UNDERSTANDING OILY SCALP IN SUMMERS
One of the most common hair problems is having an oily scalp and greasy hair. But what can you do about it?
Having oil on the hair and scalp is completely natural. Every single person in the world produces sebum and it’s essential for the normal functioning of your body.
However, we don’t all produce the same amount. Particularly in the summer months, some people can suffer from excessive oil production, experiencing more oily hair than others.
What is oily scalp and hair?
Your body is covered in sebaceous glands that secrete a waxy oil-like substance known as sebum. This coats your skin and hair with a layer of oil that is meant to protect you from the external elements. It moisturises and prevents water loss from the skin, helping to regulate the health. One of the biggest benefits is that it protects your skin from bacteria, microbes, and infections.
Your scalp and face have the highest number of sebaceous glands found on the body, as they are sensitive regions and require extra protection. Thus, the most amount of oil you find is generally in these two places. The sebum that is produced on the scalp is supposed to flow down your hair strands and coat it right down to the tips. But when your scalp starts to produce excessive amounts of sebum, it can cause a build-up on your scalp and your hair strands. These extra layers of oil can weigh down your hair, making them look dull and greasy.
Why do you have an oily scalp in summer?
There are multiple potential reasons for this predicament:
- In the summer, your body temperature rises dramatically. This makes your sebaceous glands overactive and triggers them into producing more sebum.
- Sweating is a by-product of the summer months, which can make the greasiness worse. It can transport a higher amount of oil down the hair strands, forcing the scalp to produce even more.
- There is a tendency to wash your hair more frequently in the summer, which has the unintended consequence of drying out your scalp. This forces your body to produce excess oil to compensate.
- Sometimes even the humidity can play havoc on the body. It can prevent the sweat from evaporating and cooling down your system. This keeps your sebaceous glands constantly producing sebum.
- When your sweat finally evaporates, it can end up drying out your hair and scalp. This can also increase your sebum production.
- Heat related stress can disrupt your hormone secretions. These fluctuations can cause a spike in your oil production, leading to an oily scalp.
How is hair dandruff related to an oily scalp in summer?
Dandruff is a scalp condition that is usually instigated by the presence of excessive oil on your scalp. The cause of dandruff is a naturally occurring fungus known as Malassezia Globosa. This fungus breaks down the excess oil that is found on your scalp and creates oleic acid. 1 in 2 people across the world are sensitive to this acid, and react in the form of severe scalp itching, red scaly skin, and white-yellow flakes of dead skin cells.
How to get rid of oily hair in the summer
Fortunately, this is a problem that has various solutions that are not too intrusive. You just need to improve your summer haircare and your oil problems should dissipate. If they don’t, then you might need to visit the doctor.
Clarifying shampoos –
These are stronger shampoos with heavy surfactants that can lift all the oil and grime from your head and wash it away. It can reset your scalp health, but only use it occasionally as these can excessively dry out the scalp.Hydrate and eat cooling foods –
Drink loads of water to bring your body temperature down and counter the water you lost through sweating. You should also include cooling foods into your diet like fruits and leafy vegetables, while reducing your spicy food intake.Aloe Vera –
Applying this cooling gel to your scalp and hair is a great option for summer haircare. It works as an oily scalp treatment by clearing off the excess oil and grime build-up, while moisturising your head.Dry shampoo –
Spraying this onto your hair can reduce the chances of over-washing and can be a pre-emptive step in controlling the greasiness of your hair. It is one of the better oily hair remedies out there.Lemon juice –
Using lemon juice works wonders as an oily scalp treatment, as it breaks down the oil and dirt found on your scalp, washing it away. It can also regulate your scalp pH levels.Cover your head and wear loose clothes –
When you’re out and about, it is important to protect your head from the direct sun and heat. But make sure not to wear tight caps, as this can trap sweat and heat. Wearing loose clothes can keep your body cool as well.Exercise regularly –
Maintaining a healthy weight can allow you to regulate your body temperature. You can plan your hair washes based on how sweaty your workout gets.Avoid heat styling –
Give your straighteners and hair blowers a rest, as these can instantly spike your scalp temperature.Meditate –
Keeping your mind calm and stress-free can have a large impact on how your body reacts. It can reduce your stress hormones and possibly bring your oil under control.Shampoo regularly –
This is one of the simplest oily scalp treatments out there. Based on your hair requirements, you should wash regularly with hair and scalp shampoos that can clean your head of any sweat, dirt, and oil.
These oily hair remedies can work to a large extent, but it all depends on your hair type and requirements. The ideal summer haircare involves keeping your head clean and cool with the right products. Like the Head and Shoulders Cool Menthol, that can clean your scalp and leave you feeling revitalised. You could also use the Head and Shoulders Lemon Fresh, which gets rid of the dandruff causing germs and leaves your hair with a citrusy shine. Try and see what works for you, knowing that all these steps can help with your oily scalp and allow you to enjoy your summer for a change.
