- People who have oily hair often think that it is the hair itself that is producing the oil. However, this assumption is false. Hair does not produce oil. The substance that makes hair appear oily actually comes from the scalp. So a shampoo made for oily hair is actually for treating the scalp rather than the hair.
- The main function of shampoos made for oily hair is to treat the scalp. The shampoo will clean the scalp and extract surface oils as well as clean the hair. The scalp will still produce oils, but using a shampoo made for oily hair will help keep oil production under control.
- There are many different shampoos on the market that are suitable for treating oily hair. Shampoos will usually say directly on the label if they are for oily hair. They may also be labeled "clarifying" or "deep-cleansing." Shampoos made for oily hair will usually be clear in color and free of conditioners.
- It is recommended that people with oily hair wash their hair every day. The scalp should be massaged gently with shampoo before the rest of the hair is washed. Letting the shampoo sit on the scalp for five minutes before rinsing will help the shampoo absorb and extract oils in the scalp. Individuals with extremely oily hair may have to shampoo twice to make sure the hair and scalp are completely clean. If you have particularly oily hair, you should not use a conditioner, as your hair is already being conditioned naturally and an additional conditioner will only make the problem worse. Proper diet and exercise can also help with an oily scalp.
- Shampoo made for oily hair should not be used on individuals who do not produce much oil on the scalp, as this will cause over-drying. If you notice your scalp and hair becoming dry, cut back on the frequency of use of clarifying shampoos. Some of the shampoos made for oily hair can be harsh on the hair, even for individuals who produce a lot of oil on their scalp. Always pay attention when using a new product to make sure you are not damaging your hair.
