Oily hair is caused by highly active sebaceous glands on the scalp. These glands secrete a special substance which forms, on the skin, a thin hydrolipidic film that protects hair from external influences and drying. According to beauty experts, the characteristics of one’s sebaceous glands depend on genetics. Hormonal, nutritional, psychological, and other factors also influence the condition of one’s scalp and hair.
In this article, we’ll tell you how to treat oily hair. A key aspect of this approach is to not wash your hair every day. You can also subscribe to MyStraightener.com to learn more about innovative beauty products, simple routines, and helpful life hacks.
Some General Advice For Oily Hair
If you have oily hair, pay special attention to the following:
- Nutrition. Consume more vitamins, minerals, and vegetables, as an unhealthy diet may result in damaged, greasy hair.
- Washing up. Daily washing worsens the problem because shampoo removes the protective film from the scalp and hair roots. This causes the sebaceous glands to work even more. Therefore, women are advised to increase the intervals between shampooing to 2-3 days. Gradually, your hair will become accustomed to this routine and will be much less oily.
- Styling. Hot air damages oily hair, making it more brittle and dull. To avoid increased sebum secretion, it is recommended that you style your hair using warm or even cool air. At the same time, avoid gels and waxes. These often worsen the condition of one’s hair and result in unattractive, fatty roots.
- Combing. It is generally believed that oily hair should be combed often to distribute sebum from the roots to the ends. However, according to trichologists and dermatologists, one should comb one’s hair as little as possible, as combing enhances the work of the sebaceous glands and makes hair less attractive.
How To Stop Washing Your Hair Every Day
The more frequently you wash your hair, the more quickly it becomes dirty and oily. The protective layer is washed off, and the sebaceous glands begin to produce more oil. The best option for oily hair is to wash it 2-3 times a week. But how to do that?
- Increase the intervals between shampooing gradually. You can also try dry shampoos with talc and corn starch, which absorb excess sebum and create the illusion of a clean head.
- Wash your hair with warm water. Hot water stimulates the sebaceous glands. Apply the shampoo, massage your head, wait for at least 30 seconds, rinse, and then repeat the procedure. The first application of shampoo washes away surface dirt, while the second application removes accumulated sebum.
- Try not to touch your hair often.
- Do not apply conditioner to the roots. Conditioner makes your hair shiny and smooth, so it should be applied only along the length of the hair. It has a heavy structure and is saturated with oils, which can form a film on the scalp and stimulate the activity of the sebaceous glands.
- Rinse your head with cool water. This will halt the activity of the sebaceous glands, smooth the hair cuticle, and prevent static electricity.
How To Style Oily Hair
- When you dry your hair with a hairdryer or straighten it with a curling iron, avoid the roots. Sebum has a solid consistency; it melts under the influence of high temperatures and is then distributed along the length of the hair. Therefore, hair thoroughly dried with a hairdryer will have a hard time holding volume.
- Try to brush your hair less during the day. Also, avoid touching it with greasy and dirty hands.
- Beauty products for volume contain fewer oils that stimulate the production of sebum. Don’t use products that make hair shiny, as they contain a large amount of oil.
- Opt for wavy or curly hair. This texture prevents sebum from spreading along the length of the strands and creates the illusion of clean hair.
