Dear Mary,

- Jennifer

Hi Jennifer,

Many — if not most — of us have suffered from oily hair at one time or another in our lives. Stress, going through puberty, poor eating or exercising habits, and even insufficient sleep can all be factors in causing or contributing to oily hair. Greasy, lifeless hair is unattractive, but luckily there are ways to treat and even help prevent oily hair.

Oily hair is primarily a result of too much sebum (the natural oil produced by the scalp and skin) on the scalp. The oil produced by the sebaceous glands is important because it helps to keep the hair from being too dry and brittle, but in oily hair, an excess of sebum is produced on the scalp.

Treating Oily Hair
To treat oily hair, try the following tips. First, use a mild shampoo specifically made for oily hair, and vigorously massage the shampoo into the scalp to help exfoliate it. Then, leave the shampoo in for several minutes before thoroughly rinsing.

For oily hair, conditioners are not usually necessary. However, if you prefer to use conditioner, just apply it to the ends of the hair, not the roots, and be sure to rinse the hair thoroughly afterward so that no residue is left. If you normally wash your hair every day when you shower, try washing it only every other day. This should help it to be less oily.

Preventing Oily Hair
In addition, if you are serious about combating oily hair, you may need to adjust your food diet. Refrain from eating oily foods, as they will exacerbate the problem. Instead, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, and drink lots of water. This will help your hair to be healthier and less oily.

Finally, keep your hands away from your scalp and hair. The oils in your fingers and hands can make your hair oilier, so avoid touching your hair often and don't play with your hair. When combing or brushing your hair, avoid contact with the scalp. Similarly, avoid overgrooming. Brushing and combing contribute to oily hair because they cause the sebum to be moved from the scalp through the hair.

Though there is no miracle cure for treating and preventing oily hair, you will be well on your way to healthier, more beautiful hair by following these simple steps.