Oily hair? Here’s your battle plan.
You’ve just washed your hair, but by the end of the day, it’s looking greasy and lifeless. Understanding the reasons behind this and implementing effective care routines can be the ticket to fresh-looking locks says Arran.
Why does hair become oily?
Greasy hair is caused by overactive sebaceous glands in the scalp producing too much sebum. While sebum is good for the hair, lending it natural shine and protection, over production results in oily hair.
Unhealthy food, medications, stress, hormonal changes, incorrect hair care and even the weather can cause overactive sebaceous glands.
8 Pro tips for managing oily hair
#1. Cleansing greasy hair
Choose a shampoo specifically formulated for oily hair such as Kerastase Bain Divalent, which helps to regulate the sebaceous glands whilst giving nourishment and moisture to the mid lengths and ends of your hair.
Arran adds, “Also be wary of shampooing too frequently as after each cleanse your scalp produces more oil (sebum) to replace what’s lost. This can cause the scalp to go into overdrive with sebum production.”
#2. Choose your water temperature
It’s tempting to wash your oily hair in very warm water but this will also wake up those sebaceous glands on the scalp and encourage them to become over-active. Choose a water temperature that is comfortably tepid and let the shampoo do the rest.
If you’d like some advice, do have a chat with your stylist and they can make a recommendation.
#3. Smart conditioning for oily locks
Oily hair still needs a conditioner to put moisturise back as it’s water, not oil, that delivers moisture and suppleness to your strands. Conditioner is vital to shiny, healthy-looking hair and opt for one that will treat your mid lengths and ends. When conditioning your hair, avoid applying it near the scalp area as this can lead to oil and buildup.
#4. Say NO to a head massage
Some say it’s the best part of a trip to the salon Arran explains. However, as lovely a head massage can be, the massaging of the scalp will only increase the activeness of the sebaceous glands and encourage it to be over active for longer.
#5. Add a clarifying shampoo
Especially if you’re a fan of many styling products and dry shampoo a clarifying shampoo, used once a week, will remove any lingering residue and rejuvenate your locks.
#6. Brush up your hair care
A hairbrush full of styling products and oils can ‘dirty’ freshly washed hair. Clean your brush with shampoo or gentle soap and remove loose hair after each use to keep it spotlessly clean.
#7. Hands off the mane event
Avoid frequent hair touching. Twirling or running fingers through it can activate oil glands, transferring both scalp and hand oils to the strands, making it look greasy.
#8. Food triggers
Finally, says Arran, never underestimate the effect that your diet can have on your tresses.
Much as we love fried food, fatty meat and high fat dairy products they can trigger more oil production on skin and hair. While sugar messes with hormones, hikes blood sugar and kickstarts oil glands. Chocolate-lovers with oily hair, beware.
Need some expert advice?
If you’d like some professional advice on your hair and the right products for you, just ask me or one of or fabulous team!
We love to help.
Arran
