Having too much oil in the hair can be stressful, not to mention unhealthy for the hair. It is normal for most people to have limp or stringy hair, even after practicing good grooming. The reason for this is more often than not oily hair, or what is referred to as greasy hair.

Oil is naturally secreted by the human body and is found in the oil glands, which are connected to the roots of the hair. This natural oil is responsible for keeping the hair oily and shiny. It is also responsible for the health of the scalp. For some people, the scalp produces more oil than is needed and thus causes oily hair.

Below are some factors that lead to oil hair and also information about what you can do to get rid of oily hair. 

Step 1: Know Why You Have Oily Hair

There are a few factors that can cause an oily scalp and hair:

  • Genes: it is probable that most people have oily hair because their parents have oily hair. Therefore, the cause can be hereditary.

  • Fluctuation in hormones: women who are menstruating or using birth control pills are likely to suffer from oily hair. Also, boys and girls in their teenage years undergo hormonal changes, which can cause oily hair.

  • Body mass: individuals who make use of hormonal supplements such as androgenic hormones to increase muscle mass are likely to suffer from oily hair.

  • Fine hair: people with very fine hair also have more oil glands in their scalp. Therefore, they are likely to have oily hair since more oil is being secreted into their scalp. 

Step 2: Wash Hair Appropriately and Choose Appropriate Hair Care Products

Washing hair with the right frequency: people with oily hair should wash their hair about three times a week. It is essential to avoid washing the hair on a daily basis since it can strip the hair of too much natural oil and lead to an increase in oil production.
1

Use proper shampoos

Look for a shampoo that is specifically for oily hair. One may have to experiment with different brands to find the most ideal one. Alternatively, your hairdresser can recommend the best type. Hair shampoos with higher PH (alkaline) are a great option. Clarifying shampoos are advisable as they reduce buildup of oil, but should be used only once each month. 

2

Rinse the hair

Once you are done with shampooing the hair, ensure you rinse it thoroughly. You can dilute a bit of lemon juice or white vinegar in a cup of water and use the mixture to rinse the hair. Warm water is more appropriate.

3

Avoid conditioners

If you wash your hair two or three times a week, the natural oil is enough to condition the hair.Using conditioners will only make the hair greasy faster, thus calling for more hair washing, which can be damaging. 

4

Use clarifying rinse or shampoo

The products you use on your hair can cause buildup over time. This means that the shampoo has to work harder to strip the hair of this buildup which causes greasy hair. Clarifying shampoos can be used at least once a week to get rid of the residue and thus make it easy for the normal shampoo to work effectively.

5

Try dry shampoos

A dry shampoo comes in a scented powder form. Its purpose is to strip the hair of the excess oil and leave it looking grease free and fresh. It can be applied on the hair for immediate effect. It is ideal to ensure you always have dry shampoo at hand and use it before washing your hair as this is when your hair is most greasy. 

Notes: Talcum powder and baking soda are excellent alternatives to dry shampoo.

Step 3: Better Management of the Hair

1

Time your washes

If you want to look good for a certain event, it is advisable to wash the hair on the day of the event to give it a fresh look. Time the washing cycle to ensure you have a few days in between the last time you wash and the big day. This will help the hair to remain grease free for the entire day. 

2

Avoid high temperatures

There are 3 things you can use to protect your hair from temperature which causes greasy hair. Always use warm water when washing your hair as opposed to hot water. Use hair dryers at low temperature as opposed to using too much heat, lastly, ensure you wear a hat or cap on hot weathers. Too much heat can lead to premature graying, and it also weakens the hair.

3

Manage the hair length

It is important to maintain shorter hair if you suffer from oily hair. This makes controlling grease easier. 

4

Keep your hands off the hair

Ensure you touch your hair as infrequently as possible. The more contact your hands have with your hair, the more oil is produced by the scalp, and this leads to an oily hair day.  

Step 4: Natural Ways to Get Rid of Oily Hair

1

Aloe Vera

When it comes to how to get rid of oily hair, Aloe vera is the answer. This is a natural product that contains anti-oxidants and cleansing properties that can be of help in riding the hair of excess oils. It can be applied and left for fifteen minutes before rinsing the hair with warm water. 

2

Lemon

This contains citric acid which is a natural bleaching agent and thus helps in clearing the dirt from the skin and hair. The juice should be extracted and mixed with water then applied to the hair. Lemon juice can help in getting rid of dandruff and other hair impurities. 

3

Apple cider vinegar

This is also a great cleansing agent. It is advisable to use diluted apple cider vinegar on your hair. You can mix three tablespoons of this vinegar to a mug of water and use this mixture to rinse the hair.You can repeat the procedure three times a week to combat oil issues. 

4

Witch hazel oil

You can mix four drops of witch hazel oil and mix with two tablespoons of water. Use cotton balls to apply the mixture to the scalp. This reduces the production of oil. You can repeat this procedure at least three times a week.

5

Maintain a healthy diet

Ensure you take in plenty of water to keep the body hydrated at all times. Avoid oil and greasy foods as they cause excessive oil buildup in the body, which leads to excessive excretion. Ensure you consume enough protein from fish, nuts and olive oil. It is also healthy to take in a lot of fruits and vegetables to maintain the health of the scalp.

6

Egg yolks

These provide the scalp with healthy cholesterol and nutrients that support healthy hair. It also introduces healthy oils to the system that works to reduce the excretions of more oil. Simply separate the yolk from the egg white and apply on damp hair. Leave it for fifteen minutes and later rinse with warm water. 

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