When the glands become overactive, they can create a condition called seborrhea – more commonly known as oily scalp. Sebum is necessary for a healthy scalp and skin, but when you have too much of it, the oil builds up and causes greasy hair and dandruff. Excess sebum production is also the culprit in acne.
The wrong hair products: Similarly to overwashing, shampoos with sulfates and high levels of surfactants can strip your hair of natural oils and cause your sebaceous glands to overcompensate by producing more oil.
Here are the 3 best ways to get rid of your greasy hair. firstly, use a dry shampoo. to absorb the grease without having a full on shower. Secondly, use a scalp exfoliator. to remove build up on the scalp. that's causing your hair to get greasy a lot quicker. And 3rd is to stop wearing hats.
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. If you prefer a more intensive exfoliation, you can try a scalp scrub or chemical exfoliant.
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.
Excessive washing
Over-washing can make your hair look greasy because it strips the hair of its natural oils. This loss of natural oils causes the body to overcompensate by producing more sebum. Over-conditioning can also lead to greasy hair because it weighs down the hair and this in turn increases oil production.
Oily hair isn't healthy or unhealthy by default. People with an oily scalp can have healthy hair or dry, brittle hair. Your hair needs oil to be healthy, but too much oil can lead to buildup on the hair and scalp. Oily skin may also contribute to a condition called seborrheic dermatitis.
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.
Exfoliate your scalp: Just like exfoliating your skin helps remove dead skin cells and unclog pores, exfoliating your scalp can help to remove sebum plugs. You can use a gentle scalp scrub or a soft-bristled brush to exfoliate your scalp before shampooing.
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.
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.
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.
Lemon Juice – Found in every person's kitchen, it's a quick and easy oily hair remedy. Its acidic nature works wonders on greasy hair and washes away the oil build-up, while balancing out the pH levels of your scalp. Dilute it with water, apply it to your head, and rinse thoroughly after about 15 minutes.
Believe it or not, the simple act of repeatedly wetting your hair alone can be bad for your hair. "Wetting the hair repeatedly (and then using heat to dry it) can weaken the cortex and cuticle layers of the hair," Longsworth says. "And if the hair stays wet for extended periods of time, hygral fatigue can be an issue."
If your hair naturally produces a lot of oil, then you might find you need to wash your hair every day. However, this isn't the case for most people, who should only need to wash their hair every 2 – 3 days - depending on the different factors listed below.