Does oily scalp cause hair loss?

By Prof. Dr. Soner Tatlidede 2020-08-24

The relation between oily scalp and hair loss is a matter of concern for many people, including those facing alopecia problems that are interested in the cost of a hair transplant in Turkey looking for a solution. Too much oil in scalp generates greasy hair, and although no evidence has found proving that an excess of oil in scalp generates alopecia, it certainly may stimulate hair fall or even accelerate it.

The key is in sebum, a substance produced naturally by glands in our skin with a protective function; when sebum production becomes excessive, our hair becomes greasy, dirty, hair follicles become clogged and then hair problems appear. The question is: to what extent is hair fall affected by an oily scalp? Is there a way to prevent it? Let´s answer all these questions.

Why does my hair fall out when greasy?

Does greasy hair fall out more? Does oily hair cause baldness? As we aforementioned, when sebaceous glands in our scalp produce an excess of sebum, this grease ends up affecting hair; this sebum accumulates on the skin and obstructs follicles from which hair grows, reducing the supply of nutrients and oxygen and weakening hair as follicles degenerate, which may end up causing hair loss.

This is where we find an indirect relation between greasy hair and hair loss, since this degeneration of follicles ends up destroying them; and once the follicle dies, it can no longer generate more hair, so not just we are going to lose density in hair, but also hair that is still growing will appear weaker and finer as it deteriorates. This process of hair fall due to oily scalp is progressive, if not stopped in time.

So, does oily hair fall out more? Yes: if you already suffer from other hair loss problems, for example male pattern baldness, a greasy hair will accelerate hair loss; therefore, it is essential to establish what factors are influencing in excessive production of sebum. 

What causes an oily scalp?

Although most cases of baldness in men are due to male pattern hair loss, triggered by hereditary factors, as we have seen oily hair can accelerate baldness: therefore, it is important to take into account what factors increase production of sebum. There are genetic factors, but also others like the following:

• A fat-rich diet: a diet rich in fats with a low consumption of fruits and vegetables influences the production of sebum in our skin, so in our scalp.
• Stress: it is known that stress affects our body and hair in many ways, for example through production of sebum, which can increase excessively causing an oily scalp and then hair fall.
• Skin diseases: certain skin diseases may cause problems of oil excess on skin and, therefore, on scalp.
• Poor hair hygiene: as many studies point out, we must not forget the importance of taking care of our hair and keeping it clean, washing it enough and using a specific shampoo. However, washing hair in excess can also dry out skin, and then accelerate sebum production.

These are all general considerations. It is always important to consult a specialist to analyze our particular case and determine if we suffer from hair loss because of too much oil in scalp, what causes that excess of oil, and what can we do to reverse the situation.

How do I stop greasy hair?

In order to stop greasy hair from damaging our follicles an accelerating hair loss, we must take appropriate measures in time. A good prevention should be our best strategy, and the sooner the better, diagnosing in time if we suffer from oily hair or hair loss problems... Here's how to cut grease without damaging your hair or irritating your scalp, according to experts.

Once a specialist has analyzed our case, he/she can recommend several habit changes; for example in diet, reducing fatty foods and increasing proportion of fruits, vegetables and foods rich in vitamin B and zinc in our diet; increasing your daily water intake can also help to reduce fat and sebum levels.

Other recommended changes include a better hair care, as we mentioned before; using a specific product to wash our hair, for example an enriched shampoo without aggressive additives - including parabens, silicones or sulfates - can significantly improve our hair hygiene and our hair condition. It is also necessary to avoid using of gels, hairsprays, dyes or other products that may obstruct follicles.

If you suffer from oily scalp and hair loss, these measures can help improve your hair health; however, in worst cases these changes must be accompanied by a hair transplant. At Clinicana we are specialists in all hair treatments: just take some minutes to read our patients' reviews on hair transplant in Turkey, and find out why we are the most recommend clinic, and the only one offering a 100% safe hair transplant. Ask for your free consultation now!