Dealing with Oily Hair: Causes, Fixes, and Prevention

Oily hair can be frustrating. It can make your hair look flat, clump together, and lose its freshness soon after washing. This is caused by excess oil on your scalp, also called sebum. While sebum helps keep your hair and scalp healthy, too much of it can make your hair greasy and hard to manage.

This guide will explain the causes of oily hair, how to treat oily hair at home, and daily habits that can help keep your hair looking fresh for longer. You will also learn which products work best and when it may be time to see a specialist.

Causes of Oily Hair and Scalp

There are several causes of oily hair. Most are linked to how much scalp oil your sebaceous glands produce.

1. Genetics

Some people naturally produce more sebum on the scalp. If your parents had really oily hair, you may notice the same in your own hair and scalp.

2. Hormonal changes

Periods, pregnancy, and certain contraceptive pills can trigger more oil production. Hormonal shifts can make your hair greasy even if your routine hasn’t changed.

3. Hair type

Fine hair often looks greasy faster because it has more strands and therefore more oil glands per area. Coarse hair can spread oil more evenly, so it may stay fresh for longer.

4. Overwashing or harsh shampoo

Washing your hair too often or using strong shampoo can strip away natural oils. This can make your scalp produce even more oil to compensate, leading to greasy roots.

5. Styling products

Using heavy hair products or silicone-rich formulas can cause build up on the hair, making it look greasy and flat.

6. Weather and humidity

Hot weather and humid conditions increase sweat and mix with scalp oil. This can make your hair look greasy quicker.

7. Diet

High-fat and high-sugar diets can sometimes affect oil production and make the scalp oilier.

How Often You Should Wash Your Hair

How often you wash your hair depends on your hair type, lifestyle, and how quickly your hair gets oily.

If you wash your hair every day, you may be removing too much natural oil. This can make your scalp produce more oil, causing your hair to become greasy faster. On the other hand, if you leave it too long between washes, oil, sweat, and dirt can build up on the scalp and make your hair look greasy.

For fine hair, washing every one to two days usually works best. For thicker or coarse hair, you may only need to wash it two to three times a week. If you exercise often or sweat a lot, you might need to shampoo your hair more frequently to keep your scalp and hair clean.

Finding the right balance will help you manage oily hair and reduce the need for extra products.

The Right Way to Shampoo and Condition for Oily Hair

How you shampoo your hair matters just as much as how often you do it.

When washing, focus on the roots and scalp, where most oil builds up. Use a small amount of shampoo—about the size of a 10p coin for short hair, or slightly more for longer hair. Massage it gently into the scalp with your fingertips, not your nails. This helps clean without irritating the skin or overstimulating oil glands.

For conditioner, avoid applying it to the scalp. Instead, use it only on the ends of your hair. This prevents extra oil near the roots while keeping the lengths soft and manageable. Rinse thoroughly so no residue is left behind, as leftover product can make your hair look greasy faster.

Good technique will help you keep your hair cleaner for longer and reduce the need for frequent washes.

Choosing the Best Products to Treat Oily Hair

The right hair products can make a big difference when you want to treat oily hair.

A clarifying shampoo is useful for deep cleaning. It helps remove build up on the hair from styling products and excess oil. Use it once a week if your hair tends to get greasy quickly.

For regular washing, choose a lightweight, sulphate-free shampoo that cleans without stripping your scalp.

Avoid products that contain heavy silicones, as they can coat the hair and make it look greasy. Check the label for ingredients ending in “-cone” and use them sparingly. Instead, go for volumising shampoos and conditioners, which can lift oily roots and make your hair look fresher.

When choosing styling products, pick light sprays or mousses rather than thick creams or oils. This will help keep your hair looking full without adding extra weight or shine that can make it

appear oily.

Home Remedies to Fix Oily Hair Naturally

If you want to fix oily hair without buying more products, there are several simple home remedies worth trying.

