Was never a fan of greasy and oily hair? Me, neither.
If you think that excessive hair shine and flat-looking hair is a hopeless cause, think again! Discover the causes of oily hair and how you might be able to combat them.
1. Weather and Humidity
One more thing to complain about Singapore’s hot and humid weather huh! Because of the weather climate we live in, we tend to sweat more often which might just be one of the common factors that cause oil to build up on our hair very quickly. Regular shampooing with the correct type of shampoo should do the trick!
2. Touching Your Hair Too Frequently
It’s similar to the habit of touching your face - our fingertips carry natural oils to protect our skin and doing so will encourage acne. Every time we touch our hair, these oils from our fingertips are transferred to our hair, leading to added grease.
3. Suffocating Hair Ties and Unclean Combs
Hair accessories and tools can also play a part in the excess grease. Having your hair up in a ponytail can be very fashionable. However, bear in mind that dirt and grease can build up easily in the area beneath your hair tie. As much as possible, avoid wearing a ponytail for long periods of time. “Let your hair down” - to allow your hair and scalp to “breathe (it also helps to avoid balding!). The buildup worsens if your hair tie is filled with bacteria and dirt. Along with your comb and other hair tools, remember to wash them to minimise the amount of dirt that you expose your hair and scalp to.
4. Overwashing
Washing your hair daily (or even more frequently) might strip your hair and scalp of its natural oils, over-activating the sebaceous glands and causing your scalp to produce even more oil to replace the lost oils. Not washing your hair as frequently can sound unbearable, especially for people with longer hair and in hot sunny Singapore but you might be surprised at how it turns out. Try cutting back on washing your hair to alternate days for a start!
5. Using Incorrect Products
Using the wrong hair products like shampoo and conditioner for your hair type can contribute to the excess oil production. Also, certain ingredients in your hair products might be causing that greasy look. Avoid products that are oil-based and instead, try those that offer petroleum free, mineral oil free, sulfate free, and no artificial colors. In your next visit to your salon, ask your trusted stylist to recommend some products for your hair and the particular concerns you have.
Here are our favourites for oily hair:
For scalps with dry or greasy dandruff. Clarifying and detoxifying, Purifying Shampoo fights microbial attacks and dandruff, establishing a healthy environment for hair growth.
Kevin Murphy’s STIMULATE.ME WASH
A specially formulated shampoo designed with Micellar Water & Celery Seed Extract to soothe and cleanse the scalp; leaving the hair feeling clean and moisturised. Safe for all hair types, including coloured hair
Using the Products Incorrectly
One obvious example - applying your conditioner at your scalp rather than your hair ends. Conditioners are heavier in texture than shampoos and doing so will add grease to your scalp and weigh your hair down. Other hair products like hair serum and oils carry loads of benefits but it might not be for everyone to use frequently.
Although genetic factors can also contribute heavily to greasier hair, you can engage in healthier habits to minimise on excessive oil production. Do remember that a little oil is healthy because it’s the way your body protects your hair and scalp. On top of that, forgive Singapore for her all year round summer weather.
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#02-17/18 Change Alley Mall
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