How to cut your own hair: Learn to cut layers, bangs and more

Table Of Content

• How to trim your split ends on dry hair
• How to trim your own hair:
• How to cut your own bangs:
• Sections Method
• First, ask yourself if a haircut is actually necessary
• Twist Hair to Cut Your Own Bangs

Next, take a deep breath and go to work on the loose hair with clippers. If you’re going to cut your own hair at home, you’re going to need the proper tools. Don’t worry, you don’t have to go to any specialist shops, you can find most of these in your local beauty store. Face framing layers open things up and highlight one's facial features. With most of your hair clipped back, take a moment to notice your face shape and the features you want to highlight.

How to trim your split ends on dry hair

To DIY the so-called ponytail haircut, simply scrape your hair into a pony at the front of your head, comb the ponytail, and chop the tips off straight across with scissors or clippers. Some point-cutting added, and voila – you have a haircut with long layers! This works for hair of almost any length, starting from lob cuts and ending with mermaid locks. This style is layered with bangs, but you can also just trim the ends of your hair using the same technique.

How to trim your own hair:

If you have straight or wavy hair, Arrunategui suggests smoothing out your hair first with a flat iron. Even if your hair is straight, you may have a cowlick, dents from the way you slept on it, or kinks at the roots from not washing your hair. The idea is to get the hair smooth and dry so that no ridges form or hair shrinks up. But before you whip out those craft scissors (please, don't!) or scour YouTube for a "how to cut your own hair" video, try some of this advice from professionals who know best.

How to cut your own bangs:

Getting a perfectly even DIY cut can be tricky, but this tried-and-true method for achieving layers at home is great for beginners. Smooth hair into a ponytail at the top of the hairline near the forehead (hence the "unicorn ponytail" method), pull hair forward and snip ends. The sharper the angle, the more drastic the face-framing layers will be. With those tips in mind, follow the below step-by-step guides from hairstylist Lee Stafford to get DIY haircutting right. The way you hold each section and scissors will greatly impact how your at-home haircut will turn out.

And, for those going for a pixie cut, get some good clippers and a few different size attachments. Then, making sure the hair is all combed out as smoothly as possible, and using your fingers as a guide, either just cut straight across the ends, or use little vertical snips to cut across the ends. If you like to toss your hair around or switch up your parting frequently, settle on a center parting. Once you've identified and cleaned up your parting, use the edge of your cutting comb to section your hair from about half an inch behind the ears.

Sure, depending on your hair texture, your stylist might wet your hair before cutting it. And while it may seem tempting to replicate that salon experience and follow the same approach when cutting your hair at home, Fitzsimons says it's not necessarily the best option. Wet hair allows stylists to achieve precise lines, but it's important to remember that they have had professional training. Before we get into why you’re here — to learn how to cut your own hair in the comfort of your own home — it’s important to note how much we’d rather you see your hairstylist.

"Use the comb as a guide for a straight line, then cut upwards with the scissors." But whatever you do, be patient and keep your cuts minimal. Otherwise, you might wind up cutting your bangs way shorter than you anticipated. Marjan warns that trying to cut new bangs or face-framing layers is a surefire path to regret, but trimming existing ones is far easier. She advises sectioning your hair in a triangle as seen in this video of hers. When parting hair like this, Marjan likes to use the arches of her eyebrows as a guide to determine the outermost edges of the section.

Harry Josh Pro Tools Carbon Tail Comb

Her work has appeared on The Zoe Report, Fashionista, and StyleCaster. "These lengths are more challenging to trim on your own," warns Brook. "I would get a partner to help you trim since the angles of these styles are hard to reach on your own." Next, gather it all into a ponytail on the forehead, securing with a ponytail holder.

Twist Hair to Cut Your Own Bangs

My face shape is square, and for best results, I typically like front layers to accentuate my cheekbones. Whether you want to go short or add layers, follow these pro tips. But obviously over the past twelve months, we've had to take matters into our own hands (some of you have even been brave enough to learn how to dye your own hair). Now that salons are back open, we have access to the professionals again, but most salons are booked up for months (can you blame them?). So even though you might have managed to get an appointment booked in, it may not be for a while.

