An oily scalp is a major cause of concern, especially during the summer months. Those who suffer from this problem know that it is almost cyclical. Wash your hair too much, and it results in producing excessive oil. Don't wash your hair often enough, and it results in looking oily, itchy, and limp. Add the extreme summer temperature and sweat to this, and it's the perfect recipe for a disastrous hair day!
What makes hair oily:
The sebaceous glands present in hair roots are responsible for the production of sebum. Sebum is essential for hair as it protects them from getting damaged and keeps them hydrated. However, the production of excessive sebum is what causes oily scalp and sticky hair. This problem gets aggravated during the summer months as sweat released from the body pushes down sebum deeper into the hair shaft. The more we sweat, the more oily our hair gets. An oily scalp is a breeding ground for dandruff and other bacterial infections. It can result in constant itching of the scalp, which can be immensely uncomfortable and can lead to more serious dermatological issues.
Home remedies for oily hair:
Dealing with what causes oily hair in summer can be tricky. Here are some easy hacks and home remedies for oily hair.
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Aloe Vera:
Aloe Vera is a boon for hair. Mix one tablespoon of aloe vera gel, three tablespoons lemon juice and half a cup shampoo. Use this as your regular shampoo for better hair texture and reduced greasiness.
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Tea Tree Oil:
Tea tree oil helps treat what causes oily hair and dandruff that comes with it. Mix a few drops of tea tree oil in your shampoo, and it will become the best shampoo for oily hair in summer.
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Brewed Tea:
Mixing brewed tea with a few drops of lemon juice and using it for a rinse is another quick remedy for oily hair. Tea contains tannin, which adds shine to the hair, while lemon helps in reducing oiliness.
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Apple Cider Vinegar:
Apple Cider Vinegar is also a good remedy for tackling oily hair. Diluted with the right amount of water, that is, two tablespoons in two cups of water, Apple cider vinegar can help remove oil build-up from the scalp, reduce frizz, and fight fungal infections that are caused due to oily scalp.
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Egg yolk mask:
Rich in sulphur and protein, egg yolks make a perfect mask for treating oily scalp in summer. It helps maintain the pH balance and reduces oil secretion from the scalp. Mix one egg yolk, one teaspoon coconut oil, and a few drops of lemon juice. Apply on your scalp and rinse after 25 mins.
Lifestyle changes that can help:
Simple changes in our lifestyle and everyday habits can also help keep an oily scalp and greasy hair in check. Here's how to treat oily scalp.
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Shampoo more often:
Washing your hair more often is one of the simplest changes you can make in your summer haircare routine. Shampoo your hair every alternate day to get rid of excessive sebum build-up and keep your hair clean and scalp healthy. However, frequent shampoo can result in over-drying and dullness in hair. To counter this problem, you can massage your hair with Coco Soul Extra Virgin Coconut Hair Oil. Being lightweight in nature, this 100% pure and unrefined coconut oil from Coco Soul will not only nurse your hair back to health, but will also give it an unmatched sheen. The ingredients of this oil are completely natural like almond oil, jojoba oil, argan oil, vitamin E and pure coconut oil. -
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Avoid hot showers:
Hot showers are a big no for those with oily scalp. Hot water stimulates sebaceous glands, resulting in more sebum production. On the other hand, cold water helps seal the moisture in the hair to keep it hydrated. It also helps close pores and prevents dirt and oil from entering the scalp. The final rinse must be in cold water and last 30 seconds.
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Reduce oiling:
Regular oiling of hair is excellent for maintaining healthy hair. However, one must reduce the frequency of oiling during the summer months. If you have a naturally oily scalp, make sure you reduce the oiling to once in two weeks at the most to avoid having greasy hair in summer. Coconut Oil works great in the summer months. You can try the Extra Virgin Coconut Hair Oil by Coco Soul for the best results during the summer months.
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Avoid hair styling products:
Using a hairdryer or a straightening iron can also cause hair to look oily much quicker. Another easy lifestyle change to deal with oily summer scalp would be to limit the use of styling products. Letting your hair air dry will not only help in keeping them less oily, but will also save them from the excessive heat damage caused by styling products like hairdryers and hair straighteners.
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Watch what you eat:
A good and balanced diet plays a major part in maintaining scalp health. Avoid eating too much oily and fried foods if you have oily scalp type. Try to replace saturated fats in your diet with healthy fats and carbohydrates. Fruits and vegetables contain natural supplements for healthy hair. Include Omega-3 in your diet to reduce oil secretion and promote better scalp health.
An oily scalp can be a lot to deal with, but you can definitely make your life much easier by following these basic hacks.
FAQs
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How to treat oily hair instantly?
Dry shampoo is the best quick fix for oily hair. Spray a generous amount on your roots, wait for it to absorb the extra oil, and brush it off. Alternatively, you can use talcum powder in the same way for a similar effect.
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Does hair get oily faster in the summer months?
Yes. Rising temperatures result in the production of excessive sebum along with sweat. This combination of sweat and sebum results in an oily scalp and sticky hair.
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Is it okay to wash your hair every day in summer?
Yes. It is alright to wash hair daily if you have extremely oily scalp during summer. However, you need to make sure you use a mild shampoo and conditioner to avoid overstimulation of sebaceous glands.