Perhaps you’re familiar with the following scenario: you’ve just finished the painstaking effort of washing, drying and styling your hair, only for the roots to become greasy and your tresses a flat, lifeless mop atop your head just a few hours later.
We sought the guidance of board-certified dermatologists and hair styling experts who said that the wrong products and the wrong hair care routine could be to blame for an excessively oily scalp — including washing your hair too often.
Dr. Mona Foad, board-certified dermatologist and founder of MONA Dermatology in Cincinnati, Ohio, said that though a balanced amount of oil keeps the scalp comfortable and adds shine and flexibility to the hair, too much oil production can lead to more than just a ruined hairstyle, it can also trigger scalp irritation or breakouts around the hairline.
“Conditions like dandruff, eczema, or psoriasis may also contribute, as can overwashing or using harsh hair products that strip the scalp and cause it to produce even more oil to compensate,” Foad said, speaking to the potential causes of an overly oily scalp.
Foad said that finding the right washing frequency is key, whether that be shampooing daily with a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser or less often to avoid overstimulating oil production.
