Health3 min(s) read
Published 15:56 08 Apr 2026 GMT
A dermatologist has confirmed one of the fears on the minds of women around the world when it's that time of the month.
There are a number of side effects which unfortunately come with having a monthly period.
Some of these include bloating, changes to the skin, pain, changes in mood and more, but 'period hair' might be one of the lesser known effects added to the list.
Women who have noticed that their hair feels or behaves differently around their period will be relieved to know they aren't alone, as experts have explained the little-known phenomenon.
The hair and scalp can feel different, like the skin, as a result of hormonal fluctuations during a period.
You may have noticed that your hair is greasier than normal, and it's all down to your hormones at the end of the day, which can make your locks feel oilier depending on the time of the month.
This occurrence isn't rare, as Natural Cycles reveals that one study found that women with excess oil on the scalp had the highest levels of oil before menstruation, on average.
To delve into the science of it all, the skin on the face and scalp have sebaceous glands, which produce oil.
But hormone shifts during periods can cause these glands to produce more sebum than normal, meaning that not just oilier hair, but oilier skin around the time of menstruation wouldn't be uncommon.
While oil is secreted by glands on the scalp, it can travel along the hair strands, which can give it that shinier look.
Dr Ophelia Veraitch, a consultant dermatologist, told Refinery29: "The skin on our scalp and face both have sebaceous glands at the base of the hair follicles that produce an oily, waxy liquid that lubricates and provides a barrier of protection to our skin and hair."
She added that oil glands are "extremely sensitive to circulating hormones," which is why your skin and hair feel oilier around the time of menstruation.
But many won't want to sport the look, so how do you get rid of that excess oil?
It is advised that you don't wash your hair too much during this period, but if you're struggling with how it feels, experts say to use dry shampoo for non-hair wash days.
This is due to the scalp producing excess oil to make up for the lack of oil as a result of multiple hair washes in the same period of time.
Dr Ophelia compared this to washing your face too much, as this can cause the skin to become "tight and dry," explaining: "If you wash your hair too often with stringent (or very strong) shampoos, your scalp will just start producing more oil."
Products are key, as trichologist and founder of Act + Acre, Helen Reavey, advised women to use a scalp treatment with salicylic acid, via Glamour.
This "gentle chemical exfoliant" can essentially balance sebum and oil levels, while lowering any irritation or itchiness which may be caused by period hair.
