Oily Hair

7 Proven Methods to Prevent Appearance of Oily Hair

If you’re anything like me, you’re probably all too familiar with the feeling of waking up with your hair in an oily mess. Maybe you thought you could go another day without washing it, but, unfortunately, you made a miscalculation.

Although you could always employ one of your hats or headbands, or a little bit of that dry shampoo in your cabinet, to hide it, this is just a temporary solution to the problem. Not to mention the fact that if you overuse dry shampoo your scalp will likely get that uncomfortable chalky feeling.

Instead, why not try changing your approach to prevent the greasiness from happening entirely? Luckily, I have some tips that you can use to slow down this never-ending grease cycle and prevent oil from building up rather than just putting a band-aid over the issue.

brunette woman with hands in her geasy hair

Why Does Your Hair Get Oily?

Here is a bit of background information on why this happens and several tips to prevent it from going beyond control.

Your scalp produces natural hair oil called sebum to hydrate and protect your scalp and hair. The amount of oil produced by oil glands depends on your genetics, hormones, diet, frequency of hair washing, lifestyle, and more. Both sebum and sweat collect at the roots of your hair giving it a greasy look.

hair follicle and oil glands illustration

How Can You Control the Appearance of Oily Hair

1. Wash Your Hair Properly

Washing oily hair can be a game of balance because if you don’t wash enough, the natural oils on your scalp will cause your hair to look greasy. On the other hand, if you wash too often, you could be stripping the natural oils from your scalp. Overwashing can cause oil glands to produce more oil to compensate for the loss.

And yes, there is a right way to shampoo your hair! To wash properly, make sure your hair and scalp are fully saturated with water (if you have thicker hair, this may mean standing under the showerhead for 1-2 minutes before going in with your shampoo.) Then, gently massage your shampoo with the pads of your fingers, not your nails. Focus the shampoo on your scalp instead of your ends. At the end of the washing action, make sure to thoroughly rinse out shampoo from your hair. Any hair product, including hair shampoo and conditioner, can build up in the hair over time and make it look heavy.

2. Use Sulfate-Free Shampoos

Although sulfates effectively eliminate excess oil, people with oily hair should avoid shampoos that contain sulfates. The purpose of sulfates is to rid the hair of grease and impurities but they also strip the hair of its natural oils. As we mentioned before, stripping the oils from your scalp can results in an overproduction of oil to make up for that lost hydration. On top of this, sulfates can also strip the color from your locks.

girl shopping for a sulfate-free shampoo

Instead, try a shampoo that uses mild, plant-based cleansers. Nowadays, there are a ton of sulfate-free shampoos that will leave your hair feeling light and clean without drying it out!

Avoid shampoos described as moisturizing, because your limp heavy hair does not need much moisture.

3. Use Conditioner Sparingly

After cleansing, you may want to condition your hair to add some slip for easy combing. Opt for a lightweight conditioner that won’t weigh your hair down. Make sure to apply conditioner only to the mid-lengths and ends of your hair. If you apply conditioner to your scalp or roots, it will make your hair look flatter. Once you’re done conditioning, make sure to rinse your hair thoroughly.

applying conditioner to the ends of oily hair

4. Don’t Touch Your Hair Throughout the Day

We know it’s hard but keep your hands off your hair! Your hands and fingers produce sweat and other natural oils throughout the day. Touching the hair repeatedly can contribute to that greasy look. Try to change this habit and avoid touching your hair frequently. If you have to fix or adjust your hair, wash your hands first to minimize the amount of oil on them.

5. Clean Your Hair Brush and Styling Tools

Your brush and styling tools can trap dirt, oil, and styling products. The gunk and grime trapped in hair tools can end up in your clean hair look dirty.

Make sure to remove the hair tangled around the bristles each time after you use the brush. Make a habit of deep cleaning your brush every 2 weeks. To wash your hairbrush, add a few drops of shampoo and 1 teaspoon of baking soda to warm water. Submerge the brush for up to five minutes. Use an old toothbrush to remove any leftover oil, dirt, and other grime.

6. Use Masks Made for Oily Hair

While many hair masks boast their hydration benefits, there are actually some masks that help balance out oily hair and reduce the greasy look and feel! Try a hair mask that has clay or tea tree in its formula. These ingredients can help remove product buildup and even soothe some scalp conditions that can contribute to oily hair.

