How to Remove Sebum Plugs from the Scalp

Name: How to Remove Sebum Plugs from the Scalp
Author: Linda White

Updated by Linda White on March 13, 2017

Hair and Scalp Care Tips
» How to Remove Sebum Plugs from the Scalp

Dealing with an oily scalp can be embarrassing and irritating. While there are several possible causes of a greasy and oily scalp, it’s always a good idea to look closely at what produces that oil in the first place.

We all have sebaceous glands on the scalp. These glands produce natural, necessary oil, called sebum. Not only does sebum protect the scalp, but it leaves your hair looking shiny and healthy. Having a normal amount of this oil is something most people desire when they want radiant hair.

But, having too much oil can be the cause of plugged sebaceous glands. This can appear unsightly and become itchy and uncomfortable. The good news is that there are some effective ways to get rid of sebum plugs on the scalp.

In this article, we’ll give you a step-by-step guide for when the hair follicles are clogged by sebum. If the pores of your scalp have become clogged, it’s time to get them clear once more, so you can be comfortable, and have a healthy scalp and hair.

What Are the Causes of Sebum Plugs?

Sebum itself has many benefits for your skin. It keeps your skin moisturized while keeping excess water out. It also helps to deliver nutrients like Vitamin E and antioxidants to the outermost layers of the skin.

Sebum is produced on every inch of your skin except the palms of your hands and soles of your feet. To get a better picture of how sebum plugs work, consider that it’s usually an overproduction of sebum that causes acne on your face. When a plugged follicle causes sebum and bacteria to become trapped, it can cause a pimple.

On the scalp, a hair follicle can become plugged with an overproduction of sebum. That can create itching, an oily surface of the scalp, and can even cause your hair to think as new hair isn’t allowed proper growth. Some of the most common causes of a buildup of oils include:

Genetics
Hair products
A mixture of oil and scalp flaking (keratin)
Hormonal imbalances

How to Clean Sebum Plugs from the Scalp

Treating an overproduction of sebum on the scalp starts by clarifying it. Consider this process as creating a clean slate for your scalp, so you can start with healthy, clean skin and reduce the chances of sebum plugs.

First, run your scalp under warm water. Massage it gently with the pads of your fingers. If you do have sebum plugs, always try to use the soft pads of your fingers instead of your nails when washing your hair. You should also avoid using too much pressure, as you don’t want to irritate or accidentally scratch your scalp. Using your fingers to work against the skin of your scalp gently will help to loosen any build up of oil. It also helps to increase circulation to the scalp.
Using the right kind of shampoo to clean your hair is important. Sometimes, the products we use on our hair can be causing a buildup of oils. Choose a clarifying, purifying shampoo. Some are specially designed to be sebum-cleansing products. These will help to strip away sebum plugs from your scalp and hair, especially if the plugs were caused by additional hair care products. The right sebum-removing products cannot only strip away the plugs all at once, but they can help to fight against the overproduction of sebum in the future.
Rinse your hair completely after massaging the clarifying shampoo into the scalp for several minutes.
You can use a traditional conditioner or conditioning method to help replace any moisture that may have been stripped away by the shampoo.

Bestseller No. 1

ITÍNERA Daily Sebum Control Shampoo with Amalfi Coast Lemon (12.51 fl oz) - for Oily Hair - Vegan Friendly - 95% Natural Origin Ingredients

WHAT IS IT: Daily sebum control Shampoo with Amalfi coast lemon to normalize excess sebum production.
WHY USE IT: Sebum Control Shampoo, is designed to normalize excess sebum production and reduce scalp impurities, The innovative blend of non-aggressive surfactants used in the formula helps eliminate impurities from the scalp, without affecting its natural moisturizing and protective hydrolipidic film, thus leaving the hair clean for longer, as well as light and easy to comb. This shampoo is specifically formulated not to produce excess foam, without altering the performance of the product.
TERRITORY: The Shampoo is made from lemon grown on the Amalfi Coast, extracts of grape pomace from Emilia Romagna, apples from Trentino, and wheat bran from the Po Valley. SCENT NOTES: Lemon, vanilla, caramel, and musk.
HOW TO USE: Gently massage into hair and scalp, rinse thoroughly, and repeat if necessary.
ENVIRONMENTALLY CONSCIOUS: 100% recycled bottle, 30% recycled cap. 100% recyclable packaging. GENTLE SURFACTANTS: NO SLS & SLES. Formula made of 95% natural origin ingredients. 100% Vegan. No animal-derived ingredients. Dermatologically tested. Produced and Packaged in Italy.

