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How to Fix Oily Hair

Woman with oily hair

Like the rest of our skin, our scalps contain oil secreting glands called sebaceous glands. These glands produce natural oils, called sebum, which gives hair a healthy shine. However, this oil can be overproduced, giving hair a greasy appearance. There are multiple factors that can cause excess oil including hormones, hair products, diet or daily routines.

Greasy hair can be an occasional nuisance or daily battle for some. Luckily there are a variety of ways to potentially reduce the overproduction of oil.

Be aware of the products you are using. Avoid shampoos that improve hair’s “shine,” as these products typically contain more oils and moisturizers. Also, avoid heavy products or conditioners that can cause buildup on your scalp.

Limit brushing and touching your hair. Messing with it can stimulate oil production and distribute the oil throughout, causing a greasier appearance.

Ensure that you are shampooing and conditioning properly. Rinse your hair thoroughly after using both shampoo and conditioner, and only apply conditioner to the ends.

If tips and tricks seem to fail, there may be another issue that is causing the excess oil. Oily hair can be a side effect of seborrheic dermatitis. This skin disease causes a red, itchy rash and dandruff on your scalp. If your oily hair is accompanied with any of these symptoms, try using over-the-counter dandruff shampoo or consult a dermatologist. To schedule an appointment with Knoxville Dermatology Group, call (865)690-9467 or visit our website.

What Skin Type Are You?

There are three basic skin types: oily, normal/combination and dry skin. It’s important to understand your skin type so you’re able to determine the most healthy products to use, especially on your face.

The easiest and simplest way to estimate your skin type is by using a blotting sheet. Pat a blotting sheet on different areas of your face. When you hold the sheet up to the light, you’ll be able to tell how much oil your face is producing. If the sheet has a significant amount of oil, you likely have oily skin. If oil is only moderately picked up around the T-zone (forehead, nose and chin), you likely have normal/combination skin. If the sheet has little to no oil, you likely have dry skin.

Oily: Oily skin is just that – skin with excess oil. Pores are at risk of becoming congested due to too much oil production. A gentle exfoliator is suggested when washing oilier skin. Avoid large beads in exfoliations as washing too roughly can cause tiny tears. Anti-bacterial exfoliants can also help clear acne quickly.

Normal/Combination: People with normal/combination skin type tend to have a moisturized T-zone but can also experience occasional dryness of the cheeks. Gentle exfoliation is key to keeping the face evenly balanced.

Dry: Dry skin can be caused by genetics, climate, hormonal changes and diet. People with dry skin often experience a feeling of tightness on their face and sometimes flaking. Gentle exfoliations without abrasives are suggested to help moisturize dry skin. Key ingredients to look for are sodium hyaluronate, glycerin, algae and camellia oil.

Of course, using a blotting sheet is not a proven medical practice to define what skin type you are. If concerned about your skin, contact a dermatologist by calling our office at 865-690-9467 or visiting our website.