A Proper Guide On Oily Hair Care Routine

What is oily hair?

Your hair becomes oily when the scalp produces excessive sebum from the sebaceous glands present on the scalp. This overreaction of sebaceous glands leads to extreme dandruff and greasy hair, which if not treated at the earliest, may result in major hair fall. Hair becomes oily also due to overwashing, environmental factors, and using a hair product that wasn't formulated for your hair type. It can also be caused by post-strenuous exercise and overexposure to heat and humidity. The amount of oiliness or greasiness varies in people and hair types as few people experience more oil production in their scalp than others. Overproduction of oil in the scalp is a concern to solve by following an oily hair remedy. Natural sebum production is crucial for your hair's health as it takes care of your scalp and maintains the hair's health.

What are the causes of oily hair?

The appearance of your hair is a crucial factor in personality development. When your hair turns oily or greasy, this concern calls for following a hair care routine for oily with some essential tips to follow. A sticky hair look is a hurdle to acing daily hair look and getting a perfect look for a special occasion. You should know the oily hair causes you are experiencing due to some wrong practices you are following and progressively move towards achieving an oil-free and healthy hair look.

1. Uncontrollable hormonal factors

Experiencing major life events like puberty, menopause, pregnancy, and giving birth to a baby cause a significant shift in the hormones, which can have a ripple effect on scalp oiliness.

2. Environmental conditions hamper

A sudden drop or rise in temperatures and changes in climate conditions greatly affect your body. It increases sebum production to safeguard your scalp and hair because it tries to compensate and extends a helping hand to thrive through harsh conditions. For example, in winter, when you go outside from the heated and cozy indoors, the sudden temperature changes your hair frequently. They lost moisture and looked very dry.

3. Wearing your favorite headgear

Whether you prefer to wear a sunhat or a beanie in the cold winter season, it stimulates greasiness on the scalp. It happens because you are holding on to the naturally produced oils of your scalp. Moreover, adding additional heat to your scalp and hair while pushing hair toward the scalp intensifies the occurrence of oiliness. It also makes your hair flatten, making it look greasy.

4. Mistakenly using oil-based or conditioning products

You might be applying hair oil to your scalp instead of using it on your hair strands or mid-lengths. Similarly, applying hair conditioners or any conditioning agent on the roots of your hair makes your hair greasy and leads to dandruff, hair breakage, and ultimately, hair loss.

5. Not every fancy shampoo is for your hair type

When your hair is oily, it becomes necessary to assess the right shampoo for it. Please don't go for a moisturizing shampoo, as it won't solve the concern. Oily hair types need a cleansing shampoo that removes oil, dirt, and build-up without causing any harm to the scalp and hair and also balancing the production of the natural oils.

6. Washing hair every day was not a great idea

You may be washing your hair every other day to reduce the greasiness, but it is not a solution; rather, it is actually putting you into an even worse situation. It strips your natural hair oils regularly. It would be best if you reduce your frequency of washing hair to 2-3 times a week. Whenever you shampoo your hair, keep in mind to apply conditioner towards the ends to keep your roots and scalp free of weighing substances.

7. Being too touchy with your hair

Most people love to run their hands through their tresses. Avoid doing this, as touching or rubbing your hands on your scalp will trigger more sebum production. When you play with your tresses, you are moving sebum around your hair which is one of the major oily hair causes. If you can resist doing this, then try to pin or tie your hair back so that it's away from your face and you'll not unconsciously do it again and again.

8. Feel lazy about cleaning your dirty brushes and styling tools

Using dirty combs, brushes, and heating tools like a blow dryer, curling iron, and straightening irons lead to more oil production. Always use clean tools and brushes.

9. Sticking to a pillowcase

Changing your bed sheets and pillowcases is a chore to maintain hygiene and lower the greasiness in your hair. All the oils from your face and environment stick to your pillow and when you sleep with your hair on a pillowcase that hasn't been washed recently, then it will make your hair look greasier than usual.

10. Not keeping track of your diet

Your skin and your hair will reflect what you are eating. Eating unhealthy food will not give you good hair health. Also, indulging in foods rich in omega-3 and 6 fatty acids tends to make your hair look greasier. Focus on a healthy and balanced diet will help your hair flourish.

11. Not taking care of skin conditions on the scalp

Are you avoiding psoriasis or flaky patches on your scalp? You should go to dermatologists as soon as possible because of the flakiness and inflammation trapped in more oil.

What hair care routine oily hair should follow?

When your hair is so oily that they look greasy within 24 hours of hair wash, you should follow an oily hair care routine. Following a good hair care routine will help your mane look and feel at its best.

1. A necessary step- use a purifying shampoo

The sebaceous glands produce natural oils and when the production of oil in the scalp becomes excessive it is majorly controlled by hormones and your hair-washing habits and frequency. Using the wrong hair care products is also a culprit of excess oil and greasiness; you should wash your hair with a purifying or clarifying shampoo specially formulated to address your concern of excess oiliness. It purifies and detoxifies the scalp, providing your strands with a deep cleanse.

