How to Manage Oily Dandruff
Close to half of the population experiences unwanted dandruff flakes at some point in their life. Add oily dandruff into the mix, and the experience can be twice as uncomfortable.
Living with oily hair and dandruff can feel like an uphill battle, especially since it can trigger flakes and greasy, textured strands at any time – and, often, without warning. However, you can tackle these scalp concerns with a tailored hair care routine and a few tweaks to your hair habits.
Below, we’ll unpack what causes oily scalp dandruff, how to manage it, and which anti-dandruff products can support and rebalance your scalp.
What causes oily scalp dandruff?
An oily scalp is caused by higher sebum levels on the scalp. This is largely dictated by genetics – although hormones, environmental changes, over- or under-washing, and improper hair products can also be a factor.
Dandruff, on the other hand, is the result of an imbalanced scalp – triggered by an overgrowth of scalp flora and the production of oleic acid. If your scalp is sensitive to oleic acid, it will try to shed dead skin cells at a faster rate. When this happens, it causes dandruff flakes to collect on the scalp.
Oily scalp dandruff poses its own set of challenges because your natural scalp bacteria will feed on sebum. The more sebum it metabolises, the more your scalp produces oleic acid. So, when you already have a higher sebum level, it can exacerbate dandruff concerns.
Oily dandruff vs dry dandruff: what’s the difference?
Oily dandruff and dry dandruff are the two main types of dandruff. While they both result from scalp imbalances, dry dandruff tends to occur when the scalp is lacking in natural sebum. If you’re trying to spot the difference between oily dandruff vs dry dandruff on your own scalp, there are a few giveaways:
• Oily scalp dandruff – large, yellowish flakes that clump together on the scalp, clinging to sebum.
• Dry scalp dandruff – small, white flakes that shed easily onto clothes.
How to treat oily dandruff: 6 tips
When you’re dealing with greasy hair and dandruff, the goal is to rebalance your scalp with a tailored hair care routine and protective styling habits. To help, we’ve developed the Symbiose collection to help control dandruff-prone scalps and rebalance the all-important scalp microbiome.
Below, find out how you can incorporate our professional range of anti-dandruff hair care at every step of your routine using our six expert tips.
1. Seek out targeted hair care ingredients
Specific dandruff-fighting ingredients are the key to overcoming your dandruff concerns. To target, address, and reduce oily dandruff, Symbiose is formulated with three key ingredients.
• Salicylic acid: this chemical exfoliant works by dissolving dandruff flakes on the scalp, offering a deep exfoliating cleanse.
• Bifidus: a type of beneficial bacteria, this ingredient acts as a prebiotic to help balance the scalp microbiome.
• Piroctone olamine: alongside bifidus, piroctone olamine helps regulate the scalp microbiome by preventing the proliferation of dandruff-causing bacteria.
2. Switch to an anti-dandruff shampoo
When oily hair and dandruff occur, it’s important to switch out your standard shampoo for a formula that’s designed to specifically target dandruff. Shampoos are the cleansing component of hair care routines, so this step is integral to getting these concerns under control – and preventing dandruff from returning.
The best shampoos for dandruff and oily hair simultaneously manage both hair concerns while boosting hydration and vitality. Formulated especially for oily-prone scalps, Symbiose Pureté Anti-Dandruff Shampoo for Oily Scalp has the dual benefits of dandruff removal and sebum control. Our caring formula is infused with salicylic acid and piroctone olamine to visibly improve the scalp without damaging the fibre, resulting in beautifully replenished hair.
3. Implement a scalp scrub
It can help to think about your scalp care in the same way you do about your skincare routine. When a buildup of dead skin occurs, a balancing exfoliator can help the natural renewal process along.
Symbiose Micro-Exfoliating Cellular Scalp Scrub for Dandruff Flakes works at a cellular level to lift and remove dead skin cells and flakes – and encourage purification across the scalp. Salicylic acid and apricot and argan shell power are combined for both physical and chemical exfoliation to protect against oily dandruff.
We recommend using the scalp scrub at least twice per week before shampooing. To apply, take a small amount of product and massage generously into the scalp. Rinse thoroughly, then follow with your anti-dandruff shampoo.
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4. Apply a scalp serum
When oily dandruff affects your hair and confidence, consider adopting an intensive oily scalp and dandruff treatment. The Symbiose Cellulaire Nuit Anti-Dandruff Scalp Serum Intensif is an overnight scalp serum that provides continuous action to remove oily scalp dandruff and balance the scalp microbiome.
To address visible dandruff and rebalance an oily scalp, use the scalp serum at least three times per week on your dried or towel-dried scalp before going to bed. This intensive scalp treatment is recommended for use over a four-week period.
5. Wash your hair more
If you’re battling an oily scalp, you’ve probably encountered the myth about ‘training your hair’ to produce less oil. Unfortunately, this can have the opposite effect; scalp buildup (from sebum, pollution, and products) can clog your hair follicles and prevent the natural flow of sebum.
When you experience both greasy hair and dandruff, a regular washing schedule is essential to deliver anti-dandruff ingredients to the scalp and remove visible flakes and buildup. We recommend washing your hair two to three times per week with your anti-dandruff shampoo.
6. Minimise heat styling
Heat tools might offer endless styling options – but they also lead to heat damage.
If you experience oily hair and dandruff, your scalp is already prone to imbalances. When heat damage becomes a factor, it can dry out your strands and scalp – which can make your scalp produce more sebum to overcompensate. This added scalp disruption can exacerbate your dandruff concerns.
We recommend laying off the heat styling, where possible, and always incorporating a heat protectant like Genesis Anti Hair-fall Heat Protectant Spray when you do reach for your styling tools.
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