After an excessively oily skin type, the second most annoying thing is an oily scalp and greasy hair. A moderate amount of sebum is necessary to maintain a healthy scalp and hair. But simply running your fingers through hair and scalp, makes it feel greasy and oily. Yes, that’s when you need to look for ways how to get rid of oily scalp.
An oily scalp attracts more dirt and particles from the air resulting in various scalp conditions like seborrheic dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis. Fret not, we have brought you a gist of oily scalp remedies that will make your life easier and scalp oil-free!
Let’s take a brief look into the factors that cause oily scalp.
What Causes Oily Scalp?
There are multiple reasons behind an oily scalp condition. One of the pivotal causes of the oily scalp is over-shampooing and over-use of shampoo. Every time you shampoo your hair your scalp receives a message to produce oil and if you are doing it every other day, your scalp is likely to go on an overdrive of producing more sebum. At the same time, giving your hair an overdose of shampoo can make your scalp dry which counteracts increased oil production. Other important reasons behind an oily scalp are skin conditions (dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema) and genetics.
What Are The Symptoms of an Oily Scalp?
The most common symptoms of an oily scalp are itching due to dead skin cell buildup and flat hair. If left untreated, it leads to scalp inflammation, irritation, and seborrheic dermatitis.
How to Get Rid of Oily Scalp – 5 Home Remedies for Oily Scalp
Oily scalp can be treated at home. We have got you some of the easy-peasy home remedies for oily scalp that will not only help regulate sebum levels but will also give relief from scalp itching & irritation.
1. Curd and Honey for Oily Scalp
Curd is an excellent ingredient with deep cleansing and anti-bacterial properties to control sebum production in the scalp and heal infections. Honey is packed with antioxidants and hydrating compounds to offer required hydration to the scalp and balance scalp pH.
- How to Apply: Take 2-3 tbsp of curd and add 2 tbsp of honey to it. Mix well to form a hydrating hair mask. Apply it generously from root to tips. Leave it for 25-30 minutes and then rinse it off with cool water. Repeat the process biweekly to attain desired results.
2. Neem Oil for Oily Scalp
Neem has proven antimicrobial and antifungal properties to deal with itchy scalp conditions. Applying neem oil benefits for hair to remove dead skin cells buildup and purifies the scalp with excess oil. Lemon juice is a rich source of vitamins and minerals that leaves a rejuvenating effect on the hair.
- How to Apply: Take 4-5 tbsp of neem oil in a small bowl. Add 2-3 drops of lemon juice in it. Apply the mixture to your scalp only. Wrap up your head with a shower cap. Leave it for 30 minutes and then shampoo and condition your hair as usual. Repeat the process once a week to get rid of oily scalp.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar for Oily Scalp
Apple cider vinegar has scalp pH-balancing abilities to ensure oil balance and ward off dead skin cells. Using it as a water rinse helps remove excess oil and dirt from the scalp while giving a hydrating boost to your mane.
- How to Apply: Take 2-4 tbsp of apple cider vinegar in a small bowl. Add 3-5 cups of distilled water into it. Shampoo and rinse off your hair. Pour the diluted apple cider vinegar solution into your hair and massage it into your scalp for 3 minutes. Let it sit for 5 minutes. Rinse off your hair with cool water and follow it up with a hair conditioner. Repeat the process once a week.
4. Aloe Vera for Oily Scalp
Aloe Vera is rich in antioxidants and essential vitamins for scalp to treat irritation and inflammation. It helps soothe scalp itchiness and offers the required hydration to maintain proper oil balance. It is one of the best home remedies to get rid of oily scalp and remove dandruff.
- How to Apply: Apply pure aloe vera gel after making sure the scalp is clean and free from hair oil. After 20 minutes, shampoo and condition your hair. Repeat the process 2-3 times a week for best results.
5. Tea Tree Oil for Oily Scalp
The antibacterial and antimicrobial benefits of tea tree oil for hair regularises oil secretion, removes impurities and dead skin cells from the scalp. It is a touted home remedy to control excess oil production, cure dandruff and itchiness.
- How to Apply: Take 3 tbsp of coconut oil or jojoba base oil. Add 2-3 drops of tea tree essential oil into it. Apply and massage the mixture to your scalp. Allow to sit for 25-30 minutes and then shampoo your hair as you normally do.
How to Prevent Oily Scalp?
Apart from following these home remedies for oily scalp, here are some of the basic tips to keep in mind for oily scalp prevention:
- Shampoo your hair wisely with the right amount of product and use only twice a week.
- Opt for the right set of hair care products that are specially formulated for an oily scalp.
- Use products with key ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, neem, aloe vera, apple cider vinegar, and tea tree oil that have oil-control properties.
- Read out the label on hair care products and choose the ones that are 100% organic, clean, and cruelty-free.
- Ensure there are no traces of harsh chemicals in your hair care products that might lead to an imbalance in scalp oil secretion.
- Cover your head when you step out to protect your hair from the harmful effects of environmental stressors and pollutants causing scalp greasiness and dead skin cells buildup.
- Follow a hair care routine incorporating the best suitable products like hair oil, shampoo, conditioner, hair serum and leave-in conditioner to maintain scalp health.
- Avoid scratching your head as it might invigorate the sebaceous glands and encourage the scalp to produce more oil.
- Use a clean oil-free hair brush to ensure your scalp doesn’t come in contact with dirt making you appear dull and greasy.
- Using heat styling to style your hair makes your hair look greasy more quickly than if it was left to dry naturally.
FAQs
Does oily hair mean oily scalp?
Oily hair and oily scalp mean the same cause both occur due to excess sebum production in the scalp, making your mane greasy.
How do I know if I have an oily scalp?
Shampoo your hair thoroughly as usual. Towel-dry your hair and let it dry naturally. Make sure you do not use any styling tools or products. Check your scalp 3 hours post-shampooing and if it feels naturally oily/greasy then you have an oily scalp.
How often should you wash your oily scalp?
Make a hair-washing schedule and ensure you wash your oily scalp 3 times a week but not more than that.
Why does my scalp get so oily?
Some of the primary reasons behind an oily scalp are over-shampooing, over-styling, overuse of shampoo, genetics and dead skin cell buildup due to environmental stressors.
Should I wash my hair every day if I have an oily scalp?
No, daily shampooing of hair can have counter effects of excessive oil production in the scalp.
Conclusion
Oily scalp is a pesky hair problem. But the next time you wonder how to get rid of oily scaly, simply help yourself with these home remedies and you will be glad!
Watch this space often to learn more about such interesting topics on hair care and skincare.