You can usually spot an oily scalp within a day of washing: your hair feels heavy and sticky, lies flat against your head and quickly looks shiny. It often comes with an itchy scalp or even small pimples. The cause is excess sebum production, and the wrong shampoo can actually make the problem worse.
The right shampoo for an oily scalp cleanses thoroughly, regulates sebum production and restores the skin's balance, without drying it out too harshly. In this blog you'll read what causes an oily scalp, what a good shampoo should offer and which Mediceuticals products can help.
What exactly is an oily scalp?
An oily scalp occurs when the sebaceous glands produce too much sebum. Sebum isn't bad in itself: it naturally protects and hydrates your skin. With an oily scalp, however, that production gets out of balance, so your hair quickly feels greasy, goes flat and sometimes develops an unpleasant smell.
An oily scalp isn't the same as a scalp with dandruff, although the two can occur together. "Oily dandruff" develops when excess sebum mixes with dead skin cells, which can cause larger, greasy flakes instead of the dry, loose flakes of regular dandruff.
What causes an oily scalp?
A number of factors can increase the sebum production of your scalp:
- Hormonal fluctuations: Think puberty, stress or hormonal changes, which make the sebaceous glands extra active.
- Washing too often or too little: Washing too much stimulates the scalp to produce even more sebum; washing too little lets sebum and dirt build up.
- The wrong products: Heavy, nourishing products actually meant for dry hair only make an oily scalp worse.
- Touching or brushing a lot: This spreads sebum from the scalp further along the lengths.
- Genetic predisposition: Some people naturally have more active sebaceous glands than others.
When excess sebum builds up, the hair follicles can become clogged. In the long run, that can also have a negative effect on healthy hair growth.
What should a shampoo for an oily scalp offer?
Not every "cleansing" shampoo really tackles an oily scalp. When choosing, look out for the following points:
- Sebum-regulating: The shampoo should remove excess sebum without completely stripping the skin, because that makes the sebaceous glands work even harder.
- SLS- and SLES-free: Harsh sulfates strip the scalp, which can increase sebum production in response.
- pH-balanced: A formula that matches the natural acidity of the skin, so it can function optimally.
- Anti-inflammatory: Useful for an irritated scalp or pimples on the scalp.
- Colour-safe: Important if you have coloured hair, so the shampoo doesn't affect the colour.
Mediceuticals Solv-X Shampoo: for an oily scalp and oily hair
The Mediceuticals Solv-X Shampoo is specially developed for treating an oily scalp or oily hair. This shampoo removes excess sebum build-up and ensures regulated sebum production, without washing away the essential fatty acids your skin needs.
The formula is anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, balances the pH of the scalp and is suitable for excess sebum production, oily dandruff and pimples on the scalp. The shampoo is SLS- and SLES-free, safe for coloured hair and can even be used as shaving foam.
Work the shampoo through wet hair and the scalp and leave it on for 2 to 3 minutes before rinsing thoroughly. For persistent complaints, it's recommended to use the shampoo daily for the first 14 days and after that at least three times a week, optionally in combination with the Therapeutic Conditioner.
Complete routine: Mediceuticals Scalp Treatment Kit – Oily Scalp
Want to give your oily scalp a complete, restorative treatment in one go? The Mediceuticals Scalp Treatment Kit for an oily scalp combines three products in a 3-step routine: Therarx Treatment, Solv-X Shampoo and Therapeutic Conditioner.
Therarx Treatment helps loosen dirt, sebum and build-up and prepares the scalp for the rest of the treatment. The Solv-X Shampoo then cleanses deeply and regulates sebum production, after which the Therapeutic Conditioner nourishes the skin without making the hair heavy or greasy. For the best result, use the products daily for the first period, then at least a few times a week.
Tips for washing an oily scalp
- Don't wash too often: Washing daily with a harsh shampoo can actually stimulate the sebaceous glands. Work towards two to three times a week as the complaints subside.
- Use lukewarm water: Hot water stimulates sebum production; lukewarm water is gentler.
- Massage the scalp, not the lengths: Apply shampoo mainly at the roots, where most of the sebum is, and let the lather rinse through the lengths.
- Avoid heavy conditioners on the scalp: Apply conditioner only to the lengths and ends, not to the scalp itself.
- Keep your hands out of your hair: Touching or brushing a lot spreads sebum through the hair faster.
Other scalp and hair problems
An oily scalp doesn't always stand alone. If you recognise other complaints too, at KAMM Barbershop you'll find targeted care for every hair problem: hair loss, dandruff, thin hair or dry hair. Also take a look at our full collection for hair problems for a complete overview.
Frequently asked questions about shampoo for an oily scalp
How often should I wash my hair with an oily scalp?
For persistent complaints, it's advised to wash daily with a suitable shampoo for the first 14 days. After that you can reduce the frequency to at least three times a week. Washing too often can actually stimulate sebum production, so don't overdo it.
Why does my hair get greasy so quickly, even though I wash it regularly?
This can happen because your shampoo strips the scalp too harshly, so the sebaceous glands respond by producing more sebum. A mild, sebum-regulating shampoo such as Solv-X tackles the cause instead of stripping the scalp again and again.
Can I use a shampoo for an oily scalp every day?
For persistent complaints, daily use for the first two weeks is recommended. After that it's better to switch back to two to three times a week, so the scalp doesn't get overstimulated.
Is Solv-X Shampoo safe for coloured hair?
Yes, the Mediceuticals Solv-X Shampoo is colour-safe. Thanks to the Colour Retention Complex, coloured hair is protected against UV radiation and colour wash-out.
When should I see a dermatologist?
If excess sebum production continues despite an adjusted shampoo routine, or if you suffer from painful pimples, strong redness or suspect seborrhoeic eczema, it's wise to consult a doctor or dermatologist. A shampoo doesn't replace medical treatment.
Not sure which Mediceuticals shampoo suits your scalp best? Stop by KAMM Barbershop or get in touch with us, and we'll gladly think along with you.
