On a daily basis, oily hair can become very difficult to live with and the causes of this phenomenon are numerous.
An unsuitable shampoo, a shower that is too hot, excessive brushing but also hormones are factors that accentuate the production of sebum.
We show you the right things to do to find fresh and light hair. Among the solutions to integrate into your beauty routine, grandmother’s remedies such as apple cider vinegar are very effective!
Oily hair: what is it?
Many women are victims of oily hair. With their unattractive appearance, this condition of the hair is linked to excess sebum.
This substance helps protect and naturally moisturize the hair by forming a protective layer. However, it happens that its production is too important. This is what gives this oily look to the hair!
Pollution, stress, bad eating habits, or hormones can be the cause of this phenomenon. However, you should know that hair can also be naturally oily, like dry or sensitive skin.
How to recognize greasy hair?
First of all, they should not be confused with sticky hair. Indeed, sticky hair corresponds to a temporary state of the hair. This is often due to a capillary transition.
We can mention the use of a solid shampoo which makes the transition from liquid shampoo. Despite the shampoos carried out, the hair remains sticky and difficult to disentangle with a greasy appearance.
Among the different types of hair that exist, oily hair is recognizable by its wet and shiny appearance. The latter can remain at the level of the roots or extend to the tips.
When you have oily hair, it loses its shine and becomes darker. The excessive secretion of sebum weighs down and sticks the hair together, giving it a flat effect.
Why is my hair greasy? 5 possible causes
1. Stress
The emotional shock accelerates the activity of the sebaceous glands and thus increases the quantity of sebum. During a state of stress and fatigue, dandruff and itching can accompany oily hair.
If the symptoms persist, we recommend that you consult a dermatologist! He will be able to advise you on appropriate medical treatment.
2. Pollution
The phenomenon of oily hair can be accentuated by pollution, especially if you live in a town. Indeed, it has a strong impact on the health of the hair since the hair fiber is a real sponge.
It captures many elements that surround it daily and is asphyxiated by the veil of particles that disturbs the balance of the scalp.
In order to circumvent this external aggression, the scalp begins to produce sebum in large quantities in order to protect the entire hair.
3. Excessive use of dyes
Repeatedly performing chemical coloring is one of the things to avoid in order to stop having greasy hair. These tend to attack the hair fiber and dehydrate it.
The ingredients that make up the dye attack the hair fiber; in response to this attack, the scalp produces more sebum to ensure hydration.
4. Bad hair habits
Among the causes of oily hair, we also find unsuitable hair gestures. The use of bad care or an overly aggressive shampoo can make the hair greasy.
Similarly, the excessive use of heated appliances such as hair dryers or straighteners can also cause oily hair with dry ends.
The same goes for hairspray and other styling products that dry out the scalp and make the hair dull.
5. Hormonal imbalance
It can happen that the hair becomes greasy overnight. Hormones play an important role in the activity of the sebaceous glands.
Puberty, menopause, menstruation but also taking the pill are sometimes the cause of oily hair. Indeed, the skin produces sebum in order to eliminate waste from hormonal metabolism.
In addition, a diet that is too fatty and too sweet can unbalance the secretion of sebum and accentuate the effect of oily hair.
What to do to stop having greasy hair? 5 solutions
1. Use a suitable shampoo
The first trick is to change the way you wash your hair!
When the hair is oily, we tend to use a multitude of shampoos to limit the arrival of sebum.
Most of the time, these cleansing treatments are particularly detergents. Over the course of their use, the hair becomes greasy more quickly since the scalp is attacked by the ingredients of the shampoo.
2. Do not wash your hair with very hot water
Washing your hair with hot water has many harms. A very hot shower tends to damage the scalp and weaken the hair fiber. It is therefore recommended that you wash your hair with lukewarm or cold water.
Washing with cold water slows down the production of sebum and prevents the appearance of oily hair quickly. However, if you can’t stand cold water, try to opt for lukewarm water as much as possible!
Also, do not rub the hair too hard when shampooing. A gentle massage is enough to cleanse the scalp thoroughly!
3. Opt for natural care
For a healthier scalp, you can prepare natural masks. Clay-based treatments are great for fragile and oily hair!
White clay is recommended if you are dealing with dandruff and a sensitive scalp. Green clay is ideal for purifying and cleansing the scalp.
You can also use baking soda powder mixed with water once a week. This grandmother’s remedy eliminates excess sebum and neutralizes limescale particles!
In addition to clay, the use of cider vinegar is a real ally in the fight against oily hair. Applied as rinsing water or mixed with your usual shampoo, this homemade treatment will rebalance sebum production!
4. Limit the use of dry shampoo
In general, oily and fine hair should be washed every two days with a mild and purifying shampoo, but it is true that dry shampoo makes it possible to space out washing sessions.
Very easy and quick to use, it is perfect for removing oil from the hair and loosening the roots. However, this gesture should not become a habit!
Indeed, excessive use can attack the hair and produce the opposite effect. The epidermis will then produce more sebum. A real endless circle!
By spraying only on the roots, this trick will hide oily hair by making hairstyles.
5. Avoid too frequent brushing
In order to fight oily hair in the long term, avoid touching your hair too much. Repeated brushing promotes the activity of the sebaceous glands. You can choose a boar bristle brush!
Also, avoid running your hand through your hair too often. The hands are loaded with bacteria that make the roots greasy. This gesture is very often linked to stress, anxiety, or even boredom.
Image Credit: Image by diana.grytsku on Freepik
