HAIR MASKS FOR OILY SCALP
Explore which hair mask for oily scalp could work for you.
It can almost feel like a horrific scene when you wake up one day and see that patch of grease on your pillow. You might rush into the shower and use some form of cleanser, expecting it to get rid of your oily troubles before you head out for the day.
But this might not always work. Although you can possibly manage the symptoms, oily scalp and oily hair cannot be fixed instantly. You need to find ways to calm down the secretions first.
Why do you have oily hair?
Your body is covered in sebaceous glands that secrete a waxy oil like substance known as sebum. This sebum is essential for normal skin functioning, as it can moisturise and prevent harmful elements from attacking your skin.
The highest density of sebaceous glands is found on your face and scalp, which secretes sebum to coat your entire hair strand. The oil or sebum that is produced, flows down from the scalp to the tips of your hair. This helps retain moisture within the hair strand, preventing it from drying out and becoming frizzy.
But in some situations, the oil production on your scalp increases more than what is required, which ends up covering your entire hair and scalp with excessive oil. It could be due to hormonal fluctuations, extreme changes in weather, stress, diet, poor hygiene, reaction to chemicals, and even over-washing of your hair. This can lead to oily hair that looks dull and lifeless.
Your oily hair and scalp can also lead to inflammation, acne and dandruff. Dandruff is caused when a naturally occurring fungus breaks down scalp oil build-up and produces a reaction. So, using a hair pack for oily scalp can work to reduce these issues as well.
Hair mask for oily scalp
There are different types of homemade hair masks that you can use, it all depends on what ingredients you have access to and how they affect your body. Before using a hair mask at home, you should always conduct a patch test on a small part of your skin. This will tell you if the hair pack for oily scalp has any adverse effect.
Lemon Juice –
This ingredient is widely used to deal with oily hair. It contains properties that can break up any excessive oil build-up, while regulating oil secretions and balancing out pH levels.1 or 2 Lemons
½ cup of Water
Squeeze the lemon juice and dilute it with water. Apply this onto your hair and scalp, leaving it on for 15 minutes. You can then rinse with cold water or wash with a shampoo.
OR you can add one egg white to the lemon juice and apply it to your hair for about 10 minutes. Wash with cold water and a shampoo. This should add to hair strength, in addition to getting rid of the oiliness.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Essential oil –
This salad dressing is an effective treatment for your greasiness and can be used as a hair mask for oily scalp and dandruff. Apple Cider Vinegar can regulate the oil production, reduce itching, balance pH levels, and even reduce your dandruff. Essential oils like Lavender oil can help to soothe any irritation.1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
Equal amount Water
Few drops of Lavender oil
Create a mixture from the ingredients and apply it to your hair, starting from the scalp. Leave it for 15 minutes and then wash with a shampoo. It is important to dilute apple cider vinegar, as it can be quite harsh on your skin.
Fuller’s earth or Multani mitti –
Using this clay like material can help with your oily skin and hair. It can calm down oil secretions and soak up the excess sebum, while conditioning your scalp.4 tbsp Fuller’s earth
4 tbsp Water
Combine the Fuller’s earth with water until you get a consistent paste. Apply it to your hair and scalp, leaving it for about 15 minutes till it has dried out slightly. Wash with a shampoo after.
Aloe Vera, Lemon and Honey –
These ingredients can help break any oil build-up on your scalp and regulate oil production. This hair mask for oily scalp can also calm down any itching and moisturise at the same time.
Mix all the components together and apply this onto your head. Massage it into your scalp and then coat your hair strands. Keep it for 15 minutes and then wash thoroughly. Use a gentle shampoo to get rid of any leftover product.
Tea tree oil –
Tea tree oil is a great ingredient in any hair mask for oily scalp and dandruff. It can reduce the greasiness on your scalp, get rid of excessive build-up and regulate oil levels. This also works to retain moisture levels and reduce any itching.Few drops of Tea tree oil
Few drops of Carrier oil – Coconut, Almond or Jojoba oil
Add the oils together and apply them to your head. You can leave it for 30 minutes or even overnight. Wash with a shampoo after.
Tea Tree oil and Baking Soda –
Some people even use Baking Soda with Tea Tree oil. This can dry out excessive oil and clear any build-up. It can potentially act on any dandruff as well.1 tbsp Baking Soda
Few drops of Tea tree oil
Make a paste out of the two and apply it to your head. Leave it for 20 minutes and then wash. It can possibly help, but there are concerns with using this hair mask for oily scalp. It can excessively dry out your scalp and even lead to brittle hair.
You should always be careful when using home-made recipes for your hair troubles, as they may not have results like a shampoo for oily scalp and hair. And if this oily scalp has led to dandruff, you should use an anti-dandruff shampoo like the Head and Shoulders Cool Menthol . It can clean your hair and leave you up to 100% dandruff free, getting rid of all visible flakes with regular use.
