You might associate greasy hair with the warm temperatures and sweaty skin of summer, but there are plenty of changes to our environment and lifestyle in the winter that can cause our scalps to become oiler than normal. If you’ve noticed greasy roots almost instantly after washing your hair, you’re not alone.
So, what can we do to stop our scalp’s sebum levels going into overdrive in the colder months? We called on the hair experts (hairsperts?) to give us some much-needed guidance on stopping greasy roots in their tracks, and the best balancing products to shop now.
Why does my hair get greasy in the winter?
“Hair becoming oilier during the winter can be due to many factors such as central heating which can reduce indoor humidity levels, leading to drier air,” explains trichologist Angela Onuoha, Hair Proud guest expert. “Due to the cold, dry air, your scalp produces more sebum to compensate to the drier environment resulting in oily hair and scalp.”
Angela explains that people may also use hotter water than usual to wash their hair in winter, and this can strip the scalp of its natural oils, causing it to produce more sebum to compensate.
“Seasonal stress can also lead to a greasier hair in the winter months which can cause an increase in scalp production,” adds Angela. “This is because stress levels are elevated and increase the levels of cortisol in the body – as the cortisol rise in the body the oil production increases creating oilier hair and scalp.”
Not to mention the extra layers we use when the temperature drops – hats, beanies, big scarves and so on, can all lead to greasy hair and scalp, due to the build-up of sweat.
What can I do about it?
“Like the skin on your face, your scalp benefits from extra TLC in winter,” says Anabel Kingsley, Brand President and Consultant Trichologist at Philip Kingsley. “If your scalp becomes oilier, flaky and itchy during the colder months, which is very common, use targeted products to help re-balance your scalp’s microflora, such as a daily itchy scalp shampoo or a weekly anti-microbial soothing scalp mask.”
Angela adds that, while it may seem natural to wash your hair more regularly when your roots are oil-prone, it’s best to stick to your regular washing pattern as excess cleansing could dry out ther scalp, leading to more sebum production. “I would recommend using a hydrating shampoo that doesn’t contain sulphates as this can strip the hair of its natural oils leading your scalp to over produce oil,” she adds.
“I would also recommend really putting in the effort when cleansing your scalp and hair and investing in a clarifying shampoo to remove the build-up of sweat, pollution and dead skin cells that lead to greasy hair and an oily scalp,” continues Angela. “I would leave your shampoo for a few minutes to allow your shampoo time to lift the dirt from the scalp and really work its magic. Shampoos contain surfactants, and these lift the dirt from the scalp like a magnet. This doesn’t happen instantly and if you want a proper cleanse, it’s important to give your shampoo some time to really do its job.”
Both Angela and Anabel recommend adding a scalp brush to your haircare routine, too. “The average person doesn’t take enough time shampooing, so this often results in a scalp that isn’t properly cleansed,” says Angela. “A scalp brush will not only allow the shampoo more time to lift the dirt, but it can also help it out by gently exfoliating while massaging, while increasing blood circulation which is important for optimal hair growth.”
