Oily Hair Remedies

The scalp is an extension of the skin and, therefore, also contains sebaceous glands within the hair follicles. These glands release an oil-like substance called sebum, which helps maintain nourishment and moisture in the skin and hair.

However, excessive production of sebum can make your hair oily, making it feel heavy and thick. It can also increase the risk of scalp problems such as itching and dandruff.

While oily hair is rarely a medical concern, it is best to manage the problem timely to prevent hair issues. This article discusses the various causes of oily hair, home remedies, and lifestyle tips that can help manage the condition.

Causes of Oily Hair

The most common cause of oily hair is oversecretion of sebum by the sebaceous glands on the scalp. Various other factors can also contribute to oily hair, including:

• Humidity: It is common to see your hair becoming oily in hot, humid weather, even after shampooing.
• Hormonal fluctuations: Hormonal changes associated with menopause and puberty can put your sebaceous glands into overdrive, resulting in oily hair.
• Poor hygiene: Not washing your hair regularly and using unwashed pillowcases, bedsheets, hair accessories, or hair tools can result in scalp buildup and can turn your hair oily and greasy.
• Excessive use of hair products: Conditioning your hair daily or using too much hair serum and other hair products can make your hair oily.
• Over-oiling: While oiling the hair is recommended for improved hair health and growth, over-oiling can clog the scalp pores and make the hair sticky or greasy. Moreover, it increases the chances of developing dandruff.
• Stress: Unmanaged prolonged stress can trigger overproduction of sebum by the sebaceous glands, making the hair oily.

Home Remedies for Oily Hair

Oily hair is generally a mild problem that can be managed using home remedies made of natural ingredients.

You can try the following at-home remedies to help clear the excess oil and regulate the activity of the sebaceous glands to some extent. These may also help improve your hair health and texture in general.

1. Use lemon-based masks

Lemons have high vitamin C content and an acidic nature that can help clear the excess oil from your hair. They can also regulate the scalp pH as it has been shown that a scalp pH above 5.5 is associated with irritation.

You can use lemon juice with egg whites to help retain moisture and prevent dryness.

How to use:

1. Mix 1–2 tbsp of yogurt with 1–2 tsp of lemon juice.
2. Apply the mask to your hair, and put on a shower cap.
3. Wash off the mask after 20 minutes.
4. Repeat this remedy weekly.

2. Prepare a scalp scrub

Scalp scrubs exfoliate the scalp, unclogging the scalp pores, preventing scalp buildup, and removing dead skin cells and dirt. They also boost hair growth.

How to use:

1. Mix 2 tbsp each of ground coffee and coarsely crushed walnuts.
2. Make a thick paste by adding water.
3. Shampoo your hair, and then massage this mixture to your scalp using your fingers.
4. Rinse your hair.

3. Rinse with rice water

Rice water is rich in minerals and vitamins, including vitamins B and C. It also contains amino acids and antioxidants that help in hair detoxification.

How to use:

1. Soak rice in water for at least 1 hour or overnight and strain it.
2. Use the rice water on your shampooed hair and massage it in for a few minutes.
3. Give a final rinse with plain water, and allow your hair to dry.