OILY SCALP

 

BEST HOME REMEDIES FOR OILY SCALP

Introduction:

Oily scalp is a common condition called seborrhea which is an excess of our natural oils. It can often also contribute to dandruff and lead to conditions such as seborrheic dermises.

Dealing with an oily scalp can be bothersome, but there are several effective home remedies you can try to manage it. While commercial products are available to address this issue, many people prefer natural remedies for their scalp concerns. Fortunately, several effective home remedies can help manage excess oil production and restore balance to the scalp. In this guide, we'll explore various natural treatments for an oily scalp that you can easily try at home. Excess secretion of oil causes your scalp to feel sticky, and gives rise to many other problems including dandruff, hair fall, and more. So, if you’re tired and don’t know how to get rid of an oily and greasy scalp, we are here to solve your problem the natural way.

What Causes Oily Scalp?

There are various causes for an oily scalp and it’s generally easy to identify. An oily scalp occurs when the sebaceous glands in the skin produce an excessive amount of sebum, an oily substance that helps keep the hair and scalp moisturized. If your hair looks greasy, dull, lifeless, and sticks to each other, it is an indication of oily hair. If you wash your hair and still find it to be greasy, then you’re suffering from an oily scalp. Several factors can contribute to the overproduction of sebum, leading to an oily scalp:

• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuation in hormone levels, such as during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause, can stimulate sometimes send signals to your scalp to produce more oil.

• Genetics: Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to oily skin and scalp, with their sebaceous glands naturally producing more sebum.

• Over washing: Over-washing your hair can dry out your scalp and cause your body to compensate with more oil.

• Using Harsh Hair Products: Hair care products containing harsh chemicals, such as sulfates, parabens, and alcohol, can irritate the scalp and trigger an overproduction of oil. Reaction to chemicals in the hair products that you use.

• Environmental Factors: Extreme changes in the weather can cause a disruption on your scalp, confusing your body to produce more oil. Hot and humid weather can stimulate the sebaceous glands, leading to increased oil production. Pollution and exposure to environmental pollutants can also contribute to scalp oiliness.

• Stress: Stress and a chaotic lifestyle can increase your cortisol levels, which can force your oil glands to produce more oil. Stress can disrupt hormone levels and stimulate the body's production of cortisol, which in turn can lead to increased oil production in the scalp.

• Diet: Not maintaining a healthy diet and eating heavy-carb foods can contribute to excess oil production. Consuming a diet high in greasy or fatty foods may exacerbate oiliness in the scalp. Additionally, deficiencies in certain nutrients, such as vitamin B6 or zinc, can affect sebum production.

• Hair Texture: People with fine or straight hair may be more prone to oily scalp, as the oil can travel more easily along the hair shaft.

• Overuse of Hair Products: Using too many styling products, such as gels, mousses, or serums, can build up on the scalp and contribute to oiliness.

Oil And Dandruff

Having an oily scalp can indeed be accompanied by dandruff, creating a challenging combination to manage. Dandruff is caused by the fungus Malassezia Globose, which is found naturally on your scalp. This fungus feeds on sebum and breaks it down into oleic acid that can react with your scalp. An oily scalp occurs when the sebaceous glands produce an excessive amount of sebum, an oily substance that moisturizes the scalp and hair. This excess oil can create a breeding ground for the yeast Malassezia, which feeds on the oil. When Malassezia feeds on the excess oil, it produces byproducts that can irritate the scalp, leading to increased shedding of dead skin cells. This shedding manifests as visible flakes, known as dandruff. Dandruff is identified by red patches of skin, severe itching, and dead skin cells in the form of flakes. Choose a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo specifically formulated for oily scalps. Look for ingredients like salicylic acid or ketoconazole, which can help control oiliness and reduce dandruff. Wash your hair regularly to remove excess oil, dead skin cells, and dandruff flakes. However, avoid over washing, as it can strip the scalp of its natural oils and worsen oil production. Use medicated shampoos containing ingredients like selenium sulfide, coal tar, or zinc parathion to target dandruff and control yeast overgrowth. Rotate between different anti-dandruff shampoos to prevent tolerance buildup. Incorporate scalp exfoliation into your routine to remove buildup and dead skin cells. Use a gentle scalp scrub or brush to exfoliate once or twice a week.

Home Remedies for Oily Scalp

It is important to try out the different remedies to see what works best for you and your skin. Be careful of the quantities and find enough information on each remedy before you try it out.

1. Aloe Vera

This gooey gel is a proven method of removing excel oil from your scalp. The vitamins and minerals present in aloe vera help to detoxify the scalp, thereby helping you remove impurities. Besides, it repairs the scalp, reduces dandruff, and promotes hair growth. In fact, aloe vera has nutrition-rich compounds that nourish your scalp and soften the texture of your hair.  Applying this cooling gel to your scalp and hair is a great option for summer haircare. 

• Apply fresh aloe vera gel directly to your scalp and massage it in.

• Leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing with water.

