Cons of Oily Hair

Cons of Oily Hair
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Oily hair is actually a byproduct of an oily scalp. Your scalp contains sebaceous oil glands just as the rest of your skin does, according to an article on LearningInfo.com. On the plus side, very oily hair usually does not dry out as quickly and tends to break less. Oily hair cons involve the extra care it can take to keep oily hair clean. Normal oily hair hygiene doesn't always address all of the issues, so consult your physician if your scalp is itchy, red or irritated and over-the-counter remedies do not clear it up.

Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis is a common ailment, according to the experts at Medline Plus. In infants, it is called cradle cap, and in infants and adults it presents as a yellowish, flaky rash that may or may not itch. The causes of seborrheic dermatitis are not known, but a Medline Plus article explains that a yeast infection called malasseziak combined with too much oil being produced by your scalpk may be the cause. A good dandruff shampoo is often enough to control the condition in adults, though severe cases may warrant a visit to a dermatologist.

Increased Acne

Oily hair that falls into your face or brushes constantly against your neck and shoulders can contribute to acne. Acne is caused by oils, dirt and dead skin cells clogging your pores. If you have oily hair, keep it off of your neck and shoulders and away from your face as much as possible. Washing your hair every day with a shampoo formulated for oily hair can also help.

Shampooing More Frequently

The sebaceous glands in your scalp secrete oils that keep your healthy and shining. But if these oils build up, they make your hair look greasy and dull, as well as attracting bacteria. Massaging a clarifying shampoo into your scalp, rinsing with cool water and applying conditioner to the ends only are all good ways to help keep oil under control.

Unpleasant Odor

Bacteria thrive in oily hair, and they can cause your hair to develop an unpleasant smell, especially if you exercise intensely without washing your hair afterward. Washing your hair every day or every other day and using a fresh towel to dry your hair after every shampoo can help prevent this.

References

Article reviewed by Stephanie Skernivitz Last updated on: Jun 14, 2011

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