Sebum Buildup on the Scalp: Causes and Treatment

Some people produce more sebum on the scalp than others. Sebum is a natural, waxy oil produced by glands in hair follicles that keeps the skin moist and forms a barrier to protect the skin from infection. When combined with sweat, dead skin cells, and other debris, the buildup can cause flaking and make the hair look greasy.

If left untreated, the buildup of sebum on the scalp can lead to dandruff, acne, local skin infection, and even hair loss. 

This article describes the symptoms and causes of sebum buildup on the scalp. It also explains how to treat or prevent this common skin condition, including when it is time to see a healthcare provider.

What Is Sebum Buildup on the Scalp?

When your follicles overproduce sebum, it's called hyperseborrhea. This happens when sebum combines with sweat, dead skin cells, and residue from haircare products like hairsprays or hair gels.

Symptoms of hyperseborrhea are similar to other conditions that cause scalp itching and flaking, such as scalp psoriasis and eczema.

These include:

• Flaky scalp
• Oily or crusty skin
• Scalp redness
• Scalp itchiness

Complications

Complications of long-term sebum buildup can occur if you ignore the symptoms and leave them untreated.

Possible complications include:

• Acne (usually along the hairline or on the scalp)
• Pityriasis steatoides (oily or "wet" dandruff)
  
• Seborrheic dermatitis (a condition that causes scaly patches on the scalp)
• Folliculitis (an infection of hair follicles that can lead to hair loss)

Causes of Excess Sebum on the Scalp

The reasons behind hyperseborrhea are unknown. With that said, certain factors can increase sebum production and lead to its abnormal buildup on the scalp.

Causes include:

• Hypothyroidism: Low thyroid function can cause significant increases in testosterone, the hormone that directly influences sebum production.
• Metabolic disorders: Unhealthy fats (namely saturated or trans fats) can affect your metabolism and trigger an increase in sebum production. 
• Digestive problems: Intestinal and liver problems can change the chemical makeup of sebum, making it less oily and more likely to flake.
• Hair products: Hair gels, mousses, oils, ointments, and heavy conditioners can trap sebum on the scalp, causing a rapid buildup—particularly if you don't wash your hair regularly.
• Hair treatments: Hair dyes and perm chemicals can also dry and irritate the scalp, triggering the overproduction of sebum to compensate for the lost moisture.
• Poor scalp hygiene: Shampooing less than every two to three days can lead to scalp buildup, particularly when combined with products like hairspray.
• Microorganisms: Bacteria or fungi increases can cause scalp inflammation that promotes the production of sebum. A parasite called Demodex folliculorum (face mites) can also trigger hyperseborrhea.
  
• Neurological disorders: Certain neurological disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, can cause autonomic dysfunction of the nerves that control the oil glands in the skin, potentially leading to hyperseborrhea.

Home Remedies of Hyperseborrhea

Scalp buildup due to hyperseborrhea can be aggravating, but it is usually not serious. There are several simple over-the-counter and home remedies that can help.

Regular Shampooing and Brushing

Good hair care is not only related to the hair products you use, but it is also reliant on how you wash your hair and scalp.

Rather than scrubbing your scalp, which can stimulate sebum production, massage it using a gentle, circular motion. Use warm water to rinse your hair as hot water can dry the scalp and increase flaking and itching.

To ensure optimal results, choose a shampoo formulation specific to your hair type that neither irritates the skin nor leaves excess sebum on the scalp.

Examples include:

• Oily hair: Shampoos with lauryl sulfate or sulfosuccinate are effective in cleaning oily hair. But you can also try sulfate-free shampoos with natural ingredients like rosemary oil, lavender oil, peppermint oil, tea tree oil, lemongrass oil, and ylang-ylang oil.
• Average to dry hair: You should opt for sulfate-free shampoos if your hair is veering toward the dry range, If not, shampoos with sulfates are generally fine, but go for those with lauryl sulfate which is gentler on the skin than laureth sulfate.
• Dry or chemical-damaged hair: Avoid shampoos with sulfates, parabens, formalin, polyethylene glycol, formaldehyde, and fragrances. Opt instead for those that contain surfactants like decyl glucoside, moisturizers like panthenol, and emollients like glycerin that are gentler on the skin.

Daily washing is advised for oily hair. For average to dry hair, shampooing every two or three days is likely sufficient.

Regular brushing is also important. It can stimulate blood flow and hair growth. It also improves hair moisture and shininess by distributing sebum along the entire strand.

Scalp Exfoliation

You can get rid of scalp buildup by exfoliating. Exfoliation is the removal of dead skin cells and built-up dirt and debris on the skin. The term comes from the Latin word exfoliare, meaning "to strip leaves."

You can exfoliate once or twice a week with a commercial scalp exfoliant, or you can make your own by combining:

• 2 tablespoons of dry oatmeal
• 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons of hair conditioner

Don't exfoliate more than twice weekly. Anything more can increase sebum production.

Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse

Studies suggest apple cider vinegar has antibacterial and antifungal properties, meaning it can kill dandruff-causing yeast on the scalp.

To cleanse your scalp with an apple cider vinegar rinse:

• Add two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to an 8-ounce glass of warm water.
• Shampoo and rinse your hair as usual.
• Slowly pour the vinegar solution onto your head.
• Let it sit for two or three minutes.
• Rinse your hair with warm water, massaging the scalp gently.

Doing this once a week can also help remove excess residue from hair products.

Lemongrass Essential Oil

In a small study published in Complementary Medicine Research, a hair tonic made with 10% lemongrass oil (Cymbopogon flexuosus) appeared to reduce dandruff in people with hyperseborrhea. The twice-daily application also slowed sebum production.

You can find lemongrass haircare products online or in specialty retailers, Or, you can make your own by mixing the following ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon of a neutral carrier oil (like hemp seed oil or almond oil)
• 3 tablespoons of alcohol-free witch hazel
• 10-12 drops of lemongrass essential oil

Preventing Sebum Buildup on the Scalp

After you have successfully treated scalp buildup, there are a few simple steps that can help prevent it from happening again:

• Avoid the excessive use of haircare products, particularly hairspray and ultra-stiff hair gels.
• Avoid harsh chemicals on the scalp, such as hair dyes, perms, or bleach.
• Establish a healthy cleansing routine that includes exfoliation and apple cider vinegar rinses.
• Always wash your hair after heavy sweating.

To catch buildup early, check your scalp regularly for signs of redness, dryness, or greasy patches.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

You should seek medical attention if your scalp buildup causes a secondary bacterial infection. A secondary skin infection occurs when the skin is cracked or broken, allowing bacteria to access deeper tissues:

See a healthcare provider if you experience signs of a secondary skin infection, including:

• Increasingly painful, red, and swollen skin
• Pus-filled blisters
• Sores with crusting
• Fever with chills

Summary

The overproduction of sebum can cause scalp buildup. If left untreated, it can lead to symptoms and complications.  Home remedies like regular hair washing, exfoliating, and avoiding harsh chemicals are key to preventing scalp buildup. If you have scalp buildup that won't go away, see your healthcare provider.