Oily hair and an oily scalp result from excess sebum production in hair follicles. Sebum, the skin's natural oil, helps seal moisture into the skin, protects against bacterial penetration and is believed to assist in immune system operations, as the New Zealand Dermatological Society (NZDS) explains. The oil's production is regulated by androgens, the body's various sex hormones. Though sebum is important, in excess the resulting oily scalp and hair can be a significant beauty concern for women.
Step 1
Shampoo your hair daily, or even twice a day when it's hot and humid or you've worked up a sweat. Though counter-intuitive, the Nemours Foundation recommends opting for gentle hair cleansing products rather than shampoos made specifically for oily hair, as they can be too harsh on the scalp. Dermatologist Thomas Goodman, Jr., M.D., suggests using clear shampoos.
Step 2
Massage the scalp while washing your hair, and take your time. The University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry's dermatology department chairman, Lowell Goldsmith, M.D., points out that shampoo should be left in for about five minutes.
Step 3
Avoid conditioners, which can irritate the scalp and stimulate sebum release. If you must use a conditioner, the Nemours Foundation says to pick one designed for oily hair. Use a product containing little or no oil. Condition the ends of your hair, but don't use the conditioner down to the roots or directly on your scalp.
Step 4
Apply an astringent to your scalp with a cotton ball after showers. Hair care specialist Philip Kingsley recommends making your own astringent with equal parts mouthwash and witch hazel.
Step 5
Make a rinse by diluting the juice from two lemons in a quart of water. Alternatively, you can use a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a pint of water. These reduce oil on the scalp, as well as remove residue from cleansing products, and can be applied after showering.
Step 6
Talk to your gynecologist about your oily scalp when choosing an oral contraceptive. As sebum production is regulated by androgens, birth control pills which affect the sex hormones can aggravate the condition.
Step 7
Consult your doctor if you are unable to manage your oily scalp. Excess sebum production can be a sign of underlying health conditions, according to the NZDS. It may result from ovarian, pituitary gland or adrenal gland problems, as well as Parkinson's disease. Additionally, prescription medications like antiandrogens and isotretinoin (and other Vitamin A derivatives) are available to help manage excessively oily skin.
Tips and Warnings
- Test whether you've washed your hair well enough. After drying your hair, feel your scalp to see if it's oily. If it is, you need to massage the shampoo in longer next time you shower, and try using more shampoo.
- If you have flaky white or yellowish scales forming on your oily scalp, the condition is known as seborrheic dermatitis, or dandruff, more commonly. Redness and itchiness sometimes occur as other symptoms. The National Institutes of Health recommend using a shampoo designed to treat dandruff, and points out that prescription shampoos made with selenium, ketoconazole or corticosteroids are available for severe cases.
Things You'll Need
- Mild, clear shampoo
- Astringent
- Lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
