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Why is my scalp (at the crown) suddenly very oily?

I read other responses to a similar question.  I'm in my 40's and have always had normal hair.  About three days ago, this oily thing started.  First day, I washed my hair, conditioned it and dried it only to discover that the hair at the crown of my head was grossly oily.  I figured I over-conditioned it, so the next day I used conditioner only at the bottom of my hair.  Same problem.  Today, same problem.  Thinking back, the only thing I've done differently is to use Nice 'n Easy hair color instead of L'Oreal but this was about 10 days ago.  Although, I must admit, my hair was too dark and I used Dawn dw liquid and then Pantene Clarifying Shampoo to try and fade the color faster - both pretty stressful to hair.  Any ideas from folks with the same problem?  Does this go away??


This discussion is related to suddenly oily hair that won't correct.
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Avatar universal
Same problem, happened after dying hair. Dealt with it for over a year, used Kirk's Coco Shampoo and then it stopped working after several months. I was only happy after leaving the hair salon after a blowout...that's the only time my hair felt like its old self.

After reading though another forum on here regarding the same issue, I learned a lot about the science of why this is happening (overproduction of sebum, acid vs alkaline, need to close the hair shaft with lukewarm water at the end of a wash, etc.).

I decided to try using my facial cleanser on my hair, after trying so many of the other suggestions. This worked 100%...think about it...it removes the oil just as gently as it does on your face, and it doesn't leave residue. It's gentle. The brand I use is Alaffia Everyday Coconut Face Wash.
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Avatar universal
Solution: I struggled for many years with oily, greasy patches in my hair. I couldn’t figure out what it was. I tried only washing with filtered water, used clarifying shampoos, and baking soda. Some of these things helped a bit but the solution for me was unbelievably simple! A hair stylist suggested that I separate my hair into two sections to wash, a top and bottom section. Before massaging the shampoo in, she recommended that I place shampoo at the section line, especially at the crown where this problem was common for me. After placing shampoo there and letting it sit for 30 seconds, I then wash my whole hair like normal, massaging and everything. I still occasionally use bumble and bumble clarifying but my hair is 100% better! Turns out due to my thick hair I just wasn’t getting shampoo fully into all the right places. This solution will not work for everyone, especially if you have a medical condition but it’s worth trying before spending a ton of money/energy elsewhere! (where to part image: http://ow.ly/YVi230ghPGJ)
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Avatar universal
I am 32 and I have the same problem for the past 5 months now. I understand how frustrating it is.But recently I 've tried something which helped me and thought I should share. I ve shampooed my hair normally with a mild shampoo, then I applies Jhonson baby shampoo on the affected area rinsed and left it for about 5mins. Then washed it with warn water.It helped me a lot. Hope it helps you too.
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Avatar universal
Same boat here! But I needed to do something about it so I used Zote soap, massaged my crown for a bit and rinsed my hair, then i used my common shampoo for the ends and conditioner as well, worked wonders. Zote soap is a neutral soap, you can find on the detergent aisle, most common to sell on Walmart, not sure if HEB have it, or the hispanic little stores that sell mexican food (i live on Texas, we have plenty of those :)), anyawys, it does dry your hair a little bit, but you sure have immediate results! Good luck!
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Avatar universal
The simplest and easiest way to get rid of such grease is to apply Lemon juice (1 or 2 lemons depending on the hair grease) over the hairs, comb them and let them leave like that for half an hour. Then shampoo and rinse. Grease will vanish as if there was nothing. Also your hairs will become silkier and shinier :) Cheers!
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Avatar universal
The simplest and easiest way to get rid of such grease is to apply Lemon juice (1 or 2 lemons depending on the hair grease) over the hairs, comb them and let them leave like that for half an hour. Then shampoo and rinse. Grease will vanish as if there was nothing. Also your hairs will become silkier and shinier :) Cheers!
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Avatar universal
Here is how I used all household things to solve this problem WITHOUT SPENDING ANY MONEY. I'm a 23 year old American living in China with no access to specialty shampoos or soaps. I can't even read the labels on things. My excess oil spot was building up and getting severe a week after noticing it, so I tried all the remedies I could manage all at once with great and quick success.

