Oily Sticky Scalp
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Why Your Scalp Is Always Oily Sticky And What To Do About It

Turns out, not all dandruff is dry

By Team Esquire India | LAST UPDATED: NOV 19, 2025

Why does your scalp feel greasy and itchy literally hours after you’ve washed it? And the dandruff you experience, it’s not even the flaky kind, it actually clumps.

Most of us grew up thinking dandruff was just about white flakes on your shirt collar and dry scalp in winter. But the truth? A huge number of Indian men also suffer from this type of dandruff which shows up in a different and way more Persistent form: oily sticky dandruff.

If your scalp feels greasy despite regular washing, you might not be doing anything wrong. You might just be dealing with a dandruff type no one talks about enough.

What is oily sticky dandruff and why is it so persistent?

Oily sticky dandruff is nothing like dry dandruff that flakes off and makes a mess on your shirt. Instead, it clumps stubbornly on your scalp and creates a greasy buildup. You might even notice it sticks under your nails when you scratch your head, and that’s enough to kick in the paranoia. But unlike dry dandruff which can often be managed with any simple shampoo, oily sticky dandruff tends to come back, because the issue starts deep in your scalp, not just on the surface.

Are you wondering why does oily sticky dandruff happen in the first place?

Here’s a little science lesson for you: This condition develops when an oily scalp combines with dandruff triggered by dry dandruff-causing germs called Malassezia Globosa. An oily scalp itself can also signal oily sticky dandruff, which you can recognise when flakes clump onto the scalp or stick to your nails after scratching.

Okay, so What’s The Fix?

If you're googling how to get rid of dandruff or a shampoo for an oily scalp, you’ve probably tried everything. But here’s the truth: most anti dandruff shampoos are made for dry, flaky dandruff. You need something that is specifically customised to target Oily Sticky dandruff like the Head & Shoulders Deep Cleanse Anti-Dandruff Shampoo with Oxygenated Charcoal.

Formulated with Oxygenated Charcoal and the anti-dandruff active Piroctone Olamine, it goes 5 layers deep to fight dandruff-causing germs at the source. The shampoo offers up to 100% protection from oily sticky dandruff* and helps prevent it from coming back with regular use. Perfect for both men and women, it leaves your scalp feeling refreshed with a cooling sensation and an energising scent that revitalises your haircare routine. As Dermatologists No.1 choice**, the Shampoo is designed to suit all hair types and for men and women seeking a clean healthy scalp.

The key is consistency, using the right shampoo regularly, at least 3 times a week, helps keep oily sticky dandruff under control and prevents it from coming back.

Ultimately, treating oily sticky dandruff shouldn’t look like overhauling your entire routine. More importantly, it is about understanding what your scalp actually needs. Clearly, not a rigorous wash that leaves your scalp feel like a frying pan.

Buy here: https://linkly.link/2ET2A

*Only visible flakes, with regular use at least 3 times a week.

**As surveyed with Dermatologists aware of Head & Shoulders at the 2023 World Congress of Dermatology, Singapore.

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