We all have natural oils in our hair (known as "sebum"), but some people overproduce this oil, making it difficult to style their hair. Also, many people overdo their hair, use fatty mousses and gels, and other products which only exacerbate the problem. Instead of hiding your hair in a hat or tying it into a ponytail when you notice your strands are limp, you can tackle the problem of oily hair with a few simple changes to your hair care, or changing your diet.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Changing the Way of Shampooing
Step 1. Reduce the frequency of shampooing
While this may not seem like the purpose here, shampooing can actually result in overproduction of oil. One reason is that the shampoo will remove the natural oils, and your scalp reacts by producing more of it. In addition, certain shampoos and conditioners, especially those containing silicone, can make your hair even more oily or coated with oil-like compounds.
If you're used to shampooing every day, gradually reduce the frequency, and skip shampooing only once a week. And finally, reduce the frequency of shampooing to once every two or three days
Step 2. Use the right shampoo
A gentle cleansing shampoo will help you avoid the problem of lifting too much oil. A shampoo like this will also prevent your scalp from producing too much oil. In addition, using a shampoo containing salicylic acid, selenium sulfide, or ketoconazole regularly will deeply cleanse the scalp of hair care product build-up, resulting in a healthier scalp and less natural hair oil.
Shampoos containing tea tree oil are quite beneficial because they can absorb the oil
Step 3. Rinse thoroughly
No matter what product you use, make sure to always rinse thoroughly. You should rinse your hair for at least 30 seconds, or the longer the better.
Step 4. Apply conditioner only to the ends of the hair
Keep conditioner away from the scalp, as it can increase oil production. Conditioner is designed to prevent split ends and dryness.
Look for products that are specially formulated for oily hair, and use them sparingly
Step 5. Use home remedies
In addition to the steps above, you can also try a variety of home remedies for oily hair. Many of them use ingredients that are inexpensive and may be readily available at home, or can be easily purchased at the grocery store, such as aloe vera, baking soda, baby powder, and tea. Here are some easy and useful examples for you to try:
- Vinegar or lemon juice rinse: Mix 2 tablespoons of white vinegar or the juice of one lemon with a cup of water. Wash with shampoo, and rinse hair with this solution, then rinse again with lukewarm water.
- Beer rinse: alcohol is a drying compound, so try mixing 1/2 cup of beer with 2 cups of water, and rinsing your hair after shampooing with this solution. Make sure to rinse your hair again afterwards to get rid of the smell!
- Oatmeal treatment: prepare oatmeal and let it cool, then apply it to your scalp and leave it for 10-15 minutes. Continue with your hair care as usual.
Method 2 of 3: Changing Your Hairstyle
Step 1. Keep the heat away from your head
Heat triggers oil production, so avoid using a blow dry. You should also avoid straightening irons, curling irons, and hot coils if your hair is really oily.
Step 2. Avoid touching your hair
Touching your hands to your hair, or playing with your hair will spread the oil from your scalp to the rest of your hair. This will also stimulate the production of oil in the hair roots.
- Touching your hair is also problematic because it can transfer the oil from your hands (from lotion or whatever you eat) to your hair.
- The same goes for brushing your hair: every time you run the brush over your head, the oil is carried from the roots to the length of the strands. Of course, you should brush your hair when it's tangled or unruly, but try not to brush it more than 100 strokes a day.
Step 3. Spray dry shampoo
This product can help overcome the oil at the roots of the hair as well as add volume to the hair. This option is perfect on days you don't wash your hair.
- Dry shampoo is great for occasional use, but you shouldn't use it every day. These shampoos can clog hair follicles and make it harder for sweat glands to function normally.
- Cornstarch, cornstarch, and blotting paper work the same as dry shampoo, absorbing excess oil between washes.
Step 4. Avoid oil based products
Styling products that contain high concentrations of silicone or oil can make your hair look limp, so read labels carefully and look for substitutes.
Method 3 of 3: Changing Diet
Step 1. Increase your intake of vitamins B2 and B6
This vitamin can help the body control sebum production.
- Sunflower seeds are a great source of vitamins B2 and B6. Other foods that are rich in vitamin B6 are fish, poultry, red meat, and nuts..
- If your intake of B vitamins from food is still lacking, you can take supplements that are sold freely and are available at department stores or pharmacies.
Step 2. Take vitamin A and D supplements
Just like the B vitamins, vitamins A and D can also help reduce sebum production.
To make sure you are not taking supplements in excess (or vice versa), check with your doctor before taking vitamin A and D supplements (or before starting to take supplements)
Step 3. Follow a low glycemic diet
Foods with a high glycemic index can increase insulin levels in the blood, resulting in increased oil production.
Avoid processed, high-carbohydrate, and sugar-rich foods and replace them with non-carbohydrate vegetables, legumes, and fruits
Step 4. Increase zinc intake
Zinc controls sebum production and can be obtained from red meat and poultry.
Oatmeal contains zinc as well as vitamins B2 and B6, making it a great food to help control oily hair
Step 5. Eat omega-3 fatty acids
These nutrients are great for hair health. Fish and walnuts are two food sources that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
Tips
- For some people, oily hair is caused by hormonal problems. This is especially common in adolescents, pregnant women or postmenopausal women. If you think your oily hair is caused by a hormonal problem, consult a doctor.
- Oral contraceptives and steroids can also increase sebum production.
- Avoid scrubbing the shampoo too vigorously, as this can increase oil production.
