an oily scalp and some accompanying symptoms, how to treat these causes using home remedies, and what shall one do if none of it works.
Causes Of Oily Hair
A small quantity of sebum production is a gesture of healthy hair. It is a nourishment sign that adds lustre and shine to your locks. However, oil production keeps on fluctuating depending on various parameters like weather, genetics, food, etc.
The most common solution to the dirt and pollution layer accumulated on your scalp is to cleanse your hair with regular shampoo twice a week. However, there are other additional causes of greasy hair. Discussed below are some of the most common causes and reasons:
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Genetics:
Our genes can significantly affect how much oil the glands generate and the thickness of the hair. If someone in your family has oily hair, you will inevitably have oily hair as well.
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Seborrheic Dermatitis:
Seborrheic dermatitis is a skin disorder that causes irritation and inflammation. Pink, scaly skin develops in locations with a high concentration of oil glands, such as the scalp. Severe dandruff can lead to this skin condition. It’s also referred to as dandruff.
It might also be the consequence of an allergic response or a sign of an autoimmune disorder. It is not a life-threatening condition, but can severely affect hair and skin health. Home remedies can frequently treat or manage it.
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Overwashing:
Shampoo cleanses the scalp and removes excess oil. On the other hand, it can damage your hair if used excessively or all the way down to the length of your hair.
Harsh detergents used in shampoo remove the essential oils produced by the scalp and might dry out the hair and scalp. Washing helps cleanse the scalp, and overwashing strips away all the goodness.
It also happens that overwashing can cause oilier hair because it signals the scalp to generate more sebum to compensate for the loss, which can result in an overly oily scalp and the need for oily hair solutions.
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Skin Conditions:
Eczema and psoriasis are disorders related to immune dysfunction. It can create red, scaly spots on your scalp.
Also, acne on the forehead occurs when oil and skin cell contents become stuck inside the pores. It can also cause particular acne bacteria to accumulate, resulting in pimples.
Acne is frequently the cause of excessive oil production.
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Vitamin D Deficiency:
Vitamin D is in charge of controlling the body’s sebum content. A deficit may result in an imbalance in our scalp oil levels.
An oily diet or lack of nutrients can also be to blame for an oily scalp and contribute to other health-related issues.
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Hair Products And Heating Tools:
Sebum or greasy oil cannot be eradicated simply by washing your hair with water or shampoo. You must look for specific components in your shampoo to break down the sebum and remove it from your scalp.
Knowing your hair type can help you choose the correct shampoo. Lemon oil can be an excellent choice for an oily scalp.
Another thing to avoid is heat, whether washing your scalp with hot water or drying it with a blow dryer. It causes the sebum-generating glands to release extra sebum.
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Climate And Hormones:
Hormonal imbalances caused by circumstances such as stress, pregnancy, or menopause may cause an increase in the quantity of sebum generated by your scalp.
Also, climate plays a significant role in hair health. In humid conditions, sebum production reaches an all-time high.
How To Treat Oily Greasy Hair
Apart from a greasy appearance, an oily or greasy scalp can create various issues. You risk creating a breeding environment for numerous infections, and the condition may deteriorate if remedial actions are not implemented promptly.
You may do several things at home or purchase at your local drugstore to cure an oily scalp. Many treatments have proven to be highly successful in reducing the negative consequences of greasy hair.
However, one must be cautious when implementing these home remedies in their lifestyle. Remember that the evidence for these home treatments is primarily anecdotal. It may or may not work for your hair type, and your findings may differ. These approaches are not intended to replace traditional treatment methods.
It would be best to try out multiple remedies to know what suits your skin and hair type. With all this in mind, let’s look at some of the most popular greasy hair home remedies:
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Shikakai:
It has rightfully acquired the title of “fruit for the hair.” Shikakai, like Reetha, is a wonderful cleanser that eliminates oil from your scalp without pulling away the natural oil.
According to research published in the International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, shikakai possesses high antioxidant qualities that help prevent hair damage.
It is an excellent substitute for harmful chemicals to reduce excess sebum production. It can also be a great detangler that cleans oily hair without stripping away any natural goodness.
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Aloe Vera:
Aloe vera has enzymes that break down fats, removing excess oil from your hair. Seborrheic dermatitis is an inflammatory skin disorder that primarily affects the scalp. It is responsible for dandruff, red skin, and scaly spots.
Researchers discovered that aloe vera could significantly reduce scaliness and itching. Many active chemicals and minerals in aloe vera can help strengthen your hair.