• Aloe vera helps regulate oil production and soothe inflammation on the scalp.

2. Clarifying shampoos

These strong shampoos incorporate surfactants that act as emulsifiers on your greasy head. It works by lifting all the oil on your scalp and hair, which gets washed away while rinsing. It is important that you only use this once in a while, as it can cause other issues on your scalp.

3. Lemon Juice

Found in every person’s kitchen, it’s a quick and easy oily hair remedy. Lemon juice is the most effective home remedy for a greasy and oily scalp. Lemon juice acts as an astringent and can help control oil production on the scalp. The acidic nature of lemon helps to remove excess oil or sebum from your hair, and also works as a great solution for dandruff. It also kills bacteria, and helps to keep the oil away from your scalp. 

• Mix the juice of one lemon with water.

• Apply the mixture to your scalp using a cotton ball or spray bottle.

• Leave it on for 5-10 minutes before rinsing thoroughly with water.

• Lemon juice has astringent properties that can help control oiliness on the scalp.

4. Tea Tree Oil

Although this can be harsh on your scalp, tea tree oil has shown to significantly reduce greasiness. Tea tree oil has antimicrobial properties that can help combat oily hair caused by scalp conditions like dandruff or fungal infections. Tea tree oil is a great at-home remedy to get control of the concerns of an excessively oily scalp. It has antibacterial properties. This century-old essential oil has found top billing in the beauty aisle and can be a great solution to scalp irritation and flakes. 

• Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba oil.

• Massage the mixture into your scalp and leave it on for 15-20 minutes.

• Rinse thoroughly with water and shampoo as usual.

• Tea tree oil has antimicrobial properties that can help reduce oiliness and soothe the scalp.

5. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)

Apple cider vinegar is one of the effective remedies for oily hair. This is a popular remedy for oily scalp and can bring balance to your scalp ph. Its cleansing properties can get rid of any excess oil buildup, while retaining the natural oils of your hair Apple cider vinegar helps to extract the extra oil from the scalp and is hence one of the best home remedies for oily scalp.

• Dilute 1 part apple cider vinegar with 2 parts waters.

• After shampooing, pour the mixture onto your scalp and massage its in.

• Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing thoroughly with water.

• ACV helps balance the pH level of the scalp and control excess oil production.

6. Green tea

 A green tea rinse works wonders on oily and greasy hair. It is an anti-oxidant and helps balance out oil production. It has polyphenols which help in controlling the sebum secretion in your hair. Green tea extracts are known for their properties in reducing sebum production and nourishing the scalp.

• Brew a strong cup of green tea and allow it to cool.

• Use it as a final rinse after shampooing, massaging it into your scalp.

• Leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing thoroughly with water.

• Green tea contains antioxidants that can help control oil production and soothe the scalp.

Drinking green tea has also shown to reduce scalp inflammation and increase hair growth.

7. Egg white mask

Egg white is rich in protein and high in sulfur, which can help you tackle oily hair and dandruff. Not to mention, it also helps in nourishing and conditioning your hair. 

• Separate the egg whites from the yolks and beat them until frothy.

• Apply the egg whites to your scalp and leave them on for 10-15 minutes.

• Rinse thoroughly with water and shampoo as usual.

• Egg whites help absorb excess oil and tighten the pores on the scalp.

8. Baking Soda

Baking soda is known for its oil-absorbing properties, making it an effective remedy for greasy hair.  Baking soda works great as a dry shampoo as well as a rinse for oily hair.  Baking soda works great in removing dirt and grime from the scalp and has mild exfoliating properties too.

• Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with water to form a paste.

• Gently massage the paste onto your scalp, focusing on oily areas.

• Leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing thoroughly with water.

• Baking soda helps exfoliate the scalp and absorb excess oil.

9.Neem

 This wonder from nature has been used for decades as a remedy for oily and itchy scalps. Its anti-bacterial and moisturizing properties make it one of the best cures for your oily scalp. You can boil Neem and apply it on your head after shampooing. Or create a hair mask from neem paste and apply it directly to your hair.

• Mix a few drops of neem oil with a carrier oil like coconut or olive oil.

• Massage the mixture into your scalp and leave it on for 30 minutes to an hour.

• Rinse thoroughly with water and shampoo as usual.

• Neem oil has antibacterial properties that can help combat scalp infections and reduce oiliness.

10.Yogurt

Yoghurt is one of the most effective home remedies for oily scalp. Yoghurt prevents the excess secretion of sebum. Yoghurt is extremely hydrating and acts as an oil emollient and makes your scalp less sticky and greasy.

• Apply plain yogurt directly to your scalp and hair.

• Leave it on for 20-30 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water.

• Yogurt contains lactic acid, which helps regulate oil production and cleanse the scalp.

These additional home remedies offer natural solutions for managing oily scalp conditions. Incorporate them into your hair care routine as needed to maintain a balanced and healthy scalp. If you experience persistent oiliness or scalp issues, consult with a dermatologist for personalized advice and treatment recommendations.