Oil and Dandruff Problems in Hair

The primary reason for hair becoming oily throughout the day is the overproduction of sebum by the sebaceous glands at the roots. This oil is naturally secreted to protect the hair and skin, but when overproduced, hair appears oily more quickly. Genetic predispositions, thin and straight hair, hormonal fluctuations (e.g., during menstruation and puberty), washing hair too frequently or not washing it enough, choosing the wrong products (heavy/oily shampoos and conditioners), and frequently touching the roots accelerate this process.

So, whether your hair becomes oily in just one day is often related to your hair type, care habits, and sometimes seasonal changes, stress, or hormonal fluctuations. If you wash your hair too frequently or with the wrong products, your scalp, thinking it's losing its protective oil, produces extra sebum. This vicious cycle leads to rapid oiliness.

The ideal washing frequency for dandruff-prone hair is generally 2–3 times a week; dermatologists and experts recommend using an anti-dandruff shampoo at least twice a week. Depending on your hair type and the severity of dandruff, applying the shampoo daily or every other day is sometimes possible. However, over-washing can dry out your scalp and exacerbate dandruff. For best results, use an anti-dandruff shampoo containing active ingredients (zinc pyrithione, ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, or salicylic acid) and apply it according to the instructions. In severe cases, the frequency of washing can be adjusted with a dermatologist's advice.

The primary cause of excessive oily hair is excess sebum production by the scalp's sebaceous glands. This can be caused by genetic predisposition, hormonal changes (puberty, menstruation, birth control pills), stress, very hot weather, incorrect or excessive hair washing, poor product selection, and an unhealthy diet. Washing hair too frequently, in particular, can dry out the scalp, causing the body to produce extra oil to compensate for the lack of protective oils. In some hair types (fine and straight), oil spreads more quickly through the strands, making hair appear oilier more quickly.

Therefore, excessive hair oiliness is a result of both grooming habits, hormones, genetics, and environmental conditions. If oiliness is sudden and excessive, other health causes, such as diseases or medications, should be investigated.

To eliminate excessive oiliness and dandruff in the hair, it is recommended to use anti-dandruff shampoos containing ingredients such as salicylic acid , zinc pyrithione, ketoconazole or piroctone olamine, appropriate for your hair type, 2–3 days a week regularly; these shampoos both cleanse excess oil and control dandruff and fungal problems.

When shampooing, gently massage the scalp, then rinse thoroughly to remove any remaining product residue. If necessary, the frequency of hair washing can be increased, but excessive washing should be avoided.

Methods to help combat dandruff and oiliness include rinsing your hair with apple cider vinegar once a week, using an aloe vera scalp mask, and natural ingredients like tea tree oil. It's also important to avoid frequent use of hair gel, sprays, and harsh hair products, avoid excessive exposure to the roots, and avoid stressful diets. If, despite these recommendations, oily hair and dandruff persist or are severe, professional help should be sought from a dermatologist.

Dandruff is particularly associated with a deficiency of B vitamins (B2, B3, B6, B7/Biotin) and vitamin D. Deficiencies in these vitamins can negatively impact hair and scalp health, regeneration, and barrier function, leading to increased dandruff formation. Zinc deficiency also plays a significant role in dandruff and regulates the scalp's oil balance. Similarly, low levels of vitamins A and E can increase the risk of dry and flaky skin.

A balanced diet and adequate vitamin/mineral supplements can reduce dandruff problems by supporting scalp renewal, moisturization and defense against fungal infections.

The most effective way to cleanse an oily scalp is to wash it with a shampoo appropriate for your hair type, focusing on the roots. Choose shampoos that are gentle, oil-controlling, and, if possible, sulfate-free. When washing your hair, massage the shampoo into your roots twice, lather thoroughly, and then rinse thoroughly with plenty of water to remove both excess oil and product residue. For best results, apply shampoo only to the roots, not the ends, and apply conditioner only to the ends to prevent extra oil buildup. Exfoliating your scalp once a week with apple cider vinegar or a clarifying shampoo, reducing the use of harsh products like hair gel and sprays, and avoiding excessive contact with the roots are also helpful in reducing oiliness.

Normal hair typically begins to become visibly oily within 2–3 days after washing, depending on individual genetics and environmental factors. This timeframe can vary depending on hair texture (fine, thick, straight, curly), hormonal balance, and weather conditions. Fine, straight, and light-colored hair tends to oil more quickly, while thick and wavy hair generally takes longer; it takes 2–3 days for the average hair to spread from root to tip. Using the wrong shampoo too often can shorten this process; a good care routine can prolong the time your hair stays clean and healthy.

The first step in treating oily scalp eczema (seborrheic dermatitis) is to regularly use medicated shampoos containing active ingredients such as ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione, and selenium sulfide, available in pharmacies, 2–3 times a week. These products help control fungal growth and oil imbalances on the scalp. In very persistent or severe cases, a dermatologist may recommend short-term topical corticosteroid lotions, salicylic acid products, or prescription antifungal lotions.

Home care can include massaging the scalp with mineral oil, coconut oil, or special medicated lotions; then gently combing the hair to remove flakes and washing it with a suitable shampoo. Avoid alcohol-containing hair care products, frequent use of gels/sprays, and harsh rubbing. Nutrition and stress management also contribute to long-term recovery. If symptoms persist within a few weeks, personalized treatment under the supervision of a dermatologist is essential.