It contains fatty acids, amino acids, and vitamins A, B12, C, and E. These contribute to healthy hair follicles, thereby making it the best choice for greasy hair.
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Fish Oil:
It is often marketed as an oral dietary supplement. Many individuals take fish oil because of its possible immune system and cardiac advantages.
Fish oil is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which the body cannot produce independently. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) are two of the most well-known omega-3 fatty acids (EPA).
Ageing and excessive sun exposure may both harm your skin. Fish oil supplements may aid in the maintenance of good skin.
Limited evidence shows that fish oil may be beneficial in managing dandruff flare-ups, which can lead to the oily scalp skin.
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Tea Tree Oil:
Tea tree oil is a valuable natural medicine for treating bacterial and fungal skin diseases. It is an antiseptic that can aid in the suppression of bacterial and fungal growth.
Tea tree oil shampoos are proven to help prevent the growth of Candida albicans (yeast), which frequently leads to the creation of dandruff.
While evidence indicates that essential oils may have health advantages, the FDA does not monitor or control the purity or quality of essential oils.
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Fenugreek Seeds:
The health of fenugreek seeds combined with coconut oil is an excellent recipe for lovely locks. It fortifies the hair from the inside out and combats oily, greasy hair.
Make a paste out of 3 tsp fenugreek seeds. Apply the mixture to the scalp and hair gently with heated coconut oil. Rinse with water after 15 to 20 mins.
Fenugreek seeds are a natural conditioner that also aids the scalp in ridding itself of excess oils while maintaining pH levels. It may help treat eczema.
While home remedies are typically highly successful, alternative types of treatment under expert supervision should be considered if the cures do not yield fruit. If the issue worsens, prescription shampoos may be necessary.
If you’ve attempted one or more home treatments without success, or if you detect any new or worsening symptoms after beginning your home treatment plan, consult a doctor. Usually, a prescription-strength shampoo or solution may be prescribed by your doctor. In cases of chronic diseases, the patient may require other drugs.
Takeaway
Home remedies are a hit or miss and do not work for all. Too much oil on your scalp can irritate and lead to more significant issues. If these remedies have not reduced your oiliness, we recommend taking a free hair test at Traya Health.
Traya’s doctors do an assessment of your hair and scalp conditions before suggesting a customized treatment. The solutions are backed by 3 sciences of Ayurveda, Dermatology, and Nutrition, and the prescriptions given are based on individual concerns and problems. Because in hair care, we do not believe in “one-size-fits-all.”
Don’t hesitate to contact us if you seek long-term remedies for your hair problems.
FAQs:
Q1 - How Do I Get Rid Of Greasy Oily Hair?
For starters, follow a routine. Please do not wash your hair too frequently; it can strip away the natural oil and cause the skin to dry or flake. However, do not under wash your hair either. It can lead to extra production of sebum. Use dry shampoo if your hair feels greasy after one day of washing. Avoid using heat or styling tools for prolonged periods.
Most importantly, maintain a balanced and healthy diet.
Q2 - Why Is My Hair So Oily And Greasy?
The sebaceous glands on your scalp are responsible for oily and greasy hair. Your hair absorbs the oil, and too much of it can cause it to seem greasy.
Little oil is good for hair; it makes hair look healthy, strong, and glossy. Nevertheless, too much oil can generate a buildup that makes hair seem limp and slippery. Your diet, lifestyle, stress levels, and weather can also play a part here.
Q3 - Why Is My Hair Greasy After 1 Day?
Different hair types may get greasy in varying amounts of time. Most people with textured hair may be able to leave hair for a week and still seem fresh. On the other hand, those with fine or thin hair may notice that their hair seems greasy after just one day. It all comes down to how much oil your scalp generates and how efficiently your hair can transport that oil.
Q4 - Is There A Way To Get Rid Of Oily Hair?
It depends on multiple reasons. There are many solutions available for various types of issues. If you see mild greasiness on your scalp, you can fix it by washing your hair thoroughly or using a home remedy. However, if you see your issues getting severe and you start losing hair, we suggest you take the free hair test at Traya.
We are backed by scientifically proven methods and dermatologist-approved practices. Moreover, our diagnosis is curated personally for an individual based on their problems and findings.
References:
https://innovareacademics.in/journals/index.php/ijpps/article/view/5463
https://www.webmd.com/beauty/benefits-of-aloe-vera-for-your-hair
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0735109713060294?via%3Dihub
