If your hair is greasy and lifeless just hours after you've washed it, you may have oily buildup on your hair. Each strand of hair is connected to a hair follicle that releases oil. According to hair specialist Philip Kingsley in "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies," you have approximately 140,000 oil glands on your scalp. Zap away the oil and get the silky, bouncy hair you've always dreamed of.
Significance
According to Thomas Goodman, Jr., M.D., Memphis dermatologist and assistant professor of dermatology at the University of Tennessee Center for Health Sciences in "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies," the thickness of your hair may determine how oily your hair is. Oil clings to straight, fine hair, while coarse hair may absorb the oil and make it less noticeable.
Causes
High humidity, not shampooing enough and soap buildup from shampoo that hasn't entirely been rinsed away may all cause hair to look oily and greasy. Applying conditioner to the roots of your hair may also weigh hair down and cause it to look oily. Brushing the hair over and over again may stimulate the oil glands thereby coating your hair in additional oil.
Home Remedies
Changing the way you shampoo may help reduce buildup while keeping your hair shiny and smooth. Condition your hair first, but leave the roots alone, recommends Arsen Gurgov, hairstylist at the Louis Licari salons in New York City and Beverly Hills. Leave the conditioner in for a few minutes, then shampoo only your roots to remove excess oil. Wash your hair every day using this technique to keep the ends of your hair from drying out but keeping your roots oil free.
Over-the-Counter Remedies
According to Dr. Goodman, shampoo that is opaque contains extra ingredients that may cling to the hair and add an oily residue even after you've rinsed your hair. Instead, look for clarifying shampoos that are transparent or translucent in color. They contain fewer ingredients and will rinse away completely without coating the hair in residue.
Expert Insight
In her book "Herbs for Health and Healing," Kathi Keville recommends creating your own shampoo to strip away oil from the hair. Purchase 2 oz. of unscented shampoo from the drugstore and add 10 drops of lavender essential oil and 2 drops of chamomile essential oil to the bottle. Shake well and shampoo your hair with the solution daily. The essential oils will cut grease and make your hair soft and shiny.
References
- "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies"; Deborah Tkac; 1990
- "Herbs for Health and Healing"; Kathi Keville; 1996
- "Harper's Bazaar:" Get Thick, Shiny Hair
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