Then, a hand-held mirror is useful to check the back of your hair. You’ll also need a few sturdy hair clasps, bobbles, and a water spray for keeping your hair damp while trimming. First, use the fine tooth end of your cutting comb to bring forward a small quarter-inch section of hair from each side of your natural parting.

Finally, let the top of your hair out and cut that with the longest clipper attachment, or just trim with scissors, letting hair fall in the preferred direction. Blend sections of different lengths with your thinning scissors or ask a trusted friend to do it. Start by scooping the top-zone of your hair into a horseshoe parting and tie it up with a bobble. This is absolutely essential as you don’t want to cut the top section too short! Then, pin up any other wisps of hair that you don’t want to be as short as the hair around your ears and at the nape of your neck.

Once you've finished on each side, you should see your results taking shape. Once your guide is cut in the center, return to your natural parting and let that starting point guide you down to other tiny subsections on each side. While cutting one side will always feel more natural, slide cutting prevents the other side from feeling extremely foreign and more prone to significant mistakes. To maintain a short pixie style, Kaye uses clippers, shears and lots of clips (and patience) on her semi-relaxed hair. Parting hair evenly, clipping hair back tightly and carefully combing through hair is crucial for this precise cut. If you want to cut your lob, bob or shoulder-length hair, this method involves bringing hair to the front and securing with small elastics before trimming off ends.

How To Cut Your Own Hair And Nail It, According To The Pros - GLAMOUR UK

How To Cut Your Own Hair And Nail It, According To The Pros.

Posted: Tue, 01 Nov 2022 07:00:00 GMT [source]

The shortest point to begin your face framing layers is at the same level as your nose or cheekbones. We'd never advise learning how to cut your own hair instead of making an appointment with your hairdresser. If you usually wear your hair parted to one side, then position the ponytail on that side, directly in front of where your part would be. To glide your shears down safely, you want to pulse your two fingers as they go down subtly.

Cut Your Own Hair: An Easy Step-By-Step Layered Cut Guide

Table Of Content

• Separate Your Hair into Sections
• How to Maintain a Short Pixie Cut at Home
• How to cut your own hair at home – the guide to getting it right
• Master Cutting Your Own Hair Short
• How to Do a Layered Haircut

The pony at the top of the head would give you longer layers, and not as many. First, thoroughly wash and condition, then comb it all starting from underneath, smoothing everything to the front. Ensuring the hair and scalp are clean is the key to doing this correctly. This will ensure there is no product build-up or sebum (naturally produced oil) weighing the hair down at the roots, which would cause the hair to lay differently after it's washed. So make sure your hair has been recently washed and is free of all products.

Separate Your Hair into Sections

Part your hair a different way, wear it up, and try different styles. For afro-textured hair, keep your hair dry, with no products, and brush it out to its fullest. Now, trim damages and split ends of your hair without stretching any of it out with your fingers, a little like cutting a hedge. Once you’ve cut it all, brush your hair out again and trim any stragglers that are sticking out over the edges. After you know the front is looking good, it's time to bring the back forward and see how it all blends. Remove your clips and use your comb to split the hair down the middle, bringing each side forward.

How to Maintain a Short Pixie Cut at Home

For example, if you are looking for ways to cut your own bangs, twisting the stands might be one of the best ways to get a natural feathered look. If they don't organically mesh well together, you may have some corners to eliminate or soften up. I am not a fan of a U-shaped haircut, so to avoid this, I first used point cutting to trim my ends on both sides directly across. Then, I blended my newly trimmed ends into my new face-framing layers, using point cutting to soften the point between those two lengths. Check to see that there aren't any major differences between each side. Remember, we're going for a perfectly imperfect look, but there should still be some obvious symmetry.

