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The excess production of sebum causes oily hair. Sebum is a waxy substance secreted by the sebaceous glands, which are attached to hair follicles. Oily hair is tough to manage. The overabundance of oil on the scalp makes hair look greasy, flat and limp. Fine hair often has more volume than some other hair textures; therefore, people with fine hair have more sebaceous glands, which produce excess oil on the scalp.

The quantity of oil in the hair depends on:

• Humidity
• Temperature
• Season

Types of Oily Hair

Oily or greasy hair is mainly of two types:

• Oily hair from roots to the tip, with a greasy scalp
• Oily scalp and roots with dry middle shafts and ends

Causes

There are a range of factors that can cause oily scalp. These include the following:

• Heredity
• Environmental factors
• Bad diet
• Hormonal imbalances
• Disease

Treatment

Some easy steps and tips to treat oily scalp are as follows:

• Keep your hair clean
• Use shampoo specially designed for an oily scalp
• Never apply conditioner on the scalp
• Avoid harsh styling products or if necessary apply them at the ends
• Shop for shampoos with zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide, or salicylic acid
• Rinse hair properly after a wash preferably with lukewarm water
• Avoid shampoos with built in conditioners
• Avoid excess hair brushing
• Avoid greasy /oily food

Other Home Remedies

There are some effective kitchen-shelf home remedies to get rid of oily hair.

• Apply lime juice to the scalp twice a week.
• Rinse with apple cider vinegar, it helps to clear oil from the hair.
• Blend aloe vera gel and one tablespoon of lemon juice with a cup of natural shampoo and apply on the hair. Wash and rinse thoroughly.
• Wash hair with flat beer and rinse properly.
• Use a bath soap to wash hair. However, soaps strip hair of oils and can be harmful in the long run.

Quick Fix Tips

• Baby powder is an easy quick fix for oily hair when in a hurry. Sprinkle some powder into hair and comb through it. The powder soaks the oil in the scalp
• Apply dry shampoo to minimize oiliness in the hair. Mix one part of baking soda and one part of corn starch and brush through

Diet Tips

• Drink plenty of water to keep body hydrated.
• Eat plenty of vegetables and fruits. A balanced diet is key to a healthy scalp.
• Include healthy fats like nuts, fish and olive oil in the diet.

Exercises

Exercise regularly. Exercise improves blood circulation and promotes healthy hair. You can also follow a yoga routine to eliminate oily hair. Yoga accelerates the flow of blood to the scalp, which results in healthy scalp and hair. Some of the prominent yoga poses for healthy hair are as follows:

• Supported Headstand (Sirasana)
• Wind Relieving Pose (Pawanmuktasana)
• Camel Pose (Ustrasana)

Infections of the Scalp

Some of the most prevalent scalp conditions and infections are as follows:

• Itchy scalp: A condition of the scalp caused by allergy or a fungal infection.
• Ringworm Infections: A superficial form of fungal infection characterized by itching and rashes. The rashes are contagious and should be treated effectively.
• Eczema: Eczema is a condition akin to seborrhoeic dermatitis.
• Scalp Psoriasis: This condition is characterized by patches of red skin or thick silvery white scales. Scalp psoriasis causes severe dandruff, and in some cases, can be very itchy. Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease and could be a symptom of more serious diseases like melanoma, basal and squamous carcinoma.
• Follucilitis: Follucilitis is the superficial infection of hair follicles characterized by numerous red or pink small bumps at hair follicles.

Seborrhoeic Dermatitis

This incessant inflammation of the skin causes flaky, greasy, yellow patches on the scalp. It is persistent and worsens with time. This medical condition is not contagious and can be kept under control with efficient treatment. Some treatments and cures recommended for seborrhoeic dermatitis are as follows:

• Medicated shampoos containing selenium sulfide, ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione, coal tar, and salicylic acid used twice in a week for a month or more.
• Steroid scalp applications daily for a few days to reduce itching.
• Application of tar creams on scaled patches.

Seborrhoeic dermatitis is a serious medical condition and proper treatment and medication should be started only after consultation with a dermatologist or a trichologist.

Furthermore, there are some diseases that can propel sebaceous glands to produce more sebum on the scalp. These diseases mainly include the disorders that affect the adrenal or pituitary gland, ovaries and testicles. Some reports even suggest that chronic scalp condition can be a sign of Parkinson’s or even HIV.

Stress Related Itching

Stress may contribute to excess sebum production by sebaceous glands. It is appropriate to consult a dermatologist for a better cure to the entire above mentioned scalp conditions. While natural remedies can enhance the quality of hair, it is safe to consult a doctor for serious and recurrent hair problems.

References:

1. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002042.htm
2. http://dermnetnz.org/dermatitis/seborrhoeic-dermatitis.html