Oily Scalp and Hair Loss: How They're Connected
If your scalp often feels greasy just hours after washing, you're not alone. An oily scalp is a common concern — but few realize how strongly it's connected to hair loss. While oil itself doesn't cause hair to fall out, the buildup it creates can clog follicles, trigger inflammation, and slow down new growth.
At Svenson, trichologists often find that clients struggling with chronic hair loss also have excess sebum or scalp imbalance. Understanding and correcting this connection is the first step toward restoring healthy growth.
The Role of Sebum in Scalp Health
Your scalp naturally produces oil (sebum) through sebaceous glands located beside each hair follicle. In moderate amounts, this oil is essential — it protects the scalp, prevents dryness, and adds shine to your hair.
However, when the scalp produces too much sebum, several problems begin to appear:
- Blocked follicles – Excess oil traps dirt, dead skin cells, and bacteria, forming a film that suffocates the follicle.
- Dandruff and irritation – The overgrowth of yeast (Malassezia) in oily conditions leads to flakes and itching.
- Inflammation – Chronic buildup irritates the scalp, weakening follicle anchoring and causing premature shedding.
When this continues over time, follicles shrink and hair strands become thinner — a process known as miniaturization.
Why an Oily Scalp Can Lead to Hair Loss
The link between oily scalp and hair loss lies in circulation and follicle function. When follicles are coated with oil, their ability to absorb oxygen and nutrients diminishes. This reduced nourishment affects the hair's growth phase (anagen), resulting in shorter, weaker strands.
Furthermore, an imbalanced scalp microbiome — often caused by oil accumulation — triggers inflammation that further disrupts the natural growth cycle. The result: visible thinning and excessive shedding.
Common Causes of Excess Scalp Oil
- Genetics – Some people naturally produce more sebum due to hormonal influence.
- Hormonal imbalance – Elevated androgens like DHT stimulate oil glands, especially in men and postnatal women.
- Improper washing habits – Washing too often or too little can both aggravate oil production.
- Product buildup – Heavy conditioners or styling products coat the scalp, trapping oil and residues.
- Climate and stress – Humid weather and high-stress levels can increase sebum secretion.
Identifying which factors apply to you is key to designing an effective scalp care plan — and that's where Svenson's diagnostic expertise comes in.
Svenson's Solution: Oily Scalp Therapy
Svenson's Oily Scalp Therapy is a professional in-clinic treatment designed to deeply cleanse and rebalance the scalp environment. It combines gentle exfoliation with scalp purification to remove impurities and regulate sebum production.
- Unclogs and purifies congested follicles.
- Removes excess sebum, bacteria, and dead skin cells.
- Restores the scalp's natural pH balance and improves oxygen circulation.
This therapy also helps reduce flaking and irritation while improving the scalp's ability to absorb nutrients — making it a crucial first step for anyone beginning a hair regrowth program.
Complementary Treatments for Lasting Results
To strengthen the results of Oily Scalp Therapy, Svenson often pairs it with targeted hair restoration programs for clients experiencing thinning or early-stage hair loss.
- Follicells Growth Activator – Suppresses DHT formation by up to 50% and reactivates weakened follicles.
- Filler Advanced II – Enhances scalp structure and elasticity, creating stronger support for new growth.
- A.P Hair Loss 4–6 Therapy – Delivers growth factors and peptides using Exosome Technology for visible improvements in density.
Together, these treatments cleanse, nourish, and reactivate the scalp ecosystem, encouraging healthy, sustained hair growth.
How to Care for an Oily Scalp at Home
Professional treatment is most effective when combined with the right daily routine. Svenson specialists recommend:
- Choose a gentle shampoo designed for oily scalps, such as Balance Sebum Control Shampoo, to cleanse without stripping.
- Wash 2–3 times per week, or as recommended after your scalp analysis. Over-washing may trigger more oil production.
- Avoid applying conditioner or oil directly on the scalp; focus on mid-lengths and ends.
- Incorporate a scalp tonic, such as Balance Sebum Control Tonic, to maintain cleanliness and prevent buildup.
- Massage your scalp daily for 5–10 minutes to improve blood circulation and nutrient delivery.
These simple adjustments help maintain the results of in-clinic therapies and prevent the return of excess oil.
What to Expect from Treatment
Clients typically notice improvements in scalp comfort and oil control after just one session. Over several weeks, regular therapy helps:
- Reduce scalp greasiness and flaking.
- Improve blood circulation and follicle oxygenation.
- Restore natural scalp balance for healthier, stronger hair growth.
As follicles begin functioning optimally again, hair density and texture also show visible enhancement.
The Svenson Difference
For over 60 years, Svenson has combined trichological science with clinical-grade treatments to address every aspect of scalp and hair health. Their holistic approach goes beyond symptom management — it restores the scalp's biological balance for long-term results.
Whether you're dealing with chronic oiliness, dandruff, or early thinning, Svenson's tailored scalp care programs help bring your scalp back to its healthiest state — clean, balanced, and ready for new growth.