Oily Hair: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Oily hair, characterized by an excessive secretion of sebum from the scalp's sebaceous glands, can be identified by a greasy appearance and often an unpleasant odor.

This condition is often caused by hormonal imbalances, genetics, and poor scalp care. If left unaddressed, oily hair can lead to scalp irritation, itchiness, and potentially even skin conditions. To alleviate these issues, herbal remedies like tea tree oil, rosemary, and lavender can be used in the form of shampoos, conditioners, or essential oil treatments.

However, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional before using any medicinal herbs, as some may interact with medications or cause allergic reactions.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of oily hair, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of oily hair?

The main causes of oily hair are genetics, hormonal fluctuations, overactive sebaceous glands, excessive product buildup, and poor hair care habits.

Research suggests that genetic predisposition can contribute to 50-70% of the variation in scalp oil production. Hormonal changes, particularly an increase in androgens, can stimulate the sebaceous glands, leading to an overproduction of sebum. Additionally, using too many styling products, not washing hair frequently enough, and using harsh shampoos can cause buildup and irritation, leading to oily hair.

A study found that individuals with oily hair tend to have a higher sebum production rate, with an average of 1.2-1.5 mg/cm² of scalp surface area, compared to 0.5-0.8 mg/cm² for normal hair.

• Genetics: Oily hair can be caused by genetic predisposition, where individuals inherit the tendency for their scalp to produce excess sebum due to a combination of genetic and hormonal factors.
• Hormonal Imbalance: Hormonal imbalance, particularly an increase in androgens such as testosterone, can stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum, leading to oily hair.
• Poor Scalp Hygiene: Poor scalp hygiene, including infrequent washing or using the wrong hair care products, can lead to an accumulation of dead skin cells and excess sebum, contributing to oily hair.
• Overactive Sebaceous Glands: Overactive sebaceous glands can produce an excessive amount of sebum, leading to oily hair and scalp conditions such as acne and dandruff.
• Diet High in Processed Foods: A diet high in processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats can lead to inflammation and an increase in sebum production, resulting in oily hair.
• Stress: Stress can cause an increase in the production of androgens, leading to an overactive sebaceous gland and resulting in oily hair.
• Medications: Certain medications, such as birth control pills and anabolic steroids, can stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce excess sebum, causing oily hair.
• Environmental Factors: Environmental factors, such as humidity and pollution, can contribute to oily hair by causing the scalp to produce more sebum as a response to these external stimuli.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for oily hair?

The main medicinal herbs used for oily hair are Melaleuca alternifolia, Aloe barbadensis, Rosmarinus officinalis, Cymbopogon citratus, Aloe vera, Saponaria officinalis, Eucalyptus globulus, Lavandula angustifolia, Cassia auriculata, Curcuma longa.

Melaleuca alternifolia contains tea tree oil, which has antimicrobial properties that help control the growth of bacteria and fungi that contribute to oily hair. Aloe barbadensis and Aloe vera, rich in aloe-emodin and aloin, help reduce sebum production and prevent clogged pores. Rosmarinus officinalis, Cymbopogon citratus, and Eucalyptus globulus, with their respective constituents rosmarinic acid, citral, and eucalyptol, possess astringent and antiseptic properties that help balance the scalp's pH and reduce oiliness.

Cassia auriculata and Curcuma longa contain compounds that help reduce inflammation and prevent the formation of androgens, hormones that contribute to oil production, thus making them effective in controlling oily hair.

