Many persons with natural oily scalp also discover that they are losing their hair. Is it possible that an oily scalp can contribute to baldness? If you’re currently dealing with a highly oily scalp, you may want to take some advice from this article.
Your oily scalp is most likely a result of Hyper Seborrhea, a condition resulting in overproduction of sebum, a natural oil produced by the sebaceous glands in your scalp, to keep the hair moisturized and the skin protected. Or, it can also be caused by lack of regular hair washing. This also allows the sebum to accumulate. However, other hair care products like hair creams, gels, sprays, etc., can also contribute to the amount of oil on your scalp. But how exactly can it make you go bald?
Too much oil on the scalp aids in trapping and accumulating dirt, dead cells, and even sweats, which blocks hair pores and hinders new hair production. These accumulations are called scalp built-ups and, if left on the scalp for long, can become infected and turn red, itchy, and painful. In extreme cases, it may result in dandruff, flaking of the scalp, and eventually baldness.
Oily scalp and Folliculitis
The presence of the fungus can exacerbate an existing problem, resulting in a condition known as folliculitis, also known as an inflammation of the follicle. This condition interferes with hair production. The hair loss is only transitory in the early stage of the disease, and the hair can begin to recover if the sick and inflamed areas of the scalp are adequately treated.
However, if left untreated for an extended period, folliculitis can have a negative impact on the health of the follicle, causing it to shrink and finally lose its ability to produce hair. This is the point at which permanent baldness becomes a possibility.
Factors contributing to the accumulation of sebum
Hormonal imbalance
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a powerful androgen hormone, is known to increase sebum production. Sebum production can also be triggered by hormonal changes, such as during menstruation, pregnancy, and diseases of the ovaries, testicles, and adrenal glands. Also, abnormalities in the thyroid and pituitary glands are likely causes of excess sebum production.
Metabolic disorder
Saturated fat, in particular, has a negative impact on the body’s metabolic rate. As a result, the production of sebum increases, leading to hyperseborrhea. Because of hyperseborrhea, scalp accumulation is exacerbated.
Poor hair care
How often do you wash your hair? What hair care product do you use to wash? These are all critical questions to ask when it comes to hair care. Because sebum is oily, it will take strong drying or emulsifying agent to get rid of it off the scalp.
Infections
Inflammation of the scalp can be caused by an accumulation of bacteria or fungi, which may cause scalp build-ups. If a parasite Demodex folliculorum infiltrates your hair follicles, you may develop Hyper Seborrhea, which changes the sebum composition.
How to prevent the accumulation of oil on your scalp
Observing these simple steps should help you successfully avoid the accumulation of build-ups on your scalp.
- Refraining from using excessive amounts of hair care products (such as styling products). Also, refrain from using harsh chemicals on your hair.
- Cultivate a habit of checking your hair and scalp for signs, including redness, flakes, and oily areas.
- Maintaining a regular hair cleansing practice and washing your hair after high perspiration (for example, after working out) are critical for maintaining the scalp free of build-ups. Shampoos are excellent solutions for washing one’s hair. However, be cautious not to over-wash, as over-drying the scalp can also result in the build-up.
How to remove oil and scalp build-ups
Scalp accumulation can be removed at home using a variety of methods. Among them are:
Regular shampooing
A natural, gentle, sulfate and chemical-free shampoo suitable for your hair type should be used at least every two to three days (But you can shampoo more frequently if your hair gets oily often). Wash your hair in warm water to avoid drying out your scalp and making your condition worse, as hot water can worsen your symptoms. It is best to avoid scratching and excessively massaging your head. Instead, use a circular motion to massage the scalp to stimulate blood flow and prevent a dry scalp.
Using apple cider vinegar (ACV)
When it comes to selecting a hair wash product, ACV is also an excellent choice. It is particularly effective at removing hair buildup. ACV can provide significant nourishment to your hair, hence improving its health, in addition to its cleansing abilities. To name a few, ACV has been shown to restore scalp pH by reducing the pH level. As a result, the hair cuticle flattens and closes. Your hair will be easier to detangle, shinier, less frizzy, and less likely to break as a result.
Added to the above, ACV is also recognized for its antimicrobial (antibacterial and antifungal) effects. It is very powerful at killing and inhibiting the growth of dandruff-causing yeast on the scalp.
Moderate brushing
It’s crucial to keep your hair clean but brushing it vigorously and extensively might exacerbate sebum build-ups on the scalp. Hence, don’t be too harsh on the hair.
Scalp exfoliation
Once or twice a week, use an exfoliator to exfoliate dead skin and build-ups from the scalp or make your own natural exfoliator using oatmeal, brown sugar, and hair conditioner. Note that if you exfoliate your scalp more frequently than once or twice a week, you may see an increase in sebum production on your scalp. As a result, it’s crucial to avoid over-exfoliating.
In conclusion
An oily scalp is not necessarily a bad thing. Your hair needs oil if it must develop properly, and its absence will have severe consequences. It’s the excess of it that’s the issue. As a result, to avoid becoming a victim, we propose that you take the information in this article seriously, especially the outlined preventive and control measures.