How can I get rid of greasy hair?

Greasy hair is caused by an overproduction of sebum by the sebaceous glands at the base of the hair bulb. These endocrine glands release an oily substance high in fatty acids, essential for healthy hair. This sebum plays a protective role on the hair fibre, lubricates the hair and protects the scalp from dehydration. This becomes a problem when the sebaceous glands produce excess sebum. This phenomenon, which dermatologists call hyperseborrhoea, clogs the pilosebaceous follicles, suffocates the roots and over time can weaken and disrupt hair growth. This phenomenon not only makes hair greasy, but also dull, in women as well as men… and teenagers!

Several factors can cause greasy hair, and this phenomenon can be temporary. In fact, you can have a scalp that gets greasy again very quickly at some point in your life (adolescence, menstruation, pregnancy, etc.) and then find that you're not getting greasy hair a few weeks, months or years later. The most common causes of greasy hair include:

hormonal variations (menstrual cycle, pregnancy, taking hormonal contraceptives, puberty, etc.): the sebaceous glands are sensitive to levels of male hormones. Androgens (in particular testosterone, which is also produced by women) stimulate the sebaceous glands and encourage the production of sebum.

Stress and anxiety: under stress, our bodies release cortisol, which abnormally stimulates the sebaceous glands. They then produce more sebum than necessary.

A highly polluted urban environment can lead to clogged pores in the scalp, accentuating the 'greasy hair' effect caused by sebum.

An inflammatory diet can upset the hormonal balance and encourage sebum secretion.

Unsuitable, irritating****cosmetics or over-frequent washing can irritate the scalp. In response to this irritation, the sebaceous glands in the scalp secrete more sebum.

Heredity: some people have hair that naturally gets greasy faster.

Although greasy hair is a common problem, there are many myths surrounding this hair condition. One of the most common misconceptions is that frequent hair washing is the ideal solution. In reality, too much washing can stimulate the sebaceous glands, exacerbating sebum production. What's more, water being too hot can activate these glands, contributing to even greasier hair.

Another myth is that greasy hair is due to a lack of hygiene. In fact, the frequency of washing, the choice of hair products and other factors, such as hormonal variations or stress, play a major role in regulating sebum production. It's important to understand that greasy hair is not necessarily the result of personal neglect.

This routine regulates excess sebum, while respecting the balance of your hair.

No time to wash your greasy hair? Opt for a purifying dry shampoo. Its formula, based on powders like absorbent cornstarch and regulating nettle, cleanses greasy hair without getting it wet! It's a quick-fix solution that makes greasy hair disappear in just 5 minutes and means you can get away without washing your hair as often, but it's not a solution you should overuse. Dry shampoos don't eliminate sebum, they simply neutralise it. If you use them too often, you run the risk of suffocating the scalp and causing hair loss.

Applying a leave-in regulating hair lotion for greasy hair also saves you from washing your hair so often, while cleansing the scalp. It's also something you can do at the same rate, and independently, to finish off your ‘greasy hair’ routine. Another simple daily tip for greasy hair that cleanses oily roots: spray a littlerosemary verbenone hydrosol on the scalp and rub in.

When using natural products to treat greasy hair, a few precautions are necessary. First, do a tolerance test by applying a small amount of the product to your skin to check for allergic reactions. Use gentle shampoos without silicones or sulphates, which can weigh down or irritate your scalp. If any adverse reactions appear, consult a professional.

Furthermore, if you think your greasy hair is due to hormonal variations, don't hesitate to consult your doctor to discuss the matter. If there is a proven hormonal imbalance, he or she can refer you to an endocrinologist. Similarly, if you are suffering from stress, anxiety or an unsuitable diet (perhaps too high in sugars, fats or processed foods, etc.), all of which are conducive to an inflammatory environment, don't hesitate to talk to a naturopath, who will be able to guide you towards balanced dietary solutions and food supplements.