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Dealing with oily hair can be frustrating, especially when it seems like no matter what you do, your hair feels greasy by the end of the day. Oily hair is a common issue, particularly during your teenage years when hormonal changes can increase oil production. Fortunately, there are ways to manage it effectively and keep your hair looking fresh and healthy. This article explains the causes of oily hair, its impact on young people, and practical strategies for keeping your hair under control.

What Causes Oily Hair?

Oily hair happens when your scalp produces too much sebum, the natural oil that keeps your hair and skin moisturised. While sebum is essential for healthy hair, too much of it can make your hair look greasy and flat. Here are some common causes:

1. Hormonal Changes

During puberty, hormonal fluctuations can cause your sebaceous glands to produce more oil. This is why teenagers often struggle with oily hair.

2. Over-Washing

Washing your hair too often can strip your scalp of natural oils, causing it to overcompensate by producing even more oil.

3. Using the Wrong Products

Heavy shampoos, conditioners, or styling products can weigh down your hair and contribute to excess oil build-up.

4. Touching Your Hair

Constantly running your hands through your hair can transfer oils from your hands to your scalp and hair.

5. Genetics

If your family has a history of oily hair, you might be more prone to it as well.

Practical Strategies for Managing Oily Hair

Managing oily hair requires a combination of good habits, the right products, and proper care. Here are some tips to help you control oil and keep your hair looking fresh:

1. Wash Your Hair Less Often

It might sound counterintuitive, but washing your hair too frequently can strip it of natural oils, causing your scalp to produce more. Start by washing your hair every other day and see if it helps balance oil production.

2. Use the Right Shampoo

Choose a shampoo designed for oily hair. Look for products labelled "clarifying" or "oil control," and avoid shampoos with heavy moisturising ingredients.

• Tip: Avoid shampoos with sulphates, as they can irritate your scalp and increase oil production.

3. Focus on Your Scalp

When washing your hair, focus on cleaning your scalp rather than the ends. Massage the shampoo into your scalp for about 30 seconds to remove excess oil and build-up.

4. Avoid Overusing Conditioner

Conditioner can weigh down your hair and make it appear oilier. Apply it only to the ends of your hair, avoiding the roots entirely.

5. Don't Touch Your Hair

Try to avoid running your hands through your hair or brushing it excessively, as this can spread oil from your scalp to the rest of your hair.

6. Use Dry Shampoo

Dry shampoo is a lifesaver for oily hair. It absorbs excess oil and refreshes your hair between washes. Spray it onto your roots, let it sit for a minute, and then brush it out for a clean look.

7. Rinse with Cool Water

After shampooing, rinse your hair with cool water. Hot water can stimulate your scalp's oil production, while cool water helps close the cuticle and reduce oiliness.

8. Avoid Heavy Styling Products

Styling products like gels, creams, or waxes can add to oil build-up. Stick to lightweight products or skip them altogether if you don't need them.

9. Try Natural Remedies

Some natural ingredients can help manage oily hair:

• Apple Cider Vinegar: Mix one part apple cider vinegar with two parts water and use it as a rinse after shampooing. It helps balance your scalp's pH and reduce oiliness.
• Lemon Juice: Apply diluted lemon juice to your scalp to remove excess oil and add shine to your hair.
• Tea Tree Oil: Add a few drops of tea tree oil to your shampoo to reduce oil and fight dandruff.

10. Eat a Balanced Diet

Your diet can affect your scalp's oil production. Eating foods rich in vitamins and minerals, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can promote healthier hair. Avoid greasy or sugary foods, which may contribute to oiliness.

Building a Routine for Oily Hair

Consistency is key when managing oily hair. Here's a simple routine to follow:

• Morning: If needed, use dry shampoo to refresh your hair.
• Evening: Wash your hair every 2-3 days with a clarifying shampoo. Use conditioner only on the ends.
• Weekly: Use a natural rinse like apple cider vinegar to deep clean your scalp.

When to Seek Help

If your oily hair doesn't improve with these strategies, or if you're experiencing other scalp issues like dandruff or irritation, consider consulting a dermatologist. They can help identify underlying causes and recommend treatments or products tailored to your needs.

Final Thoughts

Oily hair can be frustrating, but with the right approach, it's manageable. By using suitable products, avoiding over-washing, and incorporating simple habits into your routine, you can keep your hair fresh and healthy. Remember, everyone's hair is different, so it might take some trial and error to find what works best for you. Stay patient, and don't hesitate to seek advice if you need it.

How are you feeling?

It is really important that when we need help, we feel able to ask for it. This could be speaking to a parent, a close friend, a teacher or someone else you trust. Sometimes it can be really hard to share our feelings with other people but if we are feeling low or don't know where to turn, sharing with others is really important. Teachers will always take you seriously and listen to your problems in confidence if you approach them for help. Likewise, parents, siblings or friends will help you if you reach out to them.

If you feel like you can't speak to anyone you know, there are people and organisations that can help support you:

• Childline - Call them on 0800 1111 any time of the day or night, every day of the week
• NSPCC - Call them on 0808 800 5000 between 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday or email them on help@NSPCC.org.uk
• The Samaritans – Call them on 116 123 any time of the day or night, every day of the week
• SANE – Call 0300 304 7000 for support (4:30pm - 10:30pm every day)
• Mind – Call 0300 123 3393 (9:00am - 6:00pm Monday to Friday)

*Sometimes we will use real life examples in our articles to aid understanding. When we do, names and ages will be changed.