Why does oily hair tend to lead to hair loss?
Nov 28, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
Using overly cleansing shampoo products, such as alkaline shampoo soaps or alkaline shampoos, and washing the hair too frequently may excessively remove sebum from the scalp, leading to a dry and tight sensation. In response, the sebaceous glands may compensate by secreting excessive oil, resulting in oily hair, dandruff accumulation, and even clogged hair follicles, which may lead to follicular atrophy.
Generally speaking, oily hair that easily falls out may be related to improper hair care, physical constitution, hormonal imbalance, seborrheic dermatitis, or tinea capitis. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical consultation at a hospital and follow standardized treatment under a physician's guidance. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Improper Hair Care
Using overly strong cleansing hair products, such as alkaline shampoo or soap, and washing hair too frequently may excessively strip the scalp of natural oils. This can lead to a dry, tight feeling on the scalp, prompting the sebaceous glands to compensate by secreting excessive oil. This results in oily hair, dandruff accumulation, and even clogged hair follicles, which may cause follicle atrophy, thinner hair, and increased hair loss. It is recommended to choose hair products with moderate cleansing power.
2. Physical Constitution
Some individuals naturally have overactive sebaceous glands, making them prone to oily skin and an oily scalp. This excessive oil production can make hair appear greasy. If not cleaned regularly, this can negatively affect scalp health and lead to hair loss. It is recommended to wash hair frequently but avoid over-cleansing, as this may stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce even more oil.
3. Hormonal Imbalance
Factors such as frequent late nights, irregular sleep patterns, and high levels of psychological stress can cause hormonal imbalances in the body. This may lead to increased secretions around the hair follicles, negatively affecting follicular health, causing oily hair and increased hair shedding. It is recommended to take medications such as Xiaoyao Pills, Wuji Baifeng Pills, or Tanshinone injection under a physician's guidance to manage these symptoms.
4. Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is associated with factors such as heredity, Malassezia infection, and excessive androgen secretion. It can affect sebum production on the scalp, causing the scalp to develop oily scales or crusts and gradually become more oily. It is often accompanied by itching, thinning hair, and hair loss. Symptoms can be relieved under medical guidance using medications such as ketoconazole shampoo, roxithromycin granules, or selenium sulfide shampoo.
5. Tinea Capitis (Scalp Ringworm)
Tinea capitis is usually caused by direct contact with an infected individual or the use of contaminated items. It may lead to fungal infection of the scalp, causing oily hair, dandruff-like scaling, and hair loss. If left untreated, hair loss may progressively worsen, potentially leading to scarring or permanent hair loss. Treatment options include antifungal medications such as terbinafine hydrochloride cream, compound ketoconazole shampoo for hair, or griseofulvin tablets, used under a physician's direction.
It is recommended to use hair-cleansing products with moderate cleansing strength and avoid overly alkaline shampoos. Additionally, maintaining regular sleep patterns and avoiding late nights and excessive fatigue are beneficial for scalp health.
