{"id":1247282,"date":"2025-12-26T15:23:53","date_gmt":"2025-12-26T12:23:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1247282"},"modified":"2025-12-26T15:23:53","modified_gmt":"2025-12-26T12:23:53","slug":"13-ways-get-rid-of-oily-hair-according-to-experts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1247282","title":{"rendered":"13 Ways Get Rid of Oily Hair, According to Experts"},"content":{"rendered":"
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13 Ways Get Rid of Oily Hair, According to Experts<\/h1>\n
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By<\/span><\/p>\n
Nicole Cristy<\/p>\n
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\nNicole Cristy\n<\/div>\n
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  • <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
    \nAfter founding her own business, Lovers + Letters, Nicole Cristy joined DIFF Eyewear in January 2019 as a Customer Insights Coordinator.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
    \nByrdie’s Editorial Guidelines\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
    Updated on February 25, 2025 03:49PM<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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    \"woman\"woman<\/div>\n<\/div>
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    @matildadjerf \/ Instagram<\/p>\n

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    Nothing kills the vibe more than getting ready to go out and realizing that your hair is too oily to style, even though you just<\/em> washed it. But before you grab the bottle of dry shampoo, it’s important to know why your hair is oily, and even more importantly\u2014how to fix it. So, we brought in the experts to help us get down to the bottom of oily hair, once and for all. Ahead, two dermatologists, a trichologist, and a stylist share their tips for getting rid of oily hair.\n<\/p>\n

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    Meet the Experts<\/p>\n

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    • Dr. Blair Murphy Rose is a board-certified dermatologist at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York.<\/li>\n
    • Dr. Azadeh Shirazi is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of AziMD Skincare.<\/li>\n
    • Linda de Zeeuw and Michael Bowman are hairstylists at the Rob Peetoom Salon in New York City.<\/li>\n
    • Shab Reslan is a trichologist and HairClub hair health expert.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

      What Causes Oily Hair? <\/span><\/h2>\n

      According to Rob Peetoom master stylist Linda de Zeeuw, “Greasy hair is the result of overactive sebaceous glands when they are producing too much sebum.<\/strong> Although sebum is good for\u00a0the hair,\u00a0too much can make your hair look slick and greasy. Common causes of oily hair are unhealthy eating habits, medications, improper hair care,\u00a0stress, hormonal fluctuations, and change in weather.” This is all to say that there are plenty of factors that could be contributing to your overly oily hair\u2014but fortunately, there’s plenty of methods for addressing this hair concern.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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      01<\/span>of 13<\/span><\/div>\n
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      Reduce Stress <\/span><\/h2>\n

      Stressing about work deadlines? Woke up with oily hair? Stressed about work deadlines and<\/em> your oily hair? We face stress and anxiety every day,\u00a0but trying to balance a heavy load of stress can do more damage than that extra cup of coffee. When we are stressed, the body releases a hormone called cortisol. When our cortisol levels rise, it may cause the sebaceous glands in our scalp to be stressed as well, sending them into overdrive, producing and releasing more sebum, and causing oil buildup.<\/p>\n

      Hormone imbalance also occurs when you are overly stressed or anxious, and\u00a0before or during that time of the month. When the level of androgens (hormones) increases, which happens when you\u2019re experiencing a hormone imbalance, this puts your body in a slightly stressed state, making the glands in your scalp produce more oil.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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      02<\/span>of 13<\/span><\/div>\n
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      Brush to Redistribute Oils <\/span><\/h2>\n

      Brushing your hair is incredibly important, especially if you have oily hair.<\/strong> “Brushing your hair can decrease the look of oily hair as it distributes the oils down your strands. As with any oil, your natural oils can protect your hair but that doesn\u2019t change the fact that your roots are still greasy looking and most likely clogging your follicle openings,” explains trichologist Shab Reslan.\n<\/p>\n

      However, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Azadeh Shirazi advises that you shouldn’t over <\/em>brush your hair, either. “Avoid over brushing. Brushing too frequently can distribute oil from the scalp to the rest of your hair, making it appear greasier.” Instead, limit brushing to when necessary and use a boar bristle brush, which helps to distribute natural oils evenly throughout the hair.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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      03<\/span>of 13<\/span><\/div>\n
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      Avoid Refined Sugars and Dairy <\/span><\/h2>\n

