Greasy Hair Remedies

At the roots of your hair, there are glands that secrete an oily substance called sebum. The amount of sebum these sebaceous glands produce determines whether your hair is naturally dry or oily. If you have fine hair, it means there are more strands of hair per square inch of your scalp and consequently a greater number of sebaceous glands underneath the scalp. This may cause your hair to be naturally oily. Sudden changes in the level of hormones in the body, during adolescence and pregnancy, can also stimulate excessive production of sebum and cause your hair to look and feel greasy.

There are a few simple home remedies to treat greasy hair. Shampooing your hair regularly is essential to keep it oil-free. You may mix some aloe vera juice or gel and the juice of a fresh lemon along with your regular shampoo and use this to wash your hair. This gives your hair an oil-free shine. If you live in a hot and humid climate, follow this procedure thrice a week for best results. Do not use a conditioner every time you shampoo, as this will only add to the already excessive oil content in your hair. When you do use a conditioner, ensure that it is one that is meant specifically for oily hair. Always brush your hair gently, as vigorous combing encourages the production of sebum. Furthermore the vigorous combining will allow the sebum to spread down the entire hair strand, leaving your hair greasy and limp. You should also comb or blow dry your hair in the direction opposite to its natural growth, as this will prevent excessive sebum from flowing down easily to the tips of the hair. An easy way to treat an oily scalp is to make a solution by mixing equal portions of mouthwash and witch hazel solution. While the mouthwash works as an astringent, the witch hazel has antiseptic properties. Regular and careful application of this solution on the scalp can make hair look less greasy. For rinsing your hair, you may mix either the juice of two fresh lemons or two tablespoons of vinegar in four cups of distilled water. This cleans away excessive sebum from the scalp and the hair and makes hair look less greasy. Alternatively, you may also follow up shampooing with a rinse with apple cider vinegar or beer in order to absorb the excessive oil from your hair and make it feel lighter and grease-free.