Have you tried everything to get rid of greasy dandruff? Here’s why chicory prebiotics might be the unexpected solution you’ve been looking for. Read the full article to discover all the natural remedies against greasy dandruff!

What is sebum: the origin of greasy dandruff

If you have dandruff and oily hair, the cause lies in the scalp, which needs care and attention. Just like facial skin, which can be oily or combination, the scalp can also have this characteristic, often due to an increased production of sebum.

Sebum is a natural oily substance produced in the hair follicles. Its function is to keep the skin soft and hydrated while protecting it from dust, pollutants, wind, and sunlight.

It is precisely when sebum production becomes excessive that the skin turns greasy and oily, significantly affecting the condition of your hair.

Sebum accumulates at the base of the hair, making it greasy and sometimes even itchy.

An oily scalp can also lead to greasy dandruff, a condition characterized by whitish flaking on the scalp caused by an accelerated rate of skin cell turnover.

Oily dandruff is marked by large, thick flakes that are difficult to remove through hair movement or washing with shampoo. It often causes varying degrees of itchiness and is a highly noticeable cosmetic concern.

The causes of oily hair and greasy dandruff

The first step in caring for an oily scalp prone to dandruff is understanding its causes, which can be numerous. Below, we list the most common ones:

• - Sebum production due to hormonal factors. A hormonal imbalance that increases the production of androgens can lead to excessive sebum production. This may be a temporary condition, such as during adolescence, which resolves on its own, or, in the case of primary hormonal imbalances, it may require specialized intervention.
• - Oily skin, also a cause of greasy dandruff. If you have oily facial skin with imperfections, it is highly likely that your scalp has the same characteristics and may present oily dandruff.
• - Unhealthy and unbalanced diet. Diet has a significant impact on the health of our skin and hair. Eating healthy and nutrient-rich foods will help keep the scalp healthy and beautiful. 
• - Nervous stress. A period of intense stress can trigger the release of cortisol and other hormones that may worsen inflammatory conditions, as well as oily and impure scalp issues. 
• - Overwashing with harsh or unsuitable shampoos. Washing hair too frequently or using aggressive products can irritate the scalp, causing increased sebum production.
• - Use of irritating or greasy cosmetics. Styling products such as gels, hairsprays, mousses, etc., are often responsible for irritation and increased sebum production
• - Scalp microbiota dysbiosis. An imbalance in the scalp’s microbiota can lead to irritation, dermatitis, and severe inflammatory states.

Natural remedies against greasy dandruff

There are several natural remedies to combat greasy dandruff, but it’s equally important to adopt good habits and specific practices to improve scalp health. Here are the main points to keep in mind:

- Avoid aggressive products: Avoid shampoos and hair products containing sulfates, parabens, or artificial fragrances, as these ingredients can irritate the scalp and further stimulate sebum production. Opt for gentle, natural formulations designed to respect the skin's pH.

- Use specific shampoos and lotions: Choose shampoos enriched with natural ingredients that help combat the microorganisms responsible for dandruff. Herbal-based lotions, such as those with nettle or rosemary, can also be helpful in soothing the scalp and regulating sebum production. We’ll explore this point in more detail below.

- Reduce the use of gels, hairsprays, and mousses: These products can build up on the scalp, creating a film that promotes dandruff and clogs pores. If possible, limit their use or opt for lightweight, alcohol-free versions to reduce the risk of irritation.

- Don’t rub the scalp vigorously: During washing, gently massage the scalp with your fingertips instead of rubbing it aggressively. Excessive friction can cause micro-injuries, worsen inflammation, and increase sebum production.

- Pay attention to your diet: A balanced diet is essential for a healthy scalp. Limit the intake of fatty, sugary, or highly processed foods, and increase consumption of foods rich in B vitamins, zinc, and omega-3s, which support skin and hair health. Drinking plenty of water also helps maintain proper hydration.

Prebiotics: the ideal ingredients to combat greasy dandruff

One of the most effective natural aids for the beauty and health of your scalp and hair is prebiotics. Let’s explore what they are and how they work!

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), prebiotics are defined as "organisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, provide a health benefit to the host." These are non-pathogenic microorganisms that we consume through foods and/or supplements, offering benefits to our body.

Prebiotics are organic substances, such as fibers, that stimulate the growth of "good bacteria" that make up our microbiota.

They are selectively fermented ingredients capable of inducing changes in the composition and activity of the microflora. Prebiotics can be taken orally or applied directly where their action is needed, such as in the case of specific hair lotions!

Prebiotics do not contain live microorganisms (unlike probiotics); instead, they consist of substances that support the energy metabolism or other vital functions of the bacteria that make up our naturally protective microflora in specific tissues of the body (e.g., skin microflora, intestinal microflora, scalp microflora, etc.).

Prebiotics work by modifying and rebalancing the composition of this microflora or optimizing the environment in which it resides, for instance, by altering the pH or other influencing factors. Through this action, they promote the multiplication of beneficial bacteria over harmful ones, significantly improving the physiological balance of tissues and enhancing the functionality of the targeted organ— in this case, our scalp and hair!

