Understanding the Difference Between Oily Hair and Oily Scalp
When it comes to hair care, one of the major problems faced by most of us is excessive oiliness. Oiliness in the hair can feel like an unwanted spotlight, turning sleek styles into slippery slopes, and leaving a trail of frustration as it masks elegance with a greasy cloak.
In this article, we will explore how to get rid of excess oil in the hair, starting with learning what is oily hair and how it is different from an oily scalp! By understanding the fundamental differences between the two, you can unlock a hair care regimen that leaves your hair looking refreshed and radiant.
Keynotes on identifying and managing oily hair and scalp:
- Oily hair results from excessive oil on the strands, making them greasy, limp and matted. It is often caused by sebum traveling from the scalp or product buildup.
- An oily scalp originates from overactive sebaceous glands producing too much sebum, leading to potential irritation and greasiness around the roots.
- Address oily hair with mint shampoos for pH balance and reduced oil or utilize dry shampoos for quick oil absorption.
- Manage washing frequency wisely to avoid stripping natural oils and causing overproduction.
Tapping into the Basics: What is Oily Hair vs What is an Oily Scalp?
- What is Oily Hair?
- What is an Oily Scalp?
Oily hair is a condition where your hair strands appear greasy, weighed down and limp. The scalp produces natural oils called “Sebum”. When these oils travel down the scalp to the hair shaft, they cause the hair to stick together and feel sticky to the touch. The feeling of oily hair can also be caused by product-buildup, if the hair is not washed properly and frequently enough.
An oily scalp, on the contrary, is when the sebaceous glands on the scalp go into overdrive when producing sebum. Sebum, when produced in the appropriate amount, can keep the scalp hydrated. However, an overproduction of sebum can create a greasy feeling and even dandruff and acne at the hairline.
In understanding these differences, you can determine where the root of the problem lies and how you can address it. Let's break it down more clearly:
|
|
Oily Hair |
Oily Scalp |
|
Meaning |
Excessive oil on hair strands |
Overproduction of oil on the scalp |
|
Cause |
Occurs when oil travels down the shaft or due to product-build up |
Occurs due to overactive sebaceous glands |
|
Appearance |
Greasy, limp, matted hair |
Greasy scalp with potential irritation |
|
Feel |
Hair strands feel sticky and heavy |
Slick scalp with discomfort |
|
Problem Area |
Hair strands |
Roots and scalp |
Tailored Solutions for Oily Hair and Oily Scalp
Now that you have a deeper understanding of what is oily hair and what is an oily scalp, let us talk about their solutions.
- Mint Shampoo (For Oily Scalp and Oily Hair)
- Dry Shampoo (For Oily Hair)
- Volumizing Mousse
- Multi-benefit, Gentle Shampoo (For Oily Scalp)
Using a mint shampoo is a great hack for battling an oily scalp. Opt for a pH-balancing shampoo that helps make your hair less prone to excessive oil production. Redken’s Amino Mint Shampoo is perfect for this purpose as it is formulated to combat oily roots and remove product build-up, soothing irritation and refreshing the lengths and ends. By tackling the scalp, the Amino Mint Shampoo inherently helps manage oily hair, ensuring that the oiliness doesn’t travel down the hair shaft.
Dry shampoos are a wonderful, quick fix for oily hair. Applying it to the roots can absorb excess oils and give an immediate volume boost. Redken India offers a Deep Clean Dry Shampoo that effectively cleanses and refreshes the hair without leaving residue, imparting freshness and bounce. The Deep Clean Dry Shampoo provides maximum oil absorption for up to fourth day hair.
Using a volumizing spray mousse can be transformative for oily hair that tends to fall flat. Redken’s Root Lifter is the perfect spray mousse that can elevate your roots and help manage oiliness by preventing excess oils from weighing hair down.
Opt for a shampoo that does more than cleanse your hair. Redken’s Acidic Bonding Concentrate Shampoo can be your best bet for treating an oily and irritated scalp. While it may feel contradictory to use a gentle shampoo on an oily scalp, it has several benefits. A harsh shampoo strips the scalp of its natural oils and leaves it dry. To compensate for the dryness, the sebaceous glands go into overdrive and overproduce sebum. Hence, using a gentle shampoo like the Acidic Bonding Concentrate, can cleanse the hair, soften the shafts, balance the pH and soothe the scalp.
Pro-tip: Did you know that an oily scalp can create an ideal environment for the proliferation of dandruff-causing bacteria? Redken India's Scalp Relief Dandruff Control Shampoo offers a targeted solution to this problem. Formulated with Piroctone Olamine, this shampoo effectively combats dandruff by combating the symptoms of dandruff and soothing the scalp.
Important Tips to Keep In Mind
- Control the Washing Frequency
- Pay Attention to Your Diet
- Brush Carefully
- Prevent Over-styling
Too much washing might deplete natural oils, which causes overproduction. The key is to plan the hair wash days smartly, so as to avoid overwashing. Read more about how frequently you should wash your hair to understand your hair’s unique needs.
Sebum production can be controlled by eating a diet high in Omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants and avoiding too much sugar.
Frequent gentle brushing helps minimise oily roots by distributing oils more evenly down the hair shaft.
Reduce the amount of heat styling products you use, as these might cause oil buildup.
Final Takeaway
Understanding the difference between oily hair and an oily scalp is crucial for effective management and treatment, helping you pick the right products and routines. Incorporating Redken India’s expert hair care solutions into your daily regimen can significantly relieve the challenges posed by excess oil, ensuring your hair remains healthy, vibrant and effortlessly beautiful. Explore more of our hair care tips and embrace the journey to optimal hair health by making informed, personalised choices today.