Greasy hair causes, care, and realities

Causes of greasy hair

Sebum is the oily secretion of the sebaceous glands that act as a lubrication for the hair and skin and provides some protection against bacteria. Sebum consists mostly of fat, keratin, and cellular matter.

When there is an imbalance in the sebaceous glands, too much sebum is secreted which can lead to oily and greasy hair.

Hair Care products with a lot of oils and silicones can also make the hair look greasy even if the scalp is balanced.

Greasy Hair Care

If you deal with oily or greasy hair then you should wash your hair everyday with a shampoo that is made for greasy hair that is easy on the scalp.

Use lukewarm water instead of hot water when washing your hair and avoid massaging your scalp, both of which will stimulate the glands to produce oil.

Keep oils, serums, and conditioners away from the roots of your hair where you will most likely find the most oil build-up.

If you are using a dry shampoo, spray it close to, but not directly on the roots and then the rest of the hair by brushing it through. Remember dry shampoo should not completely replace your shampoo. You still need to wash hair to get rid of products including the dry shampoo that may be blocking the sebaceous glands.

Grease, oil and poly hair extensions

Oil products should be avoided at the attachment point of our Poly hair extensions. It can break down the polymer bond, reducing it’s strength.

When doing the consultation for a client interested in hair extensions be sure to ask her about the type of hair she has when deciding on an attachment method. Realize that 10–15% of end users cannot wear poly extensions because of greasy hair that does not properly hold the bond. You can encourage these people to go with the cylinder hair extensions or weft extensions as an alternative.