Apple cider vinegar is a popular choice. When diluted with water, it can help balance scalp pH and reduce excess oil. Pour it over your hair after shampooing, leave for a few minutes, and rinse well.

A hair mask made from aloe vera can soothe an itchy scalp and remove extra oil. Apply it to the scalp for 10–15 minutes before washing.

You can also make a DIY dry shampoo using cornstarch, or add cocoa powder if you have dark hair. This can help you get rid of greasy hair between washes.

For added hydration without making the hair greasy, try coconut oil or honey masks—only on the ends of your hair. This keeps moisture where your hair needs it most, without adding oil to the roots.

Daily Habits to Manage Oily Hair

Small changes in your routine can help you manage oily hair and combat oily hair over time.

Avoid brushing your hair too often. While brushing helps spread natural oils, overdoing it can make your hair greasy faster.

Keep your hair tools clean. Oil, dust, and product build-up on combs, brushes, and heat tools can transfer straight back to your hair. Wash them regularly with mild shampoo.

Plan your washes around workouts or hot days to prevent sweat from mixing with oil on your scalp. If you wear hats or helmets often, wash or air out your hair soon after to stop heat and oil from building up.

Finally, try not to touch your hair during the day. Oils from your hands can easily transfer to your strands and make your hair look greasy sooner.

Hairstyles and Tricks to Hide Oily Roots

On days when you can’t wash your hair, the right style can hide oily roots and make your hair look fresher.

Loose waves or curls add volume and help disguise flat and greasy roots. If you have naturally wavy hair, embrace it to give your style more texture.

Braids are another good option, as they keep your hair neat while blending any shine from oil. A high ponytail or messy bun works well too, especially if you want to use the natural oils for a sleek finish.

If you prefer wearing straight hair, add a bit of dry shampoo at the roots to lift them and stop the hair from lying too flat against the scalp.

When Oily Hair is a Sign of a Scalp Condition

Sometimes experiencing oily hair is not just about your routine—it can be linked to an underlying scalp problem.

Dandruff is a common cause. It often appears with an itchy scalp and flakes, and can be made worse by excess oil. Conditions like seborrhoeic dermatitis can also lead to persistent greasiness.

Allergic reactions to certain shampoos or styling products may cause redness, irritation, and more oil on your scalp. In rare cases, scalp conditions linked to the immune system can also trigger these symptoms.

If you notice your hair stays greasy no matter how you wash it, or if oil is accompanied by itching, redness, or hair loss, speak to a dermatologist. They can check the causes of oily scalp and recommend the right treatment.

Final Tips to Keep Your Hair Healthier

To keep healthy hair, focus on simple habits that control oil without damaging your scalp.

Use the right products for your hair type, avoid overwashing, and keep your brushes and styling tools clean. These small steps can give your hair a fresher look and help prevent build-up.

Be gentle when handling your hair. Rough towel drying or harsh brushing can irritate the scalp and cause your hair to become oily faster.

Remember, oil production changes with age, so what works now may need adjusting later. With the right care, you can make your locks look clean, fresh, and full of life for longer.

FAQs

1. What causes greasy hair even after washing?

Causes of oily hair after washing can include using the wrong shampoo, not rinsing properly, or applying conditioner to the roots. Heavy hair products and excess scalp oil can also make hair look greasy soon after a wash.

2. How can I get rid of greasy hair without washing it?

You can get rid of greasy hair between washes by using dry shampoo, a loose braid, or a topknot to hide oily roots. A quick apple cider vinegar rinse also helps remove excess oil and freshen the scalp.

3. Is washing your hair every day bad for oily hair?

If you wash your hair every day, you may strip away too much natural oil, causing the scalp to produce more. For really oily hair, washing every one to two days with a gentle shampoo is usually better.

4. Which shampoo is best to treat oily hair?

To treat oily hair, choose a lightweight or clarifying shampoo without heavy silicones. Volumising shampoos can also lift oily roots and keep hair looking fresh for longer.