Oily hair is a major aesthetic problem. As widespread as it is embarrassing, this disadvantage of appearance is caused by the deposit of sebaceous secretion on the scalp and hair shaft: in doing so, the hair becomes objectively very unpleasant to the eye (... and to the touch).
Oily hair takes on a greasy and sticky appearance; the filth that takes root in it tends to attract other hairs to itself, as if it were a glue.
Greasy hair can also depend on a "hyper-activity of 5alpha-reductase enzymes, responsible for the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (in turn responsible for hair loss and sebum production).
- Please note: having greasy hair is not always an expression of poor personal hygiene. In fact, genetic predisposition plays a pivotal role in the manifestation of this disorder.
The published material is intended to allow quick access to general advice, suggestions and remedies that doctors and textbooks usually dispense for the treatment of Oily Hair; such indications must in no way substitute the opinion of the attending physician or other health specialists in the sector who are treating the patient.
What to do
- Frequently washing greasy hair with mild shampoos is certainly the best remedy to combat the disorder. If the problem of oily hair is particularly evident, daily washes are recommended
- Use mild shampoos to avoid removing too much sebum from the scalp by depriving the hair of its natural protective barrier. Transparent shampoos are the most recommended because they contain (almost certainly) more delicate substances and are not formulated with dyes
- Dedicate a small space of daily time to hair care: delicate shampoos, astringent and disinfectant lotions are certainly the ideal products for the treatment of oily hair
- Massaging the scalp while dispensing the shampoo is a good remedy for oily hair
- Check the degree of oiliness of the hair after washing with shampoo: to find out if the hair has been washed correctly or not, simply swipe a finger on the scalp after drying the hair with a hairdryer; if the finger looks shiny, it means that you need to refine the washing mode
- Even the anti-plaque mouthwash can be helpful in the absence of astringent lotions: in these cases, it is advisable to soak a cotton ball and carry out compresses directly on the scalp. This measure is also part of the remedies to combat greasy hair.
- Relieve stress: Even tension and anxiety can weigh heavily on the appearance of the hair. For this reason, it is recommended to carve out small spaces of time to devote to self-care: walks and light sporting activities are definitely recommended.
- Beware of the birth control pill and other hormonal contraceptive methods: some particularly sensitive women may observe an increase in sebum in the scalp and hair during the course of treatment with hormones (contained in the contraceptive pill)
What NOT to do
- Avoid washing your hair too often in the belief that recurrent washing can increase sebum secretion: the production of sebum is not in fact subject to washing
- Use harsh or poor quality shampoos
- Dry the hair by approaching the hair dryer too much: it is rather recommended to keep the hair dryer at a safe distance (about 30 cm) in order to prevent the excess of direct heat from excessively fluidifying the sebum, making the hair even more oily
- Continue brushing your hair: brushing promotes the dragging of sebum from the scalp to the tips of the hair
- Touch your hair with dirty hands
- Massage the scalp between one shampoo and the other. This behavior should be avoided: continuously massaging the scalp risks stimulating the production of sebum. The scalp should only be massaged during shampooing
- Use the conditioner: these cosmetic preparations, extremely suitable as a remedy for dry hair, should be avoided for oily hair as they would weigh down the hair. If the conditioner is really essential, it is recommended to apply it only on the tips of oily hair
- Smoking: smoke can adhere to the hair making it dull, dull and visibly greasy
What to eat
- Take lots of fruit and vegetables, as they are rich in antioxidants (vitamins C and E), mineral salts and vitamins that are very important for hair health
- Always assure the body the right amount of sulfur proteins, omnipresent in meat, fish and eggs
- Yes to salmon and nuts, natural sources of omega 3 and 6
- If necessary, supplement the diet with calcium, copper and zinc supplementation
What NOT to Eat
- There is no scientific evidence that food relates to worsening of oily hair. However, it is recommended that you eat a healthy, balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and low in fat.
Natural Cures and Remedies
- Natural cosmetic treatments can undoubtedly improve the appearance of oily hair. Therefore, natural preparations formulated with active ingredients with antiseptic (disinfectant), anti-inflammatory, astringent and vasoconstrictive action are preferred:
- Ivy-based astringent lotion (Hedera Helix) and witch hazel (Hamamelis virgiliana)
- Packs or tea sprays on oily hair
- Disinfectant lotion formulated with the essence of juniper (Juniperus communis), Rosemary (Rosmarinus Officinalis) or other essential oils
- Hair mask made with astringent products. You can also make a DIY hair mask with yogurt and sage or thyme extracts
- Clay hair mask: excellent natural remedy to detoxify, disinfect and purify a scalp abundant in sebum
- Rinse your hair with distilled water and lemon juice: this is an excellent natural remedy with astringent properties for oily hair
- Rinse your hair with water and apple cider vinegar: 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar diluted in ½ liter of water is the ideal dose to make a homemade lotion against oily hair. There are a lot of hair masks you can try.
Pharmacological treatment
- Finasteride: indicated to neutralize excess sebum deposited on the scalp, responsible for oily hair. The drug, indicated exclusively for men, exerts its therapeutic action by inhibiting the activity of the 5 alpha reductase enzyme
- Androgen receptor inhibitors: drugs indicated to treat oily hair in women:
- Cyproterone acetate (eg Androcur)
- Flutamide (eg. Flutamide Hex)
Prevention
- Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching your hair
- To prevent the excessive deposit of sebum on the scalp, it is recommended to avoid polluted places and smoke (even passive one) as much as possible
- Brush your hair only when necessary
- Frequently wash oily hair with mild shampoos
Medical treatments
- Medical treatments are generally not needed to get rid of excess fat from the hair. If necessary, a medical examination is recommended when oily hair is accompanied by other unpleasant ailments such as hirsutism, acne, and oily skin: in such circumstances, a "hormonal alteration is conceivable."
