Oily hair is an increased greasiness of the hair caused by excessive activity of the glands of the scalp. Despite frequent shampooing, oily hair looks greasy, oily, untidy and even dirty; it sticks together in separate strands, does not hold styling. The problem requires a professional approach to solving with the involvement of a specialist-trichologist, endocrinologist, gastroenterologist. Comprehensive care for oily hair consists of the use of special shampoos and lotions, carrying out therapeutic measures (mesotherapy, darsonvalization, applying masks, serums, herbal remedies, etc.).
Meaning
Oily hair is a type of hair characterized by increased greasiness due to the production of excessive amounts of sebum by the glands of the scalp. Oily hair causes a lot of trouble and unpleasant experiences to its owners, both women and men. It is known that brunettes are more likely to have oily hair than blondes or redheads. In addition, straight hair absorbs skin fat better than wavy or curly. Depending on its structure, the hair can be thin and thick; soft and hard, as well as healthy and emaciated. In addition, according to the degree of activity of the sebaceous glands of the scalp, normal, dry, oily and mixed (oily at the roots and dry at the tips) hair are distinguished in trichology. In order to carry out competent and effective care, it is necessary to know your hair type, since incorrectly selected cosmetics can lead to deterioration of the hair condition.
Causes
The basis of the increased fat content of the hair is the excessive formation of sebum. Normally, the secret of the sebaceous glands forms a thin hydrolipidic film on the scalp, which performs a protective function and protects the hair from drying out. The water-lipid film prevents the loss of moisture by the skin, the penetration of ultraviolet light and dirt particles, and the proliferation of harmful bacteria. The number and activity of the sebaceous glands are genetically programmed, so the only way out can be the correct selection of a line of products and careful daily care for oily hair. In addition, alimentary, hormonal and other factors affect the condition of the hair.
Usually greasy hair becomes during puberty, in adolescence. This is due to the fact that during the hormonal restructuring of the body, the production of testosterone increases and the sensitivity of the sebaceous glands to it increases. It is with these hormonal changes that the appearance of problems such as oily skin, greasy hair, teenage acne is associated. In addition, hair can become greasier as a result of stress, pregnancy, menopause, etc.
Excessive activity of the sebaceous glands is stimulated by the use of spicy and pickled foods, carbonated drinks, fatty foods, fast food, alcohol, as well as some medications. Excessive greasiness of hair is often promoted by improper care of the scalp (rubbing nourishing oils and applying greasy masks), wearing hats made of synthetic materials. The condition of the hair is strongly affected by the dysfunction of the endocrine glands, gastrointestinal tract, and nervous system.
Another reason for the appearance is seborrheic dermatitis, in which there is not only an increase in sebum secretion, but also a change in its quality. This pathological condition is caused by yeast-like lipophilic fungi present on the skin and is accompanied by the presence of oily dandruff, severe itching, scalp combs, hair loss.
Characteristics
Normal hair has a healthy, attractive appearance; it has a glossy shine, elasticity, and silky texture. Such hair is easy to fit and keeps the shape of the hairstyle for a long time. All these qualities are preserved in normal-type hair for several days after washing.
Dry hair looks dull and lifeless. They are difficult to comb and fit after washing, but they are easily confused and split at the tips. After washing dry hair, there is usually a feeling of tightness of the scalp. At the same time, dry hair does not get dirty for a long time and becomes greasy only by the end of the 7th day after washing.
Typical signs of oily hair are increased greasiness, oily greasy shine, untidy appearance. Literally a few hours after shampooing, such hair sticks together into separate strands, becomes unruly and does not hold styling. Oily hair quickly adsorbs dust particles on itself, absorbs smelling substances, therefore it looks polluted; an unpleasant smell may come from them. Often, oily hair is accompanied by other problems – dandruff, excessive hair loss. Heat, high humidity and other atmospheric phenomena increase the increased greasiness of the hair. In most cases, oily hair is combined with oily facial skin. In general, from an aesthetic point of view, oily hair is a very unpleasant sight. Mixed-type hair, as a rule, is long: they are not covered with grease along the entire length, which is why they have oily roots and dry split ends.
Features of oily hair care
Before we talk about how to take care of oily hair, it is necessary to figure out what this type of hair “does not like”. So, with increased sebum secretion, it is not recommended to wash hair with hot water, massage the head (scalp), frequent combing of hair with a brush, styling with a hairdryer and hot forceps, the use of gels and waxes for hair styling, braiding tight braids, wearing metal hairpins, because these actions stimulate the formation of sebum. In addition, it is better for owners of oily hair to abandon long curls and complex styling in favor of a short hairstyle.
Changing the diet, giving up bad habits, taking vitamin and mineral complexes and dietary supplements, and the correct selection of hair care products contribute to reducing the fat content of hair. In all cases, the treatment of oily hair should begin with a visit to a trichologist and computer diagnostics of the condition of the hair and scalp, spectral analysis of hair for trace elements. If the reason for the increased fat content of the hair lies in the improper functioning of internal organs, the doctor may recommend consulting other specialists (endocrinologist, gastroenterologist, gynecologist-endocrinologist), conducting additional studies (biochemical blood analysis, hormone level studies, ultrasound of the abdominal cavity, etc.).
A specialist trichologist will help you choose a therapeutic line for the care of oily hair, which will allow you to regulate the work of the sebaceous glands and maintain a normal hydrolipidic balance of the scalp. To achieve the best effect in daily care, it is recommended to use several products of the same series – for example, a mask, shampoo, lotion for oily hair. There are different points of view regarding the permissible frequency of washing oily hair. Some experts say that frequent washing does not reduce, but only increases sebum secretion, others believe that it is necessary to wash oily hair as they become dirty. In any case, it is better to wash oily hair in the morning, because at night the sebaceous glands work most intensively. Shampoo should be applied twice, rinsing the hair well with warm (but not hot) water. It is better to dry hair prone to greasiness naturally without using a hair dryer.
Rinsing the hair with herbal decoctions and infusions or rubbing them into the scalp will help slow down the release of fat. Medicinal plants useful for oily scalp include mother-and-stepmother, calamus, aloe, nettle, sage, oak bark, field horsetail. A popular folk remedy for oily hair is washing them with kefir, yogurt, whey. If you have a problem with oily hair, you can add a few drops of bergamot, rose, mint, citrus essential oil to shampoo or rinse water. Masks for the scalp made of clay and colorless henna have a good adsorbing and seboregulating effect.
Professional hair care and treatment can be carried out in a beauty salon using therapeutic cosmetics – ampoules, masks or a complex of remedies. The optimal solution for oily hair will be a haircut of short or medium length, styling with a diffuser using mousses, fixative sprays or a light perm that lifts the hair at the roots. Coloring of oily hair is not prohibited. Hair treatment and restoration procedures performed by a trichologist may include ozone therapy, mesotherapy, scalp plasmolifting, cryotherapy, darsonvalization, scalp peeling, “laser shower”, etc.
The problem of increased greasiness of hair can be solved only with an integrated approach, including the elimination of endogenous causes and the restoration of the proper functioning of the sebaceous glands, competent home hair care and professional treatment.
