Oily scalp shampoos and clarifying treatments for gorgeous hair in balmy Singapore

Truly, is there anything more high maintenance than having oily scalp in these tropical climes? With the heat and humidity doing oily scalp no favours, sufferers of greasy roots know all too well the need for daily shampooing and detoxifying hair treatments, lest they risk itchy, aggravated scalp with a side of limp, lifeless, weighed-down hair. 

Why oily scalp occurs and what it looks like

Dr Nisha Suyien Chandran, head and senior consultant of the National University Hospital’s dermatology division says, “Oily scalp occurs in the condition known as seborrheic dermatitis.  It occurs due to the combination of hypersecretion of sebum or oil, the proliferation of various species of the skin commensal fungus, Malassezia, variations in the skin barrier, and localised inflammation of the scalp.” This results in scalp that feels greasy, and looks coated in oil which can make the hair also appear “flatter or more matted.” 

What are the lifestyle and environmental factors that exacerbate oily scalp?

Genetics aside, factors such as stress, sweating and occlusion from wearing caps and head wraps are some of the lifestyle factors that exacerbate oily scalp, according to Dr Chandran. And with Singapore experiencing an average annual relative humidity of 83.9 per cent according to the Meteorological Service Singapore, it’s hard to ignore the fact that environmental factors such as “low humidity in winter [when travelling] or high humidity found in tropical climates like that of Singapore and Southeast Asia” also aggravate the scalp, says Dr Chandran.  Dr Teo Wan Lin, dermatologist at TWL Specialist Skin & Laser Centre says, “The skin and the scalp have to deal with a lot of inflammation on a daily basis because it is exposed to the external environment.” Sun and UV exposure “which is considered an immunosuppressant [and] environmental pollutants collectively cause free radical damage to the skin,” says Dr Teo. Similarly, she says, our scalp is subject to the same aggressors. “In an individual who is consuming a lot of antioxidants in their diet (which tend to be plant derived), versus an individual who does not incorporate antioxidant-rich food in their diet, the former will be better equipped to fight off these external aggressors.”  

Wing Choong, L’Oreal Professionnel’s education director, shares other internal factors include hormonal balances linked to “stress, pregnancy or even menopause.” For Choong, oily scalp and lifeless hair can sometimes even be attributed to selecting the wrong shampoo or haircare range, including products that are simply too rich for the scalp, infrequent washing, “applying styling products [such as serum and wax] too close to the scalp. 

Can I leave my oily scalp untreated?

“An oily scalp on its own leads to irritation, discomfort, and less aesthetically pleasing hair,” says Dr Chandran. But does it lead to hair loss? “It does not cause hair loss. If left untreated and if severe, however, the inflammation can lead to hair loss. This can occur gradually or manifest as red, bald patches. An oily scalp can also be associated with folliculitis of the scalp, this is manifested as papules and ‘pimple’-like pustules on the scalp.” For Choong, “a healthy scalp needs a balance of moisture and sebum” like the skin on our face and body. “If left untreated, scalp will first start to feel irritated and itchy. The scalp will also emit a bad odour.” Thankfully achieving consistently clean, rebalanced and healthy scalp is as easy as a good wash. Here are our top picks for clarifying shampoos and scalp-regenerating treatments to help manage oily scalp. And if you’re a hijabi, your scalp and tresses might need extra TLC under your tudung.