Causes of Greasy Scalp
A greasy scalp occurs when the oil glands or sebaceous glands produce oil in excess and this affects not only your scalp, but your hair too. A greasy scalp can be caused by undue stress and anxiety, an unclean scalp, poor circulation of blood and sometimes heredity. Excess oil in the hair can also cause dandruff and is a high risk factor for conditions like eczema, scalp psoriasis and dermatitis. There is no known cure for a greasy scalp, but you can take a few precautionary measures to reduce its oiliness.
Tips and Remedies for Greasy Scalp
First and foremost do not wash it more than once every alternate day. Use the flats of your fingers rather than the finger tips and massage the scalp gently. This helps avoid over stimulation of the oil glands. Do not dry or comb your hair vigorously as this will weaken the hair roots causing the hair to break easily. You may also try zinc supplement or evening primrose to battle the excess oil production. A homemade astringent can be used on the hair to reduce the excess oil. Mix mouthwash and witch hazel in a 1:1 proportion and dab onto the scalp with a cotton swab; witch hazel works as an astringent while mouthwash possesses antiseptic properties. However, make sure to use it only on the scalp as too much contact with the hair tends to damage the hair. Rinse your hair with the juice of two lemons mixed into a quart of distilled water. This acidic rinse is sure to reduce the oil content. Alternatively you can mix two tablespoon of white vinegar into a cup of water and wash your hair after shampooing it. This will help clear away the excess soap as well. Make a concoction out of a spoon of lime juice, a teaspoon of Aloe Vera gel and half a cup of any mild or herbal shampoo. Wash your hair with the mixture and rinse thoroughly to remove all the soap. Cover your hair when you go out and look for a mild shampoo which has a sunscreen component added to it as excess heat is sometimes known to cause a greasy scalp.
Drink about 20 glasses of water a day and consume foods rich in Vitamin A such as oranges, watermelons, peaches tomatoes, avocado, broccoli, peas, spinach, pumpkin seeds, almonds and hazel nuts. In case the problem persists, it would be advisable to see a doctor as it could be the sign of some underlying disease or a hormonal imbalance.<