How to cut your own hair at home – the guide to getting it right

As you can see, with a few tips and tricks, cutting your own hair may be quite easy if you do not plan extra big changes in your appearance. Trimming split ends or creating layers if often successful, not every short self-haircut done at home will look fabulous, though. Do not let your free cut turn into an expensive correction and do head to your stylist every time you contemplate something professional-looking. It goes without saying that different hair types require different techniques. If you have afro-textured or curly hair and like to wear it natural, do not cur your own hair in straight lines – is not going to have the desired effect.

Layering Short Hair

Bring hair to the front and snip at an angle or straight, depending on if you prefer a rounded or blunt shape to your cut. Layers are a timeless look that gives your hair a chic and professional style. And believe it or not, you can easily do this style yourself right at home—no previous training or experience required. Keep reading for a full tutorial on how to layer-cut your hair and get the best results. Experts suggest that at-home haircuts should be done on dry hair.

How to Give Yourself an At-Home Haircut with Tips from Celebrity Stylists - PEOPLE

How to Give Yourself an At-Home Haircut with Tips from Celebrity Stylists.

Posted: Thu, 14 May 2020 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Cutting Hair in a Ponytail

The most important part of this step is making sure that the line between the section that you’ve tied up and the hair you’ve left down is super straight and symmetrical. Once you’re happy with the line, chop the bulk of the loose hair off with scissors and then shave it with clippers. For those brave enough to do the twist technique on a larger scale, it can also be used for a DIY stacked bob haircut. Take the back section of your hair, twist it taut and, once again, chop the end off.

Master Cutting Your Own Hair Short

You might find one side feels more challenging, so take your time. This is a moment to go back in and slide cut or point cut any uneven pieces. Use slide cutting to adjust your length and point cutting to adjust your overall shape. Jessica (she/her) is a deputy editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute and a longtime product tester, reviewer, writer and editor of beauty and lifestyle content.

TikTok's Butterfly Haircut: Stylist on Why Viral Hack Works for Some - Business Insider

TikTok's Butterfly Haircut: Stylist on Why Viral Hack Works for Some.

Posted: Fri, 13 Jan 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

How to cut your own bangs:

She recommends styling your hair prior to your trim—that way you have a better idea of the true length you’re working with. It’s no secret that bangs are kiiinda high maintenance—even though they might skim your brows perfectly post-haircut, there’s a good chance they’ll be hitting your eyelids in a month or two. Committing to DIY bang trims—and this tutorial for straight hair is a great place to start. But if you’re already about to scroll past my warnings and disclaimers and just do the dang thing yourself, then fine, I get it, and I’ve been there. Even a quick glimpse at the hair length chart is enough to understand that dry and wet, strengthened curly hair lengths differ drastically. This is why you can have more control over the cut results when styling curly hair before the trim.

How to Do a Layered Haircut

We’re big fans of DIY when it comes to hair, from making your own masks to at-home dye touch-ups and even the occasional (careful) bang trim. Cutting your own hair, however, is a tougher sell—there’s a reason we're loyal to our hairstylists. Still, sometimes it’s inevitable, and we’d never let you go at it alone. If a visit to the salon is out of the question, heed this advice from celebrity hairstylist and Biolage Brand Ambassador Sunnie Brook.

(So much!) Besides the potentially devastating aesthetic outcomes, a trained professional has a certain set of tools and skills (plus a view of the back of your head) most of us do not. They know how to add layers, give you a prim and pinprick-sharp bob, or snip those bangs to perfection. Craft or kitchen scissors simply will not work for this type of DIY project. Also a powerful flatiron, alligator clips, and a comb (wide tooth for curly hair, fine-tooth for straight hair). While a salon appointment with a trained hairstylist is the safest way to go for any kind of haircut, sometimes you gotta do it yourself—and that’s okay.

She’s made it her own personal mission to find the best concealer in the world to cover her tenacious dark circles. She’s obsessed with skincare that makes her skin bouncy and glowy, low-maintenance hair that doesn’t require brushing and a cracking good manicure. As this is a dry cut, there's no need to wash your hair before you start.

