What Causes Oily Hair?
Oily hair is a common and frustrating problem for many people. The main culprit behind greasy locks is excess sebum production from the sebaceous glands in the scalp. Sebum is the natural oil that keeps hair moisturized and healthy. However, when the scalp produces too much sebum, hair can quickly start looking limp, weighed down, and unclean.
Several factors can stimulate the sebaceous glands to kick into overdrive:
Hormonal Changes
Hormonal fluctuations are a major trigger for increased sebum production. Androgens like testosterone signal the sebaceous glands to produce more oil. This is why oily hair often coincides with puberty, menstrual cycles, pregnancy, menopause, and conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) that affect hormone levels.
Genetics
Some people are simply predisposed to having oilier scalps due to their genes. If one or both of your parents had overactive sebaceous glands, you’re more likely to inherit that trait as well. Genetics play a significant role in determining the size and activity level of sebaceous glands.
Overwashing
Believe it or not, washing your hair too frequently can actually make oiliness worse. Each time you shampoo, it strips away sebum. If you wash too often, the scalp goes into oil production overdrive to compensate for the constant removal of its natural oils. This creates a vicious cycle of oiliness.
Using the Wrong Hair Products
Hair products containing harsh sulfates, heavy silicones, or rich moisturizing ingredients can build up on the scalp and strands, making hair appear greasier faster. Overusing styling products like dry shampoo, hairspray, and mousse can also contribute to an oily scalp.
Environmental Factors and Lifestyle Habits
Exposure to hot, humid weather can make the scalp sweat and produce more oil. Wearing hats, helmets, or headbands for extended periods can also trap oil against the scalp. Touching your hair frequently transfers oil and dirt from your hands onto your strands.
Understanding the underlying causes of oily hair is the first step in tackling the problem. By identifying your individual triggers, you can make targeted changes to your hair care routine and lifestyle habits to keep excess oil under control.
How Often Should I Wash My Hair to Reduce Oiliness?
Finding the right hair washing frequency is important to managing an oily scalp. However, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. How often you need to shampoo depends on your individual hair type, lifestyle, and sebum production.
As a general guideline, people with very oily hair may need to wash daily, while those with moderately oily scalps can usually get by with washing every other day. If your hair is only slightly oily, you may be able to stretch washes to every 2-3 days.
The best way to determine your ideal washing schedule is to experiment and observe how your scalp responds. Start by shampooing every other day. If your roots still feel greasy on the second day, bump it up to daily washes. If your scalp feels dry or itchy with every other day washing, try extending to every third day.
When you do shampoo, concentrate the product on your scalp and roots, where oil tends to accumulate. The ends of your hair are older and drier, so they don’t need as much cleansing. Gently massage the shampoo into your scalp for at least 30 seconds to break up oil and product buildup.
Be sure to choose a shampoo formulated for oily hair, which will be more effective at degreasing the scalp than regular shampoos. Look for labels that say “clarifying,” “balancing,” or “oil control.”
On non-wash days, you can rinse your hair with just water if it feels grimy. You can also use a dry shampoo to absorb excess oil and refresh your roots.
It may take a few weeks for your scalp to adjust to a new washing routine. Be patient and consistent with your schedule. Over time, your sebaceous glands should start to regulate their oil production to match your washing frequency.
What Are the Best Shampoos and Conditioners for Oily Hair?
Using the right shampoo and conditioner is crucial for keeping oily hair looking fresh and clean. The best products will effectively remove excess sebum without stripping the scalp of its natural oils or irritating the skin.
When shopping for shampoo, look for formulas labeled “clarifying,” “balancing,” “strengthening,” or “volumizing.” These products are specifically designed to deep clean the scalp and hair without leaving behind heavy residues.
