Genetics, hormones and grooming habits all contribute to the amount of sebum -- or oil -- on the scalp. When you have an oily scalp, that oil is transferred to your hair, leaving greasy results. While conventional wisdom leads you to wash your hair even more frequently, you could be doing more damage than good, thanks to overactive oil production. Washing your scalp is only one piece of the puzzle that is an oil-free scalp and clean-looking hair.
Step 1
Wash your hair less frequently. The feeling of an oily scalp has the potential to send you running for the shower, but overwashing your hair dries out your scalp. When your scalp is dry, your body produces more sebum to make up for the imbalance, which the results in even greasier hair. Acclimate your hair to less washing by starting slowly and skipping a day. As your scalp's oil production decreases in response, you'll be able to skip more often.
Step 2
Purchase and use gentle shampoo should you have an oily scalp. Using the most potent shampoo possible seems like a good idea until you end up with dry skin and increased oil production. If you wash daily, use a mild product, such as baby shampoo. If you wash every other day, try using a shampoo made for color-treated hair, which has less irritating ingredients.
Step 3
Apply a clarifying shampoo once weekly as part of your oily scalp regimen. Clarifying shampoo helps to remove buildup left on your scalp, such as residue left from hair products and excess oil. Since clarifying shampoo is typically drying, use it sparingly to avoid overdrying your hair and scalp.
Step 4
Condition the ends of your hair only. The ends of your hair are the farthest from the scalp and the least likely area to be affected by excess scalp oil. While the roots of your hair are well-hydrated by oil, the ends still need hydration. Unfortunately, conditioning all over can exacerbate your oil scalp, so use condition sparingly and only at the ends of your hair.
Step 5
Schedule an appointment with your dermatologist if your oily scalp is accompanied by yellowish flakes. Seborrheic dermatitis, known commonly as dandruff, is often attributed to a dry scalp, but it's actually the work of overproductive oil glans. The oil causes large, yellowish flakes to fall off the scalp and into the hair. Antifungal and specialty shampoos are often prescribed to help tame oil and stop dandruff.
