Often, we have seen people complaining of dry hair. Some seek medications to reverse this condition as it brings itchiness with it. Nonetheless, very few people talk about the other spectrum- greasy hair. A sizeable number of people have very oily hair which makes the locks seem lifeless, flat and just yucky. In most circumstances the droopy look after the wash makes your whole appearance questionable.
Causes of greasy hair
Excess Sebum
Every hair follicle contains sebaceous glands necessary for the production of sebum. Sebum is essential on the scalp as it prevents the skin from being dry. However, there are certain circumstances when the glands produce excess amounts of oils which cause oily skin or very greasy hair. Excess oils bring health issues such as dandruff, hair loss, and limp hair.
Using too many products
Often, an excess of everything is dangerous. People who use excess oils, serum, conditioner, hair gels, and the likes can unfit for your hair. When these products accumulate in your hair, they may cause havoc by weighing your hair down. The worst instance is using alcohol-based products as they disorient the functioning of sebaceous glands. In the end, your hair will look all oily and messy.
Naturally oily hair
Some hairs are naturally oily. For people with straight strands, they tend to have greasy hair as sebum travels from the roots to the tips with no obstructions. Curly hairs are oilier on the roots as sebum fails to move to other parts of the hair strands.
Skin conditions
Some skins conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis and eczema are known to cause oily skins and dandruff. Seek proper medications for such conditions.
Shampooing too often
Most people have a habit of shampooing their hair too often since they believe that it gets rid of excess oils. These people as not too far from the truth as washing gets rid of oils. However, they also stimulate the production of sebum to replace the lost oils. In most instances, sebum production happens very fast, and one may end up producing excess oils. Therefore, shampooing aggravates your process and not solving your problems.
Washing hair with hot water
Hot water is known to stimulate your sebaceous glands, making them produce more sebum.
How to prevent greasy hair
- Avoid brushing your hair for more than twice a day. Brushing redistributes the oils from the roots to the ends, making the hair all greasy.
- Rinse your hair for about a minute to ensure that all the shampoo and conditioners are off your hair. Failure to rinse may leave oils on the hair leaving them to cling back after a while. In addition to this, use cold water for the final rinse. This is because cold water closes cuticles preventing excess production of sebum.
- Avoid silicone products as they are known to attract dirt to cling on your hair.
- Use baking soda in your shampoo during the second week of your washing. Baking powder helps in the removal of oils and excess products on your scalp.
- Avoid touching your hair as the fingertips aid in the distribution of oils throughout the hair strands.
- Use dry shampoos. These kinds of shampoos are known to suck up oils in the scalp. Use pureology hydrate shampoos to have less greasy hair. Normal hairs are not washed as often as oily hairs thus making an individual reduce on their washes.
- Baby powder. If you doubt the dry shampoos, you have an option of going the old fashioned way. Baby powder works the same way as dry shampoos. You should sprinkle the powder on the roots and use fingertips to rub in. To avoid the white look of the powder, you can mix it with powder to give a darker shade.
Conclusion
Greasy hairs are very unattractive as the oils give them an ugly look. In most instances, people look for many ways to get rid of the oils. Some increase the number of washes and the number of shampoos used with the belief that excess products ensure thorough washing. However, this is entirely wrong, and thus the more reason to follow the above tips.
