Hair loss is closely associated with seborrheic dermatitis because increased sebum production can create irritation and inflammation on the scalp, which can cause intense itchiness. Scratching the scalp can damage hair follicles, which obstructs natural hair growth, causing hair to fall out.
Can Sebum Build-up Cause Hair Loss? A healthy scalp is an essential factor for healthy hair. Though excess production of sebum and its build-up on the scalp, is not directly linked to hair loss; but its association with dandruff can lead to hair fall.
Sebum accumulation on the scalp occurs when too much sebum builds up. It can cause irritation, redness, and inflammation of the hair follicles.
When too much sebum builds up on the scalp, it eventually hardens and hinders the growth of healthy hair. Under production of sebum can also effect the growth of hair. Not enough sebum creates undernourished hair. The hair becomes dry and brittle, resulting in hair loss and breakage.
Generally speaking, that means daily or every other day for oily or fine hair. Dry, coarse, and curly hair can withstand longer periods between washes, often up to a week or more.
In particular, the intake of B vitamins is directly linked with your level of sebum production. According to Lococo, “Vitamin B, such as biotin, affects panthenol and sebum levels, which helps hair stay healthy and shiny.
Not Getting Enough B Vitamins
What you eat does affect every inch of your body, right down to the ends of your hair. According to HealWithFood, a person's B vitamin intake directly affects a person's level of sebum (oil) production.
The main cause of an overproduction of sebum is hormonal imbalances, including as a result of puberty and pregnancy. “As well as hormones, heat, exercise and genetics play a part,” says Kate Kerr, acclaimed clinical facialist.
oily hair: shampoos with lauryl sulfates or sulfosuccinates, which work to remove sebum from the hair. average-to-dry hair: shampoos with laureth sulfates, which remove some sebum from the hair.
Is hair loss permanent? Any hair loss that occurs as a result of seborrheic dermatitis is usually reversible. Typically, the hair will grow back once a person has received treatment for the inflammation that triggered the hair loss and stopped scratching or rubbing the scalp.
Why Greasy Hair Looks Thin. According to hair expert Jean Will of NiaWigs, an oily scalp makes your hair look thinner because a buildup of excess oil at the base of your hair follicles causes strands to clump together. “Greasy hair looks thin because of its oily look,” she said.
Vitamin B5
According to Dr. Dach, “Vitamin B5 works by reducing the oil production of the sebaceous glands.” Dach also recommends using L-Carnitine in conjunction with pantothenic acid, which can boost its effects.
Vitamin D. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that works alongside our sebaceous glands to regulate sebum production. Vitamin D helps our bodies protect against insulin resistance which can lead to oily skin as insulin stimulates the overproduction of sebum.
Zinc reduces sebum production, says Dr Sarin. “Studies point out that zinc has been shown to be lower in patients suffering with acne versus those without acne,” confirms Dr Sethi.
Vitamin D seems to inhibit sebocyte proliferation, differentiation, and sebum secretion, all of which are key factors in the production of sebum.
An overproduction of sebum can lead to oily skin. People with oily skin may notice that their pores look larger, and their skin appears greasy or shiny. Excess sebum combined with dead skin cells can form a plug inside the pore, resulting in blackheads and pimples.
Some people produce more sebum than others, causing it to build up on the scalp. When combined with sweat, dead skin cells, and other debris, the buildup can cause flaking and make the hair look greasy.
Salicylic acid-based toners or astringents or benzoyl peroxide creams can treat acne and help aid with skin cell turnover. They can also dry out excess sebum. You can apply these products immediately after cleansing, but just before putting on moisturizer.
Refined carbohydrates like sugar, refined flour, white bread, bakery products, desserts are quickly digested and absorbed into the bloodstream, resulting in a spike in insulin levels. High insulin levels increase the level of androgens, which stimulates excessive sebum production, oily skin and acne.
"Sudden thinning hair can be a symptom of anemia (low red blood cell count), hormonal issues especially related to events like pregnancy, or a thyroid disorder, which are all very common in women," says Dr. Peredo.
Why is my hair suddenly thinning? Suddenly thinning hair could be caused by a variety of reasons, such as a period of extreme stress, pregnancy, discontinuing birth control pill use, hormonal changes, a high fever, or pulling at your hair.
The answer is yes, sebum hair loss can be reversed, but there's a catch — you have to do it before your hair falls out. That's because the real cause of sebum hair loss is related to your scalp. While you may not notice this happening to you right now, you could be at risk of losing your hair.
The presence of acetic acid in the apple cider vinegar also helps tighten the pores and controls the production of sebum.
Salicylic acid - The OG degreaser, salicylic acid will help to break down sebum that is trapped or plugged in your pores. Look for treatments and washes with 2% salicylic acid, which is strong enough to remove excess oil and exfoliate dead cells but won't dry out your skin.