This will leave the hair at the nape of your neck short with the hair on either side gently fading into longer lengths. Watch almost any DIY haircut video on YouTube and you’re bound to see women pulling their hair into bobbles left, right, and center. The days of Mom putting a bowl on your head and cutting around the edge are well and truly over, strategic bobble placement is the way forward. Once you’ve cut your hair straight across, you may find that your hair looks a little heavy or blockish. One of the possible ways to lighten the look is to make a few vertical snips into your hair. If you want to take some of the weight out of your hair, you’ll need a pair of texturizing shears (also known as thinning or layering scissors).

With this in mind, I will start the layers between my cheekbones and chin. Starting just below the chin will always be your safest bet if you have extra long hair. No matter your hair length or face shape, you never want to start your face-framing layers above the cheekbones or nose level.

Why Does My Hair Get Oily So Fast? 9 Tips to Manage Grease

Table Of Content

• Keep a good dry shampoo on-hand
• How does stress impact the oil production of my scalp and hair?
• How to Choose the Best Cleansing Conditioner for Your Hair Type
• Shampooing With Hot Water

In addition to redness, flaking, and crusting, you may also notice greasy hair. It also explains the best way to style oily hair and which products can worsen it. Ahead, the experts dish out their favorite products to add into your routine. Whether you have a standard cotton pillowcase or have splurged for a silk option, you'll need to keep your pillowcase clean to keep your hair clean too. Residual makeup (yes, even if you double cleanse), skin-care residue, sweat, and more lurk between those fibers (even more so if you're still using a cotton pillowcase). This residue makes your strands greasier as the clock beats toward wake-up time.

Keep a good dry shampoo on-hand

And if you use dry shampoo, it may help reduce the oily appearance temporarily, but that same dry shampoo could wind up clogging your hair follicles and in turn, trigger even more oil. If you've dealt with greasy hair, you're probably well aware of all of this and more. Then it might be time to add in a weekly clarifying wash to deeply cleanse the roots. INVIGO Aqua Pure Purifying Shampoo is the perfect pick to purify your scalp and remove product build-up; ideal if you tend to use waxes, gels, lotions or oils to style your hair. And if that build-up is really stubborn (because sometimes that extra wax is just needed!), try massaging the shampoo into the roots of dry hair first, before rinsing out thoroughly.

How does stress impact the oil production of my scalp and hair?

You might think that if you have dandruff, the dry itchy skin on your scalp means your hair will be dry too. But Dr. Zeichner warns that dandruff actually might seriously contribute to greasy hair, and it’s a bit of a vicious cycle. “Scalp oil promotes an overgrowth of yeast on scalp skin, which in turn promotes inflammation and flaking,” he says. “This may further trap oil and make the hair look greasy.” Your best bet is to look for ingredients meant to decrease yeast overgrowth such as zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide, and ketoconazole. A hard-to-control oily scalp may be in your genes, but supplements can potentially help this condition.

How to Choose the Best Cleansing Conditioner for Your Hair Type

Does Dirty Hair Grow Faster? I Tried It For More Length - Refinery29

Does Dirty Hair Grow Faster? I Tried It For More Length.

Posted: Fri, 28 Aug 2020 07:00:00 GMT [source]

But it can also occur from hormonal imbalances and some skin and health-related conditions. Using the right shampoo, conditioners, and styling products formulated for your hair type is often all that's needed to correct the problem. Ans - It's generally recommended to wash oily hair every other day to prevent the scalp from producing excess oil. However, the frequency of washing may vary depending on individual hair type and lifestyle factors.

Shampooing With Hot Water

If you’re short on time and need to disguise oily strands, use this greasy hair styling gallery for some editor-approved inspiration. Use the oils in your hair to your advantage with a sleek topknot. Plus, the natural oils will help hydrate your hair and give you an even better hair day tomorrow. Your natural oils protect hair and are vital for a healthy scalp and lustrous hair. Here’s how to cut the grease without damaging your hair or irritating your scalp.

