Oily hair is often the result of the scalp having received messages to produce more oil because the hair is getting dried out from various products.
Greasy scalp could also be one of the reasons for dandruff which according to Healthline is related to Seborrheic Dermatitis (SD), which causes itchy and flaky scalp. It’s so common that it affects about half of the global adult population.
Most people focus on the flakes. Itching, on the other hand, may be the most uncomfortable side effect.
Signs and symptoms of hair loss and thinning may include:
Visible white or yellowish flakes
Itchy scalp
Red patches on scalp
Dandruff on eyebrows
Hair fall or hair loss
Hair thinning
Acne!
Dandruff and itching is typically related to one or more of the following factors:
Over production of sebum leading to build up and blocking of follicles
Fungal colonization on the surface of your skin
Not shampooing enough, which could cause skin cells to accumulate and create flakes and itching
Alternatively overshampooing and hence overdrying the scalp.
As tempting as it might sound when itching, overbrushing the hair on the head could create too much friction leading to further skin irritation and sebum production
Presence of yeast called Malassezia, which aggravates your scalp and causes excess skin cell growth
Too much heat treatment or even exposure to sunlight
Head coverings or pressure from them
Exposure to dust or dirt
If you are suffering with dandruff or itch, consider taking following steps:
Avoid touching or scratching your scalp. This could introduce dirt into the mix, increase irritation and make dandruff worse.
Reduce stress. Stress can aggravate or even worsen dandruff for some individuals.
Engage in exercising, meditation or yoga - Exercise delivers oxygen and nutrients to your tissues and helps your cardiovascular system work more efficiently.
Breathe fresh hair. Research shows that including regular exposure to the outdoors, especially where the air is more fresh, can help reduce oil buildup on the scalp.
Massage your scalp. This may also help prevent dandruff symptoms.
Limit friction with hats, scarfs where possible.
Build a haircare routine and find the right products that works for you.
Hit and trial to find the right shampooing balance for your scalp. Shampoo often enough to keep oils at bay, but don’t use too many products in your hair as that can irritate the scalp.
Choose a shampoo that has one or more of these ingredients zinc pyrithione, tar, salicilic acid, selenium sulfide, ketoconazoles.
Never use hot water for hair - always use luke warm water for a headwash as it triggers more sebum production
Adopt haircare routine using natural oils. Oil dissolves oil. This would help the excess oil/sebum to be dissolved and rinsed off without drying the scalp. Oil also tricks the scalp into not over producing natural sebum thereby making scalp less oily.
Use our Nourishing Hair Oil Serum for dry, normal scalp prone to dry flakes not dandruff or Scalp Balancing Hair Oil Serum for oily and combination (dandruff prone) scalp.
Use Hair Mask to deep condition, soothe and calm the scalp. It is best used as a Pre-wash treatment.
Top tips for application of hair oils:
Pre-Wash
Take a few drops at a time at a time and gently massage in the scalp. Repeat till oil on full scalp is applied. Then take a few drops, rub between your palms and apply to the hair strands. Keep it on for approx. 30-45 mins before rinsing off your hair using a mild shampoo.
Pre-Styling
Take a few drops, rub between your palms and apply to lengths (not scalp). After a few applications you will know the right usage quantity for your hair as it will be dependent on hair type and length.
Post-Styling
After styling, if you want to give your hair that extra shine and gloss then use another drop between your palm and tame any flyaways to give the final polish. After a few applications you will know the right usage quantity for you as it will be dependent on hair type and length.
Top tips:
Keep the oil on for 30-45 minutes only and don’t leave it overnight. If left overnight, oil can attract dust on the scalp leading to clogged pores that could result in more hairfall.
Don’t comb or tie your hair after applying oil. When the scalp is massaged, hair cuticles open up and there are high chances of losing strands if hair are tied or combed right after.
Let me know if you found this content useful. I hope this with help you start taking steps towards tackling greasy hair, dandruff or itch in the right way.
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