Help Me Choose: Oily Hair Products

    What is Oily Hair?

    Your skin is home to thousands of tiny openings called pores, scattered across your body, except for the palms of your hands and the soles of your feet. But what are pores?

    Every pore is technically a hair follicle that can produce sebum the natural skin oilEach pore is the opening of a hair follicle, a small tube-like structure that anchors a single hair shaft.

    Every follicle has the potential to grow one hair, whether visible or not. This intricate network of pores and follicles plays a vital role in maintaining our skin's health and appearance.

    Sebaceous glands, usually attached to hair follicles, release sebum, a fatty, waxy substance that lubricates and moisturizes the skin. These glands are found in the highest concentrations on the face and scalp.

    Your hair itself does not make oil. When hair is oily, the oil comes from the sebaceous glands on your scalp.

    Oily scalp and hair, the result of overactive sebaceous glands, can be frustrating to deal with. You take the time to wash your hair, dry it, and style it, but within a few hours, it can turn flat, limp and often unruly. Oily hair can look and feel greasy and in the worst case scenario, the sebum glands clog the hair roots which irritates your scalp and may cause excessive shedding, hair loss and dandruff.

    If you already have oily skin, you are more likely to suffer from oily hair as it is your body’s natural system to produce too much sebum. 

     


    Recommended Products for Oily Hair

     

    Causes of Oily Hair

    There are a many things that can affect the production of oil on the scalp, such as physical activity, changes in the weather or environmental pollutants.

    People with naturally fine hair tend to experience greasiness faster than those with other hair textures. This is due to hair density, which refers to the number of hairs per square inch on the head. Fine hair has a smaller diameter, resulting in a higher hair density. With more hairs comes more sebaceous glands, leading to increased oil production and a greasier scalp. Other factors include:

    • Hair type
    • Changing hormones
    • Genetics
    • Weather/humidity
    • Seasonal changes
    • Unhealthy eating habits
    • Long periods of tress
    • Poor hair care routine
    • Over-conditioning hair
    • Product buildup
    • Applying too many products after washing

     

    Symptoms of Oily Hair

    Having oily hair is distinct from simply needing a wash. Common symptoms of oily hair include a greasy or shiny appearance, a heavy, weighed-down feel, and a greasy texture to the touch. Additionally, excessively active oil glands can cause the scalp to become itchy and irritated.

    Things To Look For:

    • Hair feels dirty and looks unhealthy
    • Hair looks limp, dull, flat, and lifeless
    • Hair has no body or ounce
    • Hair and scalp feel greasy less than 24 hours after washing
    • Hair looks shiny and feels heavy on the head
    • Oily hair often means oily skin
    • Itchiness of the scalp
    • Hair loss or progressive thinning of hair
    • An itchy or irritated scalp can result from dirt, dust, and other impurities, which stick to the oily hair and scalp

    Secondary Conditions Can Result From Oily Hair

    Acne: Greasy hair can increase your chances of developing acne on the areas of skin surrounding the hairline, like the temples, forehead, neck, and behind the ears.

    Learn More:  Help Me Choose Products for Oily Skin & Acne

    Dandruff: Greasy hair can make your scalp more susceptible to dandruff. Normally, dead skin cells are washed away during shampooing. However, excess hair oil can cause these cells to stick to the scalp and hair, failing to slough off as they should. This can lead to a buildup of dead skin cells, exacerbating dandruff.

    Learn More:  Help Me Choose Products for Dandruff

    Helping with Oily Hair

     

    Use A Gentle Natural Shampoo

    Use a Gentle Natural ShampooMany believe that using an "oily hair" shampoo to dry out an oily scalp will help get rid of oily hair.

    However, the synthetic cleansing agents used in most commercial shampoos strip the scalp of natural fatty acids and oils.

    The dried out scalp sends a signal to oil glands that it needs more oil. So drying out your hair and scalp simply aggravates the problem by encouraging the oil glands to produce more oil to compensate for the loss.

    Natural shampoos containing citrus essential oils help balance oil production. Our Citrus Mint Soapnuts Shampoo Bar is made with soapnuts (aritha), which contain natural saponins (foaming agents) that provide an extra cleaning boost without drying the hair and scalp. Their natural antifungal and antibacterial properties also help with dandruff.

    Soothe and balance your scalp with our Chamomile & Citrus Shampoo Bar, infused with calming botanicals, soapnuts, apple juice, and kaolin clay. Uplifting citrus essential oils help regulate oil production and tame an oily scalp without overdrying, leaving your scalp refreshed and your hair feeling silky, smooth, and manageable.

    Some believe that washing your hair daily will increase oil production. However, this is only true if you are using harsh, drying shampoos. If your hair looks best when it is freshly washed, you can safely shampoo daily with a gentle, natural formula. This will help control excess oil without over-stripping your hair and scalp.

     

    Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse

    Organic ACV Hair Rinse - Summer Rain ScentA properly diluted apple cider vinegar (ACV) rinse offers numerous benefits for hair and scalp health.

