Taking care of greasy hair

What are the characteristics of greasy hair?
Greasy hair is caused by a common imbalance of the sebaceous glands which secrete sebum. Sebum is a natural oily substance which lubricates the scalp and protects against pollution. When there’s too much of it, it becomes a problem. This imbalance affects one in four women, leaving hair shiny, heavy and glued to your head the day after it’s washed. Nice.

What are the causes?
Greasy hair is most likely genetic but it can also be aggravated by stress, anxiety, an unbalanced or high-fat diet, exhaustion, different shampoos and excessive use of chemical dyes.

How should hair be treated?
First of all, use a special shampoo designed for greasy hair, or a very gentle one with a neutral pH. That way you can wash your hair as much as you want and as soon as you feel the need to, without worrying about aggravating it.

How should hair be washed?
Always use small quantities of well-diluted shampoo. Don’t leave the shampoo on for long: the quicker you wash your hair, the better.

What not to do: 
In order to prevent excess stimulation of the sebaceous glands which causes excess sebum), don't: 
- use shampoo for babies or children. It’s very gentle but it has an oil-producing effect which isn’t suitable for teenagers and adults.
- rub your head vigorously when shampooing.
- wash twice. The second wash will have a stripping effect on your hair.
- use very hot water.
- use a very hot hairdryer close to your roots.
- dry your hair by rubbing it in a towel.

Greasy roots and dry ends: how is that possible?!
Dye, perms, bleaching and harsh drying can all make your hair not smooth enough to allow the sebum to slide down the full length of the hair.
To care for greasy roots and dry ends:
- Apply a clay mask to the roots only, not to the tips!
- Wash all your hair with purifying shampoo.
- Nourish the lengths and tips with moisturising oils and masks.
- Don’t massage your scalp. The more you stimulate blood circulation, the more sebum will rise to the surface of the scalp.

More tips for healthy hair
Aside from these beauty rituals, a healthy lifestyle is essential for healthy hair. Getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, eating plenty of green vegetables and fresh fruit will all help to eliminate toxins. And use hair products containing sulphur amino acids, zinc and Vitamin B6, which act on your locks in the long term, making them look and feel healthier.