Sebum imbalances can lead to several hair problems. Sebum is a substance that is produced and excreted by the skin's sebaceous glands and is often referred to as oil. Sebum coats the hair follicle. Sebum overproduction can cause greasy hair, thinning hair and eventual hair loss. Underproduction, on the other hand, can lead to dry, brittle hair, eventually resulting in hair loss. Brushing helps your hair maintain a balanced level of oil. Certain hair products can treat sebum build-up. Diet also plays an important role.
Get enough B vitamins from food if you notice sebum overproduction. A lack of B vitamins can lead to oily, greasy hair, according to Hairstyle.com. B vitamins are found in fish, poultry, meat, eggs, dairy products, leafy green vegetables, beans, peas, many cereals and some breads.
Reduce stress by taking a B complex vitamin. Stress depletes the body of B vitamins, according to "Psychology Today." Stress can lead to sebum overproduction, according to a Wake Forest University School of Medicine study cited by ScienceDaily.
Eliminate dandruff by consuming the Recommended Dietary Allowance for each B vitamin, suggests MayoClinic.com. Dandruff can be caused by excess sebum. The B vitamins are thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, B6, biotin, B12 and folic acid.
Consume biotin from egg yolk, liver and yeast. Lack of biotin, a B vitamin, can lead to hair loss, according to HolisticOnline.com
Consume foods with vitamin B6, including fortified cereals, beans, meat, poultry, fish and some fruits and vegetables. Vitamin B6 deficiency may also lead to hair loss, according to HolisticOnline.com.
Get plenty of pantothenic acid, or vitamin B5. Lack of B5 can also lead to hair loss. It's found in liver and kidney, yeast, egg yolk and broccoli.