Oily Scalp, Dry Ends? A Hair Specialist Explains Why & How to Fix It

Jan 30, 2026

Authored by: Adeeba

Reviewed by: Kapil Dhameja

Estimated Reading Time: 7 minutes

As a hair expert, many people come to me with this issue:

"My scalp gets really oily after just a day or two of no washing, but my hair ends are totally dry and frizzy and limp. I don't get it anymore."

Every time I hear this, I have to smile at how common of a problem it is. And I don't mean I think it's small potatoes. I just know that, once you understand it, this problem can be very easily fixed. Just as with every other hair issue that people have, it does not mean your hair has been ruined. It just means that your scalp is acting differently than the rest of your hair, and therefore, you need to care for both of these parts in different ways.

So let me explain this to you as I do to my clients..

Table of Contents

Why the Scalp-Hair Length Split is Hard to Figure Out
Signs that indicate you have this particular hair Type
Modern Science Reasons behind Oiliness on The Scalp
Why Hair Ends Don't Get Moisture- What I See in Practice
What is an Imbalance in Dosha- Ayurveda Perspective
Ayurvedic Explanation of Hair Imbalances
Ayurvedic Herbs for Greasy Scalp and Frizzled Out Dry Ends
Ayurvedic Hair Care for Oily Scalp and Dry Ends
Ayurvedic Home Remedies
Things That Mess Up Your Hair (According to Ayurveda)

Why the Scalp-Hair Length Split is Hard to Figure Out

First off, here’s what you should know: Your scalp and your hair lengths are not the same tissues.

Your scalp is living, working skin. It has oil glands, blood circulation, nerves, sweat glands, and an active metabolism.

Your hair lengths, however, are dead, keratin (protein) fibers. Once hair leaves your scalp, it isn’t getting nutrients directly from your body anymore.

So when clients say:

“My scalp feels oily”

“My hair ends are dry”

I know we’re talking about two different things, not one problem.

Your scalp could be producing too much oil, while your hair ends are having trouble retaining water and strength. If you treat both issues the same way, that’s where a lot of people mess up in their hair care routines.

Signs that indicate you have this particular hair Type

Greasy Scalp

If you wash your hair and it feels greasy 24-48 hours later, then this is a good indication that your scalp produces quite a bit of oil and probably has an oily crown (the area where your hair is parted) and/or hairline.

Dry Ends

If your scalp has a lot of oil, your mid-lengths and ends of hair usually feel dry and rough, often being described as being "straw-like."

Inconsistent Texture

The roots of your hair feel heavy and flat (due to the product) while the ends feel frizzy, puffed, or lifeless.

Conditioner Not Working

Utilizing conditioner generally weighs down the roots of your hair because the conditioner isn't able to penetrate to the end of the hair.

Frequent Split Ends and Breakage

Even though your hair has an oily scalp, split ends and breakage occur frequently at the end of the hair due to lack of moisture.

Short Time Cleanliness

Your hair generally looks cleaner for a short period after washing and needs to be washed more frequently than normal.

Itching/Sensitivity

Oils from your scalp building up can sometimes cause itching/sensitivity, leading to mild dandruff especially in warmer months.

Confusion about Products

Confusion sets in when using products designed to get rid of excessive oil which dries out the hair shaft creating more broken, brittle hair.

Ineffective-conditioners/Anti- Oil Products

Using anti-oil products on the hair shaft results in drying out the length of your hair and using too many moisturizing products will result in excessive greasiness on the hair shaft.

Tangles

The ends of your hair generally will tangle more easily on dry ends than they will on the well-watered scalp.

Modern Science Reasons behind Oiliness on The Scalp

Dr. Michelle Henry (Board-Certified Dermatologist): She explains that when the scalp is oily but the hair ends are dry, it’s important to treat them separately, keep the scalp clean with gentle cleansers while nourishing the lengths with moisture, instead of overwashing or using harsh products that worsen the imbalance.

In today's world of dermatology and trichology, the oily scalp is usually linked to an excess production of oil by the sebaceous glands.

Here are a few modern-day reasons for oily scalps:

Excessive Shampoo Use

By shampooing too often, you are removing your natural oils from your scalp, which triggers your scalp to create additional sebum (oil).

Adverse Shampoo Quality

Sulfates and other cleansing agents have a deleterious effect on your scalp barrier.

Hormonal Changes

Calendar month-regulated, for instance, hormonal changes caused by androgens (male hormones), cortisol (stress hormone), and during the menstrual cycle (women's monthly cycle).Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).