7. Try Dry Shampoo Paste

Dry shampoo paste reduces the appearance of greasy hair and provides hold at the same time. When applied to second-day hair it reduces unwanted shine that comes from excess sebum and adds a ton of volume. Dry shampoo paste works best for very fine hair because it makes hair look fuller. This product is less suitable for thick and dense hair because it can add more volume than someone needs, making combing difficult. Dry shampoo paste prevents hair from getting oily fast, so you can go a day or two longer between washings.

While dry shampoos have a greater potential for cleansing oily hair, dry shampoo pastes provide a better hold and give more volume. People with fine and thin hair will appreciate that.

Downside: Some people don’t like the chalky and gritty feel that dry shampoo paste leaves in their hair.

Final Words

Although oily hair can be annoying, there are some methods and products that help control the problem! Experiment with different shampoos and techniques to find the right routine for your hair.

If you’re finding your hair gets way too greasy way too fast, ask yourself these questions:

  1. Am I washing my hair properly?
  2. Am I using sulfate-free shampoo?
  3. Am I conditioning it properly?
  4. Could I refrain from touching my hair all throughout the day?
  5. Am I cleaning my brushes and hair tools regularly?
  6. Am I buying the right products designed for oily hair?

If the answer is “no” to any of those questions, you’ve just found your solution.

Goodbye greasy hair! We won’t miss you.

gorgeous blonde woman with long hair

Disclaimer: All content on this blog is created for informational purposes only. It would be best if you didn’t use it as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

4 Simple Tricks to Hide Greasy Hair

Fab 4 To Soar Over Greasy Hair

So, you’ve woken up late and don’t have the time to wash your hair. Maybe last night you convinced yourself you’d be fine going just one more day without washing it.

We’ve all been there, right?

But once you get ready to go, you might notice your hair is a little too shiny – but not in a good way.

If you don’t have time to wash and blow-dry your hair, don’t panic. There are some easy, simple fixes for greasy hair to keep you looking chic and fresh.  This article will empower you to cease the grease!

Wondering how to hide greasy hair? Here are 4 of our favorite fixes for when you’re on the go.

a brunette woman with greasy hair

How to Fix Greasy Hair Without Washing it

1. Your New BFF – Dry Shampoo Spray

If you haven’t tried out dry shampoo yet, get ready to meet your new BFF. Dry shampoo is such an effective and quick fix for greasy hair, especially when you’re short on time. With just a few sprays and a swipe of a brush, you can look like you just washed your hair (while adding a bit more volume).

Dry shampoo is designed to absorb excess oil and impurities from your hair and to maintain your hair looking clean between shampoos. This product works best for people with oily hair. The purpose of dry shampoo isn’t to replace your regular shampoo; instead, it’s for situations when you don’t have the time to wash your hair in a normal way.

woman applying dry shampoo spray to her long hair

Suggested use: Hold the bottle about 6 inches away from your head and spray it directly at the roots. Then rub the hair with your fingertips. After a few minutes, brush your hair and style it.

Choose a dry shampoo that suits your hair and don’t overdo it. Using a dry shampoo too often can clog your pores.

Note: Dry shampoos can leave a bit of a white powdery and chalky residue on your hair. If you have brunette or black hair, it may be best to find a dry shampoo made specifically for darker hair. In place of crying over greasy hair, try drying those tears (and hair fears!) with this BFF!

2. Your Secret Weapon – Texturizing Powder

Texturizing powders and sprays can double as dry shampoos! Let’s learn more about this secret weapon against greasy hair!

In fact, this powder contains silica particles that bind to your hair, increasing friction, and giving it a gritty texture. Its advantage over dry shampoo is that the powder contains fewer chemicals and doesn’t leave visible traces in your hair.

girl using texture powder for hair volume

While not its primary purpose, the texture powder absorbs some excess oil and makes hair look less greasy between washes. Oily hair often looks flat and lifeless which this product easily solves. The powder further lifts lifeless and limp hair, offering instant and impressive volume. By creating a matte finish, this product also reduces unwanted shine that comes from excess oil. Additional benefits are that your hairstyle stays secure and in place.

