An article by Liliya Fekhretdinova
Can you train your oily hair to stay clean longer?
The question has puzzled many. The opinions vary as there is a lack of informed decision-making as far as oily hair is concerned. In just three months, the New York Times published two contrasting articles on hair washing. One argued that we need to wash our hair less, while the other suggested exactly the opposite to avoid. Nowadays, trends in social media show a shift towards less frequent shampooing to the point that some individuals even opt for zero shampooing – “no poo”. Others argue that the scalp is essentially an extension of the face, which most people cleanse at least once every day.
Let’s understand the role of oil production in hair health. Sebum, the natural oil of your scalp, has a protective function acting as a barrier against pathogens. This oil then goes down to the hair shaft, making it shiny. But as it leaves that greasy feeling, that prompts frequent hair washing.
Social media claim that washing hair less often can extend the time between washes. However, is this notion a myth or a reality?
What Causes Oily Hair
Let’s delve into the intricacies of the scalp’s mechanisms. Oily scalp is a combination of internal and external factors. On one side, genes play a significant role. Those with higher testosterone levels have oilier hair. On the other side, we mustn’t let the skin overprotect itself, be it incorrect product selection or usage. For example: your shampoo might not clean well, or else you might be rinsing it not thoroughly enough. Also, any leave-in products applied on the roots might create extra weight and thus, they get oily faster.
Do you stress out much, consume alcohol, smoke, or live in a hot climate? All of this can lead to increased oil production. Reducing such factors promotes a healthy scalp.
The Myth of “Training” Your Scalp
The fear of stripping natural oils has led to a common misconception that less washing = healthier hair, but a buildup of dead cells and oil certainly blocks hair from growing. In the best way, such abstinence won’t make any difference in your body oil production. In the worst case, sebum mixed with things like dust, dirt, and dead cells can create waxy deposits called sebum plugs. These plugs can block your hair follicles, leading to dandruff, an itchy scalp, and hair loss. When sebum hardens into crystals in your hair, it stops hair care products from working well. Too much sebum can also cause scalp infections.
Why dive into a sea of scalp troubles when you can surf the waves of proper cleansing and the right hair care products? Stick with me, and I’ll guide you on how to normalize your oil production while keeping your scalp healthy and nourished. How? Let’s master the art of balancing your scalp’s ecosystem!
Assess Your Scalp Health
To determine whether your scalp is healthy, look for signs like flakes, redness, or itching. A healthy scalp should be smooth and even-toned. Any deviation from this could mean you have a problem. Damaged skin protects itself with sebum, which is the primary cause of oily hair. Treat your condition if you have one, and your hair will be healthier, stronger, and less oily!
How Often Should You Wash Your Oily Hair
How to know whether your scalp is oily? It is if you’re seeing excessive sebum within 1 or 2 days of washing. In fine hair, it is more noticeable than thick.
Curly hair often requires less washing. It is so because this kind of porous hair needs to be protected by your sebum to be healthy.
These guidelines provide a starting point. Individual factors may alter your ideal hair routine. This can be exercising, hair stylist recommendations, and product usage. Feel free to use these as a foundation and tailor your hair care to meet your unique needs.
“Don’t”s:
- Don’t foam the shampoo in your hands before applying it to your hair. Make sure the liquid shampoo directly touches the scalp.
- Don’t use deep-cleansing shampoo more than once per week if your hair type is oily. In the ingredients, you want to look for the essential oils (i.e. eucalyptus, rosemary) and extracts (i.e. willow bark, dog rose, ginseng, sage)
- Make sure to not leave behind any shampoo, thoroughly rinse it out.
- Don’t wash your hair in hot water. Not only will it damage the hair shaft, but will also cause sweating, so more oil.
“Do”s:
- Use conditioner/oil (pre-shampoo) on the ends before applying shampoo.
- Only massage your roots to wash off the grease, the foam will do the rest.
- Use an acidic rinse after washing your hair. It supports the skin’s pH balance and reduces the need for the scalp to compensate for sebum.
Dermatological Treatments for Oily Hair
Dermatological treatments are another way to control excessive scalp oil. These medical procedures should be carried out under the guidance of healthcare professionals to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the treatments focusing on specific scalp and hair issues. The options can include medicated shampoos, more potent prescription treatments, or unique and personalized extracts. All these treatments are specifically designed to target the key reasons behind excessive oil production. They work towards ensuring the ongoing health of your scalp and hair.
All in all, although it’s a myth that you can “train” your scalp, you can help it work better. Many people think washing hair less often reduces oil, but that’s not always true. This study on straight Asian hair shows that daily hair washing can actually promote new hair growth and the level of overall satisfaction with hair and scalp! The key is to understand and cater to the specific needs of your hair type to maintain a healthy scalp balance.
What are your hair care tips? We’d love to hear from you! Share in the comments below and let’s help each other achieve healthier hair!