For these reasons, prebiotics are considered among the most effective and innovative remedies against greasy dandruff.

Greasy dandruff: the importance of a specific Hair Care Routine

A specific and complete hair care routine with effective and innovative products is the right solution to rebalance the scalp, get rid of oily dandruff, and take care of your hair from roots to ends!

Scalp Pre-Treatment: Detox and Anti-Dandruff Scalp Lotion

One of the key steps in combating and preventing greasy dandruff is the specific treatment for the scalp, which should be done regularly with a dedicated product.

The starting point for an effective beauty routine is precisely to target the root of the hair, meaning the hair follicle, which is embedded in the scalp and needs to be clean and healthy. 

The products used in this step have the power to make the scalp cleaner and exfoliated, and depending on individual needs, they can also provide anti-dandruff and sebum-regulating actions.

These products are typically in the form of highly concentrated lotions, which should be applied consistently directly onto the scalp.

It's similar to serums for the skin; they have a targeted action on the specific problem at hand, making them essential treatments if we want a healthy scalp that translates into shiny, beautiful hair.

The Detox and Anti-Dandruff Scalp Lotion is the ideal serum to combat greasy dandruff. The health of the scalp is closely linked to the balance of the microorganisms that inhabit it, and the chicory prebiotics in this lotion strengthen the natural skin microbiota, which plays a crucial role in regulating sebum production. By restoring the balance of the scalp, it helps alleviate itching and dandruff.

It also contains natural hydrosaccharides that help hydrate, strengthen, and restore the integrity of both the scalp and hair.

The lotion’s effect is enhanced by zinc lactate, which helps reduce sebum production, and extracts of sage and rosemary, known for their powerful purifying action.

How to use: Apply the anti-dandruff lotion directly to the entire scalp or just to the affected areas (4-5 pipettes). Massage gently with your fingertips and leave it on for at least 20 minutes. If needed, wash your hair afterward. For an intensive treatment, apply 7 pipettes for 4 consecutive days, then repeat the application twice a week for a month. If necessary, you can wash your hair after the treatment time.

This is the essential treatment to purify the scalp, prevent and combat greasy dandruff, and soothe and hydrate the skin.

Specific cleansing: Purifying solid shampoo

This step should be done with a purifying and anti-dandruff shampoo, featuring active ingredients such as beetroot amino acids and flax seeds to strengthen and hydrate the hair, burdock, and chicory prebiotics to reinforce the natural scalp microbiota, restoring balance, regulating sebum production, and helping to fight dandruff.

Also particularly useful among remedies for greasy dandruff are spirulina, rich in vitamins and minerals, as well as tea tree, sage, mint, and lavender, which add freshness and deeply purify, leaving hair clean and shiny.

All these ingredients are found in the Purifying Solid Shampoo: it’s a regular shampoo and does not require an acidic rinse.

How to use: Rub the solid shampoo on wet hair, or lather it between your hands and apply to the scalp and hair, then rinse.

Hair Treatment: Volumizing Conditioner

Contrary to popular belief, even those with greasy dandruff can use conditioners and hair masks—what’s important is that they are lightweight treatments specifically formulated to nourish, detangle, and add volume without weighing down the lengths, thus preventing them from getting dirty too quickly.

In this sense, the Volumizing Conditioner is ideal, containing organic Lemon and Hyaluronic Acid, for soft, voluminous, light, and long-lasting clean hair. Hyaluronic Acid binds to the hair shaft, infusing hydration and making the hair more nourished, soft, and elastic, thus less prone to breakage. Organic Lemon has antioxidant and shine-enhancing properties, and with its characteristic citrus scent, it refreshes and tones.

Other ingredients to pamper hair from root to tip include Flax Seeds and organic Aloe, while organic Burdock and Moringa have a purifying action to restore balance to the scalp and provide shine and volume to the hair.

The complete package: the Purifying Routine for oily hair

A great way to get rid of oily dandruff is to tackle it on multiple fronts, using a complete Hair Routine: the Purifying Routine - Oily Hair has everything you need to do it at its best. This is a product bundle with a 15% discount.

The beauty routine can be structured by following these steps:

Step 1. Prepare with the Detox Scalp Scrub, which purifies without irritation. Use once a month before shampooing, and the Detox and Anti-Dandruff Lotion, a true treatment based on prebiotics to restore balance to the scalp and keep your hair cleaner for longer!

Step 2. Purify with the Balancing Organic Shampoo, enriched with prebiotics, which gives your hair shine and brilliance.

Step 3. Nourish with the Volumizing Conditioner.

Step 4. Add volume with the Anti-Frizz Mask, to be applied once a week instead of conditioner to give more volume and shine to the hair shaft.

Step 5. After washing, apply Fruit Acids AHA to combat frizz and make hair shinier. It’s a perfect invigorating acidic rinse that removes salt and limescale from the hair.

The package includes the full-size products: here you can find the Purifying Routine - Oily Hair Kit.

Not sure if this is your natural hair routine? Take the hair test to find out which products are best for you!