Oily Hair, Nevermore with these 8 Natural Remedies

Oily hair is the result of excessive production of a natural scalp secretion that helps keep hair healthy.

Whenever you hair is oily at the end of the day, or after one or two days of not washing, you may have oily hair.  This could be caused by heredity, hormone changes, stress, eating oily foods, or even poor hair hygiene.  

Individuals with an oily scalp tend to have problems with dandruff and itching.  They also need to take special efforts because it could look bad.  There are shampoos and other treatments around that could help solve the problem, but sometimes they only make it worse, or simply do not address the root of the issue.  Once you stop using the product, the problem returns.

Fortunately there are very inexpensive home remedies that can solve your oily hair problem more effectively that other products, making your hair look fresh.

8 Tips for oil-free hair

1. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is cheap and easily found in stores.  It is a highly effective home remedy for fighting oily hair.  It helps balance the pH of your hair, and reduces oil accumulation.  It also softens your hair, and gives it a natural shine.

Simply mix two or three tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in one glass of water, then wash your hair with your normal shampoo.  Rinse, then apply this mixture, allowing it to set for a few minutes.  Rinse with warm water.

Repeat two or three times a week.

2. Lemon juice

Lemon juice contain several essential vitamins and minerals that promote healthy hair.  Lemon’s properties help balance pH levels in the oil that your scalp secretes.

Mix the juice from 2 lemons in two cups of distilled water.  Then add three tablespoons of honey.  Apply to your scalp, letting it set for a few minutes, then wash as your normally do.  Performing this three times a week will lead to better results.

3. Black tea

Black tea has an astringent known as tannic acid which helps prevents oil accumulation in the scalp by closing pores.

Make a cup of black tea as your normally do.  Once it has cooled, pour it over your scalp and allow to act for 5 minutes.  Then rinse and wash with a gentle shampoo.  Repeat two or three times a week.

4. aloe vera

Aloe vera helps detoxify the scalp from any impurities and it controls oil secretions.  This helps keep the scalp healthy.

Mix one teaspoon of aloe vera gel and one tablespoon of lemon juice in one cup of any shampoo.  Wash your hair with this mixture adn allow to set for a few minutes before washing.  Use this homemade shampoo every time you wash your hair, to thereby control excessive oil.  Storing it in the fridge will make it last longer.

5. Sodium bicarbonate

Bicarbonate has alkaline properties that regulate pH levels, helping to control odors.  It also works as a great home remedy for controlling oil on the scalp.

Mix one part sodium bicarbonate with three parts water to make a paste.  Apply this to moist hair and let set for a few minutes.  Then wash with warm water.  If done twice a week, you will notice great results.

Bicarbonate also works as a dry shampoo when you don’t have time to wash your hair.  simply put a bit of sodium bicarbonate in your hands and rub it throughout your scalp.  Then brush your hair very well with a high-quality brush, and the bicarbonate will absorb your oils.

6. Bentonite clay

This can be used to solve the oily skin problem.  It also has mineral properties that balance the scalp’s natural pH levels, and improves blood circulation.

Make a thick paste with a bit of water and three tablespoons of bentonite clay (you may use more or less according to how long your hair is).  Then apply the paste to your hair and scalp, letting set for 15 to 20 minutes.  Rinse with warm water.  Use this remedy a few times a month, or once a week, if you think that is necessary.

7. Egg masks

Eggs are excellent hair conditioners.  They contain proteins that strengthen hair and make it beautiful.

Apply half a cup of beaten egg yolks to moist hair, allow to set for 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse.  Wash your hair with a gentle shampoo and repeat once every two weeks.

Or, your could beat two egg yolks and mix in two tablespoons of lemon juice, then apply the mixture to moist hair.  Let this set for 5 minutes, then wash your hair with a gentle shampoo.  Do this twice a week.

8. Vodka

Not only is this a popular drink, it’s also a perfect hair tonic.  It balances pH levels and closes pores to prevent excessive oil secretion.  

Mix one cup of vodka with two cups of water.  Wash your hair, then use the vodka mixture as a rinse.  Let it set for 10 minutes, then rinse.  Use this treatment once a week.

More advice for oily hair

• Every time you wash your hair, make sure you rinse it well to remove any chemical residues.
• Try to use shampoo that was made for your hair type.
• You should only use conditioner on the ends of your hair.  Let it set in for a few minutes, then rinse.
• If you brush your hair too much, this will stimulate your sebaceous glands and will increase the oil in your hair.
• Eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A, and proteins to keep your hair healthy.

If you know of any other remedies for oily hair, please do share, as it could be useful for everyone else.

Revised by: Dra. Loredana Lunadei on 12/28/2017

About the author