Greasy hair is difficult to treat, both because it is difficult to choose the correct products and because the information available can often be confusing. The widespread belief is that oily hair should be washed less often to avoid excessive sebum production. Furthermore, online articles and various creators recommend specific routines for scheduling hair washing, insinuating that you can “get your hair used” and not get dirty.Â
What Are The Leading Causes Of Greasy Hair, And What External Or Internal Factors Can Contribute To The Problem?
There are many leading causes of greasy hair, but genetics are the leading cause. In fact, sebum production is genetically determined and regulated at a hormonal level, which is the main factor why each of us has a scalp with a specific sebum production. Secondly, external factors are essential, i.e., lifestyle, how often you practice sports, where you live, and how you usually use public transport. Another thing to pay attention to that is equally important is your washing habit. There are, in fact, some counterproductive actions that could worsen the condition of the hair and lead to various problems:Â
- Wash your hair too little;
- Use aggressive or wrong products;
- Excessive stratification of products could lead to multiple issues.
What Are The Essential Elements To Use To Take Care Of Greasy Hair?
Among the essential steps for taking care of greasy hair is choosing a specific shampoo for frequent washing, which is especially useful if you wash more than four times a week. More “cleansing” products can also be helpful if delicate ones don’t feel like cleansing your scalp, but they could be aggressive. A scrub before washing, not every time you wash your hair, can also be beneficial to remove any impurities and excess sebum. New ingredients have also been introduced on the market, such as salicylic acid, a sebum regulator useful for treating an oily scalp.
There Are Different Schools Of Thought On The Frequency Of Washing Greasy Hair. What Advice Would You Give?
Remember to dispel a false myth: washing your hair frequently doesn’t hurt! Hair should never be left dirty because this choice could lead to the formation of sebaceous plugs, which in turn can cause inflammation and itching of the scalp. Hair should be washed when it is dirty, when necessary. Suppose you have a lifestyle such that you have to wash them every day (think, for example, of those who go to the swimming pool or do cumbersome work and come into contact with dirty environments). In that case, you must be careful to use suitable products and limit the tremendous damage caused by washing your hair frequently, i.e., the excessive heat caused by using hair dryers and straighteners. In this case, it is, therefore, essential to add the thermoprotector step.
Are There Any Dietary Or Lifestyle Changes That Could Help Reduce Sebum Production And Improve Excessive Greasiness In Hair?
In reality, no changes can lead to a decrease in sebum production. Still, some changes in habits can lead to keeping hair clean for longer, with particular attention being paid to those who have oily hair for genetics. I recommend adopting the following habits:
- Use the microfibre turban only for a few minutes on wet hair that has just been washed, making sure to clean it often;
- constantly clean hair accessories such as brushes, clips, headgear, and all drying and styling tools such as straighteners and hairdryers;
- Use specific brushes for the scalp; above all, do not use the conditioner directly on the scalp but only on the lengths.
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