Some beneficial ingredients to look for in shampoos for oily hair include:
- Salicylic acid: Helps exfoliate the scalp and unclog pores to reduce oil production
- Tea tree oil: A natural antiseptic that helps balance the scalp’s oil levels
- Lemon, grapefruit, or mint: Citrus and mint extracts can help cut through grease and leave hair smelling fresh
- Clay or charcoal: Absorbs excess oil and impurities from the scalp and hair
Avoid shampoos with rich, moisturizing ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, or silicones, as these can be too heavy for oily hair and lead to faster greasiness.
Top-rated shampoos for oily hair include:
| Shampoo | Key Benefits |
|---|---|
| Neutrogena Anti-Residue Clarifying Shampoo | Removes up to 90% of dulling residue caused by shampoos, conditioners, and styling products |
| Aveeno Apple Cider Vinegar Blend Shampoo | Clarifies the scalp, removes buildup, and boosts volume with apple cider vinegar |
| Maple Holistics Degrease Shampoo | Controls oiliness and soothes the scalp with jojoba oil, peach kernel oil, and botanical keratin |
| Klorane Nettle Sebo-Regulating Shampoo | Regulates sebum production and purifies oily roots with nettle extract |
When it comes to conditioner, look for lightweight, volumizing formulas that won’t weigh down your strands. Apply conditioner only to the ends of your hair, avoiding the scalp and roots where oil tends to concentrate.
Some good conditioner options for oily hair include:
| Conditioner | Key Benefits |
|---|---|
| OGX Weightless Hydration Coconut Water Conditioner | Lightly hydrates and balances hair without heaviness |
| Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Conditioner | Strengthens hair with active fruit protein and vitamins B3 and B6 |
| L’Oreal Paris EverPure Sulfate Free Volume Conditioner | Boosts volume and softness with lotus flower and rose extracts |
If your ends are very dry, you can also try using a leave-in conditioner or hair oil on just the tips of your hair to add moisture without greasiness. Argan oil, grapeseed oil, and almond oil are all lightweight options that provide nourishment without heaviness.
An important step with any conditioner is to use it sparingly and rinse it out thoroughly. Excess conditioner residue can make hair appear oilier faster.
How Should I Apply Shampoo and Conditioner to Avoid Greasiness?
Properly applying shampoo and conditioner is just as important as choosing the right products for oily hair. Incorrect technique can lead to product buildup, irritation, and excess greasiness.
Here are some tips for shampooing and conditioning oily hair:
Shampooing
- Thoroughly wet your hair with warm (not hot) water. Hot water can stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more oil.
- Squeeze a quarter-size amount of shampoo into your palm. If your hair is long or very thick, you may need a bit more.
- Rub the shampoo between your hands to create a lather.
- Apply the shampoo directly to your scalp and massage it in with your fingertips using gentle circular motions. Focus on the roots and scalp, where oil tends to collect. Don’t scrub or scratch your scalp aggressively, as this can irritate the skin and trigger more oil production.
- Work the shampoo through the rest of your hair, but don’t worry about the ends. They will get clean from the suds rinsing through them.
- Rinse the shampoo out completely with warm water. Make sure there is no shampoo residue left on the scalp or strands, as this can make hair appear greasy.
- If your hair is very oily, you can repeat steps 2-6 for a second shampoo to ensure a thorough clean.
Conditioning
- After shampooing and rinsing, squeeze a small amount of conditioner into your palm. A nickel-size dollop is usually sufficient for medium-length hair.
- Apply the conditioner to the ends of your hair, working it in with your fingers. Avoid applying conditioner to your scalp or roots, as this can make greasiness worse.
- Use a wide-tooth comb to distribute the conditioner evenly through your ends.
- Let the conditioner sit on your hair for 1-2 minutes to allow it to penetrate the strands.
- Rinse the conditioner out thoroughly with cool water. The cool temperature helps seal the hair cuticle and add shine.
- Gently squeeze excess water from your hair with your hands. Avoid rubbing your hair with a towel, as this can cause frizz and breakage.
If you have very oily roots but dry ends, you can try “co-washing” on alternate days. Co-washing involves using only conditioner to wash your hair, skipping shampoo altogether. The conditioner will gently cleanse your scalp without stripping away too much oil. However, co-washing may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with fine hair or very oily scalps.
