Greasy Hair? Let's Get to the Root
Struggling with the everyday wash cycle? Our founders weigh in on root causes for oily hair and ways you can overcome greasy hair — naturally.
Oily hair is the result of overactive sebaceous glands producing too much sebum. Common causes for oily hair include: heredity, diet, medication, and improper hair care. Additional contributing factors may be seasonal changes, hormonal fluctuations, and periods of high stress.
Sebum is beneficial for your hair by keeping it healthy and smooth, and preventing dryness and breakage. But too much sebum can cause hair to look greasy, not to mention contribute to dandruff outbreaks.
NATURAL OILY HAIR REMEDIES
DIET
Avoid greasy foods and increase portions of fruit and vegetables, plus drink plenty of water — this will not only benefit your hair but also boost the condition of skin and nails. Adding vitamin B-rich foods (B2 and B6) may help moderate sebum production, like sweet potatos, bananas, bell peppers, and spinach.
WASH CYCLE
Lovesong is a big proponent of natural and clean-ingredient shampoo and conditioner, but if you are tied to a conventional brand, ensure that your shampoo does not contain sulfates. Try to avoid washing your hair too often, which can stimulate sebum production. Stick to a shampoo schedule of every 2-3 days if possible. When using conditioner, apply sparingly, and only to the mid-length and ends of hair, avoiding your roots.
STYLING TIPS
On days you are skipping a wash, try to pull your hair back including bangs and fringe, or wash your bangs to eliminate grease near your face. Avoid over-touching your hair with your hands as this can contribute to oil buildup on the scalp that can travel down your strands. Refrain from overbrushing and use a wide-tooth comb for knots. Avoid using sticky styling products such as mousse, gel, pomade, and hair spray.
DRY SHAMPOO WORDS OF CAUTION
Powdery dry shampoos can cause potential hair and scalp risks if used too frequently, such as clogged hair follicles, hair breakage, and hair loss. These starch-based dry shampoo options do not clean your hair, but rather absorb the oil in your hair, making it less noticeable. Using starch-based dry shampoo too often or leaving it in your hair for prolonged periods without washing it out can lead to a buildup of product on your scalp. This build-up may cause dandruff, scaly skin, and potentially contribute to the risk of bacterial or fungal infections. Taking into consideration that poor scalp health can lead to hair loss, it’s best to be careful with dry shampoo selection and frequency of use.
TIME FOR A HAIR RESET?
If you have been washing your hair with shampoo containing sulfates or using dry shampoo products frequently, it may be time for a hair cleanse. Start by either using a clarifying shampoo or rinsing your hair with apple cider vinegar.
APPLE CIDER VINEGAR RINSE
- Mix 4 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with 8oz of water
- After shampooing, pour the mixture over your hair, paying special to your roots
- Gently massage into your scalp
- Let the ACV solution sit on your hair for a couple of minutes
- Rinse
- Condition if needed