Reviewed by Physician Wong Si Xuan and Dr Angelica L Dumapit

Got Oily Hair? These Natural Remedies Can Help

Published June 5, 2023| 5 min read

If you have psoriasis or eczema, you may be prone to oily hair. These tips can help control skin conditions to give you great looking hair at last.

Oily hair can be due to both internal and external causes. Certain things are within your control, such as your diet and hygiene routine. Other things, such as the weather and genetics, may be harder to control.

If you struggle with oily hair and have tried everything to fix it, then it may be time to consider alternative treatments. Read on to learn what’s causing your oily hair and natural ways to restore health and balance to your scalp.

What Causes Oily Hair?

An up-close image of a woman with eczema or dry skin on her neck — Skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis, can make you prone to oily hair.

Oil is your scalp’s natural defense and hydration. A little amount of it is normal, especially If you haven’t washed your hair in a few days.

However, when your oily scalp is accompanied by itchiness, and dandruff, and feels slick and heavy, then you need to take action.

Here are some potential causes of an oily scalp:

Skin conditions

Approximately 5% of the worldwide population has a skin disorder, but approximately 50% or half of the population has dandruff.

Skin disorders caused by immune dysfunctions, such as eczema and psoriasis, can result in red, scaly patches on your scalp.

Seborrheic dermatitis, a common type of eczema that attacks oily parts of the body, causes a rash and greasy scales.

Disharmony in the body

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), health is achieved by having all your body’s organs perfectly balanced. Issues like rashes, a cold, and even an oily scalp can occur when there’s disharmony in the body.

“People who have a Spleen Deficiency with Phlegm-Dampness body constitution tend to suffer from an oily scalp. Excessive consumption of fried, fatty, and spicy food can worsen the condition as this type of diet weakens the Spleen. It results in Damp-Heat arising and causing over-secretion of oil in the scalp area.”

TCM Physician Wong Si Xuan

Hot weather

Humidity has a say in whether you’re going to have a good hair day or not. When the weather is hot and humidity levels are high, the body works hard to cool down. This will result in overactive sebaceous glands that trigger oil production.

Sweat also makes your hair look greasier. According to Physician Wong, hot weather can add to Heat and Dampness accumulating in the body, too.

Best Treatments For Oily Hair

Caring for an oily scalp can be tricky. Washing your hair too often can dry out the ends while leaving your hair for more than a day can result in greasy hair. Here are some tips for tending your mane and clearing out excess oil from your scalp.

1. Antifungal shampoo

According to a 2018 study published in the International Journal of Trichology, shampoo is the most used tool for managing hair and scalp conditions.

It’s proven to be effective for the treatment of dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis, as well as psoriasis.

Use shampoos that are specific to targeting an oily scalp. Antifungal shampoos with labels like “scalp care” usually work by controlling Malassezia spp, a type of fungi that thrives on oily surfaces and causes dandruff.

Products from brand-name stores are generally safe to use. Physician Wong advises people to seek recommendations from dermatologists for faster results.

2. TCM herbs for an oily scalp

An oily scalp can recur when your body isn’t in balance. According to Physician Wong, the herbal remedies for this condition are in accordance with each individual’s body constitution and pattern differentiation.

“There are TCM herbs available that can help strengthen the Spleen, remove Phlegm-Dampness, and clear Heat. Once the body’s energies are back in balance, these symptoms would resolve on their own.”

TCM Physician Wong Si Xuan

Some commonly used herbs for an oily scalp are:

Rhizoma alismatis (ze xie)
Rhizoma dioscoreae hypoglaucae (bi xie)
White atractylodes rhizome (bai zhu)
Poria mushroom (fu ling)
Semen plantaginis (che qian qi)
Rehmannia root (sheng di huang)

3. Tea tree oil

Also known as melaleuca oil, tea tree oil is an antiseptic that can help control bacterial and fungal growth. Produced from steaming the leaves of the Australian tea tree, it’s commonly sold as an essential oil.

A 2021 study in Pakistan found that shampoos with 0.5% to 3% concentration of tea tree oil have antifungal properties, which can combat scalp dandruff and oiliness.

Its pH level is also close to your skin’s slightly acidic pH of 5.5, so tea tree shampoos are considered good for your hair.

4. Green tea

An image of green tea medicinal powder — Green tea contains anti-fungal properties that can help correct oily hair.

A 2016 study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Science found that green tea hair tonics (2% concentration) significantly lowered scalp sebum, suggesting that this topical remedy for scalp greasiness is safe, efficient, and does not cause skin irritation.

5. Probiotics

One study found that oral probiotics decrease oily scalp and improve scalp conditions, hair density, and scalp itching.

Talk To Your Doctor About Oily Hair

The remedies above might provide relief for an oily scalp and other associated conditions like dandruff.

However, if your oily scalp doesn’t improve, speak to a medical professional or a qualified TCM physician for diagnosis and treatment. Are you ready for great hair?