Why washing makes hair oilier: 4 causes of scalp oil.

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Why washing makes hair oilier: 4 causes of scalp oil and hair loss.

2024-10-13｜Lena

Even though you wash your hair daily, why hasn't the excessive scalp oil improved?

During seasonal transitions, especially in fall and winter, those with sensitive scalps may experience dryness. Using strong cleansing shampoos at this time can lead to abnormal oil production. I once experienced this; I used oil-control shampoo due to constant greasiness, but by the next afternoon, my hair was oily again. Switching to a moisturizing shampoo helped. Additionally, diet, lifestyle, stress, and body type also affect scalp oil production!

Catalogue

I. Why does the scalp get oily?
II. What causes scalp oiliness?
III. How to improve excessive scalp oil?
IV. Recommended shampoos

Why does the scalp get oily?

Many women dislike an oily scalp because it can ruin their carefully styled hair. However, it's important to understand that scalp oiliness is a normal part of the body's metabolism. Appropriate oil secretion helps protect the scalp. Since hair strands themselves lack oil, the scalp must provide essential nutrients and oils to keep hair elastic and shiny.

What causes scalp oiliness?

Causes of Scalp Oiliness – Irregular Lifestyle and Poor Diet

Irregular lifestyle and diet

Have you ever pulled an all-nighter studying, worked on a project overnight, or stayed up gaming, only to find your scalp extra oily the next day? I once visited a salon, and the stylist commented, "Your scalp is really red; have you been staying up late?" I was surprised they could tell just by looking at my scalp! In fact, lack of sleep can cause inflammation, leading to a red scalp and increased oil production. Unhealthy eating habits, such as consuming spicy, stimulating, or fried foods, can also cause inflammation, resulting in excess oil on the scalp.

Stress

Stress can cause scalp oiliness, a common experience for many office workers. Hormone levels can become imbalanced due to psychological stress, especially estrogen, which is highly susceptible to stress-induced hormone disruptions. The skin, particularly the scalp, is one of the first areas affected. Since nerve endings in the skin connect to sebaceous glands, increased stress stimulates these glands, causing excess oil production. If excessive scalp oil is leading to hair loss, it’s time to assess whether recent stress levels might be the cause.

Body type
Think back to your teenage years when oil production was likely at its peak—your face was constantly oily, and acne was a frequent visitor. This is due to the surge of hormones during puberty, which leads to increased oil production. Typically, oil production stabilizes in your 20s and 30s, including on the scalp. For women, skin aging starts around age 25, leading to reduced scalp oil production over time. In contrast, men may continue to produce more oil even into their 50s and 60s due to higher sebaceous gland activity.

However, why do some people continue to have oily scalps even after puberty? This often comes down to genetics; if your parents have oily skin, you are more likely to have it too. Additionally, high internal humidity levels can also contribute to a greasy scalp.

Causes of Scalp Oiliness – Improper product use

Improper product use
Remember at the beginning of the article when we mentioned that seeing oily hair doesn’t necessarily mean you have an oily scalp? Sometimes, scalp oiliness can result from using the wrong shampoo. When the scalp is dry, using a strong, oil-control shampoo can lead to over-cleansing, stripping the scalp of all its oils. Since some oil production is normal, the scalp may respond by producing even more oil as a protective mechanism, causing the "greasier with more washing" effect.

How to improve excessive scalp oil?

If you notice unusual oiliness on your scalp, check whether you've been using an oil-control shampoo long-term without any improvement. If so, try switching to a moisturizing shampoo for dry scalps, as the wrong product may be causing excessive oil production.

If changing shampoo doesn’t help, consider deeper factors. Reflect on whether work stress, lack of sleep, or a diet high in spicy, fried foods could be contributing. If none of these seem to be the cause, consult a dermatologist for professional advice.

Recommended shampoos

For deep cleansing and oil control, if your scalp is particularly oily on wash days, you can use Lin Dong Shampoo for a thorough clean.

For dry scalps, a moisturizing shampoo is recommended. If your scalp often feels dry and tight, causing your hair to lack moisture, or if you've been using oil-control shampoos without resolving the oiliness, try using Mu Chun Shampoo.

Further Reading:

Scalp Itch Relief Tips for Fall/Winter: 5 common causes of itchy scalp you should know.

How to Improve Scalp Care and Reduce Oiliness and Hair Loss?

What Happens if You Don’t Dry Your Hair? Not only does it cause flat hair, but it can also lead to hair loss!

First Dawn of the New Year Appears—Let’s Start Fresh in 2022!

What Type of Dandruff Do You Have? Four ways to reduce excessive dandruff.

4 Gentle Shampoos for Sensitive Skin to Soothe an Irritated Scalp.

Is Your Scalp Itchy Again During the Seasonal Change? Here are seven ways to soothe a dry, itchy scalp!