How to Get Rid of Oily Hair

Healthy hair produces a certain amount of sebum, or oil, as a way to hydrate your scalp and protect your hair. The amount of oil you produce varies depending on your hair type, your hygiene habits, and other lifestyle factors. Sometimes this natural oil can collect on your hair, especially at the root. This gives your hair a slick appearance that some people feel looks dirty.

What is Oily Hair?

Excess sebum is at the root of the problem with oily hair, which leaves the hair looking and feeling greasy. Oily hair tends to be easy to spot, due to its darker, flatter, stringier appearance. 

To work out if you have greasy hair, shampoo your hair at night and only apply conditioner to your lengths. The following evening, press a clean, dry tissue onto your scalp.

• If the tissue is shiny, you have normal hair. 
• If oily spots are left on the tissue, you have greasy hair.  
• If the tissue appears dry, you have dry hair. 

What Causes Oily Hair?

Lots of people suffer from oily hair, but it’s not necessarily a bad thing. Sebum can have health benefits for your hair and scalp, however too much can make your hair look greasy and slick. Oily hair can be caused by a number of things, such as genetics, medications, unhealthy lifestyle habits, stress or hormones. 

Physiological Factors

Those with oily hair often worry about their hair’s appearance. Some of the main physiological factors of oily hair are genetics, hormonal changes, hair type or overactive sebaceous glands. However, these internal factors are often out of their control. Nevertheless, these root causes can be managed with the right hair care routine. 

Genetics: Unfortunately, some people are just born with glands that produce more oil than others. Whilst you can’t reverse your genetics, there are measures you can take to prevent oily hair. Our best recommendation is to establish a healthy cleansing routine that includes exfoliating the scalp and doing apple cider rinses. 

Hair Type: If you have thin hair, you may find that your hair greasy one day after washing, in comparison to those who have thicker hair who may be able to go longer between washes. We’d recommend trying to go longer between washes if you wash your hair every day. The hair may take a few weeks to adjust, but when it does, you’ll notice your hair looking less greasy even after not washing it. 

Hormonal Changes: Another major cause of oily hair is hormonal changes. This can be puberty, pregnancy, menopause, and other hormonal changes. These changes have been known to impact sebum levels, with the sebaceous glands producing more sebum, leaving the hair looking greasier than usual. 

Overactive Sebaceous Glands: If you have overactive sebaceous glands, try to avoid the excessive use of hair care products, such as gels or hairspray, as they can build-up in the hair. Another recommendation for those with overactive sebaceous glands is always washing your hair after heavy sweating.  

External Factors

Those who suffer from oily hair must be mindful about their hair care habits and the products they use to prevent oiliness. Whilst oily hair sometimes feels like it’s never going to go away, don’t panic, there are ways to combat the grease.

Overwashing: Overwashing the hair can strip the hair of its natural oils, which can cause the scalp to naturally produce more oils to rehydrate it. Challenge yourself to go longer between washes, slowly washing your hair less and less. It won’t happen overnight, but eventually over time, you’ll notice your hair being less greasy between washes. You can do it!

Product Build-up: Products like dry shampoo are specifically targeted at those with oily hair, often being painted as oily hair’s best friend. But we’re telling you to put down the dry shampoo! Whilst it’s great in small doses, be careful not to use too much as it leads to even more build up and clogged pores between washes. 

Incorrect shampooing technique: Overstimulating the scalp whilst washing can send your glands into overdrive, leading them to produce more oil. Use open palms when washing your hair, instead of your fingertips! This method is just as effective and will prevent overstimulating your oily glands.

Not rinsing properly: Leaving product in your hair after washing can clog your pores. Rinse well to ensure that dirt, oil, dead skin and excess shampoo and conditioner are washed away to stop build-up in your hair. 

Environmental Factors: Especially throughout the winter, the dry cold winds can dry out your scalp, ultimately stripping it of its natural oils. This can trick your scalp into producing more oil to combat the lack of natural oils, which causes your hair to look greasier. We’d recommend using products specifically designed for oily hair to make sure that your hair is getting all the love it needs. 

