Oily greasy hair can be a real inconvenience since it can throw off our entire appearance. It’s not only an eyesore that makes us feel embarrassed but it can also feel gross and yucky if left untreated.
Luckily, we’re here to help you get to the roots of the problem and banish it for good.
So, what makes your hair oily?
Oily hair usually occurs because of poor beauty habits or a surplus of oil production in the scalp. As you probably already know, every pore has a sebaceous gland that secretes sebum, that oily substance that makes your hair shine naturally. Usually, your sebum glands are keeping your hair healthy, moisturising the scalp and preventing future breakage and dryness. However, when there is a hormonal imbalance, these glands may produce an excess of oil which can make your hair look limp, lifeless and greasy. Poor diet, seasonal changes or lifestyle changes can also have an impact on how oily your hair is.
How to control this situation?
Let’s get started
- Adjusting your shampooing routine
Sometimes over washing can damage the scalp and strip your hair of its natural oils, determining an increased oil production. Basically, you’re sending a signal to the scalp to produce more sebum with every wash. Just for this reason, it’s important to keep your hands off your hair and not wash it on a daily basis.
Using too much shampoo can also lead to excess grease. If you want to do a good job cleansing your hair of oil, you need to choose a shampoo that contains salicylic acid and only apply a small amount to your scalp, massaging it with your fingertips. The salicylic acid can break down the oil on your head, refreshing your scalp and clearing away the dead skin cells.
After cleaning your scalp, work the lather through your hair and rinse it thoroughly with cold water for at least 30 seconds to make sure the product is out of your hair. Hot water stimulates the sebaceous glands but cold one can close the cuticles and reduce damaged hair. Make sure that the entire procedure doesn’t take more than five minutes.
- Wash your hair every 2-3 days
As we mentioned before, washing your hair too often can strip it from its natural oils, making it look greasier with every shower. The solution is to give your hair enough time to replace its natural oils without producing excess sebum. Meanwhile you can use a dry shampoo to soak up all that extra oil on your roots, between washes. Even if this solution can leave your hair looking and smelling fresh, make sure you’re not using dry shampoo more than once a day. Keep in mind that your scalp still needs a few months to adapt to your new shampoo habits and stop overproducing oils.
- Condition carefully
If you have oily hair you may consider skipping conditioning or using other treatments that can make your hair look oilier. Oily hair doesn’t really need to be conditioned every time you wash it. In case you really need to use a product to detangle your hair, make sure you only apply it at the tips and not on the roots where grease usually gathers. Using a different type of shampoo that is less aggressive with your hair can also do the trick.
- Avoid dry heating
Heat and hot air can also increase the oil production so once you’ve done washing your hair, use cool air to dry it or dry it gently with a towel. Avoid using a hair straightener or handling your hair excessively since it can also stimulate oil production.
- Skip washing your hair after workouts
Try to resist the urge to wash your hair after your workout routine and rinse it in the shower instead to remove sweat. Use a bit of conditioner on your tips if you need to detangle and you’re set. You can also wet your hair with a spray bottle and blow-dry it for the same effect.
- Don’t use oils or silicone to style your hair
Most of the hair styling products contain oils that can make your hair heavy and greasy. Avoid using these products that cause a silicone buildup since they are a magnet to dirt.
- Consider seeing a dermatologist
If you manage to change your habits and after more than a month your hair is still greasy, consider seeing a dermatologist that can prescribe you a treatment for the scalp or a shampoo that can reduce oil excess.
Gorgeous young model woman with perfect blonde hair looking at camera posing in the city wearing black evening dress.
- Use some home remedies
8.1. Apple Cider Vinegar
By rinsing your hair with apple cider vinegar, you can restore the pH level of your scalp. Full of active ingredients, apple cider vinegar has anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and antibacterial properties and it can clean the clogged pores and hair follicles, leaving your scalp in top condition. To use this method, you need to add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in one cup of water and pour this mix over your hair after you wash, rinsing out for 3-5 minutes.
8.2. Aloe Vera
One of the best natural remedies for oily hair, Aloe Vera can help you get rid of hair greasiness if you use it on your hair twice a week. To apply this method, you need 1 tablespoon of Aloe Vera, 3 tablespoons of lemon juice and a cup of mild shampoo. Mix all ingredients, apply on your scalp and wash for 3 minutes. Rinse with cold water and it will do wonders to your hair.
8.3. Lemon Juice and eggs
This versatile ingredient can have lots of health benefits for your scalp and help you achieve better results than a lot of hair-care products that can over strip your hair follicles. Just mix the juice of a lemon with 2 egg yolks, spread on your hair, apply thoroughly on your scalp and let it dry for 10 minutes. Once is done, wash it off with cold water and enjoy the results.