Suggested use: After shaking the bottle, part the hair,  apply the powder to the roots, and then rub it into the hair with your fingertips. If you want more volume, apply the powder to the rest of your hair.

If you have fine hair that easily gets oily, you’ll never do without this secret beauty weapon!

3. Cover it Up – Best Accessories for Oily Hair

They say diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but hats are definitely a greasy-haired girl’s best friend.

woman wearing a hat to hide greasy hair

If you don’t have any dry shampoo, texturizing powder, or other products on hand, don’t stress! Just cover it up.

A cute hat or stylish headband can do more than hide your oily roots. It can also add a bit of personality and flair to any outfit.

casual blonde girl with headband

Claw clips are the perfect accessory to conceal greasy hair. You can instantly put your hair up or back, keeping it out of the way.

hair clips to coancel oily hair

Clip-in bangs are very convenient pieces of hair that can help you instantly refresh your look. By putting them on, you can hide your greasy hair underneath and make it less noticeable.

So if you thought cover-ups were merely for the beach, then think again with these “grease be gone” accessories!

4. Wear Your Hair Up – Hairstyles for Oily Hair

Sometimes, the worst part of having greasy hair is the lack of volume and bounce. Giving your hair some dimension through a strategically styled updo can extend the life of your hair wash. Whether you’re going uptown or downtown, you can hype your hair up against grease!

First, braids are such a beautiful way to mix up your hair’s dimensions. A slicked-back ponytail works wonders too, as it’ll enrich your hair’s current shiny look. If your hair’s feeling a bit wild overall, a messy bun is the easiest way to make your style look effortlessly chic.

a woman with braids - protective hairstyle for oily hair

Overall, try these fab 4 to soar over greasy hair. Plus, experts recommend not washing your hair every day to keep it healthy and hydrated. So, you’re doing this right!

Next time you wake up to a greasier than you prefer, don’t make yourself stressed out and late. Whip out your handy dry shampoo, texturing spray, your favorite hair accessory, or dazzling updo.

Disclaimer: All content on this blog is created for informational purposes only. It would be best if you didn’t use it as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Sulfate Free Shampoos for Oily Scalp and Hair

Proper care for oily scalp and hair starts with the right shampoo. If you have very oily hair, look for a shampoo that meets the following requirements:

Lasting Solution: The product you pick should offer a lasting solution, not just cover up the problem. Be sure to use a shampoo formulated especially for oily hair. Look for the terms “sebum control”, “oil control”, “for oily hair“, “clarifying”, or “volumizing”.

Stay away from shampoos that are advertised as moisturizing, conditioning, or smoothing. Your hair is already oily and doesn’t need additional moisture.

Don’t choose the cheapest shampoo you can find, but you don’t have to select the most expensive one either. There are plenty of quality products that are reasonably priced. To find a lower price go online and try to find money-saving offers and discounts.

a woman with oily hair reading a shampoo label

Sulfate-Free: Shampoo for greasy hair should be effective in balancing sebum levels without causing any harm to your scalp and hair. A mild, sulfate-free shampoo enriched with essential oils of tea tree, rosemary, lavender, peppermint, or lemongrass will help control sebum production and increase the time between hair washes.

Natural Ingredients: A quality shampoo for oily scalp and hair needs to be formulated with natural ingredients. Chemical-free hair shampoos are a better option for your hair and scalp and your overall health. Chemicals you should avoid include Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, formaldehyde, parabens, Diethanolamine (DEA), Triethanolamine (TEA), Monoethanolamine (MEA), Propylene Glycol, and synthetic fragrances.

PH Balanced: Check if the label indicates that your shampoo is “pH balanced“, as an improperly balanced shampoo can strip away the natural oils from your scalp. This will force your scalp to produce even more oils. A pH-balanced shampoo respects the balance created by nature which makes it suitable for frequent use. The pH level of human hair is between 4.5 and 5.5.

Transparency: Opt for a clear or translucent shampoo and avoid creamy and rich shampoo formulas. Opaque shampoos contain conditioning ingredients and additives that can cause product build-up thus contributing to greasy-looking hair. Also make sure to select a silicone-free shampoo, because the silicone coating around the hair shaft can make hair look flat and heavy.

Natural Shampoos for Oily Hair

This post contains links to Amazon. The publisher may get paid if You purchase something through the links without additional costs to You.

