Oily Hair: Causes, Prevention And Remedy

Natural Remedies For Oily Hair

Our scalp consists of many glands that secrete sebum, a waxy and oily substance the main function of which is to coat, moisturise, and protect our scalp and hair against dehydration and oxidative stress.

Oily hair or oily scalp is a condition in which our body produces excess oil and sebum on the scalp. This function is regulated by hormones known as androgens. The more active androgens are, the more sebum is produced by our skin and scalp. This is why many people with oily skin also have oily hair, and vice versa.

COMMON CAUSES OF OILY HAIR

• Excess sebum production
  When the sebaceous glands on our scalp produce excess sebum, our scalp gets oily and hair looks flat. Research also indicates that sebum secretion is greater in males than in females.
• Excess oiling of hair
  Using rich oils and butters on the scalp and hair that are already prone to oiliness can make hair look greasy. It can also lead to congestion on the scalp and cause dandruff and hair loss.
• Improper hair washing
  Inadequate washing of your hair can leave behind residual oils making it look greasy. Washing hair excessively can dehydrate your scalp and force your sebaceous glands to compensate for this dryness by producing even more oil and sebum.
• Excess sweating
  Sweating induced by climate, rigorous exercise or hormonal changes can make your scalp even more oily and congested. This can also make your hair and scalp prone to getting dandruff and developing a foul odour.
• Using rich conditioners
  Using excess conditioners, serums or hair packs made with emollient ingredients can make hair appear greasy and flat.
• Environmental factors
  Places with climates that are hot and humid can induce sweating on your scalp and also boost sebum levels leading to oily scalp and frizzy hair.
• Oily food
  A study claims that sebum secretion increases when we include excess fat and carbohydrates in our diet. This is why the bodies of those people who inherently have oily skin and hair tend to produce even more oil after eating oily, spicy or fried foods.
• Puberty
  Research indicates that sebum synthesis is maximum in our teenage years due to the changes caused by puberty. According to a study, puberty causes an increase in the number of androgens in our body which increases the size of our sebaceous glands, leading to more sebum secretion. This leads to oily scalp and hair.

HOW TO MANAGE OILY HAIR NATURALLY?

• Timely hair washes
  Having a dedicated hair-washing regimen promotes scalp hygiene and prevents the growth of bacteria, dandruff and scalp acne in the long run. Hair that is prone to oiliness often demands a lather-rinse-repeat cycle of hair wash to ensure the proper cleansing of your scalp and hair. This also prevents frequent hair washing and scalp odour.
  
  Use a dry shampoo to control excess oil on your scalp and to prevent frequent washing of hair.
• Use a clarifying shampoo
  Use a gentle shampoo formula that is made with clarifying ingredients such as Tea Tree Hydrosol, Neem Oil, or Rosemary Essential Oil. They provide antibacterial properties to the scalp, minimise dandruff, regulate sebum production and give a refreshing feel to your hair.
  
  If you have combination hair, use a clarifying shampoo weekly or monthly to clear product residue and minimise the effect of hard water.
• Use lightweight products
  Prefer lightweight conditioners, oils or hair serums made with fast-absorbing oils such as Rosehip Seed Oil, Grapeseed Oil or Hemp Seed Oil to moisturise scalp and hair strands.
  
  Whenever you are using hair care products with rich oils and butters such as shea butter, cocoa butter, coconut oil, etc., do not leave the oils in your hair overnight. Rinse your hair within 1-3 hours.
  
  This will prevent the greasiness from spreading to your forehead or cheeks at night, and reduce your chances of getting scalp acne or pimples.
• Use oils sparingly
  The purpose of oiling is to nourish your hair and stimulate your scalp to improve blood circulation and enhance hair growth. Hence, whenever you are oiling or massaging your scalp, take only 1-3 teaspoons of oil. This quantity is sufficient for allowing your fingers to glide on your scalp without creating friction or causing hair damage.
  
