Greasy hair can be stubborn, persistent and annoying, but it can in fact be conquered. Today, we’re going to explain to you why you get greasy hair, and how to rid yourself of it forever!

Grease = Oil, And Oil = Sebum

Everything in our body should ideally be in a kind of delicate balance, or in science speak “homeostasis.” It is the state of stability. Even if something spikes or falls within us, our body has an internal mechanism which oversees it, and helps the body return to normal. The body has the tendency to regain its balance. However, there are times when the body needs our assistance. It needs us to provide it with the right tools, in order to maintain the situation.

Overactive sebaceous glands are the cause of many conditions, the most common of which is acne.

Too much sebum can lead to too much acne.

This is true mainly in regards to the face, because that location holds a disproportionate amount of sebaceous glands. When it comes to the scalp and hair, the most common condition is an oily scalp, which in turn leads to greasy hair. There is also the possibility of having greasy hair without the scalp being greasy.

Simply put, grease causes the hair to look bad. Hair which is too greasy looks lifeless, flat, and uncared for. However, that is only the short term end of the problems. Here is how it breaks down.

When the sebaceous glands produce too much oil, it can potentially cause the sebum production to get backed up, and clog the pores and hair follicles. The oily lubricant, which is meant to give the hair a vital and long life, becomes its undoing.

Overactive sebaceous glands are the source of greasy dandruff. Unlike dry dandruff, greasy dandruff is milky white or yellow in its complexion, and unlike dry dandruff, it does not fall out on its own. It stays on your scalp and causes itchiness, redness, and irritation. It is a main contributor to hair loss that is not related to genetics. Acne was mentioned earlier in regards to the face, but acne along the hairline is also a danger when discussing sebaceous gland hyperactivity on the scalp.

More often than not, greasy hair (much like dry hair) is not a standalone condition, but rather the symptom of the pre-existing condition – that of an oily scalp.

The key to successful elimination of the excess scalp oil, and the resulting greasy hair, is sebum control. There are various degrease shampoo and conditioner products specifically designed to treat oily scalp and hair, and degrease the affected areas while bringing them back to balance. This allows the sebum to flow out naturally, without causing damage to the hair. These products should ideally contain no harsh chemicals, and aim to naturally prevent the buildup of sebum. These shampoos should also nourish the hairs which have been overly greased.

Squeaky Clean Hair Explained

Cleaning out the scalp is one thing, but reinstating balance is another. If simply wiped clean and stripped of oil (such as with a baking soda cleanse), the hair could end up at a worse place than when it began. The scalp needs to be hydrated properly, especially when affected with a condition such as clogged pores and follicles.

To complete the process, and ensure future scalp and hair health, one must incorporate hydrating and moisturizing substances into the degreasing process. There are shampoos and conditioners out there which achieve all of these goals.

Furthermore, these hair care products should degrease the hairs themselves and clean them properly, not just the scalp. Because it is stickier, greasy hair tends to accumulate dirt and grime more easily than other types of hair. It is of vital importance to tend to the hairs themselves, and not simply focus on the scalp. There is such a condition as dry scalp, greasy hair – that condition is also avoidable through proper maintenance.