Dry ends and oily roots: causes and plant-based solutions

Dry ends and oily roots represent a prevalent hair condition that is often met with confusion as it breaks conventional notions of what hair types can be. However, the dual concept of “dry hair vs. oily hair” is not representative of hair reality for many, and the issue of dry ends and oily roots is a good example of this.

The symptoms are simple to detect: hair roots that feel oily even after recent washing and hair ends that are brittle and dry.

Briefly put, hair that presents an oily scalp and dry ends is characterized by an imbalance in sebum production on the scalp. This condition can then cascade into hair that is easily broken or that loses its strength, or simply coexist with other issues that are leading to hair that is dry and brittle.

The solution for hair with dry ends and oily roots must be devised on two levels: first, to identify the cause of the condition; secondly, to address it through strategic hair care products, so that a balance is found between addressing the needs of both dry ends and oily roots.

Why is my scalp oily but my ends dry? 

• Certain skin or scalp conditions: conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis can be behind oily roots. This issue can lead to excess oil production in the scalp, while also causing redness, itching, and flaking. In this case, a medical check-up is recommended, as it can be a symptom for other imbalances or disease.

Beyond this, both eczema and psoriasis are inflammatory skin conditions that can affect the scalp and lead to oiliness and other uncomfortable scalp textures. At the same time, acne can have an impact on oily roots, with signs such as acne on the forehead pointing towards excess sebum production issues on the scalp. 

• Genetics: hair type and scalp condition can be influenced by genetics. As such, some people may naturally produce more oil on their scalp, while at the same time may present hair that has a tendency for dry ends.
• Washing hair too frequently: overwashing can strip away natural oils from hair strands, resulting in dry ends. Frequent washing due to having oily roots can be counterintuitive, leading to dry hair while, potentially, not solving sebum production issues.
• Sun exposure or harsh weather: excess sunlight can break down cuticles (the outer layer of hair shafts), so that prolonged exposure to sunlight can damage hair, making it dry and brittle, especially at the ends. At the same time, extreme cold or dryness can strip moisture from the hair, leading to dry ends.
• Heating tools: Regular use of heating tools (hair dryers, straighteners, curling irons…) may damage the hair shaft, making it dry and prone to split ends. If combined with scalp sebum issues, this damage represents the recipe for dry ends and oily roots.

Frequently asked questions about dry ends and oily roots

What hair type has oily roots but dry ends?

Combination hair refers to a hair type where an individual’s scalp and hair may exhibit characteristics of both oily and dry conditions. Typically, this translates into dry ends and oily roots, as the scalp produces excess sebum while mid-lengths and hair ends can appear dry or brittle.

What shampoo is good for oily roots and dry ends?

For individuals with dry ends and oily roots, using a seboregulating shampoo that also targets moisture can be an effective approach to balance the scalp’s oil production while nourishing the ends of the hair.

Seboregulating shampoos involve formulas that aim at regulating excess oil production without over-drying hair. This allows for addressing the root cause of excess oiliness. However, intense moisture and nourishment must also be incorporated into the treatment, so that the ends receive an adequate treatment and become smoother and more manageable.

How do you fix dry ends and greasy roots?

As we’ve seen above in this article, causes of dry ends and oily roots can vary widely. This means the fix must necessarily first focus on addressing the primary cause for the issue. Only then can the treatment ensure its effectiveness, so that a roadmap is ensured: from reducing on environmental stressors, to avoiding excessive hair washing and treating potential scalp conditions. 

Once the primary cause is pinpointed, a strategic hair care routine is crucial, one which is tailored to individual needs. Typically, the use of seboregulating shampoos, while also accessing intense moisturizing and nourishing treatments, represents a winning formula.

At the same time, film-forming products that remain in the hair fiber and do not wash away should be avoided; also, products that may irritate or dry the scalp should be avoided, as this could promote sebum production and lead to hair dryness.

Which products are preferable for hair with dry ends and oily roots?

Choosing the right hair care products lies at the heart of achieving a solution for dry ends and oily roots. The goal is addressing the unique needs of both the scalp and hair ends by effectively controlling excess oil production. 

AFFIPORE™ is an active ingredient designed to control sebum production through an innovative mechanism that modulates the action of sebocytes without causing irritation or excessive drying. 

This active ingredient presents an innovative mechanism based on ectopeptidase inhibition. More specifically, it acts on some ectopeptidases such as aminopeptidase N (APN) which, according to new lines of research, are over-expressed in sebaceous glands with a tendency for excess sebum production.

Obtained from the leaves of Barosma betulina, AFFIPORE™ is a plant-based ingredient able to inhibit the action of APN in the sebocyte membrane and thus reducing the amount of sebum secreted by the cell. 

AFFIPORE™ has shown the following positive effects:

• In vitro efficacy for a modulating effect on sebocyte lipogenesis
• In vivo efficacy via a photometric evaluation of the seboregulating effect

As such, the innovative mechanism of AFFIPORE™ effectively reduces the amount of secreted sebum, providing an effective solution for hair care that targets dry ends and oily roots.