Oily hair is a common hair issue caused by excessive sebum production, affecting many people. Understanding the root causes of this phenomenon is essential to address it. Once the causes are identified, it’s important to adopt a proper hair care routine by choosing natural and gentle products.
Discover Cair's tips for fighting excess sebum and restoring light, balanced hair.
What are the Causes of Oily Hair?
Oily hair is caused by excessive production of sebum, a natural oil produced by the scalp to protect and hydrate the hair.
However, internal and external factors can disrupt this production:
Internal factors:
- Hormonal changes: Hormonal fluctuations, especially during puberty, pregnancy, or menstruation, can stimulate the sebaceous glands.
- Genetics: Some people naturally have more active sebaceous glands.
- Stress and nervousness can intensify sebum production.
- Unbalanced diet: A diet high in saturated fats, refined sugars, or processed foods can stimulate the sebaceous glands, leading to increased sebum production.
External factors:
- Pollution: Pollutants in the air tend to accumulate on the scalp and hair, clogging the pores.
- Exposure to excessive heat (sun, hot water, heating devices): Heat directly stimulates the sebaceous glands at the base of the hair follicles, leading to increased sebum production.
- Using unsuitable hair products: A shampoo that’s too harsh or too moisturizing can irritate the scalp, causing a reactive overproduction of sebum.
How to Choose and Use a Shampoo for Oily Hair?
Choose the right products
Oily hair requires specific care with appropriate products. It is recommended to use a sulfate-free shampoo with gentle ingredients to regulate sebum production.
Avoid using very hot water
To prevent your hair from getting oily too quickly, it's advised to use lukewarm to cold water during shampooing to avoid stimulating sebum production.
Do two shampoos
When washing your hair, do two shampoos: the first one removes impurities, while the second deeply purifies the scalp.
Space out your washes
This is perhaps the most well-known and easiest tip to follow. Avoid washing your hair too often: two to three times a week is enough to prevent over-activating sebum production.
Adopt a Scalp Purification Routine
To combat oily hair, certain ingredients should be prioritized.
Our hair routine consists of three lightweight products that don’t clog the scalp’s pores, helping to reduce excessive sebum production.
Start your routine with Cair’s fortifying and detoxifying serum. Formulated with lactic acid and phytic acid, this hair serum gently exfoliates the scalp, removing sebum buildup and product residues. Additionally, a prebiotic complex is included to maintain a balanced microbiome, promoting long-term healthy bacterial equilibrium.
Next, use your sulfate-free Cair shampoo. When applying, start by applying the product at the back of the head, as this is usually where sebum builds up the most. Focus also on areas where your hair is the oiliest. Gently massage your scalp to stimulate blood circulation and unclog the roots. Finally, rinse thoroughly to remove any residue.
Tip: To make your sulfate-free, silicone-free shampoo foam effectively, ensure your hair is thoroughly wet, then emulsify the product.
To finish, apply the detangling mist enriched with skincare-active ingredients. It features the Soft Protect complex, which conditions the hair without weighing it down.