According to the book "Naturally Healthy Hair," oily hair is most often the result of overactive sebaceous glands. When these glands produce too much oil, your scalp becomes greasy. Oily hair is most common in adolescents, because the hormonal changes triggered during puberty can temporarily cause the sebaceous glands to excrete too much moisture. Home treatment for oily hair usually consists of a simple rinse.
Rosemary Rinse
Rosemary has a drying effect on your scalp, which helps control oil that would otherwise spread to your locks. "Jude's Herbal Home Remedies" recommends making a rosemary rinse to use in the shower after you shampoo and condition your hair.
Combine 1-1/2 cups water with 1/2 cup dried rosemary in a saucepan and bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat slightly and let it simmer for 15 minutes. Let it sit uncovered in the saucepan for 24 hours, then strain and pour it into a container with a tight lid. Use it once a day for seven days, then once a week after that.
Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse
Apple cider vinegar adds shine to your hair, and it also strips the strands of excess oil. MotherNature.com states that you can make a simple yet effective rinse for oily hair using only apple cider vinegar and water.
Mix 1 tsp. apple cider vinegar in 1 pint warm water and pour it over your head as a final rinse before getting out of the shower. Repeat the treatment each time you wash your hair.
Herbal Rinse
"Rosemary Gladstar's Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health" states that a combination of herbs and essential oils designed to combat an oily scalp is quite effective, especially in extreme cases.
Combine 1 tsp. each of dried rosemary, dried witch hazel bark and dried yarrow leaf and flower. Add the herb mixture to a saucepan along with a quart of distilled water, and simmer the rinse for 15 minutes. Strain and cool the mixture, then add one to two drops of tea tree oil.
Pour the rinse over your head after you shampoo and rinse your hair, massaging it into your scalp. Repeat each time you wash your hair.
References
- "Naturally Healthy Hair"; Mary Beth Janssen; 1999
- "Jude's Herbal Home Remedies"; Jude C. Todd; 2002
- "Rosemary Gladstar's Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health"; Rosemary Gladstar; 2008
- Mother Nature: Oily Hair
Member Comments