Remedies For Excessive Oily Hair

If you suffer from chronic or excessive oily hair, there are several causes you should know and remedies that work. Excess oil in the scalp can be the result of a variety of factors and there is something you can do about it.

Primary Causes

Excessive or chronic oiliness is most often the result of environmental or physiological effects. Each can play a role in increasing oil production in the scalp or trapping debris in follicle pores that aggravate sebaceous glands.

Oil on the scalp comes from glands (sebaceous) associated with all follicle pores. On the face and scalp they are most prevalent. Oils (sebum) are secreted to protect and coat the hair - providing moisture, protecting from UV or heat damage, and to nourish the follicle strands.

Over-production of the sebaceous glands leads to excess oiliness and can create an environment where fungus, bacteria or infection can occur. The result can be itchiness, flaking, or an overall "dirty", unkempt look. The primary causes of over-production are:

Over-active sebaceous glands - simply producing too much oil to the scalp

Heat and humidity - Exercise, exposure to the sun, and generally high temperatures outside or in your work environment

Harsh chemicals - Either in the form of hair products, styling aids or from chemical treatments - coloring, perms, straightening

Recommended Remedies

Prolonged or excessive oily hair can generally be treated and controlled by using products specifically developed to regulate oil secretion, by maintaining a regimen that keeps hair clean, or by laying off styling for a while. Here are our top suggestions:

• Though it may be difficult, lay-off styling products for a while. This includes using heated elements such as flat irons and blow dryers. Chemicals in many products can "excite" glands and kick-start secretions. Likewise, heat can do the same. If you continue to use styling appliances, try lower, cooler settings. While this may not be the cause, giving your hair a rest is not a bad thing for its health.
• Use a specially formulated, clarifying cleanser such as an oily hair shampoo developed with Zinc. Zinc has been proven to help regulate sebaceous glands and provide control of excess oiliness. Many of these shampoos provide deep-cleansing without stripping vital nutrients.
• Wash your hair daily. While this is common for most people, many do not. The best remedy is to wash daily or twice a day for several weeks with an oily hair shampoo until you have symptoms under control.
• Remedies for excessive oily hair are pretty simple, but the key is generally to avoid factors that stimulate sebum production and to use a shampoo specifically designed to regulate and control.