Build Up of Product on the Hair Follicle

Heavy conditioners, silicones, dry shampoos, and numerous amounts of styling products that block the hair follicles.

Stress

Chronic elevation of cortisol (stress hormone) is a contributor to inflammation and the production of oil.

Why Hair Ends Don't Get Moisture- What I See in Practice

Let’s say something about your hair ends: these have been ignored until now!

Here’s why they’re dry:

Natural oils from the scalp don’t move easily down the hair shaft to hydrate it. They are especially difficult to get to the ends of long curly hair or textured hair.

The heat used to style your hair can damage the outer layer of your hair (the cuticle), which will cause the hair to lose moisture very fast.

Chemical treatments (dyeing, perming) weaken the hair’s protective layer of moisture.

Sun exposure, pollution, hard water strips your hair of all its moisture.

Mechanical trauma (using a comb on wet hair, depending on tight hair styles) creates damage where the hair breaks off.
While your scalp is working hard, your hair ends are starving!

What is an Imbalance in Dosha- Ayurveda Perspective

When an Ayurvedic Hair Specialist looks at a person's scalp, if they see that your ends are dry and your roots are oily, this will typically mean that you have a dual dosha imbalance that is primarily a result of aggravated Pitta and Kapha on the scalp, and disturbed Vata in the length of the hair.

Oil is produced naturally in the scalp to protect the roots of the hair and to keep the scalp itself healthy. However, when there is an excess of Kapha on the scalp, the excessive oil being produced will create an oily, heavy feeling on the scalp, which will also create clogged follicles. The Pitta imbalance creates heat in the scalp, which causes the sebaceous glands to produce even more oil and therefore the reason that people's scalp oils feel oily very quickly, often with itching or sensitivity.

The hair's length is affected more by the Vata dosha. When the Vata is elevated (due to an excess of dryness, stress, over-washing, heat-styling, or erratic hair care regimen), the natural lubrication that runs along the shaft of the hair will be diminished. This means the moisture from the scalp and roots can no longer run through the shaft of the hair, leaving the middle and tip portions of the hair dry, brittle, and easily broken.

Ayurvedic Explanation of Hair Imbalances

According to an Ayurvedic hair expert, the lopsided nature of the oily scalp with brittle ends occurs because the hair is influenced by varying levels of dosha throughout its length.

Pitta is Excessively Present on the Scalp

The oil glands on the scalp become overstimulated due to excessive amounts of heat-producing types of foods, such as spicy foods; chronic worry and stress; increased exposure to the sun; using hot water during hair washing; and excessive frequency of shampooing.

Vata Has An Excessive Amount in The Hair Lengths

Over-styling the hair using heat and/or chemical processes; excessive amounts of shampooing and/or overcleansing; and not using a sufficient amount of oil on the hair to condition it, lead to the drying and roughness, and/or frizziness, of the ends of the hair.

Increased Amount of Kapha in the Hair Follicles

The use of heavy oils, exposure to pollution, sweat, and product residue contribute to clogging the hair follicles and thus, cause the oil to remain in the hair follicles rather than spread across the scalp, leaving the scalp greasy.

Poor Eating Habits and Lifestyle Choices

Irregular eating times, dehydration, the regular intake of a diet consisting mainly of processed foods, and insufficient amounts of healthy fats in the diet contribute to poor nourishment for the ends of the hair.

Increased Stress Levels and Mental Imbalance

Long-term exposure to chronic stress leads to increases in Vata dosha, thereby disrupting blood circulation and the flow of nutrients to the hair length.

Incorrect Use of Oils

Not using oil on the ends of the hair leads to dry ends, while excessive amounts of oil used on an oily scalp makes the scalp more oily. Ayurveda emphasizes "targeted" use of oil.

Ayurvedic Herbs for Greasy Scalp and Frizzled Out Dry Ends

I've seen a lot of clients come in with really oily scalps and frizzed-out ends that are really dry and brittle. I always tell them that according to Ayurveda, the key to winning the battle is balance, not stripping away oils or loading on too much moisture. Ayurveda has some really incredible herbs that know how to cool down, clean out, moisturize, or protect.

Herbs For Cooling Down an Oily, Overheated Scalp (Pitta & Kapha)

Neem

Neem is a great herb for an oily scalp because it helps cleanse and cool the scalp while also purging clogged follicles and helping with excess oil on the scalp. It helps soothe irritation on the scalp and won't over-dry the scalp. Neem will help nourish the scalp gently, so it is great for oily scalps that might have dandruff or itching as well.

