Wash Your Hair Less (or More) Often

The frequency of your hair wash days may be the cause of your greasy hair. The American Academy of Dermatology says those with oily hair should wash it once a day to avoid it from getting greasy. However, if your hair is still oily at the end of the day after daily washing, try shampooing less frequently. Overwashing may cause an increase in oil for some people, according to Olivia Austin, co-founder of the former haircare brand, Playa.

“Shampooing too often can strip your skin of its natural oils and dry out your scalp,” says dermatologist, Dendy Engelman, MD. “This can create a paradoxical effect causing sebum production to go into overdrive.” While finding the right balance depends on your hair type, scalp sensitivity, and styling habits, dermatologist, Onyeka Obioha-Lolagne, MD, warns against reducing shampoos to less than once a week.

Check the Oils in Your Shampoo

If you’ve recently started using switch more natural shampoo formulas, it is possible your strands are not getting the same clean feel as before. “I love natural shampoos,” says celebrity hairstylist, Kristen Shaw. “However, they have to have the right chemistry to work.” Many shampoos formulated with natural ingredients contain high amounts of oils that may leave residue and create buildup. You can still use naturally-derived formulas, just make sure you are using one that is adapted to your hair type.

Try to avoid shampoo formulated with coconut oil or argan oil—they may be overly moisturizing for your hair. Instead, look for a shampoo with tea tree oil, aloe vera, rosemary, or lavender. Jojoba oil is another great ingredient for those with oily hair. It is antibacterial that may help treat acne and remove excess grease.

Use Sulfate-Free Shampoo

Shampoo containing sulfates may also cause greasy strands. Sulfates such as sodium lauryl sulfate are commonly found in hair care formulas. These chemical detergents are used to create a lather. “A lot of shampoos on the market contain harsh chemicals that create a vicious cycle of aggressively stripping hair that then leads your scalp to overproduce oil in an attempt to maintain balance,” says Austin.

There is a wide variety of sulfate-free formulas you can use. It is often recommended for those with color-treated or processed hair, as well as for those who have a sensitive scalp. We recommend trying Pureology Strength Cure Shampoo or Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo.

Mix and Match Your Shampoo and Conditioner

Finding hair products that strike the perfect balance of moisturizing, but not too rich can be challenging. Shaw suggests breaking the habit of buying matching shampoos and conditioners that offer the same benefits. “Moisturizing shampoos are amazing, but sometimes you need to pair a lighter conditioner with it to balance it out,” she says.

Moisturize Using a Hair Mask

Combining a moisturizing shampoo with a light conditioner may be a good solution for those with a dry scalp and oily strands. However, if your strands needs additional hydration, Shaw recommends a different approach. “If you think your hair needs more moisture but are afraid of the oil, you can also try a light shampoo and pair it with a hair mask, so you get that extra push of moisture without the grease.”

Condition Before Shampooing

You may try changing the order in which you apply your products in order to avoid greasy hair. Using conditioner before shampoo may help keep your strands soft while removing some of the residue that can remain after rinsing. If you are used to washing your hair multiple times a week, only reverse the order of your shampoo and conditioner once a week.

Thoroughly Rinse Out Your Hair

If they aren’t thoroughly rinsed out, shampoo and conditioner residue may leave your hair feeling greasy after washing. Run water a little longer than you’re used to in order to ensure your hair is free of any residue.

Treat Your Scalp

When addressing greasy hair, it is important to take your scalp into account. The condition of your skin and pores at the root may affect your hair overall. Here are some recommendations for taking care of your scalp.

• Avoid products containing silicones. Silicones may clog the pores. Instead, try using products intended to balance the scalp and remove buildup.
• Try a mud mask. Shaw recommends doing a mud mask on your scalp quarterly “to keep your scalp replenished with good minerals and free of all the gunk that weighs down your hair and results in oil buildup.” She offers her clients a handmade treatment made with clay and essential oils. You can achieve similar results at home with a hair mask.
• Avoid irritants. “Keep the scalp hydrated with moisturizers that do not contain fragrances or dyes as that can cause irritation,” recommends Dr. Engelman.
• Try products made to treat a dry scalp. Dr. Obioha recommends using products that actively treat irritated scalp conditions. “Anti-dandruff shampoos that contain antifungals (ketoconazole), zinc, sulfur and/or selenium sulfide” can help reduce a greasy scalp. Another oil-reducing ingredient is salicylic acid, which is commonly used in skincare.

Use a Clarifying Shampoo Weekly

If your daily hair routine involves using styling products such as hair sprays, serums and pomades—or often rely on dry shampoo—you may have product buildup. Using a clarifying shampoo once a week may be necessary in order to remove buildup and avoid weighing down your hair. “A clarifying shampoo can help to regulate oil production and remove impurities for minimal irritation and greasiness,” says Dr. Engelman. Try using K18 Peptide Prep Detox Shampoo or Ouai Detox Shampoo.

