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Oily Scalp Treatment

Sonia Nair
In some people, the scalp may remain oily, due to excess production of sebum. Here are some tips to fix this problem.
Hair care is an integral part of any beauty regimen. While dry and brittle hair is a cause of worry for many, some others face problems with their oily scalp. As compared to other hair conditions, oily scalp is considered the most problematic one, especially for people with long hair.
Those with oily scalp often face a dilemma, as daily use of shampoo may make the hair dry, whereas application of conditioners makes the scalp oily within a few hours. Causes for oily scalp include stress, food allergies, heredity, poor hair care and hygiene, etc.
In some cases, underlying skin conditions may also make the scalp oily. Those with fine hair are mostly found to have this condition.

How to Treat an Oily Scalp

If you want immediate relief from the condition, you can go for medicated creams or shampoos. Shampoos with ingredients, like coal tar, zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide or salicylic acid, etc., are found to be beneficial for oily scalp treatment.
These products slow down the process of death and regeneration of skin cells on the scalp; which in turn reduces dandruff, inflammation and itching. Shampoos and hair care products with salicylic acid reduce the oil on the scalp considerably.
Apply the product on the scalp, and let it sit for around five minutes. Rinse off properly. Those with long hair may condition the tips of the hair.

Home Remedies

Apply fresh lemon juice on your scalp and leave it for at least 20 minutes, before rinsing. Coconut milk is also good for scalp massage. Use fresh coconut milk extracted from coconut shavings, to massage the scalp. Let it sit for some time, before rinsing.
Tea tree oil is very effective for relief from an oily scalp. It is useful for removing excess oil and dandruff. Sage can dissolve built-in oil deposits on the scalp. Eucalyptus oil regulates the natural oil production of the scalp, and helps in reducing inflammation and itching. Aloe vera juice and egg whites are also good for oily scalp.
If you have an oily scalp, avoid using hot water to rinse hair, as it can increase oil production in the scalp. Use cool water, which helps to close the pores and reduce oil production. Use hair care products meant for oily hair, and skip conditioners.
If you have long hair, apply small amounts of conditioner on the tips (lower ends). Avoid oily and fatty foods, consume lots of fruits and vegetables, and drink plenty of water. It is always better to seek the opinion of your healthcare provider, before using medicated products for hair.