Greasy hair and an oily scalp can ruin even the best of good hair days, and sometimes even your go-to dry shampoo won’t help. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to treat and prevent greasy hair. One of the best ways is swapping out your usual hair care products. Ask yourself: Are you using the right kind of shampoo? Do you know how to use products correctly? For example: Did you know that applying conditioner incorrectly can make the greasiness worse? Exactly!
To get solutions ranging from expert-backed clarifying products to lifestyle changes, Glamour asked dermatologists and hairstylists break down exactly how to manage greasy and oily hair. Keep reading for their tips, and prepare to use (at least slightly less) dry shampoo moving forward.
What causes greasy hair?
When it comes to greasy hair, experts point to one common culprit: An overproduction of sebum and oil. “Greasy hair is caused by overactivity from the sebaceous glands on the scalp,” Michele Green, MD, board-certified cosmetic dermatologist in New York City, tells Glamour. “Typically the oil, or sebum, from these glands moisturizes your hair follicles and protects them from infection, but an excessive production of oil on the scalp can weigh hair down and lead to the appearance of greasy hair.”
As for why some people tend to produce more sebum than others? “It can result from a combination of factors, including genetics, hormonal changes, and lifestyle choices,” says celebrity hairstylist and L’Oréal Professionnel global ambassador Min Kim. “While products like heavy conditioners or styling products can contribute, the root causes are often related to lifestyle and genetics.” It doesn’t mean that someone is “dirtier,” or doing anything wrong, and the amount of oil produced might ebb and flow depending on external factors.
“Any fluctuations in sebacious glands during times such as puberty, pregnancy, or stress can lead to changes in oil production,” says Dr. Green. “Some individuals are also born with more active sebaceous glands compared to others.”
However, just because your hair is greasy, that doesn’t mean your strands can’t get dry. “It’s also possible to suffer from oily roots and dry, chemically damaged ends,” says Paul Labrecque, creative director, master stylist, and colorist with Paul Labrecque Salon and Skincare Spa. Thus, having greasy hair doesn’t mean you shouldn’t condition or use hydrating products; you just need to use them properly.
How to get rid of greasy hair
It may seem counterintuitive, but washing your hair too much can cause even more oil and buildup to form. “Frequent shampooing can strip the scalp of natural oils, leading it to produce more oil to compensate,” says Kim. Of course, it’s best to wash your hair when you feel you truly have to, but Kim recommends slowly trying to lengthen the time between wash days to help train your scalp over time. “Gradually extend the time between washes to allow your scalp to balance oil production,” she says.
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A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals can contribute to healthier hair, according to Kim. “Avoid excessive consumption of oily, fried, and sugary foods, as they can impact the scalp’s oil production,” she says.
There are also supplements and vitamins that have been found to control excess sebum production, such as vitamins B6 and B2 (riboflavin). You can find B vitamins in poultry, fish, shrimp, milk, cheese, lentils, beans, sunflower seeds, whole-wheat products, wheat germ, spinach, carrots and bananas, according to Prose, a hair and skin care company that formulates products and supplements with the vitamins.
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Kim also notes that high stress levels can affect hormonal balance and, in turn, oil production (stress is also not great for hair growth, for what it’s worth). “Engage in stress-reduction activities like yoga, meditation, or exercise,” she says. Another trick? Take supplements with ashwagandha, which has been shown to reduce stress, support healthy cortisol, and enhance sleep quality. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that may protect the scalp from environmental stressors and reduces inflammation around the follicles, and thus helps promote healthy hair, according to Dr. Green.
“Selecting the right ingredients for your hair density, length, and texture all factor into the buildup, moisture retention, and longevity of your hairstyle after cleansing and conditioning,” Kim reiterates.
Labrecque agrees and recommends using a shampoo specifically for oily hair types. He points to Biologique Recherche’s Shampooing Traitant Sébo-Rééquilibrant as his go-to choice. One easy way to find products that work for you? Look for “oil-free” options that are specifically formulated for greasy hair.
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Time to stock the pantry.
On that note, you’ll want to wash your hair with a clarifying cleanser once a week. “Incorporate a clarifying shampoo or a cleansing conditioner into your weekly routine to remove product buildup and excess oil,” says Kim. Just be careful not to overuse it, as it can strip the hair of moisture (remember, oily doesn’t equal hydrated, and vice versa). “L’Oréal Professionnel Curl Expression for curly or coily hair has an amazing clarifying shampoo that can be used for all hair types and textures,” she says.
Dr. Green agrees and recommends Bumble and Bumble’s Sunday Shampoo as her weekly clarifying cleanser of choice. “Use it once a week to remove any excess oil, dirt, and product residue from the scalp,” she says. “Additionally, this shampoo has a lightweight formula to avoid weighing down hair.” For a color-safe nonstripping option, try K18 Peptide Prep Color-Safe Detox Clarifying Shampoo, and Odele for something more affordable.
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You should still use conditioner, but only apply it to the ends if your hair is greasy. “Applying to the roots is unnecessary as this is newer hair that doesn’t require conditioning, and can leave hair feeling flat especially if you’re on the fine or greasy side,” Kim explains.
“Those with buildup of excessive oils on the scalp can also develop seborrheic dermatitis, a common skin condition that causes dandruff, inflammation, and scaly patches,” says Dr. Green. “Individuals experiencing these symptoms can use Nizoral shampoo, an excellent over-the-counter product that contains Ketoconazole to fight dandruff and control flaking and itching.”
Here's what experts say you should do instead.
You’ll also want to be especially gentle on your scalp, since being too rough with your hair can cause oil production. “Increased stimulation can signal the sebaceous glands to produce more oil,” says Dr. Green. “Overbrushing or vigorously rubbing at the scalp can all lead to increased oil production.” If your hair gets especially tangly, try swapping your hairbrush out for a more gentle alternative, and always use a wet brush when your hair is wet to prevent pulling, such as the Tangle Teezer detangling brush.
If your hair has already gotten greasy, try using blotting sheets on the scalp. “These can be a quick fix to absorb excess oil on the scalp and hair between washes,” says Kim. Plus, they’re super compact and can fit into a pocket or small bag.
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Finally, there’s always dry shampoo to help extend time between washes. “Keep in mind that a good dry shampoo can also do wonders. I like Olaplex’s No. 4D,” says Labrecque. Kim also suggests L’Oréal Professionnel’s Morning After Dust dry shampoo or the brand’s Next Day Hair. “These are my absolute favorite products for second, third days, or even a week after shampooing,” she says. “The fragrance is fresh, it doesn’t leave a white residue, and it creates a great texture and shape memory to the hair.”
Just try not to use it too many days in a row. “Dry shampoos can add starchy buildup to the scalp and clog hair follicles,” says Dr. Green.
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Is greasy hair normal?
At the end of the day, it’s important to understand that some hair greasiness is normal and healthy. “Striking the right balance is key,” says Kim. “Experiment with different products and routines to find what works best for your specific hair type and lifestyle. If greasiness persists despite lifestyle changes and product adjustments, it may be beneficial to consult with a dermatologist or professional stylist for personalized advice and treatment options.”
Danielle Sinay is the associate beauty editor at Glamour. Follow her on Instagram @daniellesinay.
