Your scalp’s oil glands are closest to the root, so new growth is naturally coated in sebum first. By the time that same strand reaches your ends — often two or more years of growth for longer hair — it has been through countless washes, brush strokes, and exposure to heat or sun. The result isn’t a contradiction; it’s simply two different ages of hair on the same head.
Why this happens in the first place
Your scalp’s oil glands are closest to the root, so new growth is naturally coated in sebum first. By the time that same strand reaches your ends — often two or more years of growth for longer hair — it has been through countless washes, brush strokes, and exposure to heat or sun, all of which gradually strip its natural lipid layer.
Frequently asked questions
Should I stop conditioning altogether if my scalp is oily? No — just keep conditioner focused on mid-lengths and ends, away from the scalp itself, so you’re treating each zone appropriately.