If You're Struggling With Dull, Lackluster Skin, This Is the Routine You Need

In fact, sebum production is controlled by hormones1, including testosterone, other androgens, progesterone, cortisol, and growth factors. As with your skin, there are several factors that contribute to increased oil production on the scalp. Ultimately, too, there's a good chance it's a combination of the below factors that are triggering your oil abundance.

Go dry

Greasy hair: What are the causes and how to prevent it - Marie Claire UK

Greasy hair: What are the causes and how to prevent it.

Posted: Sun, 09 Apr 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Your favorite hair brush can unfortunately be home to all your product residue if you don’t clean it of old hair. “Brushes, our fingers, and our products all have oils that can grasp to our strands,” says Eaddy. He recommends actively cleaning your brush and combs, as well as avoiding using your fingers to run through your hair if you’re struggling with excess greasiness. And although a nice hot shower is a great remedy after a long day, high temperatures could also be causing grease.

People with an oily scalp can have healthy hair or dry, brittle hair. Your hair needs oil to be healthy, but too much oil can lead to buildup on the hair and scalp. Believe it or not, "blow-drying too much can also cause your hair to produce excess grease, so try letting your hair air-dry instead," says Polko.

Use Hair Growth Oils to Keep Your Hair Healthy While You Grow it Out

Sebum travels more easily through straight hair than it does through curly hair. So if you have thin, straight hair, you are more likely to struggle with greasy hair. People with curly hair often need to add more moisture with products because the sebum doesn’t reach their ends. The oils in your hair come from sebaceous glands attached to each hair follicle.

Meaning, no more less than glamorous hair days or frantically over-washing your hair. To help you out, TZR spoke with five celebrity hairstylists for their top tips on treating and preventing greasy hair. The experts are also sharing the many causes of excess hair oil and the best products to add in your routine today. Oily scalp and hair can be annoying in the moment, but they're usually signs that you need to take a step back and look at your hair care and styling routine as a whole. You'll want to start by managing the oil with the right wash schedule, styling products, and natural ingredients. Give it some time, but we're sure you'll be able to get those roots in check.

First, the products themselves could be silicone- or oil-based, which would naturally cause the hair and scalp to look more oily. This is especially true if you apply too much or you layer these products without adequately removing the prior day's. Be careful when you wash, dry, and style the hair, as being too aggressive can cause hair to generate more oil.

Conditioning correctly is about maintaining scalp oil balance without contributing to excess grease. Consider conditioner alternatives like lightweight formulas with essential oils or aloe vera, which can hydrate without heaviness. Moreover, touching your hair frequently or not washing your pillowcase regularly can transfer oils and dirt back to your scalp, exacerbating oiliness. Add these tips to your hair care routine and say goodbye to greasy hair – once and for all. While it may seem counterintuitive, shampooing too often can result in your scalp producing more sebum. Overly-vigorous cleansing can strip too much oil from the scalp, explains says Dr. Mirmirani, triggering a rebound effect where more oil is produced to make up for what was removed.

This treatment can help lift oil off the scalp and roots while adding some much appreciated deep hydration. Spend an extra minute or two making sure you have all of the shampoo and conditioner out of your hair. This can make a big difference in how your hair looks and feels. Straightening irons and blow dryers can give you a smooth, sleek finish. An overly greasy scalp can lead to uncomfortable itching and seborrheic dermatitis. It can even provide a feast for the fungus that causes dandruff.

If you need to blow dry your hair, then make sure to use the coolest setting. Another secret to stop your hair from getting oily too fast is reverse hair washing. What this means is you apply the conditioner first, then you shampoo. Maybe your hair is already starting to rebel after reading this, but washing your hair every day is not a good idea – even if you have super oily hair. Ans - There are several reasons why hair can get oily quickly, including genetics, hormonal changes, over-washing, using hot water, and using too much hair product.

