How do I reduce excess oil on my scalp?

Author: Miss Alexandra Pouros DVM  |  Last update: Friday, November 28, 2025

10 Simple Tips to Get Rid of An Oily Scalp
  1. Powder Your Roots. Adding baby powder helps absorb excess oil and is a good D.I.Y. ...
  2. Rinse Well. ...
  3. Use Dry Shampoo. ...
  4. Stay Away from Heat Tools. ...
  5. Opt for Messy Buns. ...
  6. Try a Literal Refresh! ...
  7. Use Conditioners Towards the Ends. ...
  8. Brush Your Hair.

How do I stop my scalp from being so oily?

  • Keep your scalp moisturized by oiling it regularly, around least twice a week.
  • Use deep conditioning treatments specifically made for the scalp.
  • To treat oily hair, use refreshing and cleansing products.
  • Use hair masks that contain rosemary or other sebum-balancing ingredients.

How do I get rid of built-up oil on my scalp?

This old-fashioned home remedy relies on vinegar's properties as an astringent, which constricts or closes oil glands. Mix in 2 tablespoons (29.6 ml) of vinegar with 1 cup water and massage the mixture into your scalp, removing oils and dirt. Never use straight vinegar, as the acidity can damage your skin.

What causes overproduction of oil on the scalp?

Disorders of the pituitary or adrenal glands, which control hormones, can increase sebum production and result in an oily scalp. Medications, like oral contraceptives, that regulate hormones can also cause excess oil.

What removes oil accumulation from the scalp?

Wash Your Hair Regularly (but Not Too Frequently)

Regular washing removes excess oil, sweat, and dead skin cells from your scalp, but washing too often can strip your scalp of its natural oils, causing it to produce even more oil to compensate. The frequency of washing should be tailored to your hair type.

Get Rid Of Oily Scalp For Good: Dermatologist Tips!

What dissolves scalp sebum?

There are commercial shampoos specially formulated to treat sebum buildup. These "clarifying" shampoos contain ingredients like clay, activated charcoal, argan oil, or salicylic acid that gently remove sebum without damaging your hair or the skin of your scalp. Regular brushing is also important.

When I scratch my scalp, I get white stuff under my nails.?

Not only does your scalp have a plethora of sweat glands, but it also has an abundance of sebaceous (oil) glands, which produce oily sebum. Have you ever scratched your scalp and noticed white, waxy buildup under your nails? That's sebum mixed with dead skin cells.

How do I train my scalp to produce less oil?

How to train your hair to be less oily
  1. Wash your hair less often.
  2. Use dry shampoo between washes.
  3. When you do wash your hair, use a sulfate-free shampoo.
  4. Brush your hair regularly.
  5. Wear your hair up in a second-day hairstyle.
  6. Try a texturizing spray for refreshing your strands.
  7. Do a weekly apple cider vinegar rinse.

Which vitamin deficiency causes oily scalp?

Ans - A deficiency in vitamin B6 and zinc can contribute to an oily scalp. These nutrients help to regulate oil production and promote a healthy scalp.

Does apple cider vinegar remove scalp build up?

ACV is a soother, which means it can actually help prevent dirt from growing and accumulating on the scalp. It can also reduce sensitivity, balance your hair's pH levels and exfoliate your scalp, freeing it of any itchy product buildup and dead skin.

How do I reset my scalp oil production?

The idea is that by throwing a ton of hydration and gentle kisses at your scalp along with letting your natural grease hang out without being washed away, your scalp will get the signal to decrease its oil production.

What is the main reason for oily scalp?

Seasonal changes and weather fluctuations confuse your scalp and could be a contributor to excess oil. Over-washing is ironically a major cause. It can dry out your scalp and trigger an increase in oil production. An unhealthy diet and different medications can send the wrong signals to your scalp.

What is the best shampoo for oily scalp?

  • Nécessaire The Shampoo. $30. Amazon. $30. Sephora. $30. ...
  • Oribe Serene Scalp Oil Control Shampoo. $52. Amazon. $52. Sephora. ...
  • K18 Peptide Prep Color-Safe Detox Clarifying Shampoo. $38. Amazon. $38. Sephora. ...
  • Kerastase Bain Divalent Balancing Shampoo For Oily Hair. $44. Amazon. $44. Sephora.

How to reduce sebum production on scalp naturally?

Avoid processed and fried foods: Processed and fried foods are often high in unhealthy fats and sugars, which contribute to excess sebum production on the scalp. Try to avoid these foods as much as possible and opt for healthier cooking methods such as steaming, baking, or sautéing with healthy oils.

Does drinking water help an oily scalp?

Drinking sufficient amounts of water is extremely important for your overall health, including that of your hair and skin. It promotes a healthy scalp and can contribute to a more balanced production of sebum (remember, excessive sebum production is what leads to oily hair!).

What vitamin stops oily hair?

How to prevent greasy hair
  • Dry shampoo, baby powder and baking soda. Otherwise known as the holy trinity of curing a greasy hair problem. ...
  • Include more Vitamin B in your diet. Vitamin B contributes to the production and regulation of sebum levels. ...
  • Avoid straightening too often. ...
  • Wash hair less often. ...
  • Rinse hair in cold water.

What hormone imbalance causes oily scalp?

Hormonal changes, particularly those involving androgens, can significantly impact sebum production. Androgens are hormones that play a role in regulating the activity of sebaceous glands. An increase in androgen levels can lead to an overproduction of sebum, resulting in oily hair.

How do you stop oil overproduction on your scalp?

For most hair types, washing two or three times a week is adequate. Shampoo your hair thoroughly each time using firm, circular motions with your fingertips - or even better, a scalp massager! Try to avoid using your fingernails or too much pressure, as this can irritate your scalp and produce more oil.

What is the best dry shampoo for oily hair?

The 11 Best Dry Shampoos for Oily Hair to Delay Wash Day
  • Best Overall. Crown Affair The Refillable Dry Shampoo. Read more.
  • Best From the French Pharmacy. Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk. Read more.
  • Best White Cast-Free. K18 Biomimetic Hairscience AirWash Dry Shampoo. Read more.

What is the no poo method?

The no-poo (or “no shampoo”) method is a hair-cleansing technique that removes shampoo from the equation, says Yadav. Instead of using shampoo, followers of the practice use alternatives such as apple cider vinegar, a cleansing conditioner, or just plain water.

Which shampoo is best for sebum control?

Products that provide the solution
  • Scalp Therapies Solv-X Shampoo. This shampoo is designed to address excessive sebum production on the scalp, oily scalp, or acne.
  • Sabal Shampooing Traitant Séboréducteur. ...
  • Botéa Elements Scalp Control Sebum Control Shampoo. ...
  • Kérastase Specifique Bain Vital Dermo-Calm.

Is it bad to scratch sebum off the scalp?

Scratching can disrupt the oil layer and add fungus to the scalp. Both of these are factors in dandruff and can trigger flaking. The skin sheds to get rid of the irritant or foreign object, and scratching just adds more of that.

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