Dandruff with Oily Scalp? Here’s Why It Happens and
How to Fix It

Oily dandruff is one of the most common yet frustrating scalp concerns. Unlike dry flakes, an oily dandruff scalp occurs when excess sebum mixes with dead skin cells, leading to greasy roots, visible flakes, and itching. If left unmanaged, oily scalp dandruff can worsen and affect overall scalp health. Understanding why it happens is the first step to finding the right solution.

In this Article

What causes oily scalp dandruff?

Malassezia restricta

A bacteria known as Malassezia restricta is one of the most common causes of dandruff. This microorganism feeds on the excess sebum present on an oily scalp. During this process, Malassezia restricta produces oleic acid, which can irritate the scalp by triggering rapid skin cell production. The result is visible flakes, inflammation, and redness, typical signs of dandruff in oily scalp. If left unmanaged, dandruff in oily scalp conditions can persist and worsen, making targeted scalp care essential. This is why an oily scalp causes dandruff more frequently compared to a dry scalp.

Humidity

In the winter, there is less moisture in the air, which can dehydrate the skin and increase sebum production. As a result, your oily dandruff may worsen since Malassezia restricta feeds on sebum. In summer, the scalp tends to become oily due to sweat and heat, encouraging bacterial overgrowth that leads to irritation and flaking. An oily scalp further aggravates the issue by creating the ideal environment for the bacteria to thrive, eventually causing oily scalp dandruff. Left untreated, dandruff in oily scalp conditions can persist, making consistent scalp care crucial.

Excess Sebum Production

An overactive sebaceous gland is the primary reason behind greasy dandruff. When the scalp produces too much oil, it traps dead skin cells and dirt, which then clump together to form sticky flakes. Many people ask, ‘why do I get dandruff when my hair is greasy?’ This happens because sebum buildup accelerates fungal activity, especially Malassezia, which thrives in oily environments.

Incorrect Hair Care Practices

Using harsh shampoos, not washing your scalp often enough, or overwashing with strong cleansers can disrupt the scalp’s natural barrier, making oily scalp dandruff worse.

How to get rid of Oily Scalp Dandruff?

Getting rid of oily scalp dandruff may seem challenging in the beginning. However, if you follow a set routine of an oily scalp dandruff treatment, you will see effective results within 7 weeks. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get rid of oily dandruff.

Use a purifying shampoo

One of the most effective solutions for treating oily scalp dandruff is to use oily scalp treatment products. You should use a shampoo for oily scalp and dandruff that clears your scalp and improves its health eventually. The Symbiose Bain Pureté Anti-Pelliculaire by Kérastase is a purifying shampoo designed especially for oily, sensitive scalp prone to dandruff.

It is enriched with piroctone olamine that acts on all the causes of dandruff and salicylic acid, for a breathable scalp. This silicon- and sulphate-free shampoo for an oily, flaky scalp removes visible dandruff, calms scalp sensitivity, balances oil levels, and boosts hair vitality. Exfoliates instantly and removes visible dandruff, calms scalp sensitivity, balances oil levels, and boosts hair vitality while promising up to 7 weeks of anti-dandruff efficacy.*
*Basis Clinical study for 4 weeks, 3 applications per week.

Use a night serum designed to for oily scalp dandruff

Using a serum on a daily basis helps treat your oily scalp and dandruff. This oily dandruff treatment improves the overall health of the scalp. The anti-dandruff night scalp serum by Kérastase is designed especially for a sensitive scalp affected by dandruff.

The serum contains salicylic acid, which removes dandruff and dead cells, piroctone olamine, which further helps in eliminating dandruff and reduces itching, and bifidus pre-biotic that prevents it from reappearing. It also strengthens the scalp defense barrier. With its 8-hour continuous action at night, which is considered the best time for scalp regeneration, this night serum helps to remove dandruff at its root. Apply this oily scalp serum to your scalp at night before sleeping. Ensure that you use this serum for up to 7 weeks for the best results.

For best results, incorporate a targeted shampoo for oily scalp to balance sebum levels and a lightweight scalp serum to nourish without clogging pores. Using an anti-dandruff shampoo regularly also helps keep fungal growth under control and reduces flaking. Pairing these with the right anti-dandruff products ensures your scalp remains clean, refreshed, and less prone to irritation.

Eat healthy, nutritional food that keeps your gut healthy, which in turn decreases inflammation on your scalp. Additionally, avoid scraping those dandruff flakes as you can spread bacteria even by touching your scalp constantly.

In conclusion, greasy dandruff on hair can be a challenging and unpleasant problem, but there are methods to help you get rid of it permanently. By following these steps and solutions, you may restore your scalp's health and finally say goodbye to dandruff. Explore the wide range of Symbiose products, including anti-dandruff products, to choose the right oily scalp treatment product for your hair.