1. Maple Holistics Degrease Shampoo for Oily Hair uses natural ingredients to offer relief to oily/itchy scalp. The product comes in a handy bottle and has a clean, refreshing scent of rosemary. It creates a rich foam while causing a mild tingling sensation on your scalp. It usually takes about 10 days to fix the imbalance in sebum production that causes greasy hair.

The formula contains 100% botanical ingredients certified by QAI & the United States Department of Agriculture for Organics Processing. These botanical ingredients include rosemary, French cypress, lemon, basil, jojoba oil, argan oil, and botanical keratin.

Make sure to follow directions and let the shampoo sit on your scalp for a few minutes before rinsing to maximize the absorption of active ingredients. To gain the maximum effects, massage the shampoo into your scalp.

2. Natural Oily Hair Shampoo for Men and Women by Honeydew is a 100% natural shampoo formulated with a blend of essential oils to balance sebum production, so you can go longer between washes. Yarrow oil helps get rid of excess oil that clings to your hair, causing it to feel greasy.

The formula is free of harsh sulfate cleansers, parabens, and sodium chloride. It is safe to use on colored and keratin-treated hair.

3. Leonor Greyl Paris Bain TS Balancing Shampoo promises to purify and cleanse the oily scalp, providing immediate results. It is suitable for individuals with oily scalp and dry ends.

Lime Tree Oil and Sage Leaf Extract help get rid of excess sebum and other follicle-clogging impurities, while conditioning ingredients prevent stripping moisture from the hair and work to repair dry ends.

4. Desert Essence Organics Hair Care Shampoo for Oily Hair is a gentle, all-natural shampoo formulated with sustainable, organic ingredients that help get the oil out of your hair.

Organic oils and Lemon Peel Extract help to remove excess sebum and buildup without stripping the natural moisture. 100 % Pure Australian Tea Tree Oil is known for its antiseptic properties and the capability to control excessive sebum production.

Dry Shampoos for Oily Hair

a woman using dry shampoo to degrease her oily hair

Klorane Dry Shampoo with Nettle for Oily Hair and Scalp is formulated to soak up excess sebum and refresh oily hair and scalp between washes. The extract from the Nettle is known for its ability to reduce excess oil and regulate sebum production over time. It also gives some extra volume to fine and thinning hair. This shampoo is great for mornings when you have no time to wash and blow dry your hair. 

Shampoo Bars for Oily Hair

Ethique Eco-Friendly Solid Shampoo Bar for Oily Hair uses Lime, Lemon, and Orange extracts and oils to balance natural sebum production and clean your hair. It also soothes an itchy scalp, leaving it nourished and flake-free.

This bar lathers well and leaves your hair feeling clean, soft, and weightless. If you are environmentally conscious, you’ll like this shampoo bar. It is natural, vegan, and helps reduce the use of plastic bottles.

a woman using a towel to dry the hair after washing

Disclaimer: All content on this blog is created for informational purposes only. It would be best if you didn’t use it as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

6 Ingredients in Hair Shampoos that Help Prevent Oily Hair

How Do We Get Greasy Hair?

Greasy hair looks unattractive and can be extremely difficult to style. The condition is hard to hide and could be frustrating for people who are affected. You may ask where that unwanted oil comes from.

Sebaceous glands, which are located surrounding the hair follicles, produce an oily, waxy substance called sebum. Sebum keeps your scalp properly moisturized and protects hair shafts from excessive dryness. If sebum production is poor, hair strands can become inelastic and prone to damage.

If sebaceous glands are overactive, they produce more sebum than is needed. When the warmth of the scalp melts sebum, the excess oil passes from the scalp onto the hair shaft, making the hair look dirty despite regular washing.

a beautiful sleeping woman with oily hair

Oily hair can become a persistent condition that is hard to get rid of. Sebum buildup can clog the follicles and cause more serious scalp conditions, including greasy dandruff, and excessive hair loss.

To get rid of oily hair, you need to de-grease your scalp, because an oily scalp inevitably leads to oily hair. However, it is important to properly reduce oil secretion without over-drying the scalp.

