Everyone experiences greasy hair sometimes. It can be structural or appear suddenly, but luckily there are solutions! Greasy hair looks unkempt, can have an unpleasant odor, and affect your self-confidence.
In this blog, you’ll discover the causes and 11 practical tips to get greasy hair under control. Because every hair type is different, results may vary – but with the right approach, you’ll notice a difference quickly!
How does greasy hair actually develop?
Greasy hair occurs when the sebaceous glands in your scalp produce too much sebum. Although sebum protects and hydrates your hair, overproduction can cause a greasy appearance, itching, or irritation. The key is to keep this process balanced.
Fortunately, there are effective ways to get sebum production under control. Below you’ll find handy tips to reduce greasy hair!
What are the causes of greasy hair?
The main causes of increased sebum production are:
Stress
Genetic predisposition
Hormonal changes such as menstruation, pregnancy, menopause, and puberty
Unhealthy diet (too many processed sugars and fats can increase sebum production)
Temperature changes
Incorrect hair care (washing too much or too little, or using the wrong products)
You can’t completely prevent hormonal fluctuations, but luckily you can apply smart tricks to keep sebum production under control.
Curious how? Discover below 11 effective and easy ways to reduce greasy hair!
1. Wash your hair less often!
Washing your hair every day stimulates the sebaceous glands, causing them to work overtime. This makes your hair get greasy faster.
It’s best to wash your hair a maximum of 2 to 3 times a week. If you’re used to washing it daily, you can gradually reduce this. Start by washing every other day and then increase the intervals.
Your hair may feel greasier at first, but after a few weeks you will notice that your scalp regulates itself.
2. Wash your hair at a lower temperature!
Hot water stimulates the sebaceous glands, causing your scalp to produce more sebum. Shower with lukewarm water to reduce this effect. You can rinse your hair with cold water to close the hair cuticles and make your hair look less greasy.
3. Use the right shampoo and conditioner
Not every shampoo is suitable for an oily scalp. Use mild, purifying shampoos without silicones and heavy oils. Avoid shampoos with sulfates, as they dry out your scalp and can actually cause an overproduction of sebum.
By choosing a natural shampoo without these ingredients, you cleanse your hair more gently without irritating the scalp. Ingredients like aloe vera, tea tree oil, green tea, and clay help regulate excess sebum without drying out the hair.
A good addition to your haircare routine is scrubbing your scalp. A mild scalp scrubremoves dead skin cells and excess sebum, making your hair less greasy faster.
Yes! Shampoo and conditioner residues can make your hair look greasier faster. Therefore, always make sure to rinse them out thoroughly.
Tip: Do not use conditioner on your scalp, only on the lengths and ends of your hair.
5. Brush your hair less often!
Brushing too much spreads the sebum from your scalp to the rest of your hair. Preferably use a comb instead of a brush and start at the ends to detangle.
If you still want to use a brush, choose a brushwith natural bristles, such as a boar bristle brush. This distributes natural oils better without stimulating sebum production.
6. Minimize styling products in your hair!
Styling products like gels, wax, and sprays can cause buildup, making your hair look greasier faster and requiring more frequent washing.
Use light styling products and limit their use. Dry shampoo is a good alternative to hide greasy hair without washing it.
7. Wear your hair up!
Loose hair touches your face and hands more quickly, making it greasier. By putting your hair up, it stays fresh longer. The more you touch your hair, the greasier it becomes. Your hands contain natural oils that spread over your hair.
For example, wear your hair in a ponytail, bun, or braid and make sure to secure it loosely to prevent hair breakage. Find our hair accessories.
Tip: avoid wearing hats and beanies, as they can reduce scalp breathability, causing sebum buildup and making your hair get greasy faster. Prefer breathable fabrics or don’t wear them for too long in a row.
8. Adjust your eating habits!
Diets high in processed sugars, fats, and dairy can increase your sebum production. Eat more fresh vegetables, healthy fats (like avocado and nuts), and drink enough water to keep your scalp healthy.
9. Change your pillowcase regularly
Your hair rests against your pillow all night, causing sebum and product residues to accumulate.
Change your pillowcase at least once a week. Preferably choose a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction and oil buildup.
10. Use dry shampoo!
Dry shampoo absorbs excess oil and gives your hair volume.
Do not use dry shampoo more than 2-3 times a week to avoid product buildup. Preferably choose a dry shampoo without alcohol, as this can irritate your scalp.
A tip from us is to use dry shampoo in advance. Apply the dry shampoo in the evening before going to sleep. This prevents your hair from looking greasy by morning, as the dry shampoo absorbs sebum throughout the night.
Our beloved top 3:
K18 Airwash Dry Shampoo - the dry shampoo that everyone in our office loves. After testing it ourselves, we can only say it’s really worth the money, because yes, it has a price tag, but you only need a few sprays of this product and it does all its work. The product doesn’t have a powdery texture but actually moistens the hair, and once dry, your greasy hair disappears like snow in the sun. Just like a mini wash.
Schwarzkopf OSiS+ Refresh Dust Bodifying Dry Shampoo - are you looking for a dry shampoo with a good price-quality ratio? Then this is the perfect match; the spray does what it’s supposed to and definitely won’t disappoint you.
Maria Nila Style & Finish Dry Shampoo - this dry shampoo is 100% vegan, prevents color fading, and contains no parabens or sulfates. The perfect dry shampoo with plant-based ingredients.
Patience is key! Your hair won’t become less oily overnight, but with the right care products and habits, you can regulate the process.
Balance is important: eat healthily, avoid stress, and choose products that support your scalp. The only one who can bring change is you!