Does an Oily Scalp Cause Hair Loss?
It’s totally normal to experience a little greasiness on your scalp — in fact, sebum helps support and protect the health of your hair. But if you find yourself regularly washing away an abundance of oil from day-to-day, it might be worth taking a closer look; this could indicate something more serious than just oily strands.
Causes of oily scalp
If your scalp is feeling greasy, you could be experiencing an overload of sebum – the oil produced by tiny glands in your skin. Too much oil can cause clogged pores and interfere with hair growth; before long, it might even lead to thinning or loss of locks! Luckily, there are solutions out there that help regulate these pesky little glands so they don’t run wild on our scalps and tresses.
Most common medical conditions for hair loss
- Seborrheic dermatitis
- eczema and psoriasis
- Genetics
Can an oily scalp cause hair loss?
A resounding “yes!” – an oily scalp can play a role in hair loss. The situation is more complex though, as oiliness alone isn’t usually the only factor at fault. Not to mention that it’s often accompanied by other things like dandruff and product build up, blocking off pores and stunting new growth. Oh yeah – don’t forget about good ol’ DHT; this hormone leads to both excess oils on your head AND shrinking of follicles which are major culprits for male-pattern baldness over 50…fun stuff!
What can I do to avoid an oily scalp?
Don’t panic if greasy hair has you feeling down – there’s still hope! When it comes to controlling your scalp oil, try taking a few simple steps. Cutting out daily stressors and snacking on healthy foods are surefire ways to keep hormones balanced and oily tendencies at bay. Plus don’t forget about the importance of keeping hydrated – stay refreshed for those luscious locks!
Taking care of your hair does more than just improve its look and feel – it also helps keep you healthy! Brushing stimulates the tiny blood vessels in your scalp, which then deliver oxygen-rich blood to nourish both follicles and skin. It’s even believed regular brushing can help regulate oil production for softer, shinier locks.
Eat healthy
If you’re experiencing sudden and dramatic hair loss, it may be time to take a closer look at your diet. A lack of important vitamins such as iron or Vitamin C can cause issues in our bodies that manifest through excessive sebum production, one of the leading culprits behind thinning hair. Fortunately there are simple steps we can all take to fight back — adding niacin into our diets along with appropriately prescribed supplements could give us just the edge needed for halting further balding!
Don't forget about protein
Eating the right proteins can truly make a difference in our lives. After all, we are what we eat! Thankfully there are several complete proteins available to choose from that contain essential amino acids
- Buckwheat
- Chia seeds
- Dairy products
- Hemp seed
- Quinoa (has high levels of iron, magnesium, and manganese)
- Rice and bean combinations
- Soy products (e.g. tofu)
Reduce your stress
Take care of yourself! Combat hair loss by reducing your stress. Unwind and relax – it can make all the difference for keeping you feeling healthy from head to toe.
Get hair loss treatments
Using a scalp treatment is an additional beneficial step to preventing an oily scalp! You can exfoliate, revitalize, and gently clean buildup from your scalp with the aid of a scalp treatment. Our scalp requires care just like our skin does when we exfoliate it.