      Your diet can also influence how much oil your scalp produces, and some foods can make it produce more. Rob Peetoom advanced stylist Michael Bowman says, “A diet rich in sugars, dairy products, and red meats can make the scalp produce more oil.” This means consuming high\u00a0amounts of these foods can wreak havoc on your scalp. The hormones in dairy products are believed to break down into androgens (hormones) after consumption resulting in an overproduction of sebum.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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      04<\/span>of 13<\/span><\/div>\n
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      Consider Your Wash Schedule <\/span><\/h2>\n

      Switch up your usual routine to avoid washing your hair every day.“<\/em>Try to wash your hair twice a week with a clarifying shampoo or a sea salt scrub cleanser to get a a deep yet delicate cleanse removing all impurities and build-up,” suggests de Zeeuw. “And use a dry shampoo in between washings to make your hair look fresh.”\n<\/p>\n

      However, Reslan adds: “Oily hair stems from an oily scalp and occurs when the scalp itself is not sufficiently cleansed over time, causing the sebum to run down the hair shaft. Infrequent shampooing and single shampoos per shower can lead to improper cleansing of the scalp.” She also recommends avoiding natural shampoos “which tend to use super gentle cleansing ingredients that make it very difficult to sufficiently cleanse oily roots and hair.” You can determine which shampoo method works best for you and your hair.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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      05<\/span>of 13<\/span><\/div>\n
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      Take Your Vitamins <\/span><\/h2>\n

      A hard-to-control oily scalp may be in your genes, but supplements can potentially help this condition. Certain\u00a0diseases and medical\u00a0issues, like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), liver congestion, and Sj\u00f6gren\u2019s syndrome (a long-term autoimmune disease), can cause an overproduction of oil. Bowman suggests zinc-based supplements to help increase immune defenses and betacarotene to help skin repair more quickly. “Choosing foods with whole grains, fish, and rich in vitamin E will help with oil production,” he adds.\n<\/p>\n

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      Byrdie Tip<\/p>\n

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      Taking supplements with vitamin B6 or essential fatty acids might help to control deficiencies and get your body\u2019s balance back on track.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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      06<\/span>of 13<\/span><\/div>\n
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      Remember Fatty Acids <\/span><\/h2>\n

      Essential fatty acids are a key component of\u00a0a healthy, balanced lifestyle. Making sure you eat enough of these may help combat excess sebum on the scalp and tame those oily strands. EFAs are found in nuts, seeds, fatty fish, and unrefined whole grains, so stock up on those almonds.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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      07<\/span>of 13<\/span><\/div>\n
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      Avoid Sulfates <\/span><\/h2>\n

      Sulfates are the ingredients in shampoos that make them suds up, and they can wreak havoc on your scalp by stripping it of its natural oils. In turn, your scalp will produce more<\/em> oil, trying to make up for what was lost. There are lots of sulfate-free shampoos available, and they’re worth a try. You may initially find the lack of suds to be a bit odd, but trust us: Your hair is getting just as clean, and it may be less oily because you aren’t stripping the needed oils from you scalp.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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      08<\/span>of 13<\/span><\/div>\n
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      Put Down the Dry Shampoo <\/span><\/h2>\n

      While dry shampoo is great in a pinch, Bowman warns that people can sometimes use too much, which leads to even more <\/em>buildup and clogged pores between washings. So be sure not to overload with the dry shampoo on oily days. “I recommend avoiding the use of hard-to-rinse products like dry shampoo and hair oils that can build up on the hair and become difficult to wash out,” explains Reslan.\n<\/p>\n

      For a DIY buildup busting option, de Zeeuw shared a recipe for an apple cider vinegar solution to help reset your scalp’s pH. Create a mixture of one part apple cider vinegar and eight parts water. Put the solution in your hair, let it soak for a few minutes, and rinse it out with clean water.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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      09<\/span>of 13<\/span><\/div>\n
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      Incorporate a Scalp Scrub <\/span><\/h2>\n

      Exfoliating your scalp is likely not part of your haircare routine, but oily scalps can benefit from a good scrub. There are tons to choose from, or you can even make your own with simple pantry ingredients including coconut oil and sugar. If your oily scalp or hair is being caused by product buildup, a good scrub is the perfect way to start fresh. It will remove any old, accumulated product that’s been there too long, and leave your scalp extra clean. Similar to a hair mask, scalp scrubs are best for occasional use, up to once a week.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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      10<\/span>of 13<\/span><\/div>\n
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      Consider Nizoral Shampoo <\/span><\/h2>\n

