Sebum and hair oil buildup happen for several reasons, and it’s usually a combination of natural body processes, hair care habits, and environmental factors. Here’s a breakdown of why you might be experiencing excess oil and buildup:
1. Overactive Sebaceous Glands
Your scalp naturally produces sebum (oil) to keep your skin and hair hydrated. However, some people have overactive sebaceous glands, leading to excessive oil production. This can be due to:
- Genetics (some people just produce more oil)
- Hormonal fluctuations (especially during puberty, pregnancy, or stress)
- Diet (high consumption of greasy or sugary foods)
2. Infrequent or Improper Washing
- If you don’t wash your hair often enough, oil, dirt, and product residue accumulate, leading to buildup.
- If you use a mild shampoo that doesn’t cleanse deeply, it may not fully remove oils.
3. Using Too Many Hair Products
- Heavy conditioners, serums, dry shampoo, and styling products can leave residue that mixes with natural oils, making your scalp feel greasy and clogged.
- Some ingredients, like silicones and sulfates, may coat the scalp and trap oil.
4. Hard Water or Product Buildup
- Hard water minerals (like calcium and magnesium) can mix with shampoo and create a film on your scalp, leading to buildup.
- Not properly rinsing out shampoo or conditioner can leave behind residue.
5. Touching Your Hair Too Often
Running your hands through your hair frequently transfers oils from your fingers to your scalp, making it greasier.
6. Wearing Hats or Tight Hairstyles
- Hats or tight hairstyles trap heat and moisture, making your scalp sweat more and leading to oil buildup.
7. Scalp Conditions (Dandruff or Seborrheic Dermatitis)
- If you have flakes or itchiness along with oil buildup, you may have seborrheic dermatitis, a condition that causes excessive oil production and irritation.
- Fungal overgrowth (like Malassezia yeast) can also contribute to excessive sebum production and buildup.
How to Fix Sebum & Hair Oil Buildup
- Wash your hair regularly with a clarifying shampoo (1-2x a week) to remove buildup.
- Avoid over-washing, as this can strip oils and make your scalp overproduce sebum.
- Use lightweight, non-comedogenic hair products (avoid silicones & heavy oils).
- Eat a balanced diet (reduce greasy foods & drink more water).
- Try apple cider vinegar rinses to break down buildup and balance scalp pH.
- Get a Japanese scalp massage! (Exfoliate your scalp with a scalp scrub or salicylic acid treatment.)
Indulge in a deeply relaxing and restorative experience designed to rejuvenate your scalp, restore your hair’s vitality, and soothe your entire body. This luxurious treatment goes beyond scalp care, incorporating soothing massages for the head, face, neck, shoulders, décolleté, arms, and hands, offering complete physical and mental rejuvenation. Book now!