After you’ve completed this process, maintaining a healthy scalp is important. Once a week, rinse your scalp with apple cider vinegar. The vinegar will help to balance out the pH of your scalp. It will also help to dissolve any excess sebum that is starting to create more plugs in the scalp. You don’t need to rinse away the vinegar when finished.

How to Prevent the Overproduction of Sebum

Sometimes, producing too much sebum is somewhat unavoidable, especially if it’s a genetic predisposition. Often, though, we get sebum plugs because of the products we use or lifestyle choices.

The first thing you can do to fight back against sebum plugs is to be aware of the hair products you’re using. You should always choose products that are natural, and without a buildup of harmful chemicals. These chemicals can strip hair of natural nutrients, and create an excessive amount of oil production. They may also cause a keratin build-up, which can cause plugs in your hair follicles.

Additionally, you can add a few drops of tea tree oil to your existing shampoo. Tea tree oil has natural antiseptic, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. This will help to reduce a build-up of oils and sebum plugs from occurring. Alternatively, you can make life easier by using a specialist tea tree oil shampoo by Paul Mitchell.

Keep in mind that not washing your hair will make things worse.

Some people who have an oily scalp think that they shouldn’t wash their hair as much because products create too much oil. In reality, if you have sebum plugs, you may need to shampoo your hair twice each time you wash your hair. The sebum works to destroy the lather that can cleanse your scalp and hair. Working up a lather twice may be more beneficial in actually purifying the scalp with the right shampoo.

Sebum plugs can create the look of oily hair and can create discomfort and itching on the scalp. Quite literally, they are plugs that clog up the pores of your scalp, which can create problems that range from mild irritation to hair thinning. Take action to keep your hair and scalp healthy.

If you struggle with the overproduction of sebum and have noticed sebum plugs, try the solutions listed here to keep them under control and achieve a healthy scalp. This guide and tips will help to get rid of the sebum plugs on your scalp. And it all starts by using the right natural or organic shampoo for your hair.

Here are some great natural shampoos you could try:

SaleBestseller No. 1

Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Strengthening Shampoo Infused with Biotin, Cleanses and Helps Strengthen Weak and Brittle Hair, 12 Ounces

Strengthening Shampoo: This shampoo with biotin provides intense moisture for all hair types with a gentle formula that nourishes, cleanses and helps strengthen weak and brittle hair
Rosemary Mint Collection: Rosemary Mint products are infused with Biotin for the ultimate help with strenghtening hair; Stop those pesky split ends and welcome healthy, shiny twist outs into your life
Hair Products for All Hair Types: We promote the health and maintenance of natural hair from Types 3A to 4C natural hair, however our products are suitable for all hair types and we feature products for both low and high porosity levels
Natural Haircare: We continue to produce quality natural hair care products like oils, detanglers, shampoo, conditioners, moisturizers and more that help nourish hair through all three phases of growth
Women Owned: With a heavy emphasis on incorporating organic ingredients being its “root to results,” Mielle Organics continues to create a line of natural beauty products by women & for women of all hair types

Bestseller No. 2

Carol's Daughter Black Vanilla Curly Hair Shampoo and Conditioner Set - Made with Shea Butter, Biotin, and Rosemary (2 Product Kit)

SULFATE FREE SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER SET: For dry damaged hair that contains our Black Vanilla Moisture & Shine Shampoo and Hydrating Conditioner that cleanses and restores moisture without adding weight to your hair.
MOISTURE & SHINE: The Sulfate Free shampoo cleanses and restores natural moisture without adding weight and the Hydrating Conditioner when used as a system, detangles and smoothes wet wavy and texture hair so there is less breakage
FORMULA: Color-safe & infused with Shea Butter, Vanilla, Rosemary Oil and Aloe. Our Black Vanilla regimen hydrates hair, so it's softer and more manageable adding a healthy-looking shine. Contains the warm Black Vanilla scent.
HOW TO USE: Wet hair so shampoo can work in easily. Apply shampoo and gently massage into hair and scalp. Rinse well with warm water. After shampooing, work the conditioner thoroughly into wet hair. Leave in for 3 - 5 minutes and rinse well.
BLACK WOMAN FOUNDED: Lisa Price founded Carol's Daughter in her Brooklyn kitchen in 1993 with a mother's love and encouragement; Today we carry a full line of texture hair care products for women and men to care for all waves, curls and coils