An oily scalp is a sebaceous gland issue. The sebaceous glands sit at the root of every hair follicle and produce sebum, which keeps the scalp and hair naturally moisturised and protected. When these glands are overactive, sebum accumulates faster than it can distribute along the hair shaft, leaving roots greasy while ends may remain dry.
Genetics is the primary driver of sebum production, but hormonal fluctuations, stress, diet, and climate can all increase output. Over-washing strips the scalp, which responds by increasing sebum production in compensation, so the more often you wash with a harsh formula, the greasier it gets. The goal is to find a frequency and formula that cleanses effectively without triggering that compensatory response.
The Moisture Balancing Combination Shampoo was developed specifically for combination hair, an oily scalp with drier mid-lengths and ends, one of the most common hair types our Trichologists treat. It controls oil at the scalp through thorough but gentle cleansing, while conditioning agents protect the lengths from drying out. The result is hair that feels fresh at the roots and healthy throughout, rather than the squeaky-clean brittleness that harsh shampoos produce.
Technique matters as much as formula. Apply shampoo directly to the scalp rather than the lengths, massage with fingertips not nails, and rinse thoroughly, product residue on the scalp stimulates further sebum production. Conditioning products should go on from the mid-lengths down, never at the roots.
For scalps that are oily with concurrent flaking, seborrhoeic dermatitis, a common, manageable condition, is a likely cause. The Flaky/Itchy Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo addresses both the excess sebum and the fungal component that drives flaking. A Trichologist consultation can help identify whether an underlying hormonal or nutritional factor is contributing to persistent oiliness.
