How to purify an oily scalp?

The scalp is covered by a hydrolipidic film composed of sebum and water. This veil acts as a barrier and protects the scalp from external aggressions and dehydration. The sebum also ensures the hydration of the hair. Indeed, once synthesised, it gradually flows along the hair fibres and coats them, thus ensuring their moisturisation.

However, due to genetic predispositions, hormonal imbalances, or external aggressions, it is not uncommon for the sebaceous glands, located in the dermis, to produce an excess of sebum, leading to a hyperseborrhoea. This results in hair taking on a greasy appearance and becoming flat. This hyperseborrhoea can also lead to the formation of oily dandruff and cause itching. To avoid these discomforts, it is advisable to purify the oily scalp.

A common misconception when the scalp tends to become oily quickly is to wash your hair daily. Indeed, the increase in sebum secretion by the sebaceous glands is often a defensive reaction of the scalp. Thus, to prevent the hair from becoming more oily, a shampoo every two to three days is sufficient.

Furthermore, to combat hyperseborrhea, you might consider alternating between a "standard" cleansing treatment and a purifying product to reduce excess sebum and extend the intervals between shampoos. We also recommend applying a clay mask to your scalp once a week. The absorbent and adsorbent properties of clay make it an excellent ingredient for purifying the scalp. Finally, the use of certain essential oils with sebum-regulating properties such as rosemary oil or citron oil can also be beneficial.

At Typology, we have designed a routine specifically for oily scalps. It includes a purifying shampoo and a purifying hair serum. The former contains zinc gluconate, nettle extract and essential oils to rebalance oily scalps and extend the time between shampoos. The latter is used every other day as a supplement and is also enriched with sebum-regulating active ingredients. Our treatments allow for a healthier scalp and hair that becomes greasy less quickly.

Once your scalp has been purified, certain daily actions will allow you to keep your hair clean for longer and space out your shampoos. In addition to using the treatments mentioned above, here are some tips for taking care of your scalp:

• Avoid touching your hair throughout the day.

  It is often tempting to reposition unruly strands of hair throughout the day. However, it is better to avoid handling your hair too much. Indeed, hands are often carriers of impurities which, once deposited on the hair, give it a dirty appearance. Moreover, touching or rubbing the scalp can stimulate the sebaceous glands.

• Gently apply your shampoo.

  When you apply your shampoo, we recommend doing so gently and without rubbing. Rubbing could stimulate the sebaceous glands.

• Do not apply your detangler or your conditioner to your roots.

  These treatments are formulated for the hair tips and lengths and should not be applied to the scalp. They are not suitable for this sensitive area and could potentially irritate it. The scalp would then adopt a self-defence mechanism and the synthesis of sebum would be increased.

• Brush your hair morning and evening.

  Brushing your hair helps to distribute the sebum present at the roots along the lengths and ends. For effective brushing, we recommend using a boar bristle brush, as this type of brush tends to carry the sebum along the hair more than pin brushes. We also advise you to clean your brush regularly, so that impurities do not accumulate and end up making your hair greasy again.

• BEYLOT G. Oily Hair. Pharmaceutical News (2013).