Well, it turns out the answer may be internal: Stress can underlie just about every health concern under the sun—from digestive issues to tension headaches to breakouts. And as we’re living in quite the anxiety-ridden time, there seems to be no shortage of stress to go around. According to derms, that stress may be the reason your locks are looking a little greasy of late. Here’s why: With stress comes a wave of cortisol into the bloodstream—and too much cortisol can activate sebocytes, the cells that produce sebum. While sebum is necessary for keeping our skin and hair moisturized, too much of the yellowy liquid can become an issue: An influx of sebum can cause excess oil to trap bacteria and dead skin cells in our pores, causing sebum plugs (the precursor to blackheads) and acne. And because we have sebaceous glands (aka, pores) everywhere on our bodies, this overactive oil production can happen virtually anywhere—whether that means breakouts on some uncommon areas or a greasier-than-normal mane. Board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, M.D., agrees: “The oil follicles on the scalp are controlled in similar ways to the oil follicles on our face and other areas like the neck, chest, and upper back,” she tells mbg. “So, factors like stress that may increase oil production on our face may also increase oil production on our scalp.” To target the grease you already have, you might have to wash your hair more, depending on your shampoo type, hair texture, and activity level. You may also throw a scalp scrub into the mix weekly or biweekly to lift up any excess oil, bacteria, and debris (check out our favorites here). And of course, you don’t have to do anything at all if it doesn’t bother you. In fact, if you don’t necessarily mind the grease, why not own it? Slide a hot oil treatment through your hair and call it a day. Perhaps a chic, slicked-back look will be all the rage these quarantine days.
