How to Get Rid of Oily Scalp for Women

Using the right products and shampooing method will help alleviate an oily scalp.

Many women have problems with an oily scalp around the time of their period, due to hormone fluctuations. Women who typically have oily scalps will see them become even more oily at this time. Some women with oily scalps also have oily hair, but others may have dry hair. You can deal with an oily scalp and oily or dry hair at any time of the month by changing your hair products and shampooing method.

Things You'll Need

• Shampoo for oily hair (clarifying shampoo)
• Scalp astringent
• Cotton balls
• Brush
• Cornstarch

Instructions

1. Shampoo your hair daily, using a clarifying shampoo. Clarifying shampoos strip oils and dirt from hair and scalp; if your hair is on the dry side and it's only your scalp that's oily, apply the shampoo to your scalp and don't rub it through your hair. Massage the shampoo into your scalp and leave it there for 5 minutes. You may also wish to rinse it out and re-apply for another 5 minutes if your scalp is especially oily.

2. Rinse your hair with cool water after shampooing and then apply an astringent to your scalp. You can use a commercial skin and scalp astringent, found in the health and beauty aisles of some grocery stores and other stores that carry hygiene products, or you can create your own formula containing half witch hazel and half clear mouthwash. Use a cotton ball, soaked in the solution, over your entire scalp and let it dry without rinsing.

3. Brush your hair carefully. Brushing distributes oils evenly through the hair from the scalp and helps keep follicles more clear. Distributing the oil is especially good if your scalp is oily but the rest of your hair is dry. If you have oily hair, however, refrain from brushing too vigorously, as this can just make your hair more oily.

4. Use cornstarch to absorb scalp oils when you don't have time to wash your hair and need a quick fix. Simply sprinkle cornstarch on your hair brush and apply directly to your scalp (or work it in with your fingers). Leave it on for 15 minutes and then brush it out.

References

• Hair Finder: Scalp Problems
• Mother Nature: Neutralizing Solutions for Oily Hair
• Hair Boutique: Shampoo Tips
• Hair Finder: Using Cornstarch