Symptoms of scalp fungus (tinea capitis, a fungal infection of the scalp) include intense itching, dandruff or fine flaking, redness and tenderness, and round or irregularly shaped areas of hair loss (bald patches). These areas may show fragile, easily broken hairs, sometimes with short, blackhead-like hairs. Painful, swollen, or inflamed areas of the skin, yellowish crusts, or pus-like inflammation may also be observed; in some cases, swollen lymph nodes or a mild fever may also be present. Because this infection is contagious, it must be treated early under the supervision of a dermatologist; otherwise, permanent hair loss and scarring may occur.

Scalp formation is often caused by skin conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis, fungal infections, or psoriasis. To address this issue, it's recommended to first use medicated shampoos specifically designed for the scalp (e.g., dandruff or eczema shampoos containing ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide, salicylic acid, or coal tar). The shampoo should be massaged into the scalp and rinsed thoroughly. For persistent or widespread scaling, short-term use of topical corticosteroid cream or antifungal medications may be necessary, as prescribed by a dermatologist.

For home care, natural ingredients like coconut oil, tea tree oil, or aloe vera gel can help soften and heal scaling when applied to the scalp. Gently massaging the scalp can loosen the scaling and make it easier to remove. Harsh products like conditioners, gels, or sprays should be temporarily reduced to avoid irritating the scalp. If scaling occurs frequently or is widespread, consult a dermatologist.

In healthy hair and scalp, oiliness usually begins within 2–3 days after washing; after this time, hair becomes slightly matted or a small amount of oil appears at the roots. The oiliness period is slightly shorter (sometimes 1–2 days) for fine and straight hair, and longer for thick and wavy hair; however, on average, a clean appearance usually lasts for 2–3 days in healthy hair. If the hair doesn't come into contact with excessive dirt, dust, or product during daily use, this period is considered ideal for most people and indicates that the hair is naturally balanced.

The most common reason for hair to appear oily after a shower is excessive sebum production at the scalp. This occurs when the scalp loses its natural oils due to frequent washing or using the wrong products, and the body compensates by producing excess oil. Factors such as not rinsing hair thoroughly, leaving residue from harsh or incorrectly chosen shampoos and conditioners, applying oily creams/masks to the scalp, and contact with hands or towels after showering can also contribute to oily and dull hair.

If your hair is naturally oily, hormonal imbalances, stress, and genetic predisposition can also increase the feeling of oiliness immediately after showering. Using the right cleansing products, applying conditioner and mask only to the ends, and ensuring your hair is thoroughly rinsed after washing can alleviate this problem.

Apple cider vinegar maintains hair's pH balance and removes oil, product, and dirt buildup. It helps prevent dandruff, itching, and acne by reducing the growth of fungi and bacteria at the roots. It also helps prevent frizz and breakage by sealing the cuticles, enhancing hair's natural shine and vibrancy. It's also beneficial for maintaining hair color and adding volume. An apple cider vinegar rinse, especially on oily scalps, helps remove excess sebum, aerates hair follicles, and reduces the risk of hair loss. Its natural antimicrobial properties can be used as a soothing alternative for inflamed and sensitive hair roots, but diluting it (mixing it with water) is recommended.

Thanks to its high vitamin C and antioxidants, lemon increases blood circulation in the scalp, supports collagen production, and helps strengthen follicles, contributing to healthy hair growth and strength. Lemon's acidic nature balances the scalp's pH, preventing excessive oiliness, providing protection against bacterial and fungal growth at the roots, and reducing dandruff and product residue. Regular, diluted lemon juice application can also add shine to strands and promote a healthier look. However, because lemon can dry out hair if applied frequently and in high doses, it should be used with caution. It's generally recommended to dilute it with water and apply it once or twice a week.

Salt-free shampoo (which doesn't contain sodium chloride) gently cleanses the scalp and hair strands while preserving their natural oils. Because it prevents hair from drying out and breaking, some users observe healthier and more balanced oil production. However, using salt-free shampoo alone doesn't directly reduce oiliness; depending on hair type and the active ingredients used, salt-free shampoo may not trigger oiliness or may prevent it from appearing early, but it doesn't completely stop oil production. Salt-free shampoos, especially recommended for sensitive, dry, or treated hair, can be a good addition to combating oily scalps, but their most effective action comes from powerful oil-balancing and purifying ingredients (e.g., zinc pyrithione, salicylic acid).

Excessive oiliness doesn't directly cause hair loss; however, excess sebum accumulates at the roots, clogging pores, preventing oxygen and nutrition to the hair follicles, and paving the way for infections like dandruff and fungal infections. Long-term oil and dirt accumulation can lead to microscopic inflammation (folliculitis, seborrheic dermatitis) in the hair follicles and accelerate hair loss. Especially when this inflammation or fungus develops on an oily scalp, new hair strands cannot grow, and existing strands become weak and break off, leading to both thinning and hair loss. Therefore, if excessive oiliness isn't washed and cleansed properly, it becomes a risk factor for hair loss. Regular hygiene and care to maintain sebum balance are essential for healthy hair.