Oily hair can be difficult to style and often appears greasy and lifeless. It can result from the overproduction of sebum, the natural oil produced by hair follicles. Excess sebum production can occur during periods of hormonal change such as puberty or pregnancy. Excessive handling and product build-up can be causes of oily hair as well. Hair products designed to treat oily hair can be expensive and cause hair to become dry, but natural home remedies may offer effectiveness and simplicity.
Hair Care
General hair care practices can treat oily hair. Hair should only be shampooed once every one to two days, because too much cleansing can strip the hair of natural oils. This causes hair follicles to produce extra oil, which is often too much. Excessive handling and styling of hair can also result in an oily and greasy appearance because the oil from hands and fingertips is transferred to the hair.
Astringents
Ingredients with astringent properties cause the hair cuticle to shrink and close, reducing the appearance of greasiness. They also reduce the secretion of oil from the sebaceous glands when applied directly to the scalp. Mixing equal parts mouthwash and witch hazel creates an astringent and antiseptic hair treatment that can be applied to the scalp with cotton balls after shampooing. Mouthwash, which eliminates bacteria that lives in hair oil, can also be used when diluted 90 percent with water. It can be applied after cleansing and conditioning the hair, and then left on for the rest of the day.
Vinegar Rinses
Oily hair can be caused by excessive product build-up. Daily use of shampoos, conditioners, hair treatments and styling products results in oily, greasy films that rest on top of the hair shaft. Vinegar works as a clarifying ingredient that strips away the product build-up and vinegar rinses can be made at home. A mint tea bag can be steeped in a half cup of hot water until the tea is cool. After removing the tea bag, mix in 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. The rinse is massaged into the scalp and rinsed into damp hair after cleansing. It can be left in hair during normal styling. Malt vinegar can be used as a clarifying rinse as well by mixing it with an 8 ounce glass of water and a pinch of salt. The mixture can be massed into the scalp twice a week and left on for an hour before rinsing with water.
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