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Oily Scalp vs. Oily Hair: Difference, Causes and Treatments

Oily Scalp and Oily Hair can be frustrating especially after being a regular washer. Let us walk you through the differences, causes and solutions.
Oily Scalp vs. Oily Hair Blog Masthead

what is an oily scalp?

An oily scalp is caused by an overreaction of sebaceous glands or sebum on the scalp. It also leads to dandruff production and sticky hair, sometimes hair fall as well. The main causes behind this are stress, exposure to environmental stressors like pollution and heat, lack of personal hygiene, hormones, scalp infections or an unhealthy diet.

How is oily hair different from having an oily scalp?

Basically, oily hair is a result of an oily scalp. This happens when the scalp is ordered to produce more oil. This could be due to the dryness taking over the hair from using harsh hair care products or a weak scalp barrier. It may also occur due to a poor rinse job, where the hair-washing product is still present in the scalp.

How to treat an oily scalp?

There are numerous ways to treat an oily scalp and are the most basic changes one should add to their haircare routine. 

  1. Regular hair wash is a must: Hair wash with a mild/gentle shampoo prevents the scalp from drying out and keeps the required oil intact. Using shampoos that are free of sulfates, parabens and alcohol are advisable. An alternate day hair wash routine or a thrice-a-week routine works best to prevent oiliness or dry scalp.
  2. Shampoo properly and condition carefully: It is important to use the right shampoos based on your scalp/hair type. The shampoo is supposed to be used on the scalp whereas only the hair lengths need to be conditioned with a conditioner. Otherwise, your scalp would be greasy, leading to hair fall and bacterial growth.
  3. Blue Tea, Salicylic Acid, Aloe vera are your knights in shining armour: The magic of these plant-based ingredients have no limit. It helps calm a sensitive scalp, balance the pH level and prevent oiliness. They also have soothing and anti-fungal properties that keep dandruff at bay.
  4. Switch to a healthy diet: A diet with no oily or fried food will help prevent an oily scalp. Stick to the greens and add Omega-3 in your diet.
  5. Stay clear of heat tools: The worst enemies to an oily scalp, heat tools make it greasy, weakens hair and causes damage. 
  6. Clean your hairbrush: All that loose hair needs to go because that’s where the dirt and oil come from. Wash your hairbrush with a mild shampoo or gentle soap every 5 days to clean the buildup.

How to treat oily hair?

Although following the oily scalp treatment would automatically help oily hair, some tips and remedies can also fix the problem like:

  1. No touchy-touchy: Keeping your hands away from your hair is the easiest way to avoid greasiness. Touching it constantly transfers oil and dirt from the hand to the hair, stimulating the oil glands to produce more oil. 
  2. Right hair products are your saviour: Switching to specifically designed products and avoiding silicones in them is the key to preventing oiliness. 
  3. Jojoba oil for the win: The go-to oil for oily hair as it helps balance sebum production, keeping the scalp moist and nourished. So don’t be scared to add it to your routine.

Switching to the right products and the right diet is what really prevents an oily scalp. So, make the switch!

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