Just as you'll want to use gentle products, you'll also want to treat your hair and scalp gently. If you use pure apple cider vinegar, the best way to apply it is to pour a mixture of it into your hair while in the shower, work it through your roots, and rinse it out. Not only will it remove the oily buildup, but it will also leave your hair unbelievably soft and shiny. For the ACV mixture, you'll want to mix about two to three tablespoons of pure apple cider vinegar into a bottle of water to help balance the acidity. Gohara also says perpetually oily hair can even be the result of something called seborrheic dermatitis.

Get Rid of Greasy Hair With These 28 Expert-Backed Tips

Table Of Content

• What to do to combat an oily scalp:
• Why is my hair so oily even after I wash it?
• Why Does My Hair Get Greasy So Fast? A Dermatologist Explains The Vicious Cycle That Causes It — and How to Break Free
• Why Does My Hair Get Oily So Fast? Causes, Products, and Remedies
• Don't Miss This Rare Sale On My Favorite Product For Supple Skin & Healthier Hair
• Hair type

Just be patient, says Paglionico, as it can take about a month for your scalp to adjust and for you to notice a real difference. Oil is naturally secreted by the oil glands that are located underneath your skin and scalp. This natural oil is necessary to keep your skin moisturised and hair soft and shiny. For some people, the scalp produces more oil than is needed and thus causes oily hair. As stated above, there’s no "one-size-fits-all" solution for how often you should wash.

What to do to combat an oily scalp:

Aggressive scrubbing can irritate your scalp and cause it to produce more oils. Shampooing too little or even too often can contribute to greasy hair. Washing more than once a day can cause your glands to overreact and produce more oil to make up for the extra shampooing.

Why is my hair so oily even after I wash it?

If you’re battling oily hair, there are several things you can do to help reduce excess oils. Oily hair care involves choosing the right products and using them correctly as well as taking care of your scalp. Oil can build up to a visible level in less than a 24-hour time span. Sometimes intense exercise, overuse of hair products, or even going outside in excessive humidity or heat can trigger an oily hair day.

Why Does My Hair Get Greasy So Fast? A Dermatologist Explains The Vicious Cycle That Causes It — and How to Break Free

Sebum cannot simply be removed by rinsing your hair with water or any type of shampoo. The specific ingredients need to be present in your shampoo, to be able to break down the sebum and expel it from your scalp. Also, using only a conditioner to wash your hair, without bothering to shampoo your hair later, could lead to excess buildup of sebum. These products are designed to clean the scalp and hair without adding extra moisture.

Being gentle with your hair while it’s experiencing change is important so as not to exacerbate any thinning. It goes without saying that excessive heat and chemical treatments aren’t a good idea, but try and opt for protective hairstyles too. “Opt for hairstyles that minimize tension on the hair follicles, such as loose braids, buns or ponytails,” advises Gaboardi.

Why Does My Hair Get Oily So Fast? Causes, Products, and Remedies

To keep your roots voluminous, concentrate conditioner only on the ends of the hair, staying away from the roots (which tend to absorb the most oil). We tapped two professional hairstylists and a certified trichologist to share their expert tips for treating and preventing greasy hair. From rubbing a popular essential oil into your scalp and changing your linens frequently to alternating shampoo formulas and taking supplements, find the 28 best tips, below. When your scalp is really oily, your hair can get weighed down and styling can become more difficult than it ought to be. If you have greasy hair that's increasingly hard to maintain, you'll be delighted to know that it's actually not all bad. According to experts, that oil serves a purpose that's really good for you.

Don't Miss This Rare Sale On My Favorite Product For Supple Skin & Healthier Hair

Furthermore, make sure you're paying attention to your whole head versus just the hairline—even the back of your head needs TLC. At night, spray hair with dry shampoo to help absorb any oil throughout the night, and clip your hair up in a bun on the top of your head, says Thompson. "I just recently started doing this and it helps extend the life of a blowout." If your hair is in desperate need of a rinse, soak it in the shower with just water, and use dry shampoo once dry. "Your hair, skin, and nails are a direct reflection of what you put into your body. Supplements are a great way to achieve shinier, healthier hair," says Polko.

