Each one is created with different hair types. Some have too much sebum production, which can lead to an oily scalp. Other people have lower production and need moisturizing products to prevent the scalp from drying out. Excessive sebum production and an oily scalp are not the only causes of hair loss, but rather the effect of sebum on hair growth. There are several things to know about the link between an oily scalp and hair loss. It is therefore very important to understand the concept of baldness and oily hair.

Baldness

Baldness, also known as hair loss or alopecia, is a fairly common phenomenon. In most cases, only older adults are affected, but this does not mean that young adults do not experience it. It can develop gradually or come on suddenly. It can be temporary or permanent, depending on the underlying circumstances. Common types of hair loss are male or female hair loss, alopecia areata, and telogen effluvium. Male-type hair loss is caused by a combination of male genes and hormones. The causes of hair loss in women are not yet very clear. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease in which immune system cells surround and attack hair follicles, leading to hair loss. Telogen effluvium is caused by stressful psychological or physical events. It is more common after pregnancy.

Oily hair

Oily hair is caused by an overproduction of sebum by the sebaceous glands. Although sebum provides many benefits to hair, keeping it healthy and smooth and preventing it from drying out and breaking, too much sebum can make hair greasy. An excessively oily scalp can be very annoying and is also linked to the appearance of dandruff.

Understanding sebum production is a very important part of learning about the relationship between an oily scalp and hair loss.

Sebum and its effects on hair growth

Sebum is produced by sebaceous glands located near the hairline, in the layer of skin called the dermis. These are small oil-producing glands whose task is to ensure the hydration and lubrication of our skin and hair. The channels of these glands lead to the hair follicles and this is how sebum flows from the skin to the scalp.

Sebum also changes with age, gender, hormonal issues, diet, and other factors. The amount of sebum also varies from person to person. Both men and women can have high levels of sebum and too much oil in the scalp, which can cause itching, discomfort, contribute to dandruff, and cause more serious conditions. These conditions often start with the appearance of dandruff and then develop into various skin irritations, bacteria, and fungi. When hair follicles are blocked due to sebum buildup, it affects the normal hair growth cycle. This leads to thinning and eventual hair loss.

Factors that affect sebum production levels

Sebum is produced naturally by the scalp, but it is produced in greater quantities in some people. Here are the reasons for this:

Hair type

People with fine or straight hair tend to have very oily hair because the sebum is more easily distributed along the lengths of the hair, making it oily. For those with curls, spirals or waves, the hair is oilier at the roots. This is because the natural curl design slows down the flow of sebum down the hair, which can result in an oily scalp and roots, but dry and easily damaged ends. For those with thick hair, this means they have a lot of hair follicles. The more follicles, the more sebaceous glands there are. This usually results in higher sebum levels.

Hormones

The hair growth cycle is regulated by the hormones produced in our body. Hormonal imbalance is one of the causes of hair loss. Dihydrosterone (DHT) is converted from the testosterone produced in our body. It triggers an overproduction of sebum by the sebaceous gland. Excess DHT shrinks hair follicles and makes it impossible for healthy hair to survive.

Skin conditions

People with oily skin tend to produce more sebum, which can lead to an oily scalp. This can be difficult to control, especially because the condition is sometimes irreversible.

Poor diet

What you eat can play an important role in the health of your scalp. Diets with high amounts of fatty foods can easily contribute to the overproduction of sebum. This can restrict blood flow and cause clogged pores.

Poor hygiene

Washing too little can lead to the build-up of sebum and oil. Excessive washing also leads to an overproduction of sebum. This is because a dry scalp tends to overproduce sebum in an attempt to replace the natural oil that is needed to protect and nourish the scalp.

Oily hair and baldness

There are several reasons why people may be facing oily scalp problems. As soon as you start experiencing hair loss, you easily draw conclusions. You may think it's your shampoo, your diet, or how you tied your hair back. While all of these factors can be the cause of hair loss, it's okay to think that having an oily scalp can lead to hair loss.

There may be links between having an oily scalp and hair loss. The question then becomes: can an oily scalp cause hair loss? An oily scalp does contribute to hair loss, but it's not the only cause. Excess oil can attract and retain dirt and dandruff that clogs pores and prevents new hair from growing.

The overproduction of sebum by the sebaceous glands in turn leads to clogged and hardening of the pores. This causes the hair to lighten and, in turn, to fall out of the hair. It can be concluded, in simple terms, that oily hair, which is the result of an oily scalp, leads to hair loss.