Oily scalp SOS

Why does my scalp get oily so fast?

• Your scalp’s sebaceous glands may be in hyper‑drive (hyper‑seborrhea)—they’re pumping out extra sebum that mixes with sweat, dead skin, and styling residue

• Hormones & genetics: Androgens, your cycle, or just family fate can dial oil production up

• Malassezia yeast thrives in oily environments and can trigger even more oil and yellowish flakes

• Climate & heat: Humidity and hot showers kick glands into over‑production mode

• Product overload: Heavy silicones, leave‑ins, and dry‑shampoo build‑up = clogged, greasy roots

Signs you need a scalp reset

• Hair feels flat or stringy hours after washing

• Itchy or tender scalp with oily, stuck‑on flakes

• Styling products “slide off” or lose hold by midday

How to combat an oily scalp:

1. Wash smarter—don’t wash harder

• Frequency: Every 1–2 days if you’re super‑oily; every 2–3 days for moderate oil

• Choose targeted cleansers:

  • Salicylic‑acid shampoos dissolve excess sebum + dead skin (look for 1–2% SA)

  • Zinc pyrithione or ketoconazole if flakes/itch hint at seborrheic dermatitis

• Technique: Focus shampoo on the scalp, massage 60 seconds, then let suds rinse through ends

2. Weekly detox

• Pre‑shampoo scalp scrub/serum with salicylic or glycolic acid—apply, chill 10‑15 min, rinse

• Follow with your regular shampoo‑conditioner

3. Lightweight leave‑ins only

• Swap heavy oils/butters for water‑based sprays or foaming mists—they hydrate without film

• Avoid silicone‑heavy serums on the roots; concentrate mids‑to‑ends

4. Cool it down

• Finish showers with a 30‑second cool rinse to constrict sebaceous glands

• Air‑dry or use low‑heat settings; high heat = more oil later

5. Lifestyle tweaks

• Hands off! Touching hair transfers skin oils

• Silk/satin pillowcases reduce friction + oil transfer

• Balanced diet: More omega‑3s, less sugary/greasy foods can calm sebaceous activity

• Stress management (hello, meditation!)—cortisol spikes oil production

Products -

• The INKEY List SA Scalp Treatment – pre‑wash exfoliator

• Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Shampoo – gentle detox without stripping

• Nizoral Anti‑Dandruff Shampoo (1% ketoconazole) – twice weekly if you see flakes

• Innersense ‘I Create Waves’ Salt Spray – adds texture minus the grease