5 things you'll need (or probably already have): white or apple cider vinegar, dish soap, mint mouth wash, shampoo, blow-dryer

1) I started with apple cider vinegar. No special kind, just whatever I had in my pantry. I applied it to all the greasy parts of my scalp and hair and let it sit for about 12 minutes.
2) Then, adding to the vinegar, I generously applied some sort of lemon scented dish soap (not any special brand, it was cheap). I used a lot of this. Thoroughly caked the affected part of my head, but not the lengthy bottom part of my hair. Left this on for about 10 minutes
3) Next, I got in the shower and rinsed out the vinegar and soap.
4) Then, I poured about 5 cap fulls of cool mint Listerine over the area. This was when the roots really started feeling soft again. I let it sit in the shower while I shaved my legs, so 3-4 minutes.
5) I washed my hair gently with regular shampoo (mine was pantene pro v, not sure that it matters) without scrubbing at the roots too much so as to not stimulate my oil glands. * I did not condition, but the Listerine seemed to soften my hair in a similar way.
6) I blow-dried the roots of my hair on cool. Heat and dampness promote fungal infections, so definitely blow-dry, and definitely use the cool setting

Most of it was removed the first night, all of it when I did it again the next day. Hope this works for everyone, it is pretty easy and cost efficient. No fancy shampoos or pills required.
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Avatar universal
I have just come across this post, I am 3 months post pregnancy and this problem started for me when I was around 25 weeks. I was lazy doing my hair in the beginning and started wearing it up a lot, it was after a few weeks of wearing my hair up that I noticed when I did wash, blow-dry and straighten my hair, it was really oily and sticky at the crown, even after 3 months since having baby it is still hanging around and has spread down the back of my head,  :-(

I have tried the Paul Mitchell clarifying shampoo which i bought online, I have used a few times and it got a little better after the first time but now back to normal, also tried baby shampoo and no luck. I bought some Paul Mitchell Tea Tree shampoo and conditioner so will try that and hopefully it works. I am so over it, i can't wear my hair out or make it look nice, can only put it up. I currently have some apple cider vinegar in, just diluted with a bit water and put on with fingers, about to wash it off, hopefully a change…will keep checking this post for updates. Good luck everyone.
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Avatar universal
Hi Everyone, I see this thread has been ongoing since 2008, a lot of common stories and treatment suggestions but I really want to find out why this is happening. A number of posts have suggested that this is fungal, seborrheic dermatitis, or hormonal, and perhaps all 3 can lead to this condition but it would be great if we could find the truth. A number of people have spoken to their doctors and hair stylists about it and many seem to have received the same response that I did, as if I had two heads and why would I ask them about this??? I too have the same story as everyone here, an oily/waxy crown just after washing my hair. I tried the baking soda treatment and it mostly worked, I can still feel my hair is a bit waxy but I doubt anyone else would notice, but I have to use baking soda each time I wash or it comes back. In order to help find commonalities between us here's a bit about me, maybe this will help to find a common denominator and get to the root of the problem (no pun intended!):