With properly applying shampoo and conditioner, you can keep your scalp and strands clean and healthy without overdoing it on either end of the spectrum.
What Styling Tips Can Help Manage Oily Hair?
In addition to using the right hair care products and washing techniques, adopting certain styling habits can also help control oily hair. Here are some tips to keep your locks looking fresh and grease-free:
Brush Regularly
Brushing your hair helps distribute the natural oils from your scalp down the length of your strands. This can help prevent oil from concentrating at the roots and making hair appear greasy. Use a natural bristle brush or a brush with a mixture of natural and synthetic bristles to gently detangle and smooth hair.
Avoid Touching Your Hair
Your hands contain natural oils that can transfer to your hair, making it look greasier faster. Try to resist the urge to touch, twirl, or run your fingers through your hair throughout the day.
Use the Right Styling Products
When choosing styling products for oily hair, look for formulas that are lightweight, water-based, and non-greasy. Avoid heavy pomades, waxes, and oils that can weigh down hair and make it appear oilier.
Some good styling product options for oily hair include:
- Volumizing mousses or sprays: These products can help lift the roots and add body to fine, oily hair without weighing it down.
- Texturizing sprays or dry shampoos: These products absorb excess oil and add grip and texture to hair, making it easier to style and extending the time between washes.
- Light hold hairsprays: A light misting of hairspray can help set styles and control flyaways without adding greasiness.
Style Strategically
Certain hairstyles can help disguise oily roots and keep hair looking fresh for longer. Some good options include:
- Braids: French braids, Dutch braids, and fishtail braids can help hide oily roots and add texture and interest to second-day hair.
- Ponytails: A high ponytail or topknot can help lift the roots and keep oily hair off the face and neck.
- Half-up, half-down styles: Pulling the top half of your hair back into a clip or ponytail can help disguise oily roots while still letting the rest of your hair down.
- Accessorize: Adding a headband, scarf, or hat can help conceal oily roots and add a stylish touch to your look.
Avoid Heat Styling
Heat styling tools like flat irons, curling wands, and blow dryers can stimulate the sebaceous glands and make hair appear greasier faster. If you do use heat tools, be sure to apply a heat protectant spray first and use the lowest temperature setting that still gets the job done.
Wash Your Pillowcase Regularly
Oil and sweat from your scalp can transfer to your pillowcase as you sleep, then back onto your hair the next night. To avoid this cycle, wash your pillowcase at least once a week or switch to a silk or satin pillowcase, which is less absorbent than cotton.
By incorporating these styling tips into your hair care routine, you can help extend the time between washes and keep oily hair looking its best. Remember, the key is to be gentle with your hair and scalp, use the right products, and embrace styles that work with your natural texture and oil levels.
How Can Dry Shampoo Help With Oily Hair?
Dry shampoo is a lifesaver for people with oily hair. This powdery product can absorb excess oil, refresh the scalp, and extend the time between washes. Here’s how dry shampoo works and how to use it effectively:
What is Dry Shampoo?
Dry shampoo is a waterless formula that comes in an aerosol spray or powder form. It typically contains ingredients like rice starch, corn starch, or clay that absorb oil and grease from the hair and scalp.
Dry shampoo also often contains fragrance to help hair smell fresh and clean between washes. Some formulas may also include volumizing agents or texturizers to add body and grip to hair.
Benefits of Dry Shampoo for Oily Hair
Dry shampoo offers several benefits for people with oily hair:
- Absorbs excess oil: The starch or clay ingredients in dry shampoo soak up grease and oil from the scalp and roots, leaving hair looking and feeling cleaner.
- Extends time between washes: By absorbing oil, dry shampoo can help you go longer between full shampoos. This can be especially helpful if you’re trying to train your scalp to produce less oil over time.
- Adds volume and texture: Many dry shampoos contain ingredients that help lift the roots and add grip to the hair, making it easier to style and hold a shape.
