Excess sebum production in the scalp causes oily hair. A variety of physical conditions cause the sebaceous glands to work overtime such as hormones, sweat, environmental conditions and pregnancy, according to the New Zealand Dermatological Society. Using products that contain ingredients that help control or reduce sebum, thereby normalizing oil production, will give you healthy shiny hair that is not weighed down by excess oil.
Jojoba Oil Products
Shampoos and conditioners that contain jojoba oil help normalize oil production. Jojoba oil is a vegetable oil from the bean of the jojoba bush. Native Americans used jojoba oil for a variety of healing purposes, including normalizing the scalp, according to the April 6, 2001, issue of CBS News Money Watch. Jojoba oil is made of fatty acids and is similar to human sebum. It dissolves and removes excess sebum build-up on the scalp, leaving the hair clean, but still moisturized.
Look for shampoos and conditioners that use jojoba oil as an active ingredient. These products will help reduce oil on the scalp and hair. Oily hair does not need much conditioning because sebum moisturizes hair. If using a conditioner, only use it on the ends, where hair is most apt to dry and split.
Rosemary Products
Rosemary oil helps normalize the scalp. Normalizing the scalp returns sebum production to normal. It stimulates the scalp, which increases circulation and blood flow. Many shampoos and conditioners contain rosemary as an active ingredient to encourage hair growth, stimulate the hair follicles and return the scalp to normal functioning, according to a study by Isabelle C. Hay, et al., published in the November 1998 issue of the "Archives of Dermatology."
The National Institutes of Health recommend shampooing your hair every day if it is oily. Leave the shampoo on for five minutes before rinsing. Use just two or three drops of rosemary essential oil on your fingertips and massage into the scalp as a conditioner.
Dry Shampoos
Another shampoo type of oily hair is the dry shampoo. Dry shampoos contain lightweight conditioners such as cotton fibers, and corn starch. These absorb the oil in the hair and plump the hair. Oily hair tends to weigh hair down, making it look flat.
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