What should you know about excessive oily hair?

Oil comes from glands connected to hair follicles. It can spread along the hair shaft, making roots look flat or greasy soon after washing. Oily scale and flakes may occur with Dandruff, while redness, itch and thicker greasy scale around the scalp, ears or eyebrows can fit Seborrheic Dermatitis. Sweat, hats, frequent touching, heavy styling products and an unsuitable conditioner can make buildup more noticeable. Oily hair by itself does not establish a scalp disease.

Wash the scalp as often as needed for comfort with a gentle cleanser, concentrating shampoo at the roots and rinsing thoroughly. Keep conditioner on the lengths rather than the scalp when roots become greasy quickly. Clean brushes and avoid layering dry shampoo or oily styling products over buildup. If flakes or itch continue, ask a pharmacist or clinician about Medicated Shampoo Treatment and follow its directions; stop and seek advice if it causes marked burning or a rash.

Arrange a review when oiliness is accompanied by persistent itch, inflamed patches, thick scale, crusting, painful spots, unusual odour or hair shedding. Seek prompt care for rapidly spreading redness, significant tenderness, pus or fever. A clinician can distinguish simple buildup from Dandruff or Seborrheic Dermatitis and tailor treatment to the scalp rather than repeatedly changing cosmetic products.

Do my flakes or redness suggest Dandruff or Seborrheic Dermatitis? How frequently should I wash, and should I use Medicated Shampoo Treatment? Which products should stay off the scalp, and what signs would suggest another problem?