All of us have faced a bad hair day at some or the other point, however how many of us have tried to get to the root cause of the problem and tackle it? If you are facing a bad hair day very often, then it may be a warning alarm for you – your hair needs help. If after cleaning too, your hair looks very dull and lifeless, and the shine and volume seems to be disappearing then stop for a moment and think! Have you ever thought about the reason for such a drastic change? It could all be amounted to the affliction known to us as an oily scalp – and it is a matter that needs attention instead of ignorance.
Oily scalp doesn’t only make your hair look dull but it even worsens the quality of the hair strands from their roots to tips. Therefore, before it is too late, you must pull up your socks and try out some of the important remedies to counter an oily scalp. However, before that, it would be wise to know what the various factors are that lead to an oily scalp in the first place.
Factors and causes that lead to an oily scalp
Excess Sebum
Our scalp has got a certain type of gland which is known as the Sebaceous gland which is responsible for the production of a particular fluid called sebum. It’s this sebum which keeps our hair and the scalp smooth and doesn’t let it dry. But when the production of this fluid, called sebum, increases more than its normal rate, then it causes problems like an oily scalp. This is because our hair tends to absorb the excess sebum which makes the strands look too oily and dull.
Thus, it is very clear that the excess production of sebum is one of the main factors that make our scalp really oily. This happens mostly during the hormonal change that occurs in our body during pregnancy or even puberty. Our sebaceous glands start producing excess sebum and finally it give rise to problems like an oily scalp. Sometimes when we are affected by any particular medical affliction that affects our body parts, like the ovaries and pituitary gland, then the sebaceous gland starts generating excess sebum which in turn causes an oily scalp.
Many of us know that brushing the hair keeps it healthy and free from any affliction. However, too much of combing and brushing can also lead to an over production of oil in the scalp. When we brush with extra zest then the sebum tends to get attached to the comb, and the more we brush the more sebum gets distributed on our head via the comb. So, too much of zealous and strong brushing can trigger a condition like an oily scalp. People who have straight hair tend to become the victim of this affliction very quickly, as in this hair type the sebum passes to the hair quickly – because it reaches the tip in a very short period of time.
Family Heredity
Family history can also be one of the major reasons for an oily scalp. If our family has got a problem of oily scalp then we can also get affected by that. If a special type of hormone called the dihydrotestosterone is closely linked with a member of our family then we might also get affected by this hormone that causes oily scalp.
Poor Hygiene
Improper hygiene can also be a major reason for the cause of an oily scalp. The presence of sebum in our scalp is normal, as it is this very substance which makes your hair look shiny and attractive. But when our scalp collects too much of oil generated from sebum it tends to cause problems like oily scalp. If we don’t wash our hair properly after a regular interval then this concentrated oil level increases in our scalp and makes the situation worse. So, the use of proper shampoo in our hair will not only make our scalp clean but will also reduce the oil level.
Excess Intake of Fried and Junk Food
Often our daily diet can also be the trigger for an oily scalp. Too much intake of fried and junk foods can also cause this affliction, as these sorts of food contain a high amount of oil that directly affects the scalp. So, in order to get beautiful and healthy hair our diet must contain a good balance of food items like fresh vegetables, whole grains, salads, fish, seeds, fruits, carrots, mangoes and food that contains vitamin B8, B5 etc. Calcium based foods are also good for the hair. Our diet must contain a good amount of water. Drinking water reduces the oil concentration in our scalp.
Remedies for Countering an Overtly Oily Scalp
Using the right shampoo
In order to get rid of an oily scalp problem, you must use a good shampoo that will work against this excess oil. The market has a wide range of shampoos, however only those will work which are especially meant for oily hair. So, while you buy any shampoo make sure that it is meant just for oily scalp and hair. Shampoos meant for oily hair contain ingredients like selenium sulfide, Zinc Pca and ketoconazole that really work well on oily scalp. If possible try to shampoo the hair regularly as the more we apply the shampoo on our scalp the more will be the reduction of the sebum. Also apply the shampoo more on the scalp than the hair, as it’s the scalp that needs to be cleaned first. Take care not to use a conditioner after shampooing, as the sebum present in our hair will act as the conditioner. And, additional use of conditioner will merely aggravate the problem.
Astringent
Other than applying shampoo, we can even try out astringent. Just put the astringent on the scalp and it will work like an oil absorber.
Natural and Home Made Remedies
If you are looking for natural remedies then you are just on the right track, as they are just perfect for problems like oily scalp. Natural and herbal remedies are not only very effective but at the same time they seldom have any side effects. So, let us take a quick look at some of the best home-made remedies for an oily scalp.
- When it comes to natural therapy, how can we forget the effectiveness of Aloe Vera. You can make a mixture of oil free shampoo, Aloe Vera gel and lemon juice and apply it to the scalp.
- Carrots are also very good for an oily scalp, so here you just need to massage the puree of carrots on the scalp and let it stay for about twenty minute.
- Take a bowl of water and add mint – measuring 2 teaspoons, into the water and start boiling it. Then mix this hot mixture with oil free shampoo and apply it on the scalp. This mixture will reduce the level of oil from the scalp.
- After applying shampoo to the hair you can rinse the hair with a mixture of vinegar and water. Vinegar will absorb the extra oil from the hair, giving it a nice and shiny look in the process.
- If you are allergic to shampoo then you can try out the mixture of mint leaves and boiled water, here you just need to wash hair with this mixture.
- You can even use the mixture of oil free shampoo and Epsom salt and apply on the scalp with a brush. After keeping the mixture for some time you can wash it off your hair with vinegar water. This will not only free your hair from oil but at the same time it will make your hair look shiny and beautiful.
- Lemon is a good option for removing extra oil from the hair. It has acidic substance which works very well on an oily scalp. So, apply a mixture of lemon and water on the hair and feel the difference.
- If you want instant relief from your ugly oily hair and scalp, and look beautiful, then all you need to do is just spray some baby powder on your hair and keep it for some time. After ten to fifteen minutes you can comb your hair and you will be more than ready to hit the road.
- An oily scalp, needless to say, is already a big factory of oil so you don’t need to add more oils on it by applying products which are oil based. In the market you will get various hair related products that are water based, so try to use those products only.
Improve your lifestyle
Other than these home-made remedies you must keep a check on your daily lifestyle. According to many researches and surveys, it is being seen that an oily scalp can also be caused by a high amount of stress and tension. Too much of mental stress can increase the level of oil in your hair and therefore you can start on a program of meditation, exercise and yoga to counter it. Also, you need to adopt a healthy lifestyle that will exclude all sorts of excessive fatty and oily food and will include vegetables and fish – however, the deep sea variety.
Things to avoid
Some of the things that you need to avoid in order to get rid of oily scalp are harmful chemicals, hair gels, detergent or strong shampoo, hair conditioner, colouring, oiling etc. All of these factors will increase the level of oil in your scalp.
Try out these simple home remedies and follow a proper diet; and soon you will get relief from problems like an oily scalp. However, if the problem still persists, in spite of you trying out the above steps, then it might be time to go knocking on a doctor/dermatologist’s door!
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