- Saves time: Dry shampoo is a quick and easy way to refresh hair without having to go through the full washing and drying process.
- Prevents overwashing: Shampooing too frequently can strip the scalp of its natural oils and lead to irritation and dryness. Dry shampoo allows you to cleanse your hair without water, reducing the risk of overwashing.
How to Use Dry Shampoo
To get the most benefit from dry shampoo, it’s important to apply it correctly. Here’s how:
- Start with dry hair: Dry shampoo works best on hair that hasn’t been washed for at least a day. If your hair is damp or wet, the powder won’t be able to absorb as much oil.
- Shake the can well: If using an aerosol dry shampoo, shake the can vigorously before each use to mix the ingredients.
- Apply to the roots: Lift sections of your hair and spray the dry shampoo directly onto the roots and scalp, holding the can about 6 inches away from your head. If using a powder formula, sprinkle a small amount onto the roots and scalp.
- Massage it in: Use your fingertips to massage the dry shampoo into the scalp and let it sit for a few minutes before brushing or combing it through.
What Home Remedies Can Help Combat Oily Hair?
If you’re looking for natural ways to manage oily hair, there are several home remedies you can try using ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Here are a few to consider:
Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse
The acidity of apple cider vinegar (ACV) can help balance your scalp’s pH levels and control oil production. It also helps remove product buildup that can contribute to greasiness.
To make an ACV rinse:
- Mix 2-4 tablespoons of ACV with 1 cup of water.
- After shampooing and conditioning your hair, pour the mixture over your scalp and hair.
- Massage it into your scalp for a minute or two.
- Rinse thoroughly with cool water.
- Use this rinse once or twice a week.
Lemon Juice Rinse
Like ACV, the citric acid in lemon juice can help cut through grease and oil buildup on the scalp. The vitamin C in lemons also helps strengthen hair follicles.
To make a lemon juice rinse:
- Mix the juice of one lemon with 1 cup of water.
- After shampooing, pour the mixture over your scalp and hair.
- Massage it in for a minute, then rinse thoroughly with cool water.
- Use this rinse once a week.
Aloe Vera Mask
Aloe vera gel has enzymes that can help break down excess oil and product residue on the scalp. It also has antimicrobial properties that can help soothe scalp irritation and dandruff.
To make an aloe vera hair mask:
- Mix 2-3 tablespoons of pure aloe vera gel with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.
- Apply the mixture to your scalp and hair, massaging it in well.
- Let it sit for 15-20 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with cool water.
- Use this mask once a week.
Green Tea Rinse
Green tea contains polyphenols that can help regulate sebum production on the scalp. It also has antioxidants that protect hair from damage.
To make a green tea rinse:
- Steep 2-3 green tea bags in 1 cup of hot water for 10 minutes.
- Let the tea cool completely, then remove the bags.
- After shampooing, pour the cooled tea over your scalp and hair.
- Massage it in for a minute, then rinse thoroughly.
- Use this rinse 1-2 times per week.
Witch Hazel Toner
Witch hazel is a natural astringent that can help remove excess oil from the scalp without overdrying. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe irritation.
To use witch hazel on your scalp:
- Pour a small amount of witch hazel onto a cotton ball or pad.
- Part your hair and dab the witch hazel directly onto your scalp.
- Let it sit for 5 minutes, then proceed with your usual shampoo and conditioning routine.
- Use this treatment 2-3 times per week.
These home remedies can help control oily hair, but they shouldn’t completely replace your regular hair care routine. Use them in conjunction with a gentle shampoo and lightweight conditioner formulated for your hair type.
As with any new hair treatment, it’s always a good idea to do a patch test first to make sure you don’t have an adverse reaction. If you have a pre-existing scalp condition or very sensitive skin, check with a dermatologist before trying home remedies.
With a little experimentation and patience, these natural solutions can be a great addition to your oily hair management routine. They’re affordable, easy to make, and can leave your hair looking and feeling fresh and clean.
