Should I grease my scalp?

In most cases, my advice would be NO. Here are a few important reasons for you to consider:

1. The scalp has a natural pH balance that should be maintained.

2. The scalp has individual follicles that produce natural sebum (oil).

3. Greasing the scalp can block hair follicles.

The scalp has a natural pH balance of 4.5 to 5.5. The pH balance creates an environment on the scalp that helps prevent the growth of fungi and bacteria. Greasing the scalp can create a moist surface that increases fungi and bacteria growth. Although some clients don’t experience any problems after applying grease or additional oils to the scalp, others (particularly those with scalp conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis) notice an increase in flare-ups, flaking and itching.

The scalp can contain over 100,000 hair follicles. Each follicle can contain its very own sebaceous gland (oil producing gland). In addition to its contribution to the pH balance of the scalp, the natural oil softens the hair and adds shine. For those of us with highly textured hair, we recognize that scalp oil does not easily disseminate down the winding shaft of our hair. Therefore, applying additional oil to the “shaft” of the hair (not the scalp) can be necessary for softness and shine.

Greasing the scalp can block hair follicles. Grease, butters and some oil products are considered too thick and heavy for the scalp. These products can easily build up on the scalp and in follicles creating fungi growth, itching, inflammation or worse, hair loss. Additionally, for clients that are on treatments for scalp disorders or hair loss, scalp build-up and blocked follicles can prevent treatment products from working properly.