I am 44 years old and peri-menopausal, I have used Infusium shampoo and conditioner for more than 20 years (but do not condition the crown of my head), I wash every 1 - 2 days consistently, I have not colored or used product in my hair for years, I have not been diagnosed with any chronic conditions and do not take any prescriptions medications, but have been fighting a plantar wart for a long time now, I recently suffered a severe case of contact dermatitis in response to 'fragrance' that is found in many cosmetics, for which I took prednisone and benedryl, and lastly I take a number of daily supplements: Lysine, vitamin D, folic acid, saw palmetto, and probiotics, I hope this helps!
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Avatar universal
Someone mentioned a remedy and I tried it and it WORKED.. I mixed some original (green) Palmolive with apple cider vinegar and lemon juice (no real measurements).. Applied to my dry hair and let sit about 15 minutes, then rinsed in shower and used a head and shoulders 2in1.. And my oily spot is FINALLY gone!!!
Thank you to whomever posted this suggestion!
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Avatar universal
Nioxin worked for me!
I tried a few of the remedies listed here, and the only thing that worked for me was Nioxin (actually the generic Target version of it). Lathered and washed, repeated again. Did this for two days, by the second day the gross oily/waxy patch was completely gone! It's now been two weeks and it hasn't come back. Will definitely keep a bottle on hand in case this happens again, since this is the second time it's happened in the last year.
I'm 32 years old, haven't dyed my hair in a few months, and wash it every day. I've tried numerous clarifying shampoos, tea tree shampoo & conditioner, baby shampoo, dandruff shampoo, etc. Even my hairdresser had no more suggestions. The generic Nioxin doesn't smell too pleasant, but didn't dry my hair out as bad as I expected it to. I just won't use it any longer than I have to, and made sure to use conditioner on the ends.
Best of luck to everyone else dealing with this, it was terrible. Thanks for all the posts and suggestions, I'm so relieved something finally worked.
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Avatar universal
So glad to see that I'm not the only one who has experienced this. I'm 29 years old, no hair issues. So today is Thursday. I normally don't put any product in my hair, but Monday was Grease day at work so we had to dress 50's style. I put some moose in my hair before I blow dried it to make it heavier and easier to style. Tuesday morning I washed my hair in the shower with my normal Head and Shoulders shampoo I've been using for a very long time, dried it and noticed a greasy spot on the top middle of my head. I assumed I must not have washed/rinsed my hair well enough. Wednesday morning, same thing. I washed my hair, making sure to do a thorough job, got out, dried it, still there. Only it seemed to have spread. This morning I washed and rinsed three times with Head and Shoulders in the shower and even with my hair wet I could feel it. It was worse and seemed to be getting worse still with every attempted wash. I got out and dried my hair and it was so bad, it covered the whole top of my head. Not just oily but sticky feeling too. My mom lives with us so I went and grabbed her shampoo and washed and rinsed three more times. Still no good. Now, I'll admit, I'm a little vain and I take pride in my beautiful, straight, shiny, healthy hair. I called my doctor and scheduled an immediate appointment. She looked at my scalp and said she couldn't find anything that signified an infection or worrisome issue at all. She recommended Neutrogena T/Gel Shampoo. So I went and got some, went home and washed and rinsed twice and it seemed to be about 50% better. After coming on here and reading others having success with this same product, I went and washed again making sure to lather for a few minutes and let it sit for a minute or so before I rinsed. It's about 90% gone now. I would definitely recommend this product. I still don't know what caused this issue. Others on here have attributed it to stress and hormones. I will say, I did start my period on Tuesday morning, same time the symptoms started. I'm also a high stress individual to begin with and I am beginning to make decision on changes in my life that have me a little worried about finances. So perhaps the hormone/stress idea is not too far fetched.
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Avatar universal
I am stopping on my way home and buying the products you have suggested! Wish me luck.  
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Avatar universal
I am having the same problem and have never colored my hair. Thanks for sharing, I thought I was the only one.
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Avatar universal
I noticed this problem too at age 47 I have had scalp problems for years and no dr seem to get it right..so I quit going back. Big bumps with pus and hair loss...folliculitis maybe so..my dr prescribed nizoral2% and I am rinsing my scalp with Listerine ..no hair conditioner. I use Suave sleek before I style and avoid all products to the scalp. ..looking better not cured
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Avatar universal
FOUND A CURE!
I had my greasy sticky sappy hair for about two weeks. Crying as I observed the oozy substance straight after I showered and washed my hair. Nothing helped, I am a faithfull user of Head and Shoulders, so I can say that it does not help.
What helped in my case was to rinse my hair with diluted 1:2 brown vinegar (left it on for about a minute) and than tried to rub my hair with 100% ecological soap bar from LUSH, it did not foam at all, but helped a tad. Not much though. But I was greatfull to see ANY change at all :D.
Today I washed my hair with my son's baby shampoo J&J, I have used half of the bottle, before it started to foam!!! I left it in for 5 mins or so and used conditioner on the tips, rinsed of course.
The sappy THING is ALMOST COMPLETELY GONE!
Good luck to you people :)
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Avatar universal
Use Teatree oil shampoo !!!!!!! I just used it & it works!!
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Avatar universal
AAUUGGHHH!! Well, it certainly helps to know I am not alone. 49- female. I always switch off products. No more stress than normal. It is at the very top of my head, and before going into the shower ....said hair was FINE, if not a little dry. I have never ever had oily hair. I normally only wash hair 2-3 days apart, and it is highlighted every 3 mo. This happened pior, 1 week after I made a cross country move which was verrrry stressful 6 mo. back, so I chaulked it up to that. Today ....got out of the shower ....and it's back. Same issue....it's at top of my scalp. 6 mo.'s back I called my gal and she said to use a cornstarch talc powder to 'cut it', and after washing and after doing this 3 times ....it went away. She too was stumped and had never heard of such a thing. My life today is great ....no different diet, suppliements .....nothing different. I am more curious as to the cause, that the many cures posted here over the years. OR if anyone has a different cure that has not already been posted. Help!!
Thank you.
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Avatar universal
IT WORKS!!!

