Do you suffer from greasy hair even after washing? Managing greasy hair is a problem that many of us struggle with. While everybody’s scalp produces natural oils, some have a habit of overproducing, causing this embarrassing issue. The frustration stems from the hair's appearing unwashed despite our going to extremes to keep it clean. Those of us with oily hair know how difficult it is to wash thoroughly, only to have it look and feel slick by the next day.
Greasy hair can have a negative impact on your self-esteem and can even cause acne around your hairline. So how do you get rid of it? The answer may be simpler than you think. There is a wide variety of methods to combat the problem. Whether you’re looking for a short-term fix or a permanent solution, oily hair doesn’t have to plague your life forever. Below you’ll find out why hair gets greasy and what you can do to keep yours under control.
Thumbnail courtesy of Flickr.
Why Is My Hair Greasy?
What causes greasy hair? According to WebMD, each hair follicle on our head is connected to a gland that produces oil known as sebum. Sebum is meant to keep our skin and scalp looking and feeling healthy — however, overproduction makes hair greasy.
The reason behind sebum overproduction is unique to each person. A combination of issues such as hormones, genetics, and skin conditions can all contribute to the problem, Livestrong reports. Overwashing your hair to combat the greasy appearance is another way to encourage the overproduction of sebum, as you strip the hair of its natural oil.
How To Get Rid Of Greasy Hair
1. Change Your Shampoo
One of the biggest contributors to the greasy hair cycle is harsh shampoos. The right kind of shampoo for greasy hair is one that is clear and lathers, allowing it to properly cleanse the scalp. Avoid shampoos that contain sulfates and silicones as they can excessively strip your hair of necessary oils, causing your sebaceous glands to overproduce. Introducing a clarifying shampoo to your routine is a great way to get rid of any possible product buildup on your scalp. However, clarifying shampoos should be used only once a week.
2. Use Dry Shampoo
A great way to get rid of greasy hair is to make use of dry shampoo. Dry shampoo is specially formulated to absorb and attract excess oil that is sitting on your scalp. This quick and easy fix involves spraying the mist onto your scalp in sections for just a second or two. Dry shampoo will also help stop greasy hair by lengthening the time between washes, helping you avoid overwashing.
3. Change Your Hairstyle
Changing up your hairstyle is a simple and effective way to make your hair look less greasy. Greasy hair is often easier to style as it holds together well. Some hairstyles for greasy hair include braids, ponytails, and buns. These can help hide greasy hair and prevent it from appearing limp or dirty. If your hair is especially oily you may want to consider avoiding bangs, as the oil can cause you to break out along your hairline and forehead.
4. Don’t Touch Your Hair
A general rule of thumb for those dealing with greasy hair is to avoid touching it at all. It can be very tempting to constantly style your hair throughout the day and run your fingers through it, but your fingertips actually house their own natural oils. These oils will then make their way over to your scalp, causing greasy hair.
5. Brush Your Hair
A secret trick to fixing greasy hair is to perfect your brushing method. When you forget to brush your hair often enough, the oil becomes concentrated on the scalp. By brushing your locks you help spread the oil down to the ends of your hair. A boar bristle brush is recommended because it will evenly distribute the oil, according to Livestrong. However, avoid overbrushing the hair, as the scalp stimulation will actually cause more oil to be produced. The key to this method is finding the perfect balance.
How To Prevent Greasy Hair
While these quick-fix solutions can provide momentary relief, they don’t target the root of the problem. To help prevent the oily hair cycle from continuing, it is important to reconsider your hair-washing routine. According to About Style, the best way to prevent greasy hair is to go two to three days between shampooing.
Weaning your hair from the habit of everyday washing will help curb the overproduction of sebum. Although not washing your hair may sound horrifying, using the above methods can help reduce the unkempt appearance until your next wash. When you do wash your locks, make sure to shampoo the scalp and to only condition the ends. A lightweight moisturizing conditioner will be your best choice.
By changing up your hair routine you’ll begin to notice a difference in the look and feel of your hair.
If you plan on using these clever hair tips, please make sure to SHARE this article with all your friends and family who could benefit from some hair advice!
