“We consider that a scalp is oily if a feeling of heaviness, shine or if an unpleasant odor develops at the level of the roots the day after a correctly carried out shampoo”, explains hairdresser Olivier Lebrun. This unfortunate observation can have several origins, apart from the hereditary factor.
Oily hair: what is the cause?
In all cases, “It is a disorder of the sebaceous gland which naturally produces sebum in the hair bulb”. Mixed with sweat, it constitutes a hydrolipidic film which protects the scalp from the negative impact that external aggressions could have on it (germs, drying out, etc.).
This can occur following a hormonal imbalance, health problems (fragile liver, obesity, etc.), emotional shock or significant fatigue, with an unbalanced diet or the taking of certain medications.
Washing too frequently or using the wrong product can also lead to a scalp that becomes greasy quickly. “A shampoo that is too detergent will eliminate the sebum naturally present on the hair fibers and, in reaction, the body will produce more and more of it to compensate. adds our expert.
Oily hair: how to fix it?
Indispensable pre-shampoo! This is indeed the essential step to gently cleanse your scalp. Several options are available to you, according to Olivier Lebrun: “Special scalp scrubs are only of interest if the grain is very fine and if it is itself a care active.” Indeed, the pH of the scalp deregulates very quickly, so you have to be very careful with the product you choose and gently massage this area, every 2-3 months maximum, then rehydrate with a mild shampoo.
Curly, damaged and/or fine hair will avoid them, for example in favor of serums dedicated to the scalp, often equipped with a pipette favoring the application line by line at the roots. “Based on vitamins, essential oils or fruit acids, they aim to strengthen and purify the roots”, explains the hairdresser. Finally, it is also possible to make a purifying mask at the level of the roots, which we will come to rinse before carrying out the shampoo.
Oily hair: the right washing routine
The right routine is two consecutive shampoospreferably with a gentle formula, free of sulfates and silicones, which tend to settle on the scalp and smother it: “One to loosen impurities, the second which lathers well to remove everything.”
But for that, you don’t need a lot of material. “Take a small drop of shampoo on each fingertip, then press your hands together before spreading them over your head.”
To wash his skull and his hair, “it is necessary to massage more than to rub so as not to irritate this area which is fragile”, reminds the hairdresser. Take care to rinse your hair well, which should crunch slightly under the fingers when it is ready to be dried. For that, “always finish with a hair dryer, at least at the level of the scalp, otherwise the stagnant humidity forms a kind of film causing dry dandruff and which creates a matte effect on the roots, unsightly and which precisely makes them re-grease more quickly”, justifies the specialist.
>> The assets you need: purifying its roots and removing shine can take several weeks. Arm yourself with a little patience, but above all with the best allies. Clay-based treatments are yours: white clay, kaolin…”These powerful minerals eliminate impurities and toxins clogging the pores of the scalp and fight against excess sebum as sebum regulators.”
Olivier Lebrun also advises: “Also opt for fruit acids”, which are ideal for purifying the scalp naturally. Finally, just like the pro in his salon (he offers personalized poultices), consider essential oils (ylang-ylang, lemon, rosemary, thyme, etc.) to use in an oil bath before shampooing.
In video: a rosemary hair oil for oily hair
Natural, rosemary hair oil is perfect for balancing oily hair. Apply this homemade preparation all over the hair, from root to tip and leave on overnight. To be done once a week in case of oily hair and scalp (but it is not recommended in case of pregnancy or breastfeeding and it is not suitable for children).
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