Shampoo & Oily Hair

Shampoo & Oily Hair
Photo Credit long hair image by robert mobley from Fotolia.com

You washed your hair this morning, yet experience greasy, stringy hair by lunchtime. Greasy hair is caused by oil glands in your scalp, and can be reduced by frequent shampooing that works to reduce oil and improve the appearance of your hair. Using a shampoo specifically designed for oily hair can be more effective in reducing oil on the scalp than shampoos designed for normal or dry hair.

Significance

Each hair follicle on your hand contains a sebaceous gland that produces sebum, a form of oil. For some, the sebaceous glands produce excess amounts of oil, which can cause the hair to appear more greasy, according to Self.com. If you have fine hair, the oiliness is likely to be more noticeable than for those with thick hair. Hair product buildup also can cause oily hair, according to Hair Boutique.

Method

In addition to the type of shampoo you use, how you shampoo your hair can help to reduce oil, according to Seventeen magazine. Because the source of your oily hair often begins with the scalp, massage the shampoo into your scalp. Avoid simply placing the shampoo hair on top of the head and washing your hair. Hot water also should be avoided, because the heat can stimulate the sebaceous glands. Leaving the shampoo on the scalp for up to five minutes also can help to remove excess oil, according to "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies."

Solution

Purchasing a shampoo specifically designed for oily hair is effective in reducing the surface oil on your scalp, according to Seventeen magazine. These types of shampoos contain strong detergents to better remove oil, according to Health Learning Info. A clarifying shampoo also can help to remove product buildup that can cause the hair to appear greasy.

Time Frame

Shampooing your hair every day is a good idea if you have greasy hair, according to Hair Boutique. If you use conditioner, place it only on the ends of your hair--getting the conditioner too close to the scalp can contribute to greasiness. If you find this method dries out your hair too much, space out the time frame to how often you wash your hair to every other day. Two shampoo applications may be necessary during the same shower session.

Considerations

One method of telling if your shampoo is working enough to remove oil is by your shampoo lather, according to Health Learning Info. Your shampoo should not foam if is working to remove oil. If you apply shampoo once and the shampoo does not lather, you can shampoo an additional time to ensure enough oil has been removed.

References

Article reviewed by GlennK Last updated on: Aug 13, 2010

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