Hair care can be tricky, especially when dealing with a combination of a greasy scalp and dry hair. This peculiar mix often leaves one with no choice other than to be grappling with an array of products and routines to strike the right balance for their hair health. If you’ve been struggling to find an effective solution that addresses both concerns, look no further. We’ve done the work for you. Read on for expert backed tips that will leave your crown feeling healthy and rejuvenated, and your strands looking lustrous and voluminous.
Understanding the challenge
The combination of a greasy scalp and dry hair presents a unique challenge in hair care. The scalp produces excess sebum which results in greasiness, while the hair shafts themselves lose necessary moisture, leading to dryness and brittleness. We consulted with Dr Jaishree Sharad, Medical Director, Skinfinitii Aesthetic & Laser Clinic, Mumbai to help us tackle the issue.
Cleansing without stripping
The starting point for managing this duality lies in adopting the right cleansing routine. "A mild shampoo to the scalp and a lightweight, oil-free conditioner for the hair strands can be used", informs Dr Sharad. Furthermore, she stresses the importance of limiting heat usage. ‘’Incase of a greasy scalp, it is important to maintain scalp hygiene. Daily hair washes with a mild shampoo and conditioner are advised. Heat treatments to the hair should be avoided as much as possible’’ she says.
Conditioning and hydrating
Conditioning becomes crucial in combating dryness. To put it in easy terms, shampooing essentially strips the hair of moisture; conditioners restore that same moisture, making your tresses look shiny and feel soft. Hydrating conditioners or masks that focus on moisturising the hair without adding excess weight to the scalp are ideal. The best way to do this is to condition from the mid-lengths to the ends of the hair, avoiding the scalp to prevent excessive greasiness.
Frequency matters
Maintaining the right balance is also about the frequency and technique of washing. Dr Sharad explains how regular washes with mild shampoos help maintain the scalp health. However, one needs to be careful to do this in a way that does not dry out the scalp oils. While the cleansing frequency varies, with textures, volume and hair types, it is important not to fall into the trap of a routine. Hair wash days should come when you need them, not because you’re used to following a certain rhythm.
Spot treatments and tailoring
For targeted care, spot treatments are great. For example, if you’re looking to zap out the day three post-wash greasiness, using dry shampoo specifically on the roots could help keep your scalp feel fresher for a little extra time. For dry strands, investing in a lightweight hair oil that you can massage into the ends can address the individual concern without aggravating the other.
Balanced diet and lifestyle:
Most importantly, the health of your mane is closely linked to diet and lifestyle. While individual needs may vary, a balanced diet is essential to maintain healthy hair. "For healthy hair, you can have supplements containing iron, folic acid, zinc, selenium, calcium, amino acids, collagen, magnesium, omega-3-fatty acids, vitamins A, D,E,C, B3, B12 and biotin", informs Dr Sharad.
Experimenting with different products and routines while paying attention to how your scalp and hair respond is key to finding the ideal regimen. Consulting with hair specialists or dermatologists for personalised advice can also help craft a tailored routine that meets these specific needs.
