An oily scalp is a common condition that can lead to greasy hair, clogged pores, and scalp irritation. The main cause is the overproduction of sebum, a natural oil produced by the sebaceous glands. While sebum helps to keep your hair moisturised, too much can create an imbalance, leading to discomfort and affecting the appearance of your hair.
Several factors contribute to an oily scalp. Genetics play a significant role—people with a higher number of sebaceous glands or finer hair often experience more oil production. Environmental factors, such as hot and humid climates, can also exacerbate the issue by increasing sweat and oil production. Additionally, stress, hormonal fluctuations (such as puberty or menopause), and poor hair care practices, like over-washing or using harsh products, can worsen oily scalp conditions.
Managing oily scalp requires a gentle approach. Using a mild sebum control shampoo formulated to remove excess oil without stripping the scalp of essential moisture is essential. Regular washing can help control oil buildup, but it’s important not to over-wash, as this can trigger the scalp to produce even more oil in response. A sebum control scalp serum can also provide targeted treatment, balancing oil production and soothing irritation. For those looking for a quick solution between washes, dry shampoo can absorb excess oil and leave the hair feeling fresh.
With the right care and products, it’s possible to maintain a healthy, balanced scalp and minimise the discomfort and appearance of an oily scalp.
View products Several factors contribute to an oily scalp. Genetics play a significant role—people with a higher number of sebaceous glands or finer hair often experience more oil production. Environmental factors, such as hot and humid climates, can also exacerbate the issue by increasing sweat and oil production. Additionally, stress, hormonal fluctuations (such as puberty or menopause), and poor hair care practices, like over-washing or using harsh products, can worsen oily scalp conditions.
Managing oily scalp requires a gentle approach. Using a mild sebum control shampoo formulated to remove excess oil without stripping the scalp of essential moisture is essential. Regular washing can help control oil buildup, but it’s important not to over-wash, as this can trigger the scalp to produce even more oil in response. A sebum control scalp serum can also provide targeted treatment, balancing oil production and soothing irritation. For those looking for a quick solution between washes, dry shampoo can absorb excess oil and leave the hair feeling fresh.
With the right care and products, it’s possible to maintain a healthy, balanced scalp and minimise the discomfort and appearance of an oily scalp.
Fast Facts
FAQ
An overproduction of sebum, which can be influenced by genetics, hormonal changes, diet, and certain hair care products.
Using a sebum control shampoo and scalp serum, along with proper washing techniques, can help reduce excess oil.
Dermal Therapy’s Sebum Control Shampoo deeply cleans oily hair and scalp, using a unique oil control complex. It extends your hair wash cycle while also balancing and supporting a healthy scalp microbiome. Our Sebum Control Scalp Serum is a lightweight, leave-on treatment that targets oily scalps without leaving a residue.
Dermal Therapy’s Sebum Control Shampoo deeply cleans oily hair and scalp, using a unique oil control complex. It extends your hair wash cycle while also balancing and supporting a healthy scalp microbiome. Our Sebum Control Scalp Serum is a lightweight, leave-on treatment that targets oily scalps without leaving a residue.
Yes, dry shampoo is a great option for managing an oily scalp. It works by absorbing excess oil, leaving your hair feeling refreshed between washes. Dermal Therapy’s Sebum Control Dry Shampoo features Seboclear™, a clinically tested active ingredient that targets the root cause of oily scalp – overproduction of sebum. By regulating oil levels, it helps keep your scalp balanced and your hair looking fresh, so you can say goodbye to greasy hair and hello to long-lasting freshness without the constant need for washing!
No, sebum production can vary from person to person depending on factors like genetics and hormones.
It’s generally recommended to wash your hair every 2-3 days to avoid over-drying, which can actually trigger more oil production.
Excess sebum can clog hair follicles, which may lead to thinning or hair loss if left untreated over time.
When choosing products for oily scalp care, it’s important to look for ingredients that help balance oil production while maintaining scalp health. Here are key ingredients to consider:
– Cleansers and Surfactants: Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate and Cocamide MEA are gentle surfactants that help cleanse the scalp by removing excess oil without harsh stripping.
