Oily Hair: Simple Tips to Avoid It
What causes oily hair?
Oily hair is mainly a scalp problem. Each hair follicle is connected to a sebaceous gland, which produces sebum, a natural lipid mixture. This sebum is essential for protecting and moisturizing the hair, as it is gradually secreted throughout its growth, at a rate of approximately 0.35 mm per day.
Sebum, at normal levels, plays a crucial role: it protects the hair fiber, reduces mechanical damage, and helps keep hair shiny and healthy. It also contributes to the balance of the scalp's microbiome and strengthens its protective barrier. On average, young adults produce around 0.05 mg of sebum per cm³/h, which may not seem like much, but can easily add up to more than a gram of sebum per day.
The impact of excess sebum
When there is an excessive build-up of sebum on the hair, its appearance changes: it loses its shine, becomes heavy and greasy, making hairstyles flat and lacking in volume. Excess sebum also acts as a magnet for particles such as dust, dirt, and pollution. Overproduction can also have negative repercussions on scalp health, increasing the risk of dandruff and causing a sensitive scalp.
What causes excess sebum production?
Sebum production is largely influenced by hormones, but it can also fluctuate depending on the seasons and certain lifestyle choices. For example, a diet rich in fats and carbohydrates can increase sebum production, while a drastic reduction in calorie intake can reduce it.
How can you tell if your hair is oily?
Hair becomes greasy when sebum spreads along the length of the hair, making it heavy and sticky. This excess sebum is often associated with dandruff and itchy scalp. The more sebum there is, the more bacteria on the scalp break down certain parts into fatty acids, which can cause irritation.
Preventing oily hair
The evolution of hair care
Hair care has evolved significantly over the past few decades. Today, products do more than just clean: they repair, condition, and stimulate hair growth. The surfactants used in shampoos have become gentler, reducing irritation and allowing for optimal care of the hair and scalp without damaging them.
What role does shampoo play?
The main purpose of shampoo is to remove impurities and excess oil from the scalp and hair, leaving hair feeling lighter and refreshed. Although it can be difficult to find the ideal frequency for washing, recent studies show that washing your hair frequently can have positive effects, particularly in controlling odors and reducing scalp flaking.
Taking care of your scalp
Regular washing with a suitable shampoo removes excess sebum, impurities, and pollution. Many shampoos contain conditioning agents and fragrances to make hair softer and pleasantly scented.
If you have oily hair, it may be beneficial to use a clarifying shampoo once a week. These shampoos contain stronger surfactants for deep cleansing. In addition, if you have specific scalp problems, it may be helpful to choose products specifically designed for those needs. Leave the shampoo on for a few minutes before rinsing, to give the active ingredients time to penetrate.
Reduce sebum production
Some hair products can even help reduce sebum production. This can be particularly beneficial if your hair becomes oily quickly.
Care for oily hair!
How to use conditioner properly?
Conditioner helps keep hair soft, smooth, and shiny. However, if you have oily hair, it is recommended that you only apply conditioner to the ends and avoid formulas that are too rich, often labeled for dry or damaged hair, as they can weigh down the hair and accentuate its oiliness.
Avoid contact between hair and face
To minimize the problem of greasy hair throughout the day, it is best to avoid letting your hair touch your face too much. Also avoid brushing or touching it too often, as this spreads sebum along the entire length of the hair. Use a wide-toothed comb to detangle and avoid sticky styling products. If you tend to touch your hair frequently, consider tying it up in a bun.
Conclusion
Everyone produces sebum, but if your hair becomes greasy too quickly, it may be time to adjust your hair care routine. The goal is to achieve voluminous, shiny hair, not heavy, greasy hair. With the tips in this guide, you'll be able to better manage your oily hair and restore it to a healthy, radiant state.