Why Does My Scalp Get Oily So Fast?

Washed hair yesterday and have greasy hair today? You're not overusing your hair care, your scalp may just be working overtime. Many people are not to blame for having oily hair, it is a natural condition that no amount of dry shampoo can cure.

If you have ever had to reach for your hair roots by midday out of embarrassment or even wash it every day in order to look presentable, then you are not just suffering from a common condition, you are having a genuine one that is easily managed. When you know what is happening beneath the surface, it all comes down to a different approach in hair care.

Oily scalp occurs when your skin and hair glands make more sebum (oil) than is normally needed to keep the skin and hair healthy and lubricated. Sebum is beneficial as it makes hair shiny and keeps the scalp healthy, in moderate amounts, it is good. But it can cause problems when these glands overactive, which can happen due to hormones, humidity, product buildup, stress or genetics.

One of the major reasons is hormonal fluctuations. Both males and females have androgens which directly activate activity of the sebaceous glands. That's why oily scalp problems tend to get worse during puberty, some times of the menstrual period or when hormonal changes happen. However, humidity can also contribute to the problem of hot sticky days, sebaceous glands will secrete more oil, and the sweat will combine with that oil to make the scalp grease up even quicker.

Another common cause that also is not typically noted is product buildup. Heavy conditioners, styling creams or serums that are applied too near the roots can smother the scalp and clog oil and dirt, giving hair an oily appearance and feel. This accumulation can also over time clog hair follicles and have an impact on the health of the hair beyond its look.

Enter the problem - many people go for an oil scalp and dandruff shampoo, thinking they can solve the issue at hand with one application, only to find that it dries their scalp out completely. 

This may seem like the objective of less oil, but it does not work. Once all the natural oils are removed from the scalp, it sees this as an alert to increase the oil production, and activates sebaceous glands to produce even more oil. This makes matters worse than they already are: wash to get rid of the oil, remove the hair, get more oil, wash again, and repeat several times, with the result that the hair seems greasier in under 24 hours.

This cycle can be worsened by over-washing. Though it may seem obvious that the more often you wash the better, this is not true when it comes to using a harsh wash as washing this way would actually disrupt the microbiome and moisture balance of your scalp making the issue worse instead of better.

The focus is on balance, not stripping. The ideal oily scalp shampoo will thoroughly cleanse and not damage the scalp's moisture barrier, allowing the oil production to remain in balance and not overcompensate. That translates to steering clear of overly strong sulfates that strip all oil away, and find formulas that will cleanse the scalp without completely drying it, thus allowing for maintenance of sebum levels and keeping the glands at bay.

Lightweight and non-comedogenic, formulas containing clarifying botanicals are ideal for managing grease while maintaining soft, manageable hair. Botanicals that provide gentle astringent or balancing properties work best, and green algae extract is among the ingredients to look for as it helps to control oil production and leaves hair feeling refreshed rather than dry, stripped or frizzy after using a traditional clarifying shampoo.

The right shampoo along with certain practice changes are significant. Don't touch your hair or scalp during the day because oils and dirt from your hands rub off directly onto your scalp. If you use conditioner or styling products be careful to keep them on the mid-lengths and ends of your hair, not on your scalp. Also try using lukewarm instead of hot water as hot water can make the oil glands work harder when the oil production is thought to be stimulated by the hot water.

Stress and diet are also significant, but quieter forces. High stress levels have been associated with higher cortisol levels, which have been shown to affect the activity of the sebaceous glands. An oily scalp shampoo can not resolve your stress, however when you combine the best hair care with general wellness routines, you have a more long-term resolution, and not simply a continuous battle against greasy roots.

Cincinnus' Silky Smooth Shampoo with Green Algae Extract aims to do just that, it clears away clogged pores, regulates excess oil and leaves hair silky and not stripped or frizzy. This does not shock the scalp and make it produce more oil, rather it is compatible with the natural balance of the scalp and makes the roots fresher for a longer time.

Buy Silky Smooth Shampoo containing Green Algae Extract

FAQ

What causes an oily scalp? 

An oily scalp is caused by overactive oil-producing glands. Hormone fluctuations, humid conditions, over-styling, and shampoos that over strip the scalp can all cause it.

How often should I wash an oily scalp? 

A clean scalp would be the best option, but if you have an oily one, you should wash every 5 to 7 days. Washing every 1-2 days with a good oily scalp shampoo is generally the best frequency, washing too much can lead to greater oil production over time, and washing too little will create a build-up.

Q: Will an oily scalp shampoo aid in treating dandruff? 

Yes, there are formulas that provide oil control and anti-dandruff properties because they're both closely related, particularly under conditions where there's a lot of oil, such as humid or polluted environments, and where there's also a lot of flaking.

 Hairs won't be dried out by using an oily scalp shampoo?.

The key is that a well formulated shampoo will cleanse the scalp without stripping the hair of its natural oils, which helps keep hair soft and manageable and helps keep roots fresher longer.Yes, it can

Q: Do certain foods cause my scalp to become oily?

 While processed and fatty foods can have an impact on sebum production, a healthy diet in combination with an appropriate shampoo will help maintain optimal scalp health over time.