How to Get Rid of Greasy Hair

What Causes Greasy Hair? 

We have something called sebaceous glands that are attached to our hair follicles. These sebaceous glands create an oil that adds a layer of protection to our scalp. This oil travels down the hair shaft from the scalp to moisturize our hair strands. 

 

Sometimes, if your sebaceous glands are out of balance, they might produce too much oil. An overproduction of oil means that the excess will accumulate on your hair and scalp, leading to greasy hair.  

 

You are more likely to experience greasy hair if you have straight hair. This is because straight hair provides an easy route for oil to travel from the scalp straight down to the lengths of the hair. With curly hair, for example, the natural oil from the scalp has a much harder time reaching the ends of the hair. 

 

So, how can you get rid of greasy hair? The most important thing is ensuring you are using the correct products that will actually treat the condition, rather than frantically washing your hair every day to get rid of the oil. Our beauty pros have selected some of their most-recommended products to help treat oily hair. First, let’s have a look at some do’s and dont’s when it comes to treating oily hair at home. 

 

Tip #1 – Don’t Overwash  

As counterintuitive as it might seem, there is such a thing as washing oily hair too often! If you have oily hair, your first instinct might be to go into shampoo overdrive. But, if you shampoo your hair too much, your sebaceous glands’ response will be to create more oil to compensate. 

 

Tip #2 – Use Conditioner Sparingly 

Some people with oily hair tend to skip the conditioner altogether. But all hair types can benefit from the nutritious ingredients in conditioners, and they can really help with hair health in the long run. For oily hair, however, go easy on the conditioner. Use a small amount and concentrate on the lengths of the hair rather than the scalp. 

 

Tip #3 – Avoid Touching Your Hair 

You transfer oils from your hands to your hair every time you touch your hair. If you already have greasy hair, touching your hair too much will add to the problem.  

 

Tip #4 – Use Dry Shampoo Between Washes 

Sometimes the illusion of oil-free hair can do the job when you haven’t got time for a wash. Dry shampoos remove oil and impurities from the hair and scalp without the need to wash your hair. They usually contain starch that absorbs excess oil and leaves the hair with that just-washed feeling. 

 

Tip #5- Use a Clarifying Treatment 

Sometimes, products can build up in the hair over time, even if you wash your hair regularly. This product buildup can add to the greasy feeling you might be experiencing. Clarifying shampoos are designed to remove this excess product residue, which can help reduce the feeling of oiliness. 

 

Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two Clarifying Cleanser

 

If you think that product buildup is one of the culprits for your greasy hair, Paul Mitchells Clarifying Cleanser removes product buildup gently and effectively. The colour-safe formula also helps to minimize oil production, so your hair will become less oily over time. The shampoo has a gorgeous lemony-fresh scent and will leave the hair squeaky clean, and full of shine! 

 

Key Ingredients: White Ginger, Wheat Germ Oil, Aloe Vera, Rosemary, Citric Acid 

 

Kerastase Specifique Argile Equilibrante

 

The Kérastase Spécifique Argile Equilibrante is a unique product that targets the scalp to reduce oil production. This cleansing clay helps to detox the scalp by absorbing excess oils and impurities. The formula contains Kaolin, a powerful type of White Clay known for its purifying properties. It also contains Salicylic Acid that gently exfoliates the scalp leaving it clear and fresh. 

 

Key Ingredients: Kaolin, Salicylic Acid, Charcoal Powder 

 

VICHY SV0274 DERCOS OIL CONTROL SHAMPOO 200ML

 

As we discussed earlier, hair becomes greasy when the oil from the scalp travels down the hair shaft. Vichy’s Oil Control Dermatological Shampoo is formulated with four different active ingredients that control oil production and limit the amount of oil that can travel down the hair shaft. This means it takes much longer for your hair to become greasy. 

 

Key Ingredients: Citric Acid, Salicylic Acid, Tartaric Acid 

 

HAIRBURST CONDITIONER OILY SCALP & ROOTS 350ML

 

As mentioned before, even oily hair can benefit from a conditioner, it just has to be the right one! Hairbursts conditioner is designed to add nutrition and hydration without leaving the hair feeling oily or greasy. This conditioner leaves your hair hydrated and healthy and your scalp clean and fresh. 

 

Key Ingredients: Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Lactic Acid, Pineapple Extract 

 

Kevin Murphy Fresh Hair Dry Shampoo 100ml

 

If you need to get rid of grease in a hurry, dry shampoo is your friend! Kevin Murphys Fresh Hair Dry Shampoo gives your hair a volume boost while absorbing excess oils and impurities. It instantly refreshes and mattifies the hair when you don’t have time for a wash. The handbag-friendly bottle is perfect for taking with you everywhere you go in case of a greasy hair emergency! 

 

Key Ingredients: Orange Peel Oil, Tangerine Peel Oil