What causes overproduction of oil on scalp?

Author: Mr. Humberto Kling  |  Last update: Thursday, September 18, 2025

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.

Why is my scalp producing so much oil?

Causes of an oily scalp

Causes of excess scalp oil production can be as simple as overwashing the hair or maybe even the type of hair you have. Washing your hair too often can send signals to your scalp that more sebum needs to be produced to keep hair clean.

How do I stop sebum overproduction on my scalp?

How do I stop my scalp from being oily?

How do I stop too much oil on my scalp?

WHAT CAUSES EXCESS SEBUM PRODUCTION ON THE SCALP?

What deficiency causes oily scalp?

Zinc, Biotin and Vitamins

Biotin is a B vitamin that is essential for proper absorption of Zinc. Create a diet with balanced amounts of both. Adding Vitamin B6 to your diet can also help to regulate sebum production on your skin and a deficiency might aggravate dandruff.

Why does my head make so much oil?

Overwashing

If you wash your hair too often, you can trigger an overproduction of those natural oils, creating excess sebum production, and bang—you've got greasy hair the next day, or even just hours after rinsing.

What does oily scalp indicate?

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.

How to control sebum production?

Increasing the intake of healthy fats like omega-3s found in fish, nuts, and seeds can help reduce inflammation that worsens acne. Omega-3s also limit the overactivity of sebaceous glands. Foods rich in zinc like oysters, nuts, legumes, and whole grains help control excess sebum production as well.

How do I train my scalp to be less oily?

Washing your hair every day contributes to an oily buildup. The more you clean your hair, the more oil your scalp produces to compensate. If you normally wash everyday, it'll take time to get used to washing it less. So start by going an extra day or two in between your normal washes.

What vitamins reduce sebum production on scalp?

Zinc. Zinc helps the work of vitamin A, one of the most effective vitamins for restoring skin health and regulating sebum production. It's also known to help balance sebum production by decreasing the number of androgens in the body.

Why is there so much buildup on my scalp?

When the scalp is not washed properly, sweat, oil, and dead skin cells can form into a layer of buildup, which can clog follicles and cause scalp irritation.

What causes excessive sebum production?

Overproduction. Sebum production varies in response to age-related hormone fluctuations, certain medications, and lifestyle factors. 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.

How do I stop overproduction of sebum on my scalp?

What removes oil accumulation from the scalp?

Shampoo is the product that helps remove oil accumulation from the scalp. It contains surfactants that work like heavy-duty soap, making it ideal for use after a scalp treatment and before styling.

What hormones cause oily scalp?

Similarly, testosterone increases oil production. People with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which is characterized by elevated testosterone, may notice symptoms like oily skin. 3 This could also include the scalp, making the hair appear greasy.

What deficiency causes excess sebum?

Vitamin D seems to inhibit sebocyte proliferation, differentiation, and sebum secretion, all of which are key factors in the production of sebum.

How to remove oily scalp?

Which shampoo is best for sebum control?

How to hydrate scalp?

What is the best shampoo for oily scalp?

How do you know if your hair has too much oil?

How do I get my scalp to produce less oil?

What health conditions cause oily scalp?

Certain medical conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and hypothyroidism, can also cause oily hair. These aren't the only medical reasons for greasy hair, so it's worth speaking with your health care provider to rule out any conditions that could be causing excess oil.

How do I prevent oil build up on my scalp?

using an exfoliator on the scalp to break up the buildup. selecting a shampoo and conditioner that work for the person's hair type. washing the hair regularly — typically daily for oily hair and every few days for drier hair. using blow dry lotions, as they can condition the scalp without adding oil.