Tulsi (Holy Basil)

Tulsi works by balancing the production of oil on the scalp, and it improves blood flow to the hair follicles. Holy Basil keeps the scalp smelling fresh, it helps to eliminate bacteria on the scalp, and it helps to strengthen the roots of the hair, especially when oily scalps are associated with elevated levels of stress or hormone imbalances.

Lodhra

Lodhra is another great ayurvedic herb that isn’t very well known. Lodhra helps balance the amount of sebum produced by the scalp. Lodhra tones the scalp, it tightens the pores, and it prevents the over-accumulation of oil at the roots of the hair.

Dry and damaged hair (Vata Pacifying)

Bhringraj oil

This oil nourishes the scalp and hair and also improves circulation which promotes healthy growth. Not only does it prevent breaking due to drying, but it also leaves a soft silky finish without making your hair roots greasy.

Amla Fruit - Antioxidant and Vitamin C

Properties in Amla Fruit make it an excellent choice for strengthening and increasing elasticity in the hair. It has a high nutrient content which helps with dry ends by adding natural shine. It also reduces the inflammation caused by too much Pitta or heat damage.

Licorice Root

Licorice Root contains a high level of moisture and is an excellent choice for soothing and hydrating. It is great for treating dry ends and provides nourishment.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is very light and cooling and is a great oil for dry hair ends. It is not recommended as an applied oil on an oily scalp. It is suggested that coconut oil be applied only on the lengths of the hair, rather than at the roots.

Sesame Oil (diluted)

Sesame oil provides great nutrient value and supports healthy blood circulation to the scalp. For oily scalp type hair, sesame oil is best blended with lighter oil and/or used in moderation.

Natural Conditioners and Ayurvedic butters

Aloe Vera

Aloe has the ability to provide moisture to dry ends while also creating a cool effect on the skin. As well, Aloe balances the oil production in your hair while retaining moisture without blocking the follicle.

Shikakai

Shikakai is an all-natural clean agent that cleans away excess moisture from the scalp, but keeps moisture within the hair shaft. It is great for those who have oily scalp but dry ends.

Fenugreek

Fenugreek is very effective in strengthening weak hair strands, reducing the dryness of hair, adding slip and softness to ends and controlling oil production on the scalp.

Nourishing hair care products for dry and damaged hair.

Ayurvedic Hair Care for Oily Scalp and Dry Ends

When a client presents me with this type of hair condition, I always start by stating that the scalp and hair lengths need exactly the opposite type of care, but they must be harmonious with one another. In Ayurveda there is no one-product-fix; instead, the foundation of the ayurvedic hair care routine is based on using a product to balance excessive oil at the roots while gradually restoring moisture and strength to the ends.

Balanced & Realistic Ayurvedic Hair Care Routine

Pre-Wash: Smart Oiling (Once or Twice a Week)

Contrary to common belief, an oily scalp still needs oil (just the right type, in the right amount, and at the right time!). For your scalp, use a few drops of a lighter, cooling oil such as Bhringraj Oil or Coconut Oil mixed with a little Neem or Tulsi Oil, and just on your scalp. Massage this into your scalp for 5-7 minutes to stimulate circulation, but don't saturate your scalp with it.

Ayurvedic Hair Oil for Healthy Hair

For your hair lengths: apply a thicker oil such as Coconut Oil or Almond Oil (or a blend of both) or Bhringraj Amla Oil, but only on the mid-lengths and ends. Leave this product on for 30–45 minutes ,typically, overnight oiling is not suggested for people with oily scalps.

Cleansing: A Gentle Yet Effective Cleanser

Use a sulfate-free, mild shampoo and one that includes Ayurvedic herbs (such as reetha, neem, and shikakai) that can remove excess oils from the scalp but will not dry out the scalp.
You can use your fingers to apply gentle pressure onto the scalp (to wash it), and allow the shampoo to create a lather to help clean the length of the hair as it is rinsed from the scalp.
Do not rub or scrub aggressively on the length of the hair; just treat it gently because the ends of the hair are already dry and damaged.

FAQ: When Should I Wash My Hair?
2 to 3 times per week is generally a good amount of time for most people with this type of hair.

Conditioning Your Hair

Always Apply Conditioner from mid length to the ends only. This is where most people make mistakes. When conditioning your hair, always start from mid-length, and apply only to the ends. Never apply to the scalp. When choosing a conditioner, look for one that includes either aloe vera, bhringraj, amla, or licorice, which will help soften the ends, but not weigh the hair down.

