Sebum Cure: Good or Bad Idea?

The sebum cure involves skipping hair washing for an extended period, sometimes for a month or more, to "self-regulate" sebum production with the aim of achieving healthy hair. The goal is to allow the sebum to flow from the roots to the tips. Since this substance is produced by the skin, there is no risk of allergy and it is suitable for all hair types.

Undergoing a sebum treatment can have several benefits such as regulating the skin's sebum production, naturally maintaining hair and scalp health, reducing the risk of breakage along the hair length, minimizing split ends, and combating hair dehydration.

A sebum treatment can be beneficial for various hair types. For oily hair, a sebum treatment can regulate sebum production, thereby extending the time between shampoos. For dry hair, sebum production will be naturally stimulated to better nourish and maintain the hydration of the hair fiber.

However, this practice also comes with significant drawbacks.

Even though a sebum treatment brings many benefits to the hair fiber, it is not recommended. The implementation of a sebum treatment presents numerous drawbacks and even certain risks.

• Scalp Irritation

  The sebum produced by the scalp is a fatty substance that can potentially clog the pores of the epidermis. Washing helps to remove sebum residues that can block these pores. Without proper cleansing, the accumulation of sebum on the scalp can cause itching and even the formation of oily dandruff. When the scalp's pores are clogged, the hair will not be properly nourished. As a result, hair growth is slowed down.

• Hygiene

  The sebum that accumulates on the scalp undergoes transformation and oxidation, breaking down into substances that not only smell bad, but can also cause itching or flaking, thus creating a perfect environment for an unhealthy scalp. The cumulative effects of this phenomenon can have a negative impact on the hair. Moreover, from a social perspective, it can be quite embarrassing to have dirty hair for several days.

The solution to spacing out shampoos lies in the use of gentle and natural shampoos, formulated without sulfates, parabens, or silicones that can exacerbate the problem of sebum overproduction.

Choose gentle formulas, with or without essential oils depending on your tolerance. These natural ingredients will regulate sebum production and, gradually, allow you to space out your shampoos while respecting your scalp. At Typology, we have developed three natural shampoos to address various hair concerns.

• The nourishing shampoo with 1% Biolipid Complex + Camellia Oil deeply repairs and nourishes the hair fiber, smooths and fills in the hair cuticles. It is particularly recommended for dry and damaged hair, as well as for curly and kinky hair.

• The volume shampoo with 1% Almond Protein strengthens and coats the hair fiber to provide structure and volume to the hair. It is particularly recommended for fine hairthat lacks density.

• The dandruff shampoo Piroctone Olamine 1% + Jujube extract reduces dandruff proliferation, regulates flaking, and soothes scalp irritations.