Oily hair remedies can make all the difference when it comes to managing a greasy scalp and achieving long-lasting freshness. If you’re tired of constantly battling oily roots, this blog post is here to help!
I know how frustrating it can be to feel like your hair needs washing every day. That’s why I’m sharing everything you need to know about oily hair remedies, including the ingredients to avoid, the right shampoos to use, and practical tips to extend the time between washes.
This post is all about oily hair remedies.
For more scalp health tips, check out this blog post.
Oily hair comes from an oily scalp. And an oily scalp isn’t necessarily a bad thing, its just like your face skin. Some people have oily faces than others while some have dry or sensitive skin. You just have to work with it and know what products work best for it and what to avoid.
First is shampoos…
Ingredients to Avoid in Shampoos for Oily Hair
There aren’t ingredients you should avoid. It’s more so you want to really make sure you wash out your shampoo. You still need to nourish your scalp if you have oily hair, but where people usually go wrong is by not rinsing out all the shampoo.
Heavy Oils: When selecting a shampoo, stay away from those containing heavy oils like coconut oil or mineral oil. These oils can weigh down your hair, drawing to its oily appearance. These are more for those with a dry scalp who need oils. An oily scalp isn’t lacking oils so skip on these.
Extra Gentle Shampoos: You should avoid shampoos that say “extra gentle” because they usually don’t have strong enough cleaning agents to get rid of the oils on your scalp.
*Not all sulfates are bad. Sulfates are needed to deeply clean your scalp and hair, but a less stripping sulfate is Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (SCI). But if you have an oily scalp, you need a shampoo that is really going to clean your hair.
Shampoo Consistencies to Avoid
Creamy or Thick Shampoos: Thick and creamy shampoos may leave residue on your scalp, making it harder to rinse off completely. This residue can contribute to an oily appearance.
Instead, opt for lightweight and clarifying shampoos that provide a thorough cleanse.
Shampoos with Heavy Conditioners: Some shampoos come with built-in conditioners, which can be counterproductive for oily hair. These conditioners can weigh down your locks, leading to increased oiliness.
Choose shampoos without added conditioners or use a separate lightweight conditioner on the ends of your hair.
Oily Hair Shampoos That I Recommend:
Tips to Avoid Oily Hair and Extend Time Between Washes
Focus on Scalp Cleansing: Concentrate on thoroughly cleansing your scalp while shampooing. Gently massage the shampoo into your roots to remove excess oil and buildup. Shampoo is only for your scalp and should do a really good job at cleansing but not stripping.
I would use a clarifying shampoo and you can use it 3 times a week. If you need to wash your hair everyday because your hair is that oily, I would go back an forth between a clarifying shampoo and check out this Maria Nila Shampoo. A bunch of the reviews say it’s great for fine hair and oily scalps.
Avoid Overbrushing: Brushing your hair too often can stimulate your scalp, leading to increased oil production. Opt for a wide-toothed comb or a brush with natural bristles, and limit brushing to detangling purposes only. Over-brushing is also just as bad for the lengths of your hair.
Blow Dry Your Roots: Try blow drying your roots after a shower instead of letting them air dry. This is because the heat absorbs the scalp’s natural oils helping it be lighter and less greasy. It can even give lift to the roots helping the oil left stop from running down the hair shaft.
Adjust Your Styling Products: Avoid heavy styling products like gels or pomades near the roots, as they can make your hair greasier quicker. Opt for lightweight and oil-free products that won’t weigh your hair down.
Using Volumizing Conditioners: Volumizing conditioners are more lightweight and pair great with a clarifying shampoo to really clean your scalp but won’t weigh your hair down especially if you have fine hair.
Use Micellar Water Instead of Dry Shampoo: A lot of people have been trying to use less dry shampoo lately and I’ve seen they use micellar water on their oily roots to clean their hair. You might want to give it a try if you don’t like the feeling of dry shampoo or want to stop using it soo much.
Here’s how to use Micellar Water to refresh your hair:
- Apply with a cotton pad: Dab a small amount of micellar water onto a cotton pad and gently press it against your scalp, focusing on oily areas.