2. Moisture your hair lengths

Conditioner is a much-needed hair care product even if your hair is oily because you need to add moisture to the hair tresses. Avoid applying it to your scalp, as it will lead to more oil and buildup. Use a generous amount of conditioner on your hair, leave it for two to three minutes, and wash it with cold or lukewarm water.

3. Don't miss out on scalp scrub

Scalp scrubs are one of the best oily hair products as they excellently exfoliate the scalp, thereby minimizing the excess oil and buildup to deeply clear the area without harming the scalp and producing natural oils. Using it once a week will reduce oil and keep the scalp clean.

4. Let your hair dive into deep nourishment

Using a deep conditioning hair mask for oily hair may sound counterintuitive, but it is ultra-hydrating. It is needed to treat your dry hair ends which are the results of your daily hair cleansing. Applying a hair mask on your hair lengths will help repair and give deeper nourishment at the ends.

5. Hair serum is a non-negotiable hair care step

Oily hair needs special attention and care. Oily hair products search should never end before grabbing a hair serum that is lightweight that will help to detangle your hair and make it look healthy without weighing it down. Look for a hair serum that helps control oil, makes your hair grow faster, and gives a smooth, silky and manageable look throughout the day.

6. Finish off with a hair oil

The final step in treating your oily hair type is using hair oil to your hair lengths to seal the moisture and make your hair look glossy without boosting sebum on the scalp. It may again sound counterintuitive while dealing with oily hair; using moisture and nourishment-enhancing oil to dry damaged hair ends amplifies the look and feel of your hair. It feeds extra nourishment to your dry hair ends and transforms them into soft, smooth, hydrated hair.

Which food items should oily hair types consume?

Food helps you to survive but when some food items can make your scalp and hair greasy then you should consume food items that suit you the most and will aid in oily hair care treatment.

1. Essential fats

You should increase the intake of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. They are rich in anti-inflammatory properties that increase hydration and regulate sebum production on the scalp. It works effectively to reduce the effect of dermatitis. You can find these essential fats in peanut butter, flax seeds, olive oil, salmon, tuna, fortified eggs, avocados, walnuts, chia seeds, etc.

2. Garlic and Onion

Look for good ingredients enriched with the goodness of a compound named allicin, like garlic and onion. When you chop or crush, any of these items activates allicin which has strong anti-fungal properties. Eating garlic or onion helps to boost blood circulation and collagen production.

3. Zinc, biotin, and vitamins

Zinc is a mineral with antioxidant properties that boosts your immune system. It heals skin ailments and regulates the amount of sebum on your skin. Biotin is a B vitamin that aids in the proper absorption of zinc. Manage a diet that balances both substances. Adding vitamin B6 to your daily diet will regulate sebum production, thereby alleviating the formation of dandruff.

4. Water and cooling liquids

Increase the consumption of water and natural cooling drinks that keeps the body temperature normal. Higher body temperatures intensify the secretions on your scalp and lead to more strife.

How to get rid of greasy hair by avoiding some food items?

You need to change your diet when your hair is oily, as avoiding some food items will help treat oily hair.

1. Sugar

If you have a sweet tooth, it might be hard to suppress your cravings. Regular consumption of high-sugar food items can raise your insulin levels. It can bring a sudden shift in hormones which might spike the oil secretion on your scalp. You should curb your sugar intake to tackle the oil levels and bring down the instance of inflammation.

2. Milk and dairy products

Drinking milk has been your favorite time of the day, but if you have oily hair, it's time to reduce the consumption of all dairy products. Dairy products have hormones that are necessary to raise a calf healthily. It sometimes breaks down your system, spiking up sebum production and secretion.

3. Greasy food and refined carbs

Everyone loves food items that are greasy and full of refined carbs, but you need to limit your intake. Most dieticians always recommend reducing their consumption for a healthier life. It is also a major contributing factor that leads to an oily scalp. Foods with high carbs and greasiness are hard to digest and spike insulin levels. This directly impacts your oil levels, leading to overactive oil glands on your scalp.

4. Alcohol

Reduce your consumption of alcohol as it dehydrates the body. It depletes the level of zinc and vitamin B that disrupts oil production in your scalp.

5. Salt

Excess of everything is bad. Overindulgence in salt in food items leads to dandruff and overall body dehydration. It makes the body produce more oil to fight the lack of water. It results in oily and greasy hair.

What are the home remedies for oily hair?

Oily hair requires a hair care routine as mentioned above but with that, it needs extra care with some home remedies for oily hair that will work as the best oily hair remedy.

1. Fuller's earth

What do you need?

• Fuller earth

What to do?

