Oily Scalp

Oily scalp: how to get rid of it

Oily scalp is a common problem that not only makes your hair greasy quickly, but can also make you feel uncomfortable or even itchy. Fortunately, there is a lot you can do about it. With the right hair care and habits, you can get your scalp back in balance and that means fresher hair for longer too!

What is an oily scalp?

An oily scalp is a scalp problem. With an oily scalp, the skin produces excessive sebum. Sebum is naturally meant to protect the skin and hair, but too much of it makes your hair feel oily quickly and tangle or fall flat. Sometimes this occurs gradually, sometimes suddenly, for example due to hormonal changes or improper use of hair products.

Causes of oily scalp

There are several causes that can contribute to an overproduction of sebum:

• Excessive washing: If you wash your hair too often, your scalp can 'panic' and actually produce more sebum.
• Wrong shampoo: A shampoo that is too harsh or just too nourishing can disrupt sebum production.
• Hormonal fluctuations: Think puberty, stress or menstruation.
• Use of styling products: Some products can build up on the scalp and clog pores.
• Hot styling tools: Excessive blow-drying or styling can dry out the scalp, which also leads to extra sebum production.

How do you care for an oily scalp?

The key is to restore its natural balance. This is how you do it:

• Use a mild, purifying shampoo: Choose a shampoo specially developed for oily scalps. Ingredients like tea tree oil, salicylic acid or menthol help regulate sebum and ensure a fresh, clean scalp.
• Avoid excessive washing: Try not to wash your hair more than 2-3 times a week. This sounds exciting, but your scalp will adapt and produce less sebum in time.
• Rinse well: Make sure you rinse out all shampoo and conditioner well. Leftover product residue can irritate the scalp and leave it feeling oily.
• Use light care products: Avoid heavy conditioners or oils at the roots of your hair. Apply these types of products only in the lengths and ends.
• Give your scalp a rest: Use an occasional scalp scrub or exfoliator to remove dead skin cells and debris, but do so in moderation (once a week).

Products against oily scalp

At Salontotal.co.uk, you'll find a wide range of products to help reduce oily scalp. Our tip: give it some time. Your scalp needs time to come into balance. So don't expect results immediately after one wash. Give your routine at least three to four weeks before judging whether it works.