Why Your Hair Is Greasy and How to Fix It — Expert Tips - Allure

Why Your Hair Is Greasy and How to Fix It — Expert Tips.

Posted: Fri, 19 Jun 2020 07:00:00 GMT [source]

But it does mean you should make sure to choose shampoos and conditioners that can provide the right balance of clarifying action and moisture. We face stress and anxiety every day, but trying to balance a heavy load of stress can do more damage than that extra cup of coffee. When we are stressed, the body releases a hormone called cortisol.

The Strengthening Oil That Makes Shoppers' Hair “Grow So Fast” Is Just $12 at Amazon - InStyle

The Strengthening Oil That Makes Shoppers' Hair “Grow So Fast” Is Just $12 at Amazon.

Posted: Thu, 17 Aug 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Hair type

Various home remedies like aloe vera, fenugreek seeds, green tea extract, honey, eggs, baking soda, yogurt, and shikakai have been found effective in managing oily hair. It's essential to choose a shampoo specifically formulated for oily hair and avoid over-washing, as this can lead to excessive oil production. Styling hair in a sleek low ponytail, messy bun, braids, half-up, half-down style, or a top knot can be great options for those with oily hair. Your scalp constantly produces sebum, a natural oil produced by sebaceous glands. This natural oil known as sebum forms a barrier on the surface of your scalp to help protect your hair and skin, keeping both healthy, hydrated and protected from elements such as sun damage and pollution. While sebum production is a completely normal process, certain lifestyle changes (such as puberty, pregnancy, etc.) can cause your scalp to produce more or less oil.

And if all else fails, consult your go-to hairstylist, who will be able to walk you through a shampoo schedule that works for you. While more research is needed to be done to be better understand how food affects the hair and scalp, we know there are several foods that can increase oil on the skin. "The oil follicles on the scalp are controlled in similar ways to the oil follicles on our face and other areas like the neck, chest, and upper back," says board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, M.D. "So, factors like stress that may increase oil production on our face may also increase oil production on our scalp." Essential fatty acids are a key component of a healthy, balanced lifestyle.

By understanding your hair types and using the right shampooing techniques, you can avoid overwashing and using too much conditioner, which can contribute to oiliness. Pay attention to product quality, ensure proper root cleansing, and use a scalp massage to promote healthy hair without exacerbating oil production. When using shampoo for oily hair, it's important not to over-wash your hair, as this can actually stimulate the production of more oil. Aim to wash your hair every other day, and try to avoid using hot water, which can also stimulate oil production. Overall, using a shampoo formulated for oily hair can be an effective way to control excess oil production and leave your hair feeling clean and refreshed.

If you’re still experiencing oily hair, speak to a dermatologist. They may be able to help you determine the root cause of your oily hair and find a treatment that works for you. Similar to brushing your hair, straightening your hair moves oil throughout your hair cuticle. Hair straighteners and other hot tools for hair also apply heat close to the root of your hair, which can trigger your sweat glands. Cornstarch and baby powder are the same concept as dry shampoo, just with one natural ingredient. You can use a few drops of pure aloe vera as a leave-in conditioning treatment, or cleanse your hair with aloe as part of your routine.

If all else fails, make regular scalp massages a part of your routine. "Not only is this amazing for your scalp circulation, but it is also a great way to de-stress and feel great," Marjan says. Oily hair can be a tell-tale symptom of several underlying medical conditions. It can be caused by fungal or bacterial infections, hormonal imbalances, and certain skin conditions, like seborrheic dermatitis. Remember, the goal is to support your hair’s needs without overwhelming it with unnecessary products or practices. If you have fine oily hair (and I’m sure some with coarser hair too) you know the sleek hair struggle all too well.

Washing your hair less frequently can cause your scalp to stop producing as much oil. With every shampoo, your scalp gets a signal to produce more oil. Once you know the reason why your hair is oily, you’ll be one step closer to oil-free tresses. Implement our expert tips on shampooing, conditioning, styling, and more to keep grease at bay.