• Mix fuller earth (Multani mitti) with water until you get a thick paste without any lumps and apply it evenly to your scalp.
• Leave it on your scalp for 20-30 minutes.
• Rinse it off with a mild hair cleanser.

 

2. Aloe vera

What do you need?

• Aloe vera gel
• Lemon juice

What to do?

• Scoop out aloe vera gel from the aloe plant leaves or buy it from the market.
• Squeeze out the juice from one lemon.
• Mix both ingredients thoroughly and make a paste.
• Apply it on the scalp and leave it for 10-15 minutes and wash it off with a mild clarifying cleanser.

 

3. Green tea

What do you need?

• Green tea bag

What to do?

• Steep a green tea bag in boiling water.
• When the green tea is ready, let it cool down.
• Rinse your hair with this solution of green tea.
• Pour it on the scalp and gently massage it with your fingers.
• Rinse your hair after 10-15 minutes.

 

4. Tea tree oil

What do you need?

• Tea tree oil
• Any one carrier oil (like jojoba or coconut oil)

What to do?

• Mix 15 drops of tea tree oil with 30ml of the carrier oil of your choice.
• Apply it to your scalp.
• Spread it evenly through the length of your hair.
• Let it sit for at least an hour before washing it off.
• You can use it 2-3 times a week.

 

5. Apple cider vinegar

What do you need?

• Apple cider vinegar
• Water

What to do?

• First wash your hair with a mild shampoo.
• Then mix 2-3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with 1 cup of water.
• Now cleanse the hair with diluted apple cider vinegar.
• Leave it on for a few minutes and then rinse it off with cold water.
• Do it twice or thrice a week.

 

6. Coconut oil

What do you need?

• Coconut oil

What to do?

• Apply coconut oil before shampooing your hair.
• Massage in a circular motion.
• leave it for an hour and wash it off with a mild cleansing shampoo.
• You can do this once a week.

 

7. Argan oil

What do you need?

• Argan oil

What to do?

• Massage argan oil into your scalp.
• Wrap a warm wet towel around your hair.
• Leave it for an hour.
• Rinse it off with a mild shampoo.
• Do it once or twice a week.

 

8. Lemon juice

What do you need?

• Lemon juice
• Distilled water

What to do?

• Take 4-5 tablespoons of lemon juice and mix it with 2 cups of distilled water.
• Refrigerate this blend.
• After you are done with the hair wash, pat dry your hair and apply this mixture.
• Leave it for about 10 minutes and rinse it off with cold water.

 

9. Egg yolk

What do you need?

• Egg yolk
• Lemon juice

What to do?

• Take 2 egg yolks and mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.
• Apply this mixture to washed hair.
• Leave it for 30-40 minutes.
• Rinse your with cold water thoroughly to avoid the smell of eggs.
• You can use it once a week.

What are the tips to treat oily hair?

1. Don't take too much stress. When you are stressed, the body releases a hormone namely cortisol. When cortisol rises, it makes sebaceous glands stress which activates them to go overboard in producing and releasing more sebum
2. The way you brush your hair plays an important role. Brushing hair can reduce the look of oiliness in hair by distributing the oils down to the strands.
3. Take zinc-based supplements to build immune defenses and beta-carotene works to repair your hair quickly.
4. A correct way to use shampoo is to apply a small amount to the roots and scalp. Do it gently and avoid scratching the scalp or hair.
5. Apply conditioner on the ends of the hair to keep them away from dryness.
6. Avoid using a straightening iron, curling irons, and blow dryers to protect your hair from heat damage.
7. Clean the hair brush regularly. A dirty comb can pick up the products, dead skin, and other debris.
8. Do not touch your hair repeatedly, as it will transfer oil and dirt from their hands onto the hair.
9. Avoid silicone in hair products as it makes your hair look greasy, oily, and weighed down.
10. Wash your hair twice a week with a suitable shampoo that will prevent the scalp from excessive oil build-up.
11. Make sure to dilute your shampoo with water, lather it up well, and massage gently on the scalp.

FAQ’s

1. What is greasy hair?

Greasy hair is the result of overactive sebaceous glands, which are producing too much sebum.

2. Why does my hair get oily?

Oily hair can happen for a number of reasons. Sometimes, it's related to hormones, the styling products you use, or a dry scalp, which makes your scalp produce more oil.

3. How to remove oil from hair?

Shampoo twice or thrice a week, use conditioner on the hair length, apply the best hair serum, and apply hair oil an hour before shampooing your hair.

4. How to wash oily hair?

You should follow a complete oily hair care routine as mentioned above.

5. How many times should oily hair types use shampoo?

Oily hair types should use shampoo twice or thrice a week.

6. Does an oily scalp and hair need oiling?

If a person has an oily scalp and hair and loves to massage the scalp with oil then it is recommended to not leave it overnight as it will cause itchiness on the scalp. Use oil that is not heavy on the scalp.