      Nizoral shampoo is typically used to treat dandruff, but it can also be an effective treatment for oily hair and scalp. As board-certified dermatologist Blair Murphy-Rose explains, “Nizoral shampoo contains ketoconazole, which we use in dermatology as an anti-dandruff shampoo. But, it has anti-androgen properties in the scalp which can help decrease sebaceous gland production over time. It comes in a 1% OTC preparation or can be prescribed at 2%.”\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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      11<\/span>of 13<\/span><\/div>\n
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      Style Accordingly <\/span><\/h2>\n

      Extra oil can also mean your hair has a hard time holding a style. Bowman suggests using lightweight products that won’t weigh down your hair even more. “Try to blow dry as often as you can to bring your natural oils down the hair. Apply a shine spray or definition mist to a brush or hands and brush the hair. Don\u2019t apply it straight on the hair,” he says.\n<\/p>\n

      If your hair is still giving you trouble, opt for a style that will stay in place. “For those with long hair, it’s easiest to make a ponytail, bun, or braid to keep the hair in place,” de Zeeuw\u00a0says. “If you have short hair, you can use a hair powder on the roots to absorb excess oil while adding instant volume.”\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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      12<\/span>of 13<\/span><\/div>\n
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      Start Using Salicylic Acid <\/span><\/h2>\n

      Salicylic acid isn’t just for your wonder treatment for your acne, it’s also a great ingredient for taming oily hair. Shirazi tells us, “Salicylic acid is your scalp\u2019s best friend. Look for this key ingredient in your haircare products, as it helps regulate oil production, exfoliates, and removes excess oil and build up.\u00a0I favor the One Spray with 2% salicylic acid sprayed on the scalp 3 x a week.”\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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      13<\/span>of 13<\/span><\/div>\n
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      Try a Clarifying Shampoo <\/span><\/h2>\n

      Clarifying shampoos are great for getting rid of dirt and excess oil. And if you have an oily scalp, a clarifying shampoo is an essential tool to help combat oily hair. “Oily hair is caused by oily scalp. The oils are produced from sebaceous glands in the scalp, and some people produce more than others. The oils transfer to the hairs so we the greasy appearance. Some people with oily scalp may have dry ends, so finding the right balance is key,” explains Blair Murphy-Rose.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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      FAQ<\/div>\n
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        What causes oily hair?<\/span><\/div>\n
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        Oily hair can happen for a number of reasons. Sometimes, it’s related to hormones, the styling products you use, or a dry scalp, which makes your scalp produce more oil.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

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        How can I tame oily hair?<\/span><\/div>\n
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        You can decrease oily hair by using clarifying shampoos (sparingly), limiting your intake of processed foods, and skipping out on heavy conditioners and styling products.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

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        Is dry shampoo good for oily hair?<\/span><\/div>\n
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        Dry shampoo is designed to help absorb oil in your scalp, which is a good, temporary fix. However, it can buildup if used too often and if your scalp is too dry, your hair can start overproducing oil.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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        Article Sources<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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        Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.<\/div>\n
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        1. \n

          Chen Y, Lyga J. Brain-skin connection: stress, inflammation and skin aging.\u00a0Inflamm Allergy Drug Targets<\/em>. 2014;13(3):177-190. doi:10.2174\/1871528113666140522104422<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

        2. \n

          Makrantonaki E, Ganceviciene R, Zouboulis C. An update on the role of the sebaceous gland in the pathogenesis of acne.\u00a0Dermatoendocrinol<\/em>. 2011;3(1):41-49. doi:10.4161\/derm.3.1.13900<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

        3. \n

          Kucharska A, Szmur\u0142o A, Si\u0144ska B. Significance of diet in treated and untreated acne vulgaris.\u00a0Postepy Dermatol Alergol<\/em>. 2016;33(2):81-86. doi:10.5114\/ada.2016.59146<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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          Read more:<\/div>\n
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          • Hair<\/span><\/li>\n
          • Hair Concerns<\/span><\/li>\n
          • Loss & Growth <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n

            Source URL: https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/why-your-hair-is-oily-4686902<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

            If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. 13 Ways Get Rid of Oily Hair, According to Experts By Nicole Cristy Nicole Cristy After founding her own business, Lovers + Letters, Nicole Cristy joined DIFF Eyewear in January 2019 as a Customer Insights Coordinator. Byrdie’s Editorial Guidelines Updated on February 25, 2025 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[83],"class_list":["post-1247282","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-byrdie-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1247282","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1247282"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1247282\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1247282"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1247282"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1247282"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}