For humans, hair is of extreme aesthetic importance. Although hair has other functions like protecting from environmental effects, tactile, and more, these roles are of minimal significance for humans.
Hair is mainly made of keratin. They may look relatively inert, but they are growing actively. Human hair, on average, grows about 15 cm a year. It is usual for humans to shed 100-200 hair a day, but more than that is not good.
Human hairs grow pretty slowly, and during their life, which lasts for a few years, they undergo multiple phases: anagen (growth), catagen (transition), and telogen (rest). Since these phases last for several months to years, any effort to enhance hair health must be prolonged.[1]
Most people would like to have healthy, dense, shiny, and non-greasy hair. It is vital to understand that healthy hair requires care. This involves regular combing and nourishing hair roots. Topical application of certain compounds/oils may help. However, boosting hair growth through a balanced diet and nutrition is more important.
When it comes to greasy hair, it means oily hair or increased scalp sebum production. It might also indicate hormonal changes, stress, and poor hydration. Greasy hair might also occur due to microbial overgrowth. Both overly dry and oily hair are bad. Greasy hair does not look well. Western people particularly dislike greasy hair. Additionally, greasy hair may indicate some other issues requiring medical attention.
How to Get Rid of Greasy Hair
There could be many reasons for greasy hair. People living with metabolic disorders are more likely to have excessive skin sweating, experience skin issues, and have greasy hair. It also means that if you take measures to manage greasy hair, it may also enhance skin health and boost metabolic health.
The Impact of Lifestyle and Diet
Realizing that skin, scalp, hair, and nails reflect your general well-being is vital. Hair grows slowly, and many changes in hair health might reflect prolonged neglect or some chronic health issue. Hence, to enhance hair health, focus on physical well-being.
It means that boosting metabolic health is also good for hair health. Hence, start exercising for glowing hair and make dietary changes. Reduce intake of saturated fats and fast-absorbing sugars. Instead, consume more lean protein and whole foods and food rich in micronutrients. For hair health, increase your intake of nuts, berries, green veggies, fish, and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Also, focus on enhancing zinc, selenium, vitamin B-complex, iron intake, and more.
Effective Cleansing Techniques
Greasy hair often occurs due to improper cleansing techniques. Use a mild shampoo, but wash the scalp for longer. Many people have a habit of quickly washing their hair, especially when having a shower. However, remember that medicated shampoos need time to act, so only rinse after a few minutes. Increasing washing frequency can also help prevent greasy hair.
Maintaining Scalp Health
Regular scalp massages and adequate hydration can help prevent greasy hair and maintain a healthy scalp. Scalp massage stimulates blood circulation, which helps distribute natural oils evenly and prevents them from accumulating at the roots.
Additionally, hydration is key in regulating the scalp's oil production. When the scalp is dehydrated, it tends to compensate by producing more oil, leading to greasier hair.
Tea Tree Oil for Oily Hair
It is an oil from the leaves of an Australian evergreen plant called Melaleuca alternifolia. Topical use of this oil has been increasing as studies confirm its many health benefits. This oil is rich in antioxidants, has antimicrobial properties, and suppresses local inflammation. It is being increasingly used to manage various skin and scalp health disorders. For example, its use for treating acne is increasing.[2]
Since acne is caused by increased sebum production and higher microbial growth, it shares many traits with greasy hair. Hence, there is a reason to believe that what works for acne may be suitable for managing greasy hair. Tea tree oil is quite suitable for suppressing sebum production, boosting hair growth, and suppressing microbial over-growth.
Conclusion
Greasy hair is a pretty common issue. Those experiencing greasy hair must understand that it is more than merely a cosmetic problem. It may indicate some disease or falling health. That is why it is vital to pay attention to greasy hair.
It is best to manage greasy hair through lifestyle interventions like dietary measures, increased intake of antioxidants, boosting metabolic health, and focusing on stress reduction and hormone levels. One can also use topical agents to overcome greasy hair, and tea tree oil could be one of the good options.
References
[1] Hoover E, Alhajj M, Flores JL. Physiology, Hair. StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 [cited 2024 Jan 16]. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499948/.
[2] Nascimento T, Gomes D, Simões R, et al. Tea Tree Oil: Properties and the Therapeutic Approach to Acne—A Review. Antioxidants. 2023;12:1264.