Oily hair often results from hormonal changes and can be difficult to control. Oiliness is due to excessive production of oil by overactive oil glands in the skin. The same oily substance produced by these glands is also responsible for oily facial skin and acne. How often you wash your hair, the type of shampoo you use and even the way you comb or brush your hair can all help encourage or discourage oiliness.
Oil in Hair and Skin
Hair grows from follicles, or roots, in your skin. Attached to each follicle is a sebaceous gland that produces sebum, an oily secretion that coats and lubricates your hair. A normal amount of sebum helps hair appear healthy and shiny. The more sebum that accumulates on your scalp, the oilier your hair. Combing, brushing and touching your hair distributes the oil throughout your hair.
Sebum's Role
Although sebum plays a role in protecting the hair shaft, and to some degree acts as a natural hair conditioner, it also attracts dirt and dust and holds it on the scalp and in the hair. That is why excessively oily hair is not only greasier than dry or normal hair, it is also dirtier. Washing the hair removes both the oil and the dirt that sticks to it.
Prevention
Since oily hair most often results from genetics, hormonal changes such as puberty and hot, humid weather conditions, it is difficult to prevent. Stress and the use of birth control pills are two other factors that contribute to excess oil production, however, and these can sometimes be controlled. If stress is a possible cause, a good solution is to practice stress-reducing techniques and exercises, such as yoga, massage and meditation. If birth control pills are causing oily hair, talk to your health care provider about switching to a different type of pill or using another form of contraception.
Solutions
Use detergent-based shampoos designed for oily hair. Shampoo oily hair every day if necessary to keep it clean. Once you lather up, leave the shampoo in your hair for 5 minutes before rinsing. Be sure to rinse shampoo completely from your hair. Use only cream rinses and conditioners designed for oily hair. Make sure your hair brush is clean and brush lightly to avoid spreading oil from the roots down through to the ends of your hair. Try not to transfer oils from your face to your hair.
Considerations
Oily hair may be accompanied by dandruff, and while dandruff is a separate problem, it may occur at the same time for some of the same reasons. These reasons include genetics, hormonal changes, stress and improper shampooing and conditioning techniques. Many of the solutions for oily hair are used to treat dandruff and a good dandruff shampoo can also help treat oily hair.
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