After applying conditioner, leave on for a minimum of 2-3 minutes before rinsing thoroughly. This step is protective for the hair shaft and helps to prevent breakage.

Care After Washing Your Hair Sealing in Moisture

After washing your hair, make sure to apply a couple of drops of a lightweight oil or a natural serum (i.e., in a few drops) at the ends while your hair is still slightly damp. This allows the lightweight oil or natural serum to seal in the moisture and will help prevent your hair from getting dry as a result of air badly drying your hair and friction.

Avoid using heavy styling products near the roots, as they will create buildup of oil and can clog your hair follicles.

Once a Week Scalp Care Herbal Cleansing or Masks

Scalp Reset Once A Week: To help reset or refresh your scalp once a week, you should use the following:

Neem and aloe vera mixture:
For oily scalp control and soothe irritated skin.

Multani mitti (mud) with rosewater:
For very oily hair

Fenugreek paste
If you're experiencing dandruff and/or have hair that is falling out.

Lifestyle/Habits You May Not Have Considered (But Are Important)

When viewed through the Ayurvedic lens, external care benefits are maximized when accompanied by efforts from within.

If you have an extremely oily scalp, try to avoid eating very spicy, oily or fried foods; drinking sufficient water will help prevent your hair ends from becoming dry, manage your stress, as excessive stress directly contributes to increased oil production on your scalp and avoid overusing heat tools, as using heat tools only aggravate the issue of dry hair ends.

Ayurvedic Home Remedies

At my clinic, I suggest easy home remedies for balancing the scalp with less disturbance for the hair type. For example:

Fenugreek paste
An excellent treatment for controlling the scalp and providing nourishment to the ends of the hair. To make fenugreek paste soak seeds in water overnight, then grinding them into a smooth paste and applying evenly to the top of the head, allows for better results than products.

The aloe-vera gel
This gel has been used for centuries, it is an effective treatment for scalp irritation due to overactive oil glands, as well as an effective way to hydrate and repair damaged ends of hair. Applying aloe vera gel directly to the scalp for 20-30 minutes allows the gel to absorb quickly into the skin, providing a cooling effect to an aggravated scalp.

Coconut milk
This helps hydrate dry ends of hair. By applying the coconut milk to the mid-length and dry ends, allowing it to remain there for 15-20 minutes, then rinsing with hot water, will help prevent the scalp from becoming oily and still replenish moisture to dry hair.

Amla and yogurt
Two of the best natural ingredients for creating a strong foundation and strengthening the roots of hair. Mixing these two ingredients together and applying them lightly on the scalp and hair will help strengthen and add shine.
Diluted fermented rice water
After shampooing helps reduce breakage and improve softness of hair. However, do not apply rice water on very oily scalp.

Things That Mess Up Your Hair (According to Ayurveda)

When I see people whose scalp is oily but their hair ends are dry, genes are hardly ever at fault. Usually, it's because of daily habits that mess with the balance of your scalp and hair. In Ayurveda, these mistakes make the scalp produce too much oil and dry out your hair.

One thing that makes this worse is washing your hair too much. If you wash too much, you’re stripping your scalp of its natural oils, which then causes it to make even more oil. All the while, your hair gets drier and weaker.

Putting a lot of heavy oils right on an oily scalp can clog things up and make it even more oily. So choose oils carefully and only put a little bit on, mostly on the hair itself if your scalp is already oily.

Using strong shampoos with sulfates makes your scalp even more oily by irritating it. It also dries out your ends by removing all the moisture. Now you’re stuck in a loop of oily roots and fragile hair.

Another mistake is not conditioning your hair, or only conditioning your scalp. Your scalp might not need a ton of moisture, but your hair definitely does. Always put conditioner on the middle and ends of your hair.

Using too much heat really dries out your hair while also making your scalp produce more oil. Over time, this can damage your hair and cause it to break.

Also, not changing your routine with the seasons can also mess things up. Hot weather makes your scalp oilier, and cold weather makes your hair drier. Ayurveda says you should always change your routine depending on the season.

Conclusion

Having an oily scalp but dry hair isn't a bad thing, it just means things are a bit out of whack. Once you figure out what your scalp and hair need, it all clicks. If you chill out the oil at the roots, hydrate those dry ends, and follow some Ayurvedic tips, you can get your hair back on track without using harsh treatments. With the correct products, a little bit of time, and a consistent routine, you can easily fix this issue and get smooth, healthy, and easy-to-style hair!

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