Unless you’ve just exited from a hot oil treatment at a spa, chances are that you’re not excited about a head of oily hair. Even then, you’re most likely waiting to use an oily hair shampoo – just to see if that oil treatment actually had any effect on your locks. But this all changes drastically when it comes to a greasy scalp.

What is an oily scalp?

Your skin is the largest organ of the body and contains numerous sebaceous glands to protect it. These glands are supposed to secrete a waxy-oil that is known as sebum, with the intention of hydrating and shielding the skin. However, sometimes your body can produce an excess amount of sebum which might not flow down to the tips of your hair strands. This can build up on the head and leave you searching for an oily scalp treatment.

Greasy scalp and greasy hair causes your body to respond in different ways, which can sometimes lead to scalp issues like oily dandruff. Itching, redness, and inflammation are also common accompaniments to an oily scalp. Understanding the root cause of excessive oiliness is vital in identifying the right treatment for greasy scalps. Here are some common reasons:

• Washing too often – This can wipe away the natural oils on your hair and scalp, triggering excessive secretion by the glands to compensate. It often causes dandruff and greasy hair.
• Hormonal imbalances – Various things, such as stress, can throw your hormonal system out of balance. These fluctuations directly impact the amount of oil secreted and cause oiliness.
• Weather changes – Sudden changes in temperature and humidity can send confusing messages to your body, thereby increasing the oil on your scalp.
• Reaction to products – Your shampoos for greasy hair might just end up being the reason for your greasy hair. Certain products can lead to allergic reactions and cause an increase in oil secretion.
• Diet – Eating the wrong food can be one of the many oily hair causes. Foods that spike your insulin levels can directly impact oil secretion.
• Hereditary – You might even be genetically predisposed towards having an oily scalp.

What oily scalp treatment should you use?

Don’t worry!An oily scalp is relatively easy to solve once you have understood what’s causing it. There are various solutions available that can help you clear this issue out.

• Hair care regime – This is a basic step required to solve your hair woes. You will find various shampoo for oily hair and scalps,which can clear any potential build-up. However, you also need to keep an eye on how often you use scalpshampoos, which should be based on your hair type. Curly hair shouldn’t be washed too often and requires conditioners,while with straight hair you can get away with washing more. Use products like the Head and Shoulders Lemon Fresh shampoo, that deep cleanses pores and provides scalp hygiene.
• Aloe Vera – If you’re tempted to try a home-made hair mask, aloe vera might be the answer. This gel-like substance contains enzymes that can labour to break any oil build-up on your scalp. It is rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, with strong anti-bacterial properties. This is why people also use it as a dandruff remedy. You can apply aloe vera gel directly onto your scalp and use its cooling properties. Or create a hair mask with ingredients like lemon, fenugreek seeds or curd. Always test for allergic reactions.
• Lemon juice – Bring an acidic nature back to your scalp with lemons. This citrus fruit contains elements that have shown to increase the health of your hair and scalp. Its inherent nature helps to clear any oil build-up and balance the pH levels. The easiest way to use thisis to add water to the lemon juice and apply it as a shampoo for oily hair. You can also add more ingredients and create a hair mask -make a cooling mask with curd, or create an exfoliating mask from lemon juice, coconut oil and sugar.
• Apple Cider Vinegar – This oily hair treatment is also acidic in nature and can help bring your oiliness under control. It can attack any fungus while trying to restore the acid mantle on your scalp. Apple cider vinegar can also reduce any itching, inflammation, and flaking. The best methodis to dilute apple cider vinegar with water or carrier oils like coconut. Apply this to your hair and see if there is any impact on the greasiness. Always dilute before using.
• Diet – People often glaze over this point, but it has a massive impact on the amount of oil secreted by your body. A high intake of sugar, alcohol, refined carbs, caffeine, and dairy products can play havoc with your hormone secretions and invariably cause a spike in oil production. You should reduce consumption of these items, while increasing that of essential fats, fibres, vitamins, and minerals like zinc. This is an important solution for your greasy scalp and one you should not overlook.

If you feel that your greasiness is not reducing, it is important to visit a dermatologist to get an accurate diagnosis.