– Cocamidopropyl Betaine is another mild cleansing agent that helps to reduce scalp irritation.
– Hydrators and Humectants: Glycerin and Propanediol are excellent humectants that attract moisture to the scalp without making it greasy.
– Allantoin is a soothing agent that can help reduce inflammation and irritation, common in oily scalps.
These ingredients work together to cleanse, hydrate, and balance the scalp, providing a solution for oily scalp care.
– Cleansers and Surfactants: Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate and Cocamide MEA are gentle surfactants that help cleanse the scalp by removing excess oil without harsh stripping.
– Cocamidopropyl Betaine is another mild cleansing agent that helps to reduce scalp irritation.
– Hydrators and Humectants: Glycerin and Propanediol are excellent humectants that attract moisture to the scalp without making it greasy.
– Allantoin is a soothing agent that can help reduce inflammation and irritation, common in oily scalps.
These ingredients work together to cleanse, hydrate, and balance the scalp, providing a solution for oily scalp care.
Articles on hair & scalp
04/27/2026
Key Takeaways: Scalp health plays a crucial role in maintaining strong, healthy hair, yet one of its most misunderstood parts is scalp sebum. While many associate sebum with greasy hair or an oily scalp, it’s actually an essential part of a well-functioning scalp environment. Proper sebum production keeps hair hydrated, protects against external irritants, and …
04/25/2026
Key Takeaways: If you have greasy hair, you’ve probably tried dozens of shampoos that promise a fix. Some leave you clean for a day then greasier than ever. Others are so harsh they dry out your ends while your roots stay oily. Finding the right formula isn’t about choosing the strongest clarifier. Here are 7 …
04/22/2026
Key Takeaways: If your hair looks clean in the morning and greasy by lunch, you’re not imagining it. Some scalps produce oil twice as fast as others, and the shampoo you’re using could be making it worse. Here’s what’s actually happening, and how to break the cycle. Why does my scalp produce oil so quickly? …
05/05/2025
Key Takeaways Scalp health plays a crucial role in maintaining strong, vibrant hair, yet one of its most misunderstood components is scalp sebum. While many associate sebum with greasy hair or an oily scalp, it’s actually an essential part of a well-functioning scalp environment. Proper sebum production keeps hair hydrated, protects against external irritants, and …
Discover how we can help
People who have this condition have found these products to be helpful
Oily roots creeping back the day after washing isn’t just bad luck. Dermal Therapy Sebum Control Serum targets oil overproduction at the source, with visible results in 7 days.
- Unique oil control complex targets sebum production at the root
- Restores microbiome balance for a healthier, less oily scalp
- Visibly minimises irritation and calms ongoing scalp discomfort
- Non-greasy, quick-drying formula that leaves no residue behind
- Award winning, clinically tested and made in Australia
RRP $21.99 NZD
Oily hair by midday isn’t just bad luck. Dermal Therapy Sebum Control Shampoo targets sebum at the source, extending your wash cycle and supporting a balanced scalp.
- Unique complex targets sebum at the root, not surface oil
- Extends your wash cycle, keeping hair fresher for longer
- Balances scalp microbiome for a healthier environment, not stripped
- Soap and SLS-free, cleanses oily hair and scalp without over-drying
- Award winning, clinically tested and made in Australia
RRP $21.99 NZD
Greasy roots shouldn’t mean washing your hair again. Dermal Therapy Sebum Control Dry Shampoo absorbs excess oil instantly, leaving hair looking fresh with no white residue. Unlike traditional dry shampoos, this product has innovative technology that helps to regulate oil production – meaning not only will it instantly refresh your hair, but it will also work towards extending your hair wash cycle.
- Instant results that absorb excess oil at the root
- Advantage Revive Polymer delivers superior cleaning without a wash
- Balances and supports a healthy scalp microbiome over time
- Long-lasting clean feel, made in Australia with no white residue
- Award winning, suitable for all hair types, sweet peach scented
50mL/ 30g RRP $10.99 NZD
200mL/ 120g RRP $17.99 NZD
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