There are a number of ways to keep your hair from looking too oily, such as washing it with warm water instead of very hot water.
Many people suffer from oily hair, either from hormonal factors, hair type, or other internal and external factors that cause it. There are different natural treatments to treat oily hair, as well as other alternatives that can be carried out if the first ones do not work.
Causes of having oily hair
There are numerous reasons why you can have oily hair. The main ones are the accumulation of dead skin cells and the presence of particles such as soot and dust. However, there are people who, despite frequent washing, still have oily hair. This is because the scalp glands overproduce sebum.
Specialists in trichology at the University of Barcelona suggest that having hair in this way is due to the influence of hormones on the body’s fatty secretions. However, there are other causes, which can be summarized in the following points:
- Having straight or very fine hair. Hair that is too fine does not use the two or three sebaceous glands that moisturize and irrigate each hair. In this way, the fat is passed to the surface, depositing its excess there.
- Eating junk or fried food, dairy products, and red meat. This can cause the sebaceous glands to produce more fat that will last throughout the hair.
- Hormonal causes: there are medications and pills that can cause the secretion of the sebaceous glands. For example, pills to regulate the menstrual period or birth control pills.
- Incorrect washing of the hair. Improper washing occurs when using too much shampoo, soap, and other harsh treatments that can irritate the skin. For this reason, its pH changes, and the sebaceous glands are stimulated to have more secretion.
- Adolescence and puberty: in these stages the sebaceous glands increase their production, producing oily hair or acne.
- Heredity: Oily hair may be due to genetic factors.
- The Pregnancy: Pregnancy causes hormonal changes that can put oily hair.
Treatment
Firstly, if oily hair is due to external causes, such as eating, this habit should be improved. However, if the causes are different, there are other recommended treatments such as the ones we are going to mention. Avoid applying any ingredient to which you may be allergic.
Treatment of dried horsetail leaves:
To prepare it, two dried leaves of horsetail must be placed in a cup of boiling water. Let them rest for 15 minutes. Then, they must be strained and stored in a container. Apply the formula after the shampoo when the hair is still wet.
Mint tea treatment:
Using a cup of boiling water, make an infusion with one or two bags of mint tea. After allowing it to cool, add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. Then it should be applied to the hair by gently massaging the scalp.
Clay treatment:
To prepare the mixture, warm water should be slowly added to 100 grams of kaolinite white clay. You can get it in stores that sell artisan products. Its application must be carried out immediately after the preparation of the mixture. Let it act for 10 minutes. Then rinse your hair with plenty of warm water, until any traces of the clay are removed.
Aloe vera treatment:
The aloe vera helps establish a proper secretion of the sebaceous glands. In this way, the ideal is to apply it 4 times each week. The mixture is made by liquefying two or three aloe vera leaves once the pulp is separated. Then, it must be applied to all the hair, leaving it to rest for thirty minutes.
Vinegar treatment:
For this treatment, two cups of water are needed, to which must be added a quarter cup of apple cider vinegar. Then you have to massage the scalp gently.
Alcoholic beverage treatment:
A tablespoon of any alcoholic beverage that has a high alcohol content is added. It is recommended to use cognac or whiskey, with two cups of warm water. Then it is added to the hair. It must be rinsed with plenty of water.
Mouthwash treatment:
Mouthwash is not only used to decrease bacteria in the mouth, but it also helps fight bacteria on the scalp. The treatment is obtained by diluting one part of the mouthwash in 9 parts of warm water. Then, it should be applied to the entire scalp with a cotton pad full of the mixture.
Choose the right products to wash your hair
As all hair is different, it is convenient to apply the care you need to each one. If treatments to combat or avoid oily hair do not work, we present other alternatives to avoid it:
- If you have oily hair, it is recommended to wash it more frequently with mild products, without doing this activity every day. Shampoos must be translucent, avoiding those that can be very creamy.
- Conditioner should not be used, as oily hair does not need it like dry hair. However, if you use conditioner, you should only rinse the tips with a gentle massage, preventing it from reaching the skull so that excess fat is not produced.
- It is better to wash your hair in the morning because at night the sebaceous glands are more active. In addition, it is convenient to use warm water since hot water stimulates the appearance of oil in the hair.
Other tricks to avoid oily hair
On the other hand, if you go to the gym and need to wash your hair every day, it is advisable to use a dry shampoo to prevent it from appearing. Oily hair can be avoided depending on how you care for it. This way, it’s best to let it dry after bathing naturally and avoid using the hot air dryer.
Likewise, you do not have to touch the hair much, since every time the hands touch it, fat is deposited on it. In addition, it is recommended not to use the brush, since in this way the fat is spread in its entirety. Along with this, you should try not to style it with buns and braids. For this reason, it is preferable to comb your hair a few times with a comb.
In conclusion, oily hair is a problem that can be prevented and fought by starting with treating external and even some internal causes. Afterward, treatments and other hair care can be mixed to avoid the problem. However, if the problem persists, see a specialist.