Some people produce moresebumon the scalp than others.

The purpose of sebum is to protect the skin and hair from losing moisture.

Excess sebum looks oily or greasy on the skin.

Close up of a handle turned towards H but not all the way (for warm water), shampoo bottles (for natural, gentle,sulfate- and chemical-free shampoo), brush and shampoo (for brush and shampoo gently), head and a hand with arrows (massage scalp in gentle circular motion), apple cider vinegar and lemongrass essential oil, bottles of items that help exfoliate the scalp(Home Remedies for Scalp Buildup)

Verywell / Laura Porter

When it combines with dead skin cells, it can cause white or yellowish flakes.

Symptoms of hyperseborrhea are similar to other conditions that cause scalp itching and flaking, such asscalp psoriasisandeczema.

Causes of Excess Sebum on the Scalp

The reasons behind hyperseborrhea are unknown.

With that said, certain factors can increase sebum production and lead to its abnormal buildup on the scalp.

There are several simple over-the-counter and home remedies that can help.

Rather than scrubbing your scalp, which can stimulate sebum production,massageit using a gentle, circular motion.

Use warm water to rinse your hair as hot water can dry the scalp and increase flaking and itching.

Examples include:

There are commercial shampoos specially formulated to treat sebum buildup.

Daily washing is advised for oily hair.

For average to dry hair, shampooing every two or three days is likely sufficient.

Regular brushing is also important.

It can stimulate blood flow and hair growth.

It also improves hair moisture and shininess by distributing sebum along the entire strand.

Scalp Exfoliation

you could get rid of scalp buildup by exfoliating.

Exfoliation is the removal of dead skin cells and built-up dirt and debris on the skin.

The term comes from the Latin wordexfoliare,meaning “to strip leaves.”

Anything more can increase sebum production.

The twice-daily program also slowed sebum production.

If left untreated, it can lead to symptoms and complications.

Home remedies like regular hair washing, exfoliating, and avoiding harsh chemicals are key to preventing scalp buildup.

If you have scalp buildup that won’t go away, see your healthcare provider.

UCF Health.Seborrheic dermatitis and the link to hair loss.

Harvard Health Publishing.Dry skin.

MedlinePlus.Dandruff, cradle cap, and other scalp conditions.

doi:10.1080/19381980.2017.1356519

Sun KL, Chang JM.Special types of folliculitis which should be differentiated from acne.Dermatoendocrinol.

2017;9(1):e1356519.

doi:10.1080/19381980.2017.1356519

American Academy of Dermatology Association.Hair loss: who gets and causes.

American Parkinson’s Disease Association.Sweating and other skin problems in people with Parkinson’s disease.

2014;79(5):R757-R764.

2015;22(4):226-229. doi:10.1159/000432407