How to get rid of sebum on scalp naturally?

Author: Ms. Amy Fisher V  |  Last update: Monday, August 4, 2025

When choosing a shampoo, prioritize one that helps bring an oily scalp back into balance. Seek ingredients like salicylic acid, apple cider vinegar, rosemary oil, lavender oil, and peppermint. These are great for cleansing and rubbing off sebum buildup, says Dr. Sarbaziha.

What dissolves sebum on the scalp?

Use a clarifying shampoo: Clarifying shampoos are designed to deep-clean your hair and scalp, removing buildup and impurities. Look for a clarifying shampoo that contains salicylic acid, which helps to break down sebum plugs.

How can I remove sebum from my scalp at home?

At-Home Remedies to Help Manage Scalp Sebum

For those who prefer natural remedies, try rinsing with apple cider vinegar (diluted with water), applying aloe vera, or using tea tree oil to reduce sebum. These remedies can gently clarify and soothe the scalp without stripping essential oils.

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.

How do I get rid of white gunk on my scalp?

Exfoliating your scalp can also help remove buildup and promote healthier hair. Scalp massage is a simple and effective way to encourage circulation and loosen buildup. Rinsing your hair with apple cider vinegar can also help remove buildup and restore your scalp's pH balance.

Itchy Dry Scalp Big Dandruff Scratching #1185

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 can I exfoliate my scalp naturally?

In order to create this natural scalp scrub, simply mix 2 parts sugar and 1 part honey together in a bowl. Apply to your hair and leave on for a few minutes before rinsing it off. Make sure to rinse thoroughly as you wouldn't want to leave any sugar residue behind!

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.

What is the white stuff in my hair but not dandruff?

White piedra is a superficial fungal infection of the hair. Several species of fungus that live in soil or dirty water can cause it. Piedra is the Spanish word for stone. White piedra appears as white or light brown depositions that loosely attach to the tip of a hair shaft and may group to form clusters.

What dissolves sebum?

Regular use of a BHA (beta hydroxy acid) exfoliant for sebaceous filaments can really help, because BHA is oil-soluble and can dissolve sebum and other substances crowding the pore lining. Use of a well-formulated clay face mask for sebaceous filaments might also help due to the clay's oil-absorbing properties.

How do I detox my scalp?

Scalp detoxing is achieved through chemical exfoliation (AHAs or enzymes) or manual exfoliation via brushing, scrubbing, and physical exfoliators like salt.

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.

Why does my head produce so much sebum?

Causes of Excess Sebum on the Scalp

Hypothyroidism: Low thyroid function can cause significant increases in testosterone, the hormone that directly influences sebum production. Metabolic disorders: Unhealthy fats (namely saturated or trans fats) can affect your metabolism and trigger an increase in sebum production.

How to deep clean scalp build up?

Use a Clarifying Shampoo

Both Rubin and Shirazi recommend using a clarifying shampoo to tackle buildup. There are many kinds of formulations, with certain ingredients being better for curly or damaged hair. No matter which one you select, Shirazi says to use clarifying shampoo on wet hair focusing on the scalp.

What is the best scalp exfoliator?

  • Best Overall. Christophe Robin Purifying Scalp Scrub with Sea Salt. ...
  • Best for Dry Scalps. Goop G. ...
  • Best Shampoo. Briogeo Scalp Revival Micro-Exfoliating Scalp Scrub Shampoo. ...
  • Best Multitasker. Ouai Scalp and Body Scrub. ...
  • Best for Thick Hair. Ceremonia Papaya Scalp Scrub. ...
  • Best for Oily Hair. Philip B. ...
  • Best Budget. ...
  • Best Drugstore.

How do you detox an oily scalp?

Try an apple cider rinse or shampoo once a week to help get rid of buildup and oily scalp, and reset your scalp's pH level. Sulfate-free clarifying shampoo with apple cider vinegar that soothes scalp and removes buildup.

What vitamins help with oily hair?

1 Consider taking a vitamin B2 (riboflavin) and vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) supplement, which can help combat greasy hair by regulating sebum production. Luckily, vitamin B is found in a lot of foods including beans, meat, poultry, fish, and some fruits and vegetables.

How do I get my scalp to absorb oil?

For better absorption, a steam or warm towel treatment can give amazing results. Either give your hair steam or wrap a wet and warm towel around your head to allow the hair oil to do its work.

Does vinegar dissolve sebum?

Additionally, a diluted ACV solution can help to remove residual product build-up, as well as excess dirt and sebum.

How to exfoliate the scalp?

Here's how the hair experts get their scrub on:
  1. Choose a quality scalp scrub like our Nexxus Clean and Pure Exfoliating Scalp Scrub.
  2. Wet your hair thoroughly.
  3. Apply your scrub directly onto your hair.
  4. Massage your scalp by moving your fingertips in gentle circular motions to spread the scrub.

What is the best shampoo for oily hair?

  • 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.

What is the best homemade scalp scrub?

Clarifying DIY Scalp Scrub
  • 2 tablespoons of natural sugar.
  • 1 tablespoon of coconut oil.
  • A teaspoon of apple cider vinegar.
  • 1 teaspoon of honey.
  • 3 drops of rosemary essential oil.

How do you dissolve dead skin on your scalp?

Chemical exfoliants.

Shampoos labeled for relief of dandruff and itchy scalp usually contain ingredients that dissolve dead skin cells. Salicylic acid, coal or wood tar, zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide, and ketoconazole are all approved for over-the-counter use on your scalp.

What is the best salicylic acid shampoo?

Our top picks for the best salicylic acid shampoos of 2024:
  • Best Overall Salicylic Acid Shampoo. Briogeo Scalp Revival MegaStrength+ Dandruff Relief Shampoo. Read more.
  • Best Salicylic Acid Shampoo for Dandruff. Sachajuan Scalp Shampoo. ...
  • Best Gentle Salicylic Acid Shampoo. SheaMoisture Apple Cider Vinegar Anti-Dandruff Shampoo.

Previous article
Do dermatologists help with hair removal?
Next article
How do they make minoxidil?