Oily Scalp: Causes, Treatment and Prevention

Do you have an oily scalp? If so, you're not alone. An oily scalp can be a nuisance, but it's not something to worry about. There are several causes of an oily scalp, and there are also treatments and prevention methods available.

Keep reading to learn more about what causes an oily scalp, how to treat it, and how to prevent it from happening in the first place.

What causes an oily scalp?

There can be a lot of causes of an oily scalp. Following are the most important causes of oily scalp:

1. Seborrheic dermatitis

Scalp pink, scaly patches or skin develop in regions with oil glands, including the scalp, due to this inflammation. Dandruff is the most common symptom of seborrheic dermatitis. Dandruff is caused by an irregular immune response and a yeast fungus called Malassezia that lives in the skin's oil.

Dandruff isn't a huge problem, but it can cause hair loss and can be embarrassing and unsightly for people who suffer from it. The good news is that Abyssinian oil is antifungal in nature, so dandruff can be treated with it as well as other home remedies.

2. Skin conditions

Psoriasis is a skin condition that can cause an oily scalp. It's a chronic autoimmune disease that causes the skin to turn red and flake.

Eczema is another skin condition that can cause an oily scalp. Eczema is characterized by a dry, itchy scalp, and it can also cause the scalp to become oily.

3. Oily hair

If you have oily hair, it's more likely that you'll also have an oily scalp. Oily hair is caused by overactive sebaceous glands that produce an excessive amount of sebum, which is the oil that coats the scalp and hair.

4. Hormonal changes

Hormonal changes can cause an oily scalp. For example, during PMS, the body produces more androgen, which is a hormone that can cause the scalp to become oily.

5. Stress

Stress can also trigger an oily scalp. When we're stressed, our bodies produce more of the hormone cortisol, which can lead to an oily scalp.

6. medications:

Some medications can cause an oily scalp. For example, birth control pills and acne medications can make the scalp more oily.

7. Genetics

Genetics can also play a role in whether or not someone has an oily scalp. If your parents had an oily scalp, it's more likely that you will get too.

8. Lack of personal hygiene

They might all be elements in an oily scalp if you don't wash your hair frequently for longer durations of time, sleep on the unclean bedspread and pillow covers, use unwashed hair utensils, and so on.

9. Unhealthy diet

Consuming a diet rich in unhealthy, oily, and spicy cuisine that is often devoid of nutritional value does not provide the required nutrients to your hair, causing it to get greasy.

Treating your oily scalp

There are a number of ways to treat an oily scalp, and the treatment you choose will depend on the severity of your condition. The most common treatments for an oily scalp are below:

1. Fish oil supplements

Fish oil supplements are a good way to get the omega-3 fatty acids your body needs to keep your scalp healthy.

2. Aloe vera

Aloe vera is a natural astringent that can help get rid of excess oil on the scalp. To use, dilute aloe vera with water and pour it over your scalp. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse it out.

3. Baking soda

Baking soda is a natural exfoliant that can help get rid of excessive oil production and dead skin cells on the scalp. To use, mix baking soda with water to form a paste and apply to the scalp, let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse it out.

4. Herbal supplements

There are a number of herbal supplements that can help get rid of excess oil on the scalp. One popular supplement is sawed palmetto, which helps to regulate excess sebum production.

5. Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic that can help get rid of excess oil and bacteria on the scalp. To use, dilute tea tree oil with water and pour it over your scalp. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse it out.

6. Scalp detoxification treatment

A scalp detoxification treatment uses natural ingredients like tea tree oil to cleanse the scalp and gets rid of excess oil.

7. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a natural astringent that can help get rid of excess oil on the scalp. To do a vinegar rinse, dilute apple cider vinegar with water and pour it over your scalp. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse it out.

8. Cortisone shots

If you have a severe case of oily scalp, you might need to get a cortisone shot. This will help get rid of the excess oil and keep your scalp healthy.

9. Prescription medication

If the above treatments don't work, your doctor might prescribe medication to help get rid of the excess oil on your scalp.

10. Lemon juice

Lemon juice is a natural astringent that can help get rid of excess oil on the scalp. To use, dilute lemon juice with water and pour it over your scalp. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse it out.

11. Scalp massage

Regular scalp massages can help get rid of excess oil on the scalp. To do a scalp massage, use your fingers to massage your scalp in a circular motion. Do this for a few minutes, then rinse it out.

12. Egg yolk

Egg yolk is a natural astringent that can help get rid of excess oil on the scalp. To use, break an egg and remove the yolk. Apply the yolk to your scalp and let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse it out.

How to prevent an oily scalp

There are a few different ways to treat an oily scalp. Following are some of the most common methods:

1. Shampoo often

One of the best ways to treat an oily scalp is to shampoo often. Shampooing will help get rid of the excess oil on the scalp and hair.

2. Use a gentle shampoo

When shampooing, use a gentle shampoo that won't strip the hair of its natural oils. Harsh shampoos can actually make the scalp more oily.

3. Use an oil-balancing shampoo

If you have a particularly oily scalp, you might want to try using an oil-balancing shampoo. These shampoos are specifically designed to get rid of excess oil without stripping the hair of its natural oils.

4. Use a clarifying shampoo

If you've been using a lot of styling products or if you live in an area with hard water, you might want to use a clarifying shampoo once a week.

5. Wash your hair three times a week

If you have an extremely oily scalp, you might want to wash your hair three times a week. This will help get rid of the excess oil and keep your scalp healthy.

6. Clean your brushes regularly

It's important to clean your brushes regularly. This will help prevent the buildup of product on the scalp and hair.

7. Use a dry shampoo

If you don't have time to shampoo, you can use dry shampoo to help soak up the excess oil on the scalp. Just be sure to choose a dry shampoo that is free of talc and other harsh chemicals.

8. Use cool water in the shower

When you're shampooing, use cool water in the shower. Hot water can actually stimulate the sebaceous glands and cause them to produce more oil.

9. Avoid touching your scalp

Touching your scalp can stimulate the sebaceous glands and cause them to produce more oil.

10. Eat a healthy diet

A healthy diet is important for healthy hair, including the health of your scalp. Eating a balanced diet will help keep your scalp healthy and free of excess oil.

11. Get regular haircuts

Regular haircuts will help keep your hair healthy and free of split ends. Split ends can cause the hair to look greasy and oily.

12. Use a scalp mask

A scalp mask can also help get rid of excess oil on the scalp. Masks are usually applied once or twice a week and should be left on for 10-15 minutes.

13. Avoid using too many styling products

If you're using a lot of styling products, it might be causing your scalp to become oily and produce greasy hair. Try using fewer styling products and see if that helps.

14. Avoid using hot tools

Using hot tools, such as hairdryers and flat irons, can cause the scalp to become more oily. Try using cooler settings instead.

15. Avoid stress

Stress can also cause the scalp to become oily. Try to find ways to relax and reduce your stress levels.