In Singapore’s humid climate, dealing with an excessively oily scalp can be a daily battle, leaving hair feeling greasy and limp. But if you’ve experienced an oily scalp you may have also noticed your hair thinning or shedding more than usual, maybe at times when your scalp feels oilier too.

This leads to the question, “does oily scalp cause hair loss?”

Read to learn about the link between scalp oiliness and losing your precious strands, and how to treat oily scalp to create a healthy environment for hair growth.

What Causes an Oily Scalp? 

To understand if an oily scalp is contributing to your hair loss, it’s important to know what causes oily scalp in the first place. These are some of the factors at play:

• Excessive Sebum Production: Genetics play a significant role in determining how active your sebaceous glands are. Individuals naturally prone to oily skin are also often prone to an oily scalp.
• Hormonal Imbalances: Fluctuations in hormones, particularly androgens, can stimulate sebum production. This is why some individuals might experience an oily scalp during puberty, pregnancy, or times of significant hormonal change.
• Diet: Research has uncovered some links between diet, skin hydration, and sebum production though this is usually a more indirect impact.
• Stress: High stress levels can trigger hormonal responses that increase oil production and result in telogen effluvium (stress-linked hair shedding).

The Link Between Oily Scalp, Hair Loss and Hair Health

So, can oily scalp cause hair loss? Yes, but the relationship is more nuanced than simple cause-and-effect. It’s more to do with how the excess sebum interacts with your hair follicles and overall scalp health, potentially creating conditions that either directly contribute to or exacerbate hair loss, such as: 

• Clogged Follicles: When sebum, dead skin cells, and product residue accumulate, they can clog hair follicles, preventing them from receiving vital nutrients. Over time, this weakens the hair strand and potentially leads to premature shedding.
• Inflammation: An overly oily scalp can become a breeding ground for certain yeasts and bacteria. This can lead to inflammation, irritation, and conditions like seborrheic dermatitis (a common cause of dandruff). Chronic inflammation around the hair follicle can damage it, impairing hair growth.
• Fungal or Bacterial Growth: The warm, moist, and oily environment of an excessively oily scalp is ideal for the proliferation of microorganisms. An imbalance in the scalp’s microbiome can contribute to dandruff, itchiness, and weakened hair follicles.

While oily scalp and hair loss can occur together, one doesn’t always directly cause the other. Often, they are both symptoms of an underlying issue, or the oily scalp simply exacerbates an existing tendency. For instance, male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) is primarily genetic and hormonal, but an oily scalp can make the thinning appear worse or contribute to scalp inflammation.

How to Treat Oily Scalp and Hair Loss

Consistent at-home care can help treat oily scalp. Some tips to keep in mind:

• Shampoo Properly: Use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo formulated for oily or greasy hair. Focus on cleansing the scalp thoroughly, rather than just the hair strands. Consider washing your hair every other day or as needed, especially if you sweat a lot.
• Avoid Heavy Hair Care Products: Steer clear of heavy conditioners, styling creams, or serums that can weigh down your hair and contribute to buildup.
• Manage Stress: High stress levels can sometimes contribute to increased sebum production. Incorporating stress-reducing activities like exercise or meditation can be beneficial.

For a more targeted and effective approach to addressing an oily scalp and related hair loss, you can consider professional scalp treatments. At V Aesthetics Hair Grow, we offer specialised hair loss treatments in Singapore that directly address such concerns.

Our V Clear Scalp™ Treatment is specifically designed to address conditions like excessive oiliness, dandruff, and itchiness. It thoroughly cleanses and detoxifies the scalp, removing buildup that can clog follicles and create an unhealthy environment. For individuals experiencing thinning hair or more significant hair loss, our comprehensive V Magic Hair Grow treatment utilises technologies like Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) to correct early signs of hair thinning and increase new hair density for regrowth.

By combining diligent home care with professional approaches, you can effectively manage an oily scalp, promote a healthier environment for your hair, and address any associated hair loss concerns.