    It helps remove excess oil, scaly buildup, and residue, clarifying and cleansing the hair without stripping it of its natural oils.

    By eliminating residue, ACV rinses can alleviate an itchy scalp, reduce weight and frizz, and prevent the attraction of dirt and oil.

    Additionally, ACV's natural antibacterial and antifungal properties make it an effective treatment for dandruff.

    We infuse our Organic Apple Cider Vinegar with certified organic herbs and organic essential oils that are great for the hair and scalp.

    Read our blog, "The Benefits Of An Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse & How To Use It"

     

    Dry Shampoo

    Organic Dry Shampoos work by absorbing excess oils on the scalp and hair so that hair has more body, looks clean, and smells fresh.

    Organic and Natural SkincareIf you don't have time to wash your hair or your hair does not like frequent washings, dry shampoos allow you to extend the time between washes.

    Folks with bangs find they often get oily a few hours after shampooing. A bit of dry shampoo can help revitalize greasy bangs.

    If you have bangs, you know how quickly they can become oily after shampooing. A bit of dry shampoo can work wonders, absorbing excess oil and revitalizing your fringe in an instant.

    While dry shampoo is a great quick fix, people can sometimes use too much, which leads to even more build-up and clogged pores between washings. A little goes a long way so be sure not to overload your hair with dry shampoo. Also, avoid using dry shampoo on oily hair for days and days without washing. The combination of dry shampoo and excess oil and dirt can build up on your hair and scalp. This mess can become difficult to wash out and is not healthy for your scalp.

    While dry shampoo is a convenient quick fix, overusing it can lead to more problems than solutions. Excessive dry shampoo can clog pores, cause buildup, and weigh your hair down. To avoid these issues, remember:

    • A little goes a long way, so use dry shampoo sparingly.
    • Don't rely on dry shampoo for extended periods: washing your hair regularly is still essential.
    • Avoid using dry shampoo on oily hair for days on end, as this can create a buildup of oil and dirt that is unhealthy for your scalp and difficult to remove.

    By using dry shampoo responsibly, you can enjoy its benefits without compromising your hair and scalp health.

    By using organic dry shampoo properly, you can enjoy its benefits while maintaining healthy, balanced hair and scalp."

    Additional Tips

    • Choose the right simple and gentle products for your hair.
    • Wash hair with lukewarm or cool water. Hot water can cause excessive dryness.
    • If you need conditioner, avoid the scalp and apply only to the ends and the body of your hair. Try an apple cider vinegar rinse as an alternative.
    • Thoroughly rinse hair after shampooing to help prevent buildup, which can help avoid greasy hair in the future
    • Even with regular washing styling products can build up on the scalp and hair. If you must use styling products, you can make your own natural vinegar hair rinse or baking soda hair rinse once in a while to clarify hair.
    • Brush your hair before shampooing. Brushing helps distribute scalp oils down your strands, which may also help your shampoo work better.
    • Use a clean hairbrush. Your hairbrush can harbor a build-up of old styling products, old greasy hair, dust, and dirt. So, clean your hairbrush regularly.

    Things to Avoid

    HARSH DETERGENT SHAMPOOS

    It is a common misconception that using a shampoo specifically formulated for oily hair will help dry out an oily scalp and alleviate greasiness. However, the harsh synthetic cleansing agents in these commercial shampoos can have the opposite effect.

    By stripping the scalp of its natural fatty acids and oils, these shampoos can trigger a rebound response. The dried-out scalp sends a signal to the oil glands to produce even more oil to compensate for the loss. This can create a vicious cycle, exacerbating the problem and leaving your hair looking greasier than ever.

    EXCESSIVE STYLING PRODUCTS OR TOOLS

    To keep oily hair under control, it is essential to steer clear of certain styling products and habits that can exacerbate the issue. Here are some key things to avoid:

    • Heavy styling products and excess conditioner can weigh your hair down and make it even oilier.
    • Excessive heat styling with blow dryers, curling irons, and other heat-generating appliances can cause dryness and trigger excess oil production.

    By avoiding these common pitfalls, you can help manage oily hair and achieve a healthier, more balanced scalp.

    PLAYING WITH YOUR HAIR

    Touching your hair frequently can transfer oils and dirt from your fingers to your strands, exacerbating oiliness. Additionally, touching your scalp can stimulate oil production, making your hair even greasier.

    Brushing your hair too often during the day can also become a problem. Brushing stimulates oil production, which may lead to a nice glossy look at first, but will lead to a greasy appearance later in the day. If your hair needs a quick fix, stick to brushing only the lengths and ends.

    Recommended Products for Oily Hair

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What Is A Natural Shampoo Bar?

    Shampoo Bars Are One Of Our Favorite Discoveries!

    The wholesome goodness of our handcrafted soap is available for your hair.

    Shampoo bars are an all natural conditioning shampoo in a solid bar form. Yes, this is real shampoo in a solid bar. Shampoo bars are not a new idea.

