Best Solutions To Get Rid of Oily Hair

Oily hair is a result of excessive sebum production from the sebaceous glands attached to the hair follicle. This results in hair becoming dull, lank, lacking volume and attracting dirt more easily. It is a problem that most people deal with at some point, for different reasons. The best way to get rid of your oily hair is to pinpoint the cause of your problem and treat your hair accordingly. Oily hair is difficult to manage, can be limp, and hard to style. A common misconception about oily hair is that it is caused by an oily scalp.

What Causes Oily Hair?

Oily hair can be a pain and is a common complaint among persons who have acne problems. Excessive sebum not only contributes to the formation of acne but also leaves the hair greasy and unattractive.

However, too much oil can be problematic. Certain factors contribute to oily hair.

Shampooing

Although frequent shampooing can make hair appear clean, it also strips hair of all protective oils. Because of this, the scalp produces more oil to compensate. The more frequently you shampoo your hair, the more oils your scalp produces to compensate. Instead of daily shampooing, consider washing your hair only once or twice weekly.

Brushing and Combing

Brushing and combing hair helps to distribute the sebum down the shaft of the hair. This is why young women were once advised to brush their hair 100 strokes nightly. However, when the scalp overproduces oils, brushing and combing can make the hair seem oilier. Instead of 100 times, comb and brush your hair as little as possible.

Hormones

Teens and women who have shifted into menopause both have an increase in male hormones called androgens. The presence of these androgens can lead to overproduction of oils in the skin and scalp, which causes acne and oily hair. Some women take progesterone to control the androgens, which can help to reduce the amount of oils produced in the skin.

Styling Products

As you use more styling products, your hair tends to take on a waxy, oily buildup. You can reduce this oily buildup by reducing the number of styling products that you use on your hair. You should also study the ingredients of the styling products and select only high-quality products that don’t coat the hair or leave a buildup behind.

Nutrition

The principle, “you are what you eat,” can apply to oily hair. Fatty, oily foods as well as foods that are laden with preservatives can lead to an overproduction of oils. However, consuming good-quality foods as well as vitamins and minerals can help reduce the buildup of oils in the scalp.

Home Remedy Treatments for Oily Hair

Although oily hair might be troublesome, it is relatively easy to control with the following home remedies. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be on the way to the hair you’ve always wanted.

Shampoo Often

Don’t worry about overdoing it. If you have oily hair, shampooing every day is a good idea. Use a “no-nonsense” shampoo. Often, shampoos have all kinds of additives and conditioners in them. People with oily hair need a good solvent-type shampoo, one that will cut the grease. To give your shampoo a boost, you can even add a few drops of dishwashing liquid. If you don’t like the idea of putting dishwashing liquid on your head, there are plenty of commercial shampoos that will cut through the excess oil, including old standbys such as Prell and Suave and any number of generic and store-brand shampoos. Normal hair needs a shampoo with a pH (which refers to its acid/base balance) between 4.5 and 6.7, but oily hair requires a more alkaline (or base) product. Look for shampoos with a pH higher than 6.7  or, simply, those labeled for use on oily hair.

Rinse Thoroughly

Whatever shampoo you use, be sure you rinse thoroughly. Soap residue will only collect dirt and oil more quickly.

Forget Conditioners

Conditioners coat the hair, something oily hair doesn’t need. Apply a small amount of conditioner only to the ends if they’ve become dried out.

Don’t Brush Your Hair Too Much

Forget 100 strokes. Every time you drag that brush through your hair, you’re pulling oil out of the scalp and distributing it throughout your hair. Try an acidic rinse. One way to decrease the oil is to rinse with diluted vinegar or lemon juice after shampooing. Add two tablespoons white vinegar to one cup water, or mix the juice of one lemon (strained) with one cup water. Rinse the mixture through your hair, then rinse your hair with warm water.

Home Remedies from the Cupboard

Alcohol

Any kind of alcoholic beverage has a nice drying effect. The higher the alcohol content the better. Mix a shot glass full of alcohol with a couple cups of water and rinse through your hair. Yes, you have to rinse it out. And don’t drink the rinse water!

Cider Vinegar

Soak your hair in a small basin of water with 1/4 cup cider vinegar or put the concoction in a spray bottle and rinse through your hair, then wash out with warm water. This helps control nasty shampoo buildup.

Tea

Rinse your hair in diluted tea. Tea contains tannic acid, an astringent, which can cut the oil.

Home Remedies From The Refrigerator

Beer

Beer can have a drying effect, and it cleans right down to your scalp, leaving your hair with a healthy shine.

Lemon Juice

Mix the equivalent of the juice from 1 lemon with 1 cup water and rinse through your hair, then rinse with warm water. Lemon juice can help control shampoo buildup, too.

Now you’ve got plenty of fun home remedies for oily hair to try at home. Figure out what’s best for you, and enjoy the soft, silky results!