Why Your Hair Feels Dry at the Ends and Oily at the Scalp — Explained
If your scalp becomes greasy within a day but your hair ends still feel dry, frizzy, or brittle, you’re experiencing one of the most common hair imbalances: oily roots with dry ends. Many people assume this is normal, but it is actually a clear sign that your scalp and hair are not working in harmony.
At Svenson, trichologists frequently meet clients with this exact issue. The good news is that once you understand why it happens, you can correct it effectively and prevent long-term thinning caused by scalp imbalance.
The Real Reason Your Scalp Gets Oily (Even When Your Hair Feels Dry)
Your scalp contains sebaceous glands that produce sebum, the natural oil that protects the scalp and nourishes the roots. When these glands are overactive, excess oil accumulates near the roots.
Meanwhile, the mid-lengths and ends of your hair have no oil glands at all. They rely entirely on sebum slowly traveling down the hair shaft, which becomes harder if your hair is long, chemically treated, or textured.
The result is clear:
- Too much oil at the scalp
- Not enough moisture at the ends
This combination leads to flat, greasy roots and brittle, dry ends.
Key Causes of Oily Scalp and Dry Ends
1. Overactive Sebaceous Glands
Triggers include hormones (especially DHT), genetics, stress, hot weather, and sweating. This creates an oily layer around follicles that restricts oxygen and weakens the roots over time.
Washing hair daily may feel like the right solution, but it strips the scalp of natural oils. To compensate, the scalp produces even more sebum, worsening oiliness.
3. Using Heavy Conditioners or Oils on the Scalp
Conditioners should never be applied directly to the scalp. They coat the roots, trap sebum, and contribute to buildup and scalp irritation. Ends then remain dry because oil cannot travel downward.
4. Chemical Treatments and Heat Styling
Bleaching, colouring, perming, and frequent heat exposure damage the cuticle layer. Damaged ends cannot retain moisture, even if the scalp is oily.
5. Hard Water and Product Buildup
Mineral-heavy water and silicone-based products form a coating on the hair, making it difficult for moisture to penetrate the ends.
An alkaline scalp environment causes the sebaceous glands to work harder. Meanwhile, the hair shaft loses its protective acidity, leading to dryness and roughness.
How This Imbalance Leads to Hair Thinning
Oily roots and dry ends are more than a cosmetic concern. They are early indicators of an unhealthy scalp environment.
An oily scalp can cause:
- Follicle blockage from sebum, dead cells, and residue
- Scalp irritation and inflammation
- Miniaturisation of follicles
- Faster shedding
Dry ends contribute to:
- Breakage
- Loss of length
- Appearance of thinner hair
Together, these issues can significantly reduce hair density over time.
How Svenson Corrects Oily Roots and Dry Ends
Svenson’s treatments address both the scalp imbalance and the damage to the hair strands.
A professional deep-cleansing treatment that:
- Removes excess sebum
- Clears clogged follicles
- Restores healthy scalp pH
- Improves oxygen flow to the roots
This prepares the scalp for healthier regrowth.
2. Scalp pH Rebalancing and Microbiome Support
Trichologists prescribe targeted tonics to regulate sebum production and support the scalp’s natural ecosystem.
3. Strengthening Treatments for Dry Ends
Depending on the level of damage, specialists may recommend:
- Moisture repair
- Protein strengthening
- Cuticle protection
These treatments help prevent breakage while the scalp recovers.
Svenson often recommends:
- Balance Sebum Control Shampoo to manage oiliness
- Conditioner applied only to mid-lengths and ends
- Defence Hair Booster Tonic to support root strength
- Reduced heat styling and gentler drying methods
These habits maintain long-term balance.
Daily Habits to Fix Oily Roots and Dry Ends
- Wash every two to three days unless advised otherwise
- Do not apply conditioner to the scalp
- Avoid oils and heavy serums on the roots
- Use lukewarm water instead of hot water
- Limit heat styling
- Avoid tight hairstyles
- Exfoliate the scalp regularly, preferably through professional treatments
These steps improve both scalp health and hair texture.
An oily scalp with dry ends signals a deeper imbalance in scalp function and hair structure. This issue can be corrected with the right combination of professional scalp therapy and proper daily care. By restoring balance to the scalp and strengthening the hair shaft, you can improve density, reduce thinning, and achieve healthier hair over time.
Svenson’s trichologist-led approach ensures both the scalp and hair receive the precise care they need for long-term results.