Oily Scalp? Here’s What Might Be Causing It — And How To Fix It

Ever wash your hair in the morning, only to find it stringy and greasy by lunchtime? If that sounds familiar, you probably have an oily scalp — a common hair concern.

Beyond making your hair look and feel oily, an oily scalp can also cause an irritated, itchy scalp, forehead acne, and even dandruff.

So, what actually causes an oily scalp? And more importantly, how do you fix it?

We’ll break down what causes an oily scalp and how to treat it without wrecking your hair. We’ll also share healthy scalp care habits every guy should know.

Your scalp produces a waxy, oily substance called sebum. Sebum is released by the sebaceous glands — tiny oil-producing powerhouses located just beneath the skin.

Now, sebum isn’t a bad thing in and of itself. It helps keep hair and skin healthy, shiny, hydrated, and strong. But excess sebum production can cause oily skin and greasy hair.

Here are some of the factors that can lead to sebum overproduction and an oily scalp:

• Seborrheic dermatitis

• Genetics

• Hormonal imbalances

• Hair care products and practices

• Product buildup

Keep scrolling for details.

1. Seborrheic Dermatitis

A common cause of dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition characterized by inflammation, flaking, and redness — often alongside excess oil production.

If you’ve got an itchy, oily scalp and stubborn dandruff, this might be the cause.

2. Genetics

Yep, you can thank your parents for this one. Genetics play a role in how much oil your sebaceous glands produce and how thick your hair is — thicker hair can trap oil closer to the scalp.

3. Hormonal Imbalances

Testosterone and other hormones affect sebum production, which is why hormonal shifts are often associated with acne. Fluctuations can be caused by puberty, high stress, and medications — all of which can kick sebum production into high gear.

4. Over-Washing or Harsh Products

Ironically, shampooing too often or using harsh cleansers (like those containing sulfates) can strip your scalp of its natural oils, prompting your body to produce even more to compensate. Cue the vicious cycle.

See our blog for insight into how often to wash your hair.

5. Product Buildup

Here’s one people often miss when it comes to potential causes of an oily scalp. Heavy styling products (like waxes, creams, or dry shampoo) can build up over time, especially if you’re not washing your hair thoroughly.

This scalp buildup traps oil, clogs pores, and leads to flakes, itchiness, and that not-so-fresh feeling.

Dry shampoo is a staple for many guys with oily hair. But if you use it often without washing your hair properly in between applications, it might actually cause product buildup, making your scalp look and feel worse.

If your scalp feels greasy more often than not, don’t panic. Managing an oily scalp is totally doable — with the right hair care routine.

Here’s what we recommend.

1. Use a Gentle, Oil-Balancing Shampoo

Look for shampoos that cleanse without stripping. 

Keep this in mind when purchasing shampoo:

• Ingredients like salicylic acid, ketoconazole, or zinc pyrithione can help rebalance the scalp and prevent dandruff without irritating it.

• If you have a flaky scalp, consider using an anti-dandruff shampoo.

• Avoid super-hydrating or creamy formulas, which may contain oils and can leave behind residue.

• Choose a shampoo formulated for your hair type (fine, thick, coarse, curly, textured, etc.).

Like skincare, treating an oily scalp takes consistency. Stick with a routine for a few weeks before judging the results.

2. Condition Wisely

If you have oily hair, you don’t need to use a conditioner, right? Wrong.

It’s important to condition after every wash, according to the American Academy of Dermatology — even if you have an oily scalp. Without conditioner, your hair can become brittle and prone to damage.

The key is to condition correctly. Use a lightweight conditioner, and focus on applying it to the lengths and ends of your hair — not your scalp.

Our blog explains why men should use conditioner.

3. Don’t Over-Wash

It’s tempting to lather up daily if your scalp is oily, but over-washing your hair can make things worse.

Washing your hair too often can lead to a dry scalp and dry hair. When your skin detects this, it might ramp up sebum production, leading to an even oilier scalp.

Aim to wash every other day or as needed, depending on your activity level (how often you break a sweat).

4. Treat Product Buildup

If you suspect product buildup is part of the problem, there are a few ways to get rid of it.

Here’s what you can try:

• Use a clarifying shampoo. This type of shampoo breaks up product buildup — but use it once a week, max, or you’ll dry out your scalp and trigger more oil.  

• Try an exfoliating scalp treatment. Look for a scalp exfoliator to remove buildup and dead skin cells. Again, only use it once a week or less.

• Massage your scalp. A good scalp massage helps shampoo reach the root of the problem. Plus, it feels great.

And, of course, prevention is better than cure. Try not to use heavy hair treatments and styling products too frequently. If you do style your hair, opt for lightweight, non-comedogenic products.

5. See a Dermatologist If Things Don’t Improve

If you’re dealing with more than just oil — like persistent flakes, redness, or irritation — it’s worth chatting with a dermatologist or another healthcare provider specializing in scalp health. You may be dealing with seborrheic dermatitis, scalp psoriasis, or another skin condition that requires a medicated treatment plan.

Want more expert-backed hair advice? Check out our full guide to men’s hair care for tips, product recs, and everything else your scalp wishes you knew sooner.

An oily scalp doesn’t directly cause hair loss, but it can contribute to the conditions that make hair thinner, weaker, or more likely to shed over time.

Here’s how that works:

• Clogged hair follicles. Excess oil and product buildup can clog hair follicles, which may hinder healthy hair growth and lead to inflammation.

• Scalp irritation. Chronic itchiness or inflammation can damage the scalp over time, potentially affecting hair health.

• Weakened strands. If you over-wash or use harsh products in an attempt to “fix” the oil, you might be more prone to hair breakage. This makes your hair look thinner.

Genetics, hormones, and medical conditions are still the biggest players in male hair loss (hello, androgenetic alopecia). But keeping your scalp clean and balanced definitely helps create a healthier environment for hair to grow strong.

If you’ve noticed thinning hair, increased shedding, or a receding hairline, it might be time to talk to a healthcare provider. The good news is that plenty of hair loss treatments are out there — it’s just a matter of finding the right one for you.

An oily scalp doesn’t mean you’re dirty or doing something wrong — it just means your sebaceous glands are a little too enthusiastic.

Keep the following in mind:

• An oily scalp can have many causes. Genetics, scalp conditions, hormonal issues, and certain hair care habits can make your scalp and hair greasy.

• But it’s completely treatable. Avoid over-washing your hair and use a lightweight conditioner. Try an exfoliating treatment or clarifying shampoo to reduce buildup.

• Know when to call an expert. An oily scalp can be treated at home. But you might want to speak to a healthcare professional if you have persistent dandruff, an irritated scalp, or hair loss.

By tweaking your hair care routine, you can balance your sebum production and get a healthy scalp — without stripping your hair dry or forking out thousands on fancy hair products.

If you’re dealing with hair loss or excessive shedding, take our free hair quiz to start exploring treatments and see what products might suit you best.