  Then comb out your hair gently to spread the oil to your hair ends.
• Do not comb excessively
  Excessive combing causes excess stimulation on the scalp which leads to excess sebum production, and oiliness the next day. 
• Eat nutritious meals
  Prefer to include natural fats such as nuts, seeds and shredded coconut in your food over refined and processed oils and butters. Instead of frying, try steaming, baking or broiling your food to maintain its nutritional integrity.
  
  Stay hydrated throughout the day, and move your body everyday to ensure its proper functioning and longevity.
• Use clay to control oil
  In a clean bowl, add 1 tablespoon of bentonite clay or rhassoul clay. Add enough water to form a paste that is neither thick nor runny. Apply this paste to your scalp, and apply the leftover paste on your hair. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes. Shampoo as usual.
  
  Clay absorbs excess oil from the hair and scalp while cleansing them thoroughly. It also regulates sebum production in the long run. This remedy can be done once in 7-10 days.
  
  Instead of plain water, this hair mask can also be activated with our Australian Tea Tree and Basil Water for its anti-microbial benefits and anti-inflammatory properties.
  
  Extracts such as sea salt, or powdered nettle, neem or basil leaves, or a drop of Rosemary Essential Oil, Australian Tea Tree Essential Oil or Tuscany Lemon Essential Oil can be added for stimulating blood circulation on the scalp and regulating odour. Sea salt also assists in scalp exfoliation.

Note: Please patch test DIY recipes on your inner arm before applying them directly to your scalp or hair. In case of redness or signs of irritation, rinse off the product with soap and water immediately.

JUICY CHEMISTRY PRODUCTS FOR OILY HAIR

• Fenugreek, Brahmi and Plantain Shampoo Bar
  Our natural shampoo bars are handmade with organic plant oils using the cold-process method of saponification. It ensures a gentle and effective cleanse without stripping your hair of its natural oils.
  
  The formula consists of Olive Oil, Neem Oil and Mango Seed Butter to nourish hair strands, Neem and Tea Tree Hydrosols to prevent scalp congestion, and Brahmi, Tea Tree and Rosemary Essential Oils to soothe inflammation and scalp itchiness.
• Baobab, Rosemary and Tea Tree Organic Shampoo
  Our natural and certified organic shampoo is formulated with saponified Baobab, Coconut and Castor Oils to cleanse your hair deeply, yet gently. It includes Lavender, Tea Tree and Rosemary Essential Oils to fight dandruff and provide antioxidant properties to hair and scalp
• Plantain, Bamboo and Charcoal Organic Dry Shampoo
  Our certified organic and natural dry shampoo is a blend of mineral-rich clays like Rhassoul Clay and Bentonite Clay that balance sebum production on the scalp, plant starches like rice and tapioca that have absorbent properties, natural cleansing agents like diatomaceous earth and bamboo charcoal to clean dirt from scalp and hair, and a blend of grapefruit, lime and sweet orange essential oils to add freshness to scalp and hair.
• Marula, Argan and Lavender Hair Oil
  It is a lightweight and non-greasy scalp and hair massage oil formulated with Olive, Argan and Marula Oils to hydrate hair strands, and Cedarwood, Lavender and Rosemary Essential Oils to soothe scalp irritation.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. How often should we wash our hair with Juicy Chemistry shampoos and shampoo bars?
   While less cleansing may lead to scalp build-up, excess cleansing may cause dehydration. Hence, we recommend cleaning your scalp and hair 2-3 times a week, depending on your lifestyle and environment.
2. How often can we use Juicy Chemistry Plantain, Bamboo & Charcoal Organic Dry Shampoo on oily hair?
   Our organic dry shampoo can be used once or twice a week for providing sebum absorbing properties on the scalp and reducing the frequency of hair wash days.
   However, refrain from using any hair product excessively in case of oily scalp because it is easily prone to build-up and congestion which may lead to itchiness and flakiness in the long run.

REFERENCES –

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3834713/
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/280933476_Gender_differences_in_scalp_health
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3834713/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2836431/