Using a shampoo for oily hair

There are many shampoos designed with oily hair in mind, but it may take a little experimenting to find the one that’s right for you.

There are many shampoos on the market that are formulated specifically for oily hair, but it is helpful to understand what causes the condition in the first place. The problem actually starts at the roots and is caused by sebum, which is produced by sebaceous glands located at the base of each hair shaft on your scalp.

There are also many factors that can contribute to oily hair, from environmental conditions to genetics. The amount of oil in your hair may be different at certain times of the year too, with weather elements like wind, sun, temperature and humidity all playing a part in how much excess oil you have. Oily hair can also be caused by puberty, pollution, sweat, exercise, hormones and residue left in your hair from hair products.

When you are looking for a shampoo for oily hair, a good rule of thumb is to choose a shampoo that is clear, which will be less likely to have extra ingredients that can leave a residue. Some of these shampoos are called deep cleansing or clarifying shampoos. You should also look for a shampoo formulated for oily hair. Oily hair shampoos usually contain a strong detergent, such as lauryl sulfate or sulfosuccinate, which can help combat oily hair, because detergents tend to dry out hair and skin.

Most hair experts recommend shampooing on a daily basis and leaving the shampoo in for a full five minutes, massaging your scalp gently to help absorb oil. It is often recommended that you shampoo twice, unless your hair is only slightly oily, then one shampoo may be sufficient.

You should avoid shampoos that are combined with conditioners, which will only make oily hair worse. Oily hair shampoos are formulated to remove sebum from the hair shaft and the scalp by using detergents and usually have minimal, if any, conditioners. If you must use a conditioner, choose one that is an oil free product and then apply it only to the tips of the hair and not the scalp. Be sure to rinse the conditioner out thoroughly.

In order to find a shampoo that works best for your particular problem, you may have to do a little experimenting. Keep in mind that everyone’s hair is different and it may take some trial and error before you find the right shampoo. There are so many brands out there that searching for the right product can be a little overwhelming, but if you narrow your search to oily hair shampoos, it should be a less daunting task.

These days you no longer need to go to the drugstore to find shampoo, most food store chains provide a wide array of hair care products and health food stores also stock natural shampoos.

Of course, shampooing is only one way to reduce oily hair and there are other strategies you may want to try.

Some hair care experts recommend that you cut down on the amount of brushing or combing you do to your hair, as this can transfer oil from your scalp to your hair. When you do brush your hair, do your best to avoid contact with the scalp and just focus on the hair itself.

There are also natural remedies that may help alleviate oily hair. One suggestion is to use vinegar as a rinse, which can leave your hair shiny and help remove reside from shampoo. Use about a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to a pint of water and be sure to rinse thoroughly with water to remove the smell. Another idea is to squeeze lemons into distilled water and use this as a rinse to help reduce oil.

To control oil between shampoos, talcum powder can be used sparingly to help absorb extra oil. Be careful not to use too much or it may end up leaving your hair dull and lifeless.

Of course, much of the success you have will depend on your individual hair, and unfortunately there isn’t one magic product that works for everyone. You may want to purchase small bottles of shampoo (or sample sizes) until you hit upon a solution that works best for you.