Causes and Cures for Greasy Hair

Most Common Causes of Oily Hair

Many factors affect sebum production. Genetics plays a significant part, but so do hormonal issues, medicines, stress, diet, temperature, and our hair routine. Even though we can’t alter genetic factors and chronic conditions, we can control other causes of greasy hair by adjusting them to our scalp needs. While correcting your diet and managing stress might take some time, introducing a toxin-free, nourishing regimen and changing your washing routine gives immediate results.

People with hair straight texture suffer from greasy hair more because the properties of such strands show less resistance to sebum spreading further away from the scalp.

Adjust Your Diet by Adding Ingredients With “Oil-Control” Properties

Luckily, you can fight oily scalp and skin from the inside as well! Consider including more food rich in niacin, retinol, and salicylic acid in your diet. These nutrients act as antioxidants, but also they speed up cell regeneration, boost collagen production, and more importantly, help with oil control. Therefore, ingredients that contain high levels of these vitamins and acids will contribute to restoring and improving your skin’s properties.

• Retinol – Retinol is a form of Vitamin A found in animal-based products such as fish, dairy, butter, and liver.
• Salicylic Acid – Plants produce salicylic acids as a defence mechanism against external factors. Therefore, many fruits and vegetables contain good amounts of it. However, you can find the highest concentration of retinol in radishes, cucumber, zucchini, spinach, tomato, broccoli, sweet peppers, and mushrooms.
• Niacin – This micronutrient is a form of Vitamin B3. It resides in protein-based food like pork, turkey, tuna, chicken breast, liver, ground beef, and salmon. Still, you can find it in plants also, especially in potatoes, green peas, mushrooms, avocado, whole wheat, brown rice, and peanuts.

Adjusting your diet based on your body’s needs will significantly improve your physical and mental well-being. Remember, food is not just a fuel for turning into energy; it is also a key part of achieving our hair’s ultimate potential.

Avoid Shampooing Hair Every Day

When struggling with a greasy scalp, you will most likely need to wash your hair daily. However, using shampoo to clean the oily buildup can make your hair even greasier. How is that possible? The skin’s primary goal is to protect. Thus, when faced with external threats, it reacts to restore equilibrium.

When you frequently wash your hair with shampoo, you risk stripping natural oils that protect the scalp, roots, and strands. The skin’s immune system detects the drying and enhances sebum production to compensate for what’s lost. That’s why it’s crucial to determine how often should you wash your hair and what regimen to apply for your specific problem.

Most people with very greasy hair benefit from skipping using shampoo every day. But it’s hard to maintain your hair hygiene and get rid of old habits, especially if you got used to washing your hair while showering as most men do. Oily hair is a common occurrence in women’s and men’s scalps, so adjusting your hair care to your mane needs is an inevitable step in achieving the hair you want.

Perform Scalp Detox Weekly

Since dust, dirt, and other particles stick to oily scalps quicker, the head’s surface is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, germs, and even fungi that cause dandruff. To eliminate the possibility of new hair issues and help control sebum, perform a deep hair cleansing weekly. After removing buildup on the scalp with a detoxifying regimen, your skin will be able to absorb nutrients better, which will speed up the balancing process and help your hair stay fresher for longer.

Temporary solution for greasy hair

Keeping your hair clean every day can be challenging. Constant washes and blow-drying take time and patience, so it’s no wonder you want to resort to a quicker solution to achieve the desired fresh looks. While dry shampoos are lifesavers when our schedules are cramped, some might have harmful components that could also result in greasy hair.

When considering products that restore instant freshness, look for dry shampoos with quality ingredients. Avoid those that contain paraben and sulphates, and make sure to apply them correctly. Usually, dry shampoo is sprayed on the scalp and a couple of inches around the roots. There is no need to cover the entire hair surface, especially if you wash it often. And if you need a hydration boost after a dry wash, there is an efficient solution for that as well! Conditioners like shampoos, come in many forms, including sprays.