Diet: Certain foods can contribute to oily hair. Diets high in processed foods, excessive dairy and sugar, unhealthy fats can stimulate the production of sebum. Try sticking to a balanced diet and drinking plenty of water to maintain a healthier feeling in your scalp and hair. 

Stress: We know that it’s sometimes hard to reduce stress, but that might be what’s making your hair oily. Stress can cause your sebaceous glands to go into overdrive, so if you find yourself being stressed often and you think that that’s the root cause of your oily strands, then try relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga or walk in fresh air. 

Sleeping Habits: Health professionals keep saying that your body needs 8 hours a night, and they’re right! But, naturally your hair greasier throughout the night as your body produces more sebum. Our top tip for avoiding your hair getting greasy throughout the night, is to make sure that you regularly change your pillowcases! Why not switch to a silk pillowcase? They don’t absorb the oil and grease from your hair, helping your hair with sebum control. 

Medical Conditions

Certain scalp conditions and medical issues can exacerbate oily hair, so if you find your hair producing more oil than normal, consult a healthcare professional if needed. 

Scalp conditions: Seborrheic dermatitis, also known as dandruff, is a condition that irritates and inflames your scalp. It is not a serious condition because it can be caused by an allergic reaction or an autoimmune condition. Scaly areas of skin develop areas which are overproducing sebum, leaving the hair with a flaky appearance. 

25 Tips to Get Rid of Oily Hair

Everyone’s hair can get a little oily sometimes, and a little oil is not the end of the world! Sebum helps to maintain healthy hair. However, we understand that an excessively oil scalp can be uncomfortable if it’s making your hair feel dirty all the time. Here are 25 ways of our best techniques, remedies, and solutions to getting rid of oily hair: 

Wash Frequency Adjustment

Those with oily hair often find themselves washing their hair more often, in an attempt to combat the grease. If you’re suffering from an excessively oily scalp, try going longer between washes. This will slowly balance out your washing schedule and train your hair to go longer between washes.

Proper Shampoo Technique

It is important to focus on the scalp rather than hair length when washing your hair to avoid stripping the hair of its natural oils. Use the palms of your hands to wash your hair instead of the fingertips, as this will stop the scalp from being overstimulated into producing more oil. 

Conditioner Application

If you have oily hair, applying conditioner to your scalp can leave your hair looking flat and greasier than before you washed it. We’d recommend only applying conditioner to the ends of the hair rather than directly on to the scalp, which will prevent adding any weight and oiliness to the roots.

Natural Styling

Embrace your natural hair textures to reduce the need for heat styling and products that can contribute to the oiliness of your hair. Try leaving your hair to dry naturally instead of using hair straighteners and hairdryers which can end up making your hair look oiler. 

Use Products for Oily Hair

If you’re able to find the correct products for your hair type, your hair will thank you! If you struggle with keeping your oil at bay then we’d recommend using lightweight clarifying products specifically formulated for oily hair. Products with detoxifying and clarifying benefits will help keep your oily scalp at bay and help your hair to go longer between washes. 

Maintenance of Styling Tools

We’d recommend regularly cleaning brushes and tools to prevent the transfer of oils back to the hair. This is essential if you struggle with oily hair as oil and product residue which accumulates on styling tools can contribute to the oiliness of your hair.

Aloe Vera Scalp Treatment

Whilst aloe vera has soothing and balancing properties for the scalp, it can also help to regulate sebum production, ultimately reducing oiliness. Treat it like a hair mask, leaving the treatment on for 30 minutes and then rinsing thoroughly. 

Avoid Silicone Products

Many shampoos are silicone-based. However, these silicones can build up on the hair and scalp, increasing oiliness. They can create a barrier around the hair strands which traps oil and prevents the scalp from being able to breathe. This film that forms around the hair strands produces build-up on your hair, which can exacerbate greasiness. 