• Melaleuca alternifolia: Melaleuca alternifolia, also known as tea tree oil, helps with oily hair by reducing sebum production due to its antimicrobial properties that inhibit the growth of bacteria that contribute to oiliness.
• Aloe barbadensis: Aloe barbadensis, or aloe vera, helps with oily hair by reducing inflammation and soothing the scalp, thereby reducing oil production and preventing clogged pores.
• Rosmarinus officinalis: Rosmarinus officinalis, or rosemary essential oil, helps with oily hair by improving blood circulation to the scalp, which in turn helps to balance oil production.
• Cymbopogon citratus: Cymbopogon citratus, or lemongrass oil, helps with oily hair by reducing stress and anxiety, which can contribute to increased oil production, while also having antimicrobial properties that prevent bacterial growth.
• Aloe vera: Aloe vera helps with oily hair by reducing inflammation and soothing the scalp, thereby reducing oil production and preventing clogged pores.
• Saponaria officinalis: Saponaria officinalis, or soapwort, helps with oily hair by creating a gentle, non-stripping cleanser that effectively removes dirt and excess oil from the scalp and hair without stripping it of its natural oils.
• Eucalyptus globulus: Eucalyptus globulus, or eucalyptus oil, helps with oily hair by reducing inflammation and soothing the scalp, thereby reducing oil production and preventing clogged pores.
• Lavandula angustifolia: Lavandula angustifolia, or lavender oil, helps with oily hair by reducing stress and anxiety, which can contribute to increased oil production, while also having antimicrobial properties that prevent bacterial growth.
• Cassia auriculata: Cassia auriculata, or golden shower tree, helps with oily hair by reducing inflammation and soothing the scalp, thereby reducing oil production and preventing clogged pores.
• Curcuma longa: Curcuma longa, or turmeric, helps with oily hair by reducing inflammation and preventing oxidative stress, which can contribute to increased oil production and clogged pores.

What are the main herbal preparations used for oily hair?

The main herbal preparations used for oily hair are Decoction, Tincture, Cream, Shampoo, Gel, Capsule, Oil, Tea, Powder, Balm.

Decoction of Neem is used due to its astringent and antiseptic properties to reduce oil production. Tincture of Tea Tree Oil is used due to its antifungal and antibacterial properties to control scalp infections and reduce oiliness. Cream and Shampoo formulations of Aloe Vera and Sage are used due to their antiseptic and astringent properties to regulate oil production and soothe the scalp.

Capsules of Saw Palmetto are used to block the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone which can stimulate oil production.

• Decoction: A decoction of the leaves of the plant Sideroxylon foetens (also known as the stinking logwood) helps with oily hair as it contains a high concentration of tannins that help to balance the scalp's natural pH, reducing sebum production and oiliness.
• Tincture: A tincture of the roots of the plant Polygala senega (also known as Seneca snakeroot) helps with oily hair as it contains saponins that help to remove excess oil and dirt from the scalp, leaving it clean and balanced.
• Cream: A cream made from the plant Aloe barbadensis (also known as aloe vera) helps with oily hair as it contains a high concentration of aloe-emodin that helps to reduce inflammation and sebum production in the scalp, thereby reducing oiliness.
• Shampoo: A shampoo made from the plant Melaleuca alternifolia (also known as tea tree oil) helps with oily hair as it contains antimicrobial and antifungal properties that help to control the growth of bacteria and fungi that contribute to sebum overproduction and oiliness.
• Gel: A gel made from the plant Cymbopogon citratus (also known as lemongrass oil) helps with oily hair as it contains citral that helps to balance the scalp's natural pH, reducing sebum production and oiliness.
• Capsule: A capsule made from the plant Ginkgo biloba (also known as maidenhair tree) helps with oily hair as it contains flavonoids and terpenoids that help to improve blood circulation to the scalp, thereby reducing sebum production and oiliness.
• Oil: An oil made from the plant Lavandula angustifolia (also known as lavender oil) helps with oily hair as it contains linalool and linalyl acetate that help to reduce stress and anxiety, which can contribute to sebum overproduction and oiliness.
• Tea: A tea made from the leaves of the plant Camellia sinensis (also known as green tea) helps with oily hair as it contains catechins that help to reduce inflammation and sebum production in the scalp, thereby reducing oiliness.
• Powder: A powder made from the plant Citrus aurantium (also known as bitter orange) helps with oily hair as it contains flavonoids and limonoids that help to balance the scalp's natural pH, reducing sebum production and oiliness.
• Balm: A balm made from the plant Calendula officinalis (also known as pot marigold) helps with oily hair as it contains triterpenoids and carotenoids that help to reduce inflammation and sebum production in the scalp, thereby reducing oiliness.