We’ve mentioned several times that you should wash your hair as needed, and trying to "train" it to a different schedule is an ineffective strategy. But what should you do if your hair looks oily and messy just a day after washing?
Reasons for Rapid Oiling
Despite the simplicity of the problem, various factors can contribute to it. The “longevity” of your hairstyle is influenced not only by hygiene but also by your lifestyle, weather, and genetics. Here are some common reasons why you may need to wash your hair more frequently:
- Humid Climate: High humidity levels make your sebaceous glands work overtime. This causes hair to lose freshness and its appealing appearance faster than in a dry climate.
- Incorrect Hair Care: Using overly gentle shampoos, excessive conditioning, rich masks, or incorrect application can lead to issues. It’s easier to make mistakes in hair care than it seems, resulting in loss of volume and clumped strands.
- Genetics: The tendency for oily skin can be inherited. If your relatives have to wash their hair more frequently than usual, there’s a chance this is a family trait.
- Hormones: Hormones also influence the activity of sebaceous glands, so pregnancy, puberty, menopause, and certain medical conditions can affect the appearance of your hairstyle.
- Unhealthy Diet: A preference for fast food, as well as overly fatty, salty, sweet, or spicy foods, can be another reason your hair loses its freshness quickly. A deficiency in essential nutrients, such as vitamin A or zinc, can lead to excessive oiliness of the scalp.
- Stress: Again, hormones come into play. Excessive stress triggers the release of cortisol and adrenaline, which in turn stimulate the production of sebum. Consequently, during prolonged periods of stress, you may notice that your hair becomes oily faster.
- Medical Conditions: Seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, and other disorders are often accompanied by increased oiliness of the scalp.
Expert Recommendations
Sometimes the cause lies not in global issues but in small everyday habits that can be easily eliminated. Here’s what you can do if your hair gets oily quickly:
- Change your pillowcase more often: Aim to do this at least once a week, especially during hot weather. Fabrics quickly accumulate dirt that can transfer to your hair.
- Use cool water when washing your hair: Hot water increases the activity of sebaceous glands, making your hair oily more quickly. Adjust the faucet so that the water temperature does not exceed 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius).
- Thoroughly cleanse your hair from styling product residues: Not all products effectively cleanse the scalp, so particles from dry shampoo, hair sprays, and other styling products may linger. Using a clarifying shampoo or scrub a couple of times a week can help address this issue.
- Regularly wash your brushes and hair accessories: They also accumulate dirt, so it’s advisable to gather and wash all the brushes and clips you use regularly at least once a week.
- Try not to touch your hair with your hands: Your fingers also contain skin sebum, which transfers to your hair with any contact. As a result, by the end of the day, you may notice that your hair has become oily quickly. Analyze your behavior and try to avoid touching your hair unnecessarily.
How to Choose Hair Care
The good news is that even a hereditary tendency for oily scalp can be corrected through proper care. If your hair gets oily quickly, pay attention to the ingredients when selecting products. Look for those that contain cleansing agents (AHA and BHA acids, sulfate and sulfate-free surfactants) and seboregulating components (salicylic acid, piroctone olamine, niacinamide). The latter help normalize the activity of sebaceous glands and keep hair clean for longer.
If you're struggling with oily hair or simply looking to refresh your look, consider visiting iLuvMe Hair Salon in the vibrant Business Bay area of Dubai. Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to providing personalized consultations to address your unique hair concerns. Whether you need expert advice on the best products for your hair type or want to explore new styling options, our specialists are here to help. Don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment and discover how we can elevate your hair care routine!