Oily and greasy strands are a hassle to deal with. Not only does it feel icky and unhygienic, but it also weighs hair down and makes it difficult to style it properly. Even when you do try to style it, oily hair will never allow it to last very long. This is a common complaint among our clients here at Vinaccia Hair. So, you may be wondering: “Why does my hair get oily so fast”? In this article, we will go over the causes, as well as remedies for oily hair types.
Why Does My Hair Get Oily So Fast?
To get down to the science of it, all healthy hair contains a certain amount of sebum. Sebum is oil that your scalp produces in order to protect your hair. You may have noticed that your roots tend to get a little slick due to the amount of oil collecting in your hair. However, the amount of oils that you produce depends on several factors: your hair type, hygiene habits, and lifestyle. If you feel like your hair is oiler than it should be, read on to learn how to remedy this.
Causes of Oily Hair
The oil that your hair produces is part of your body’s defense system for the sensitive hair on your scalp. This oil can mix with sweat and dirt, which can coat your scalp. Washing your hair can remove oil buildup, but is only a quick fix. Some hair types are more prone to oil buildup. This hair buildup can even happen in less than a 24-hour time span! There are several causes to oil hair buildup
Overwashing Hair
Contrary to popular belief, washing your hair too much is not good for your hair. One of the unexpected causes of oily hair is overwashing. It’s essential to wash your hair, just not too frequently. When you wash your hair with shampoo, it causes the scalp to produce an excess of oil. This is what can cause buildup in the scalp.
Hair Type
Straight hair and fine hair are usually prone to collecting oil. This is due to the hair shaft not having texture or wave to it. This causes oil to slide down the hair shaft and collect all over your head. Additionally, it makes the oil in your hair more visible when hair hangs straight down.
Hair Products
The hair products you use can make a difference in the amount of oil in your hair. Simply washing your hair with water will not break up the sebum in your hair. Skipping the shampoo step and using only conditioner will also allow oil to build up. The shampoo step is essential because there are ingredients in it that will break down sebum. When sebum is dissolved, your hair will stay fresh, clean, and oil-free for longer. Here are a few of the best shampoos for oily hair:
- Aveda Scalp Benefits Balancing Shampoo
- Chi Tea Tree Oil Shampoo
- Redken Scalp Relief Oil Detox Shampoo
Quick Fix Remedies For Oily Hair
If you are on the go, there are a few things that you can do to fix oily hair in a synch. Whether it’s after a workout or a hot day, it’s good to have a few quick-fix remedies for oily hair.
- Use Dry Shampoo – Dry shampoo will help to mattify roots and absorb oil. Check out dry shampoo options online.
- Apply Baby Powder – Baby powder will dry out your scalp quickly. Even just using a tiny bit on the crown of your head will make oily roots less obvious.
- Get Oil Absorbing Sheets – Oil-absorbing sheets are formulated for your skin, but you can still use them on your hair in a pinch. Dab the sheet on your scalp and roots to remove excess oil.
Lifestyle and Maintenance Tips
Wash Your Hair More or Less Often
It takes some trial and error to figure out the frequency of how often you should wash your hair. Start by going a day or two between washes if you’re used to washing your hair every day. If you already skip a day of washing, you can try waiting until a sweaty workout day or a humid day to wash your hair.
Don’t brush between Washes
When you brush or straighten your hair, you are dragging sebum and sweat from your scalp down to your hair cuticle. When you distribute the oil through your hair, your scalp produces more. This is why you should brush less to keep the oil situation low.
Change Your Pillowcases
Don’t forget to wash your pillowcases often, as they absorb oils. At the end of the night, you are laying down in the oil and sweat buildup from the days past. Make sure to wash your pillowcases at least once a week.
The Bottom Line On Oily Hair
You may be wondering “why does my hair get oily so fast” and “how do I fix it”? At the end of the day, oil in your hair is not necessarily a bad thing. Your scalp with produce a certain amount of scalp in your hair, and there is nothing wrong with a little bit of buildup. Chances are, there is bound to be something in this guide that will help you treat oily hair.
When To See A Doctor
If you have tried every remedy yourself with no success or seen worsening conditions, it may be time to see a professional. For those who suffer from skin conditions or genetic disorders, generic products or at-home remedies might not be enough. If you are struggling with acne, or genetic issues that cause excessive oil production, we recommend seeing a dermatologist. They would be able to prescribe you prescription-strength shampoos or treatment solutions or even medications.
Vinaccia Hair Goddess Salon in Winter Park
Vinaccia Hair Goddess is located at Phenix Salon Suites, right at 601-A S, N New York Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789. Are you ready to make the plunge and try a new color? Schedule an appointment today. Call Jenn at 407.900.3656 or set one up here.
COVID-19 Regulations
In accordance with social distancing, Vinaccia Hair Goddess can only see one person at a time and there is no double booking allowed at this time. Vinaccia Hair Goddess is requiring you to wear a mask during your appointment. Your health and safety is a priority at Vinaccia Hair Goddess. In between appointments, Jenn will be disinfecting the salon to ensure the highest level of cleanliness. Phenix Salon Suites also has its own staff to sanitize the building and restrooms several times a day.