Some skin oil, or sebum, is necessary to protect your hair and give it shine. When the scalp produces too much oil, though, hair can end up looking dull and flat. Frequent washing can remove oily build-up, but a little special attention can make your hair more manageable. A number of inexpensive, natural treatments provide simple ways to treat oily hair.
Causes of Oily Hair
While some people are genetically prone to greasy hair, for others, excessive oiliness is a temporary problem, according to Go Ask Alice.com. Hormones, in particular the male hormone androgen, are responsible for controlling oil production. Because of this, puberty, birth control medications and even stress can affect your hair's oiliness. Hot, humid weather also boosts oil production. In some cases, a dermatological condition may be at fault.
Care Regimen
Shampoo daily with a product formulated for oily hair. Gently massage in the shampoo and leave it for at least five minutes to give it time to dissolve oils. Avoid conditioner or, if necessary, apply only to hair ends. To avoid spreading scalp oils, brush your hair as gently and infrequently as possible and keep the brush away from your scalp.
Herbal Rinses
Bergamot, peppermint, nettle leaves, lemongrass, witch hazel bark, lemon peel and cinnamon bark chips may help reduce hair oiliness, asserts herbalist Sarah Powell on the website The Herb Companion. Many of these plants may also help with dandruff, as can orange peel.
Place 2 to 3 tbsp. of a mix of any of these plant products in a quart-sized jar or non-metal bowl. Pour in 1 quart boiling hot water and steep for at least 30 minutes. When the infusion cools, strain and apply 1 cup of the liquid to your hair after shampooing.
Essential Oil Treatments
Applying oils to oily hair may seen counterintuitive, but some essential oils help alleviate excessive oiliness. Among these are basil, lemon, peppermint, rosemary, tea tree and ylang ylang oils, claims the website Care2.
Blend 5 to 10 drops each of two of your chosen essential oils into 1/2 cup of a carrier oil such as coconut, olive, soybean or amla oil. Warm the oil slightly, apply to dry hair and comb through. Cover your hair with a shower cap or warm towel for 30 minutes, and then shampoo.
Extra-Strength Treatments
Natural astringents like witch hazel temporarily shrink the pores, reducing the skin's ability to produce oil. Mild acids like lemon juice dissolve existing oils, making them easier to rinse out. Take advantage of these effects with a natural treatment.
Blend 1/2 tsp. fresh aloe vera gel with 1 tbsp. lemon juice and mix it into 1/4 cup shampoo, suggests the website PioneerThinking. Shampoo your hair as usual. You can also rinse just-washed hair with the juice of two lemons diluted in 1 quart water or 2 tbsp. white vinegar in 1 cup water. Alternatively, dab a small amount of liquid witch hazel on your scalp with a cotton pad.
Considerations
Strong astringents, acids and essential oils, such as witch hazel and tea tree oil, may dry out hair too much. If you find your hair becoming less oily, cut back treatment to once a week or less according to Disabled-World.com.
Excessive washing can stimulate the oil glands, so experiment with less frequent washing. For hair that becomes noticeably oily within a day, consult a health care provider about potential dermatological problems.
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