What Is Oily Scalp? 9 Common Causes & How to Treat It

2024.07.24Uncategorized

What Is Oily Scalp? 9 Common Causes & How to Treat It

What is an oily scalp?

An oily scalp occurs when there is overproduction and excessive sebum build-up on the scalp. In addition to creating a shiny and greasy appearance, this accumulation of sebum can lead to other problems like dandruff, itching, flakiness, and swelling of the hair follicle.

In more serious cases, excessive oil can also create a favorable environment for bacterial growth and cause infections or scalp-related issues.

What causes oily scalp?

The most effective way to get rid of an oily scalp is to understand what’s causing the overproduction of sebum in the first place. Here are nine common reasons you may be dealing with overly greasy hair.

Genetics: We know our family gene pool plays a role in determining our hair color, thickness, and hair type. So it makes sense that genetics can influence the size and efficiency of the sebaceous glands too. If you think you inherited your oily scalp, you may be right.
Overwashing: Overwashing can strip your hair of natural oils and prompt the sebaceous glands to overproduce sebum to combat dryness and compensate for the loss. Restore your oil production equilibrium by finding the optimal washing frequency for your hair type.
Personal hygiene habits: Your regular grooming practices and personal habits may be contributing to your oily hair. Frequently touching your hair, excessive brushing, or using dirty accessories can transfer oil and impurities to your hair and lead to buildup. Additionally, not washing hair for long periods or sleeping on dirty shirts can also exacerbate oiliness. If you’ve wondered, Why does my scalp get so oily, and can relate to any of these habits — you might have your answer. Maintaining good hygiene is key to managing grease and oil levels on the scalp.
Diet: The foods we consume directly impact our health, and as it turns out, they may affect sebum production too. There is some evidence that diet (specifically increased sugar, carbs, and fats) is linked to changes in sebum composition. There is also evidence that reducing caloric intake reduces sebum production in patients prone to acne. That said, everyone’s body is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to nutrition or how your food intake will impact your hair. Always discuss any changes in diet with a doctor.
Stress: It’s no secret that stress plays a huge role in our physical and emotional well-being. Stress triggers our fight-or-flight response, which increases cortisol production. Cortisol has been linked with increased sebum production, which can cause acne flare-ups and oilier roots.
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. An effective way to restore the scalp’s balance is by incorporating the right products into your haircare routine. Certain ingredients like niacinamide, zinc salts, and capryloyl glycine have been shown to help minimize oil production and promote a healthy scalp.
Hormonal Changes: Puberty, pregnancy, menstruation, menopause, and other causes of hormonal fluctuation can interrupt the scalp’s natural balance. These natural changes in the body can trigger an increase or decrease in sebum production and potentially result in greasy hair.
Medications: Like stress, certain medications can create hormonal imbalances or impact your metabolism and result in a greasy scalp. Birth control, for example, can sometimes influence hormone levels and potentially cause a change in sebum production, which can lead to dry or oily skin. Monitoring how your body reacts to medications and adjusting your haircare routine accordingly will help you find the oily scalp remedy that works for you.
Environment: If you live in a humid environment, sweat doesn’t evaporate as quickly as in a dry environment. When sweat travels down the length of the hair, it can redistribute oils, resulting in hair that looks greasy and dull. Additionally, the build-up of sweat can promote the growth of fungi and bacteria, which can cause scalp irritation. If you’re struggling to adapt to your environment, the right products can be instrumental in helping you overcome the elements. For example, Living Proof’s dry shampoo removes sweat and works wonders on oily hair, making it easy to refresh your appearance when faced with unavoidable bouts of humidity.