Experts have confirmed that ‘period hair’ is real

Doctors have confirmed that your hair can act or feel different during the stages of your cycle.

According to Natural Cycles, hormones play a "significant role" in the health of your hair. One study reported that women with excess oil in their hair generally had the highest levels of oil just before their period.

What causes 'period hair'?

The skin on the scalp and face both have sebaceous glands that produce oil. Consultant dermatologist Dr Ophelia Veraitch explained to Refinery29 that these glands are "extremely sensitive" to fluctuating hormones.

"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 explained.

"We know from studies that the cells that make up the oil glands are extremely sensitive to circulating hormones. This is why, around your period, it's not just your skin that can become oilier. It stands to reason that your hair is likely to become oilier, too," the doctor continued.

Excess oil from the scalp can then travel further down the hair shaft, and can make the hair look and feel greasy at this time.

Fluctuating hormone levels can impact anyone throughout their period, but according to Dr Ophelia, some people are simply more likely to suffer from greasy hair.

"Sometimes, being on hormonal therapies (such as the oral contraceptive pill or hormone replacement therapies) or having a condition such as polycystic ovary syndrome can lead to an increase in oil production on the face (leading to hormonal breakouts) as well as the scalp," she explained.

How can you prevent 'period hair'?

Dr Ophelia explained that there are many ways that oily hair can be addressed, including when on your period.

She recommends not washing the hair more than "two to three times a week maximum."

"It's a bit like when you wash your face too much. The skin becomes tight and dry before retaliating by producing excessive amounts of oil to overcompensate. It's the same principle with hair. If you wash your hair too often with stringent (or very strong) shampoos, your scalp will just start producing more oil."