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.

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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.

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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.

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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.