Oily Hair Treatment

Oily hair is a common problem that makes it very difficult to manage hair. This is because dust and dirt particles stick to the hair very easily. Individuals face this hair problem when oil, more than required, is being produced in the scalp. This increased oil production is the result of overactive sebaceous glands of the scalp. Sebaceous glands produce sebum (oily secretion) in adequate amounts, to prevent hair from getting dry. However, when these glands become hyperactive, excess oil buildup is observed in the scalp. Oily hair may aggravate problems associated with dandruff.

Causes

Foods High in Fats
Intake of fatty foods stimulate sebum production in the scalp that make the hair unusually oily. Having a diet that does not contain a lot of fatty foods can be very effective in treating oily hair. Along with a proper diet, effective hair care is also necessary to control and manage oily hair.

Frequent Shampooing
Contrary to popular belief, washing the hair daily is certainly not advisable. This is because shampooing the hair frequently takes away the natural oils from hair. Thus the sebaceous glands will work harder to nourish hair, leading to overproduction of oil in the scalp.

Hormonal Imbalances
Unstable hormonal balance can also make the sebum production abnormally high. Hormonal disturbances that occur more in women, are often considered the most common cause of oily hair.

Treatment

Hair Products
People with oily hair need to use shampoos that suit their hair type. Surely, one cannot use regular shampoos for washing oily hair. There are shampoos specially made to treat oily hair problems, that help to regulate sebum production

Cider Vinegar
Home remedies for oily hair includes use of apple cider vinegar, that is useful to remove excess oil in the scalp. Take 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and mix it with a cup of water. The solution thus prepared should be then applied on oily hair carefully. Now, rinse the hair in normal water. For severe oily hair problems, continue this treatment for a period of 4 weeks. Wash the hair with this solution twice a week.

Lemon Juice
Take a fresh lemon and squeeze it in a cup of water. Use it to wash hair and then rinse hair using warm water. This can help to control oily hair problems as well.

Tea
Diluted tea can also be very useful to eliminate oily hair. Pour some amount of diluted tea on oily hair. Make sure that the tea is not hot. Afterwards rinse it with clean water. An important constituent of tea is tannic acid, which is an astringent, and helps to curb excess oil production.

Herbs
One of the natural remedies for oily hair is the use of herbs. Natural herbs are an integral part of oily hair care. To stop surplus oil buildup in the scalp, herbs such as lemon balm, lavender, horsetail, and mint are often recommended. These herbs keep the hair healthy and provide a natural look to the tresses. Many herbal shampoos contain these aforementioned herbs, that alleviate oily hair problems.

The aforementioned remedies will not work if a proper diet is not followed. A low-fat diet is essential to get rid of oily hair. One should skip fried and heavy fat foods as they make the oily glands in the scalp overactive. A healthy diet rich in fruits, whole grains, and vegetables can surely help in this regard. Lean meat and fish are not only good for the heart but can also prevent oily hair.