Why is my hair oily and flaky at the same time?

Author: Mr. Felix Will PhD  |  Last update: Saturday, September 27, 2025

You may have seborrheic dermatitis, also known as dandruff. What looks like a dry scalp condition could really be an oily scalp that's producing sticky flakes.

Why is my hair greasy and flaky?

Oily dandruff is mainly caused by an overgrowth of Malassezia due to excess oil secretion from the sebaceous glands, resulting in it can stimulate the scalp, leading to the occurrence of dandruff. Note: Malassezia is a fungus that usually lives on healthy adult scalps without issues, but overgrowth can cause dandruff.

Why is my hair so dry and greasy at the same time?

Dealing with both oiliness and dryness at the same time? These issues may seem like complete opposites, but it's actually a very common due to product buildup, over-shampooing, and other environmental factors! And if oils get stuck to the scalp area, you might also deal with dry, brittle ends. Keep watching stylist Tam.

Why do I have dandruff and oily hair at the same time?

But when your scalp has excess oil, it provides fertile ground for this fungus to explode. This leads to red patchy skin, severe itching, and dead skin in the form of flakes. This is what we know as dandruff. If your hair and scalp is excessively oily and greasy, it is usually accompanied by oily scalp dandruff.

What skin type is both oily and dry?

“Combination skin means that there are some areas of your face that are dry and other areas of your face that are more oily,” says Dr. Ugonabo.

how ANYONE can get silky smooth hair (based on science)

What is the best moisturizer for dehydrated skin?

Moisturizers for dry skin from brands like CeraVe®, Aveeno®, Avène®, La Roche-Posay®, Eucerin® and Cetaphil® are among those that Dr. Estemalik recommends most.

How do you get rid of dandruff and oily hair?

For mild dandruff, first try regular cleansing with a gentle shampoo to reduce oil and skin cell buildup. If that doesn't help, try a medicated dandruff shampoo. Some people can tolerate using a medicated shampoo two to three times a week, with regular shampooing on other days if needed.

Should I wash my hair everyday if I have dandruff and oily hair?

You would likely benefit from washing your hair more often, for example, if you have dandruff or greasy hair. You might want to wash your hair less frequently if it lacks shine or breaks easily.

How to fix oily scalp and dry hair?

Making simple adjustments such as finding a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner, washing less frequently, using less heat and applying nourishing oils and dry shampoo on the scalp are all effective to help you care for an oily scalp and dry ends.

How to hydrate scalp?

How To Moisturize Your Scalp
  1. Use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. Using a hydrating shampoo and conditioner can help replenish lost moisture and restore your scalp's natural balance.
  2. Apply a scalp treatment. ...
  3. Apply oils. ...
  4. Massage your scalp. ...
  5. Apply aloe vera. ...
  6. Exfoliate your scalp.

Why even after washing my hair it is oily?

However, when your scalp produces too much sebum, it can make your hair look and feel greasy quickly, even when it's freshly washed. One of the most common causes of sebum overproduction is using the wrong hair products. High stress levels, diet, and fluctuating hormones can also be contributing factors.

What is a combination hair type?

Combination hair tends to be characterized by an oily scalp and dry ends, which indicates that the scalp's natural oils are not traveling down the hair shaft effectively. This can make your hair difficult to manage, because you are dealing with the disadvantages of two different hair types.

Can hair be dry and oily at the same time?

How do you know if you have an oily scalp and dry ends? It's likely you have this combination hair type if you are experiencing dry, brittle, or split ends, and your scalp feels oily and gets greasy at the roots within 1 to 2 days of washing, you likely have this combination hair type.

What deficiency causes greasy hair?

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.

What is the root cause of dandruff?

Dandruff may have several causes, including: Irritated, oily skin. Dry skin. A yeastlike fungus (malassezia) that feeds on oils on the scalps of most adults.

Should you comb out dandruff?

You might clear out some of the flakes which are on top and displace some of the dead skin cells. But unless you attack the underlying cause of dandruff, your body will just keep creating more flakes. So you're going to keep using a dandruff removal comb, and never actually remove dandruff from your life.

How often do dermatologists recommend washing hair?

“There are too many variables to set one rule,” Jessica J. Krant, a cosmetic and medical dermatologist at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York said in an interview. “I believe hair can be washed anywhere from daily to once every two weeks, depending on hair and skin type, hairstyle and lifestyle.”

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.

Why does my hair get greasy and dandruff so fast?

Certain skin or health conditions can be responsible for greasy hair. For instance, some people may find they have overactive sebaceous glands. This can result in excess oil on the scalp, attracting debris, clumping hair together and increasing dandruff.

What is the best oil for dry scalp and dandruff?

Argan oil –

This oil, that comes from the Argan tree fruit, is probably the best oil for dry scalp and dandruff. It creates a protective layer on your scalp and prevents moisture loss from the head. It also contains anti-inflammatory properties that can sooth the itching.

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 not to do with dehydrated skin?

Avoid harsh skin care products. This isn't a time for rough exfoliating scrubs or cleansers that strip skin of moisture. Gentle products are best to help your skin look and feel hydrated and moisturized. Skip the use of exfoliating brushes or tools.

What hydrates skin better than water?

Humectants like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and urea pull water from both the air and the deeper layers of skin into the stratum corneum to add moisture. Occlusives like beeswax, soybean oil, and lanolin form a barrier that prevents water from evaporating.

What moisturizer do dermatologists recommend?

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer

When it comes to drugstore buys, this moisturizer is as good as it gets—and one that three different dermatologists recommended. It's lightweight and perfect for daily wear year-round, says Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York.

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