Importance of Choosing the Right Shampoo

Most ordinary shampoos use sulfate-based cleansing agents. Sulfates are inexpensive, yet powerful synthetic cleansers. They effectively remove oil and dirt from hair and create a rich lather. However, those grease-cutting detergents are quite harsh on the hair and scalp. Sulfate-based shampoos can strip the scalp of its necessary natural oils, making the problem even worse. When used frequently, harsh shampoos can actually encourage the oil glands to produce more sebum to compensate for the loss.

Oily hair requires frequent washing but must be gently treated. If you suffer from oily hair, make sure to choose a sulfate-free shampoo with mild, naturally derived cleansers. These shampoos will remove excess sebum and impurities without unwanted adverse effects.

Sulfate-free shampoos also help balance the pH level of your scalp and hair. A proper pH balance of the scalp is essential for managing oily hair. Synthetic cleansing agents used in commercial shampoos can disrupt the natural pH balance of the scalp and hair.

How to Wash Oily Hair?

If your hair is on the oily side, excessive shampooing may worsen rather than improve your condition. This happens because frequent washing encourages sebaceous glands to increase oil production to make up for the loss. To stay on the safe side, it’s advisable to wash your hair no more than three or four times a week.

Using the appropriate shampoo and applying it the right way can help maintain a healthy scalp and hair. Use a mild, natural shampoo that is designed specifically for oily hair. Select a shampoo that is translucent when held to the light and avoid creamy formulas.

Apply shampoo directly onto the scalp and leave it on for an extra minute or two before rinsing. Gently massage the scalp while shampooing. Rinse your hair thoroughly with lukewarm water to make sure there is no shampoo residue left behind. These residues tend to collect dirt and oil and add weight to your hair.

Use a clarifying shampoo once a month to give your hair a fresh start.

Ingredients that Help Control Sebum Production

Before buying shampoo for oily hair, you should read the ingredient list on the bottle carefully. There are several essential oils known for their effectiveness in controlling the glandular production of oil. These essential oils include tea tree, lavender, rosemary, lemongrass, peppermint, basil, and ylang-ylang.

1. Rosemary Oil is effective for cleansing excess oils from the scalp and hair and may also provide relief to people with dandruff and scalp itchiness.

2. Lavender Oil helps balance natural scalp oils.  Shampoo containing lavender oil helps your hair stay clean longer. Lavender oil also calms the scalp, supports hair growth, helps control dandruff, and keeps hair shiny.

3. Tea Tree Oil gently works to remove excess oil, balances sebum production, and helps reduce dandruff.

4. Peppermint Oil normalizes sebum production, balances pH levels, and stimulates blood flow to the scalp, which helps promote hair growth.

5. Lemongrass Oil supports the function of the sebaceous glands and helps soothe scalp inflammation.

6. Ylang Ylang Oil slows down sebum production, detoxifies the scalp, helps control dandruff, and promotes healthy hair growth.

Use Conditioners Properly

a young woman nourishing her oily hair

If your hair is very oily, you might not need a conditioner. If you do use a conditioner, keep it away from your roots, as it can weigh down your hair. Most conditioners contain oils and silicones that will weigh oily hair down and make it look flatter. A conditioner is meant to nourish your ends, which can still be dry and brittle. Make sure to rinse the product out of your hair thoroughly. Look for a lightweight, oil-free, and silicone-free conditioner, and make sure that you use it properly.

Avoid using too many styling products because most of those products tend to attract dirt and can make your hair look greasier.

Dry Shampoos for Oily Hair

a woman applying dry shampoo powder to the hair

Dry shampoos are very useful for concealing your greasy roots between hair washes. Those products contain a substance that soaks up oils from your scalp and hair, making your style looking fresh. These products also add volume to flat hair and lift your strands away from the scalp. Dry shampoos are great time savers because they can make your hair look clean and bouncy without a full shower.

Dry shampoos come in aerosol formulas or the form of a powder. These products continue to grow in popularity since they are inexpensive and easy to use. Although being a great tool to keep hair clean between wet shampoos they are not meant to completely replace regular shampoos.

If you suffer from greasy hair and scalp, talk to your dermatologist. Your dermatologist can give you a proper diagnosis and discuss all the available treatment options.

a beautiful brunette with clean smooth hair

Disclaimer: All content on this blog is created for informational purposes only. It would be best if you didn’t use it as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.