I have to thank everyone who contributed to this thread.  I was SO perplexed!  I had the oily spot on my crown only and for three weeks, I had to wear my hair in a pony tail!  I'm 48 and have NEVER had a problem with my hair.  I read on here about Pamolive, lemon juice and then a shampoo which deals with the seborrhea dermatitis, so yesterday I used all I had (Dawn) and lemon juice, left it on for 10 minutes and shampooed.  It was a little better!  Then I ran out and got the Pamolive as recommended, did the soak with lemon juice and used Nutragena T-Gel extra strength which deals with the seborrhea dermatitis.  Guess what???  IT'S GONE!!!  It's definitely an oil gone crazy problem and with me, it's probably hormonal.  Going to use the T-Gel a few more times (IT STINKS!) and then go back to my normal routine.  Hope this helps!  SO weird!!
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Avatar universal
This is absolutely the only thing that worked for me as well!  I used the Paul Mitchell Tea Tree oil shampoo and conditioner once and it was back to normal.  The problem with in store products is they put candle wax in their conditioner to make it feel smoother when you wash it out and it ends up attaching to your hair and eventually you will have this problem!  As a couponer, I initially had an issue throwing a few extra bucks for a great shampoo and conditioner but, it totally works and it's for all hair types.  Save your money on other things, your hair shouldn't feel like a maple sap tree.
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Avatar universal
oh well, tea tree and jonhsons shampoo didn't do the trick, also another factor 4) could it be emotional? i did a lot of crying the day before it appeared, and a few days later... actually i'm still upset.
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Avatar universal
Hi everyone,
It has been 1 horrid week now, my suspicions: 1) Dye my hair with Natural Instincst and have done so before with Creme gloss, i thought it was their conditioner for after dying? I dyed my hair last week.
2)Also i'm 43. age?
3) Also I had a very hot shower and I thought I burnt my scalp or dye? Heat?
These have all been mentioned before....
I have a very waxy, greasy, plastic like texture on the top of my head, I can't get rid of it.
I will try all suggestions, starting right now with tea tree added to baby shampoo that I have here and now. I also agree it can be a fungal issue as I was staying in a rented accommodation for a weekend when the spot appeared, Also I was wearing a helmet and skiing (again, heat)
It is all starting to make sense, let's get to the bottom of it.
Does anyone feel some sort of numbness where the yucky spot is? burning or sensitivity?
off for a wash. good luck all
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Avatar universal
I've had this same problem for the last few months, I've tried tea tree shampoo with a small improvement and have finally solved the problem with tony and guy cleanse shampoo, it's specifically for product build up and was recommended by my hair dresser after I showed her my hair. Noticed a massive difference the first time I used it and after using it 3 times (with a small amount of conditioner) my hair is normal again! I'm so happy I could cry! I had seriously considered having my head shaved as I was so upset and disgusted by my hair! Thoroughly recommend trying it and a bit of perseverance!
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Avatar universal
I always have oily hair even sometimes RIGHT after i take a shower but i dont use a lot of conditioner. I just used bar soap after all else failed.  I used the Equate unscented bar soap until it covered mostly my scalp and then I used Aussie shampoo and conditioner.  Then I blowdried it and it looked so great.
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