Can Oily Hair Cause Excessive Hair Shedding?

Hairstyles that disguise oily scalp can also increase thinning.

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Hair loss can occur for a variety of reasons. While just thought of losing your luxurious locks can make your hair stand on end, the condition is often temporary and treatable. Although oily hair can detract from your dazzle, it isn't the culprit or the cause of your thinning hair.

Oily Scalp

Overactive sebaceous glands are the reason for oily hair. The sebaceous glands in your scalp produce sebum, a natural lubricant that helps to moisturize and protect your skin. As the simmer travels down your hair shafts, it helps reduce frizz and flyaway strands. Unlike oil barons and sheiks, too much oil can make you long for dryer conditions. While oily hair won't cause balding, products that treat oily scalp conditions may cause temporary thinning.

Thinning Hair

Hair growth occurs in cycles, with the average rate of growth equaling about ½ inch per month. Most healthy individuals lose between 50 and 100 hairs each day. New hairs usually jump right in line to take the place of their fallen friends. Common causes of excessive hair loss include stress, illness, heredity, scalp infections and certain medications. Cleansing and conditioning products that suck the oil from your scalp can also dry out your hair strands and cause breakage.

Considerations

Hairstyles that disguise your stringy strands and hide your oily scalp can cause an increase in loss of locks. Styles that help conceal greasy tresses, such as tight cornrows, ponytails and buns, may overstretch your hair, pulling it from your scalp. Chemical products, such as straightening treatments, perms and bleaches, may ease oiliness, but can also make your hair more prone to splitting.

Prevention

Protect and pamper your hair. Cleanse your oily hair every day or two, using a shampoo labeled for use on oily hair. Clarifying and oil-control shampoos provide gentle drying agents that help absorb excess oil. Apply a moisturizing conditioner to the ends of your hair to tame your tresses. Drop the sadistic styling techniques and stick to loose and easy elegance.

Treatment

While self-help measures can limit hair loss due to incorrect styling, other causes of hair loss may require medical treatment. Contact your doctor if you experience a sudden increase in hair loss. Your doctor may test for hormonal imbalances or evaluate your current medications. An oral medication called finasteride may help reduce oily sheen.

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