- Massage in: Lightly massage the scalp to distribute the micellar water and absorb excess oil.
- Air dry or blow dry: Let your hair air dry naturally or use a blow dryer to set the style.
More Oily Hair Remedies to Incorporate into Your Hair Care Routine
Rinse with Lukewarm Water: When washing your hair, use lukewarm water instead of hot water. Hot water can stimulate the sebaceous glands, leading to increased oil production. Rinsing with lukewarm water helps to keep the oiliness in check.
Use a Weekly Clarifying Treatment: Incorporate a clarifying treatment into your routine once a week minimum to deeply cleanse your scalp and remove any product buildup. Look for clarifying shampoos or scalp scrubs that are specifically designed for oily hair.
Avoid Touching Your Hair: As tempting as it may be, try to avoid touching your hair throughout the day. Our hands carry natural oils and dirt that can transfer to the hair, making it appear greasier. If you need to fix your hair, use a wide-toothed comb or brush instead. Same goes for if you have fine hair. Keep your hands off!
Dry Shampoo: Dry shampoo can be a lifesaver when you need to extend the time between washes. It helps absorb excess oil and adds volume to your hair. Apply it to the roots, let it sit for a few minutes, and then brush it out to distribute the product evenly. For added absorption, use a blow dryer or even the night before!
Avoid Over-conditioning: If you use a conditioner, focus on applying it to the lengths and ends of your hair, avoiding the scalp area. Conditioning the scalp can lead to excessive oiliness. Additionally, choose lightweight conditioners and make sure you use a leave-in conditioner.
Oily Hair FAQ’s
How often should I wash oily hair?
It depends on your scalp’s oil production and lifestyle, but most people with oily hair benefit from washing it every other day or even daily if necessary. The key is to use the right shampoo—opt for clarifying or shampoos that don’t strip your scalp of natural oils. Washing too often with harsh products can cause your scalp to overcompensate and produce even more oil.
Tip: If you’re trying to extend the time between washes, use dry shampoo on the second or third day to absorb excess oil and add volume. But use it at night right before you notice a lot of oily production.
Is using a clarifying shampoo safe for regular use?
Clarifying shampoos are designed to remove buildup from hair products and excess oils. They’re incredibly effective for oily hair. For most people, using a clarifying shampoo once a week or every other week is sufficient. But they have come a long way and most formulations are okay to use even 2 times a week.
Should I still condition my hair if I have oily hair?
Yes Please! Conditioning is still important, even if your scalp tends to be oily. The key is to avoid applying conditioner directly to your scalp—focus on the mid-lengths and ends of your hair, where it’s needed most. Choose a lightweight or volumizing conditioner if you are worried about weighing your hair down. Also, use a leave-in conditioner.
It’s your scalp that is oily not the ends of your hair. The ends of your hair don’t get that oil that your scalp does so it’s dry and needs conditioner to protect the length.
Can oily hair cause scalp issues like dandruff?
Yes, excess oil on the scalp can sometimes lead to dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis. When oil builds up on the scalp, it can mix with dead skin cells, creating an environment for yeast or bacteria to thrive. If you notice flakes along with greasiness, consider using a medicated shampoo that targets dandruff while controlling oil production. Look for ingredients like zinc pyrithione, salicylic acid, or tea tree oil.
If you’re wondering how to remove oil from hair without shampoo, try alternatives like dry shampoo, cornstarch, or blotting papers for a fast refresh. Need to know how to get rid of greasy hair fast? Adjusting your routine with these tips for oily hair—like washing with the best shampoo for oily hair or reducing heavy product use—can help you regain control.
For long-term solutions, it’s essential to learn how to fix oily hair by identifying triggers, treating your scalp gently, and using clarifying products in moderation. Whether you’re searching for advice on how to treat oily hair or want personalized product recommendations, finding what works for your hair type is key.
Remember, everyone’s hair is different, so be patient as you test out these tips and tricks. With the right approach, you can keep your hair looking fresh, clean, and full of life—no matter how oily it may have been before!
Have more questions about managing an oily scalp? Let me know in the comments (or follow me in Instagram), and I’ ll help you find the answers!
XO, Annie