Gentle Hair Handling

Rough handling or over-brushing can stimulate oil production. Be gentle with your hair and we’d recommend using a wide-tooth comb or a soft-bristle brush to minimise stimulation of the oil glands.

Thorough Rinse

Be sure to thoroughly rinse out all the product residue to prevent build-up. Residual shampoo, conditioner, or styling products can weigh down the hair causing it to appear greasier. 

Avoid Excessive Hair Manipulation

Try to minimise touching or playing with hair throughout the day, as this will reduce oil transfer from your hands to your hair. If you’re constantly playing with your hair, this can overstimulate the oil glands, which leads to excessively oily locks. 

Dry Shampoo as a Quick Fix

Products like dry shampoo are specifically targeted at those with oily hair, often being painted as oily hair’s best friend. Dry shampoo can be used sparingly as a temporary solution for freshening up oily roots, but do not rely on it! This will only make your hair greasier over time, as it leads to even more build up and clogged pores between washes.  

DIY Dry Shampoo Options

Simple recipes for homemade dry shampoos using natural ingredients like corn-starch or arrowroot powder can be effective in absorbing excess oil and refreshing your hair. We’d recommend using treatments like a hair mask, washing after 30 minutes. 

Consider Lightweight Conditioning

Try using a lightweight, volumising conditioner that is specifically targeted towards oily hair types. This can help avoid adding extra weight and oiliness to the hair. Focus on applying conditioner to the ends rather than the roots.

Deep Conditioning with Coconut Oil

Coconut oil should be used cautiously on the scalp, as it can be heavy and contribute to oiliness. It’s recommended to use it only on the ends for deep conditioning, to stop the scalp being stripped of its natural oils. 

Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse

Apple cider vinegar rinses are a great way to clarify and balance the pH of your scalp, helping to reduce oiliness. These rinses will help to remove the build up of products in the hair which are weighing down the scalp, whilst restoring the natural acidity of the scalp.

Tea Tree Oil Shampoo

Tea tree oil has antimicrobial properties that can help combat oily scalp issues. Using a shampoo which contains tea tree can soothe the scalp and regulate oil production.

Adapt Wash Schedule to Activities

Adjusting your washing schedule based on physical activities and sweating can help manage oiliness. After intense activities, such as, sports or strenuous activities, a gentle wash can refresh the scalp and hair, removing an oil build-up. 

Post-Hat/Helmet Wash

Wearing hats or helmets can trap oils and sweat. Washing your hair after wearing things on your head is important to prevent trapped oils and sweat that contribute to oiliness. It helps keep the scalp clean and fresh.

Witch Hazel Application

Witch hazel has astringent properties that can help control scalp oiliness. By applying witch hazel to the scalp regularly, your oil production will be regulated, and which will ultimately reduce greasiness. 

Let Hair Down Occasionally

Wearing your hair down occasionally can prevent oil which buildups at the roots from wearing your hair in tight hairstyles, such as ponytails. Loose styles allow the scalp to breathe and distribute oils more evenly. 

Green Tea Infused Shampoo

Green Tea offers antioxidant benefit and oil-reducing properties so try looking for shampoos infused with green teas if you’re struggling with oily hair. Green tea will help to soothe the scalp and regulate sebum production.

Topknot Utilisation

Loose topknots can help to absorb excess oil without causing breakage, and it’s a great way to hid greasy hair in between washes! It’s a practical way to manage oily hair while keeping it styled.

Honey Mask Treatment

Honey has antibacterial and moisturising benefits that can help balance scalp health, whilst reducing excessive oil production and soothing the scalp. 

Lifestyle Adjustments

A healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and stress management, plays a crucial role in controlling oily hair. Proper nutrition and relaxation techniques can positively impact scalp health.

Book Your Hair Appointment Now

Ready to transform your look? Book your hair appointment with our skilled stylists at Rush.co.uk or find your nearest hairdressing salon to embark on a vibrant and personalised beauty journey. Our experts are here to bring your hair dreams to life.