    They were commonly used before liquid detergent shampoos and conditions were invented in the 1940s.

    Although the process for making a shampoo bar is the same as making soap, our shampoo bar "recipes" are specially formulated with natural plant oils, butters, botanicals and essential oils that nourish your hair and scalp.

    Our shampoo bars contain no artificial fragrance, color, preservatives, detergents, alcohol, urea, formaldehyde, sodium lauryl sulfate, DEA, propylene glycol - or any of the other synthetic hair care additives.

    Each of our shampoo bar selections contains a different blend of natural plant oils, essential oils, and herb infused oils. No two recipes are the same.

    Which Shampoo Bar Is Best For My Hair?

    Click here for help choosing an all natural shampoo bar!

    Everything You Want To Know About Shampoo Bars!

    Please read "Everything About Shampoo Bars!"

    View Answer Page
    What Do Herbs Infused In Vinegar Do?

    Why Do We Infuse Herbs Into Our ACV Rinses

    Nature's herbs and botanicals have a life force of their own.
    The vinegar extracts the healing and soothing phytochemicals from medicinal herbs and botanicals.

    Natural Organic Herbal Skin Care Basil, Ocimum basilicum, stimulates hair follicles, increases scalp circulation and promotes hair growth. Basil helps protect hair from breakage, its anti-inflammatory properties help soothe the roots and it adds luster to dull hair.

    Burdock, Arctium lappa, nourishes and strengthens hair follicles, to promote healthy hair growth and improve the condition of hair. It helps soothe irritated scalp conditions, decrease breakage and adds sheen, body & luster. The mucilage in burdock root adds “slip” to hair to make detangling easier.

    Horsetail, Equisetum arvense, is nourishing and hydrating, stimulates the scalp and has been used for centuries as a hair growth herb. The silica in horsetail helps to keep hair strong and adds shine and luster to hair.

    Lavender, Lavendula officinalis, has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and antifungal properties that may help with irritated scalp conditions and hair loss. It helps balance oil production as is a great herb for all hair types.

    Nettle, Urtica dioica, stimulates the scalp, improves circulation, helps decrease breakage and promotes body, bounce, and shine. Nettle hair rinses are an old remedy to help reduce hair loss and encourage hair growth. Nettles balance oil production and help with dandruff.

    Rosemary, Rosemarinus officinalis, encourages the growth of strong healthy hair by improving blood flow to the scalp. The stimulating and revitalizing properties of rosemary help increase manageability, add shine, and condition the hair and scalp.

    View Answer Page
    Why Chagrin Valley Organic Vinegar Hair Rinses Better?
    When comparing vinegar hair rinse products
    and prices please read the label ingredients

    • Our ACV Rinses do not contain no water they are a pure concentrated vinegar rinse so you can add your own water to create the perfect rinse for your hair type.

    • Many vinegar rinses are not concentrates, they are made with water--often as the first ingredient--which means that you are paying for a product that is mostly water.

    • Our apple cider vinegar (ACV) finishing rinses are made with only USDA Certified Organic ingredients.

    • Our ACV rinses are made with only raw apple cider vinegar which contains the "mother," the storehouse of natural bacteria and enzymes that make this product so wonderful.

    • We infuse our organic vinegar with certified organic herbs and organic essential oils that are great for the hair and scalp.

    • Our ACV Rinses contain no water and therefore need no artificial preservatives.
    View Answer Page
    Ida's Shampooing Technique for Long Hair

    Ida's Shampooing Technique for Long Hair

    Men and women with short hair seldom have hair adjustment problems to natural shampoo bars. However, folks with long hair may have to change their shampoo technique when switching from commercial liquid shampoo or synthetic detergent shampoo bars to natural bars.

    We have discovered that people with long hair often feel the need to use too much shampoo. Also, it is more difficult to rinse shampoo out of all the little nooks and crannies in long hair. As a result, there are pockets of soap residue left in the hair that make hair feel tacky.

    I have found that many times the proper technique makes all the difference.

    Natural Shampoo Bar Technique for Long HairI have long, fine hair. Below is my technique for using a shampoo bar.

    • thoroughly wet my hair
    • tie my long hair into a loose ponytail
    • wet the natural shampoo bar and rub the bar across only the top of my head in strokes from front to back until I have covered the entire scalp area (Rubbing any shampoo vigorously in all directions causes lots of tangles!)
    • massage my entire scalp (only the scalp) in a combing motion to work the lather through my hair
    • I do not rub the bar or work the lather on the length of my hair
    • take out my ponytail and rinse allowing the shampoo to drip down the length of my hair (I have found that this rinsing is enough to clean the length of my hair)
    • rinse, rinse, rinse for at LEAST one minute as I rub my fingers through my hair to be sure that all of the shampoo is rinsed away
    • squeeze gently on the length to remove excess water and cover with a towel while I dry off
    • I do not rub the towel over my wet hair because it causes nasty tangles
    • use a wide toothed comb and gently comb from the bottom up

    Dry and style your hair as usual!

    View Answer Page

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