Why Does My Hair Get So Oily?
It’s one of the most common questions we get in the salon. There any many reasons we get oily hair, but there are definitely things that can be done to combat the grease!
Greasy hair is the result of over-active sebaceous glands – producing too much sebum. Sebum is a oily/waxy substance which naturally hydrates and protects the hair and scalp.
Unfortunately when you get to much of this, that’s when your hair gets that slick appearance that feels unclean and urges you to wash it.
So what are the reasons for oily hair and what can you do to fight it?

You might be surprised to learn that in an effort to combat the grease, washing your hair everyday is doing just the opposite. Over-washing strips the hair and scalp of it’s natural oils (sebum) and leads to an over production of Sebum to compensate.

It is a hard cycle to get out of once you’re washing your hair everyday.
Try and cut down to washing your hair only 2-3 times per week.
Shampoo the scalp well with two shampoo applications and conditioner only on the mid lengths to ends.
Two shampoos will ensure it is very clean, which will make the wash last longer and only conditioning the mids/ends avoids putting unneeded heaviness from the product onto you roots (causing a oilier look more quickly). Almost no-one’s roots need conditioning!

It may take a little while, but you can train your hair to get out of the habit of needing washing everyday.

Products advertised for shine/hydration/repair, can be too heavy for oily hair.
You should be using a lighter shampoo such as volume a shampoo and then you can use a small amount of hydrating conditioner on the ends where it can’t build up on the scalp.
Avoid using serums/oils near your roots at all!

Another product to have handy is a cleansing shampoo, which is good for oil and product build up and will clean it squeaky clean when your normal shampoo isn’t cutting it. Only use fortnightly-monthly or when needed.

This transfers the oils from your hands and fingers onto your hair, making it dirtier quicker.
The same goes with over-brushing it!
Not only are you touching your locks more than you should, you are spreading oil down the strands from the scalp.
Over-brushing can also stimulate oil production.
Use a wide tooth comb to get rid of knots if needed.

If your not washing your pillow case enough, oils from your hair and face will just keep transferring back onto you every night, adding to the problem.
If your fighting oily hair, it wouldn’t hurt to change your pillow case once a week.

You are what you eat! A healthy diet will always show in your hair, skin and nails. By drinking lots of water and cutting out greasy food, you will see a change.
Vitamin B moderates production of Sebum – foods such as seaweed, leafy greens and pulses.
Try and add more fruits and veggies into your diet.

Include humidity and exercise causing sweat.
Hormones can also play a part in the amount of oil your scalp produces as well as the sensitivity level of your scalp at different times.
Fine or straighter hair will also show more oil and can’t as easily be disguised.

Dry shampoo will help soak up the oil in between washes and feel fresher. You can try things like changing up your hairstyle and working with natural texture. Styles that are super sleek work well, such as buns and high ponytails. Waves/curls with a bit of volume will disguise the oily look too.

We know how annoying oily hair can be and we hope these tips have helped you in some way!
If you would like to discuss further or see what products could help you, please feel free to come and see the friendly team at Hair Scene.