Reduce Excessive Brushing and Styling

While we’re not advocating for you to entirely stop brushing your hair, keep in mind that over-brushing may cause scalp irritation and oil production. “Overusing brushes, combs, and other hair tools can spread the sebum from the roots down the hair, creating a greasy appearance,” says Dr. Engelman. The same goes for styling products. Formulas (including shampoos) that are wax-based or made with artificial ingredients can cause oiliness, according to Dr. Engelman.

Avoid Heat Styling

If hot tools are part of your daily routine, you may want to consider taking a break. Heat styling can cause hair to look oilier—especially flat-ironed hair that lies close to the head. Try air-drying your hair for a few days and style your hair in a braid or a bun.

Reconsider Lifestyle Habits

Things that you probably don’t even realize that you do may be contributing to your greasy hair. Keep these sneaky habits in mind and you’ll likely notice less greasy hair over time.

• Don’t forget to clean your combs and hairbrushes. Cleaning your styling tools often is essential in order to avoid spreading oil and debris on your freshly washed hair.
• Wash your sheets and towels more frequently. Make sure your sheets (especially your pillowcases), as well as the towels used to dry or wrap your hair, are clean. This will help avoid the spread of oil and debris.
• Consider your workout routine. Sweating is a part of exercising. However, note that sweat may contribute to oily hair. Wash your hair after working out or plan your wash days around your workouts in order to limit greasy hair.
• Consider the weather. A hot and humid climate may cause sweating and therefore greasy hair. Although there isn’t much you can do when it comes to the weather, it is worth keeping in mind that climate may be a factor in your grease problem.
• Hair accessories. Some accessories such as scarves, bonnets, hats or heavy headbands may cause sweating, and friction, and can include debris if not washed properly. Make sure your hair accessories remain clean, encourage them to stay in place to prevent friction, and remove them if they cause you to sweat. For instance, don’t forget to take off your hat when going inside in the winter.
• Don’t touch your hair too much. Constant touching such as running your hand through your hair, playing with longer strands, and changing your part throughout the day may rev sebum production. Plus, the natural oils on your hands (or your hand lotion) can easily transfer to your strands. Try keeping your hands busy another way.

Try an Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse

If prefer to stick to at-home remedies, we recommend trying an apple cider vinegar rinse. It may help remove oil buildup on the scalp and restore the pH balance for shinier hair. Here’s a simple DIY guide.

• In a spray bottle, combine five parts water to one part apple cider vinegar.
• Shake and spray it over your scalp while working it through the roots.
• Let it sit for three to five minutes before rinsing it out.

Use Dry Shampoo for a Quick Solution

If you want to get rid of greasy hair quickly, try using dry shampoo. It’s great for when you’re in a pinch and don’t have time for a full cleanse, but relying on it too often can lead to other issues, so spritz wisely. Here are some helpful hints if you do choose to enlist the help of dry shampoo.

• Spray the dry shampoo on the roots and scalp.
• Let it sit for a minute or two to allow the product to absorb the oil.
• Brush it through before styling.

Consider Your Diet

If you’ve tried all of the above solutions and still can’t figure out what is causing you to have greasy hair, you may want to consider your diet. “Oftentimes what comes out is coming from within,” says Shaw. We recommend consulting your doctor or a nutritionist to evaluate whether anything in your diet may be affecting your hair and scalp.

“Take a look at your diet and see where you can take some things out that may be overpowering your pores,” says Shaw. She points to potentially irritating foods such as dairy. Try cutting in for a couple of weeks and see if you notice a difference. “Oftentimes things like dairy, if you are sensitive, can cause clogged pores,” she says. Although more research on this topic is needed, you can always give it a try.

Consult a Dermatologist

Greasy hair may also be caused by underlying health conditions. We recommend consulting a board-certified dermatologist if you’ve tried the options on this list without success or if you want further treatment. Here some common conditions that may cause perpetually greasy hair.

Seborrheic dermatitis. Also known as dandruff, it is a condition that can cause oily hair and flakes. “Greasy, irritated hair after shampooing might be due to a skin condition known as seborrhea,” says Dr. Engelman. “This scalp condition can cause redness and scaliness along with excess oil production. It is often triggered by environmental aggressors such as weather, hormone changes, and stress.” Your doctor can help determine a treatment plan, including medicated shampoos or topical solutions.

Hormonal imbalance. Hormones can affect your oil production. For instance, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can affect the balance of your hormones, which may result in increased sebum production and oily hair. Your OB-GYN doctor can examine you for the condition and may offer solutions such as the birth control pill.