Stuck in a rut with greasy hair that literally weighs your strands down – And you – down? Greasy hair can keep you from looking and feeling your best, and it can be especially frustrating if you don’t know the cause. Sounds hairycorrectly;
It’s time to find out what might be causing oily hair to reappear. We’ll teach you how to control grease with natural hair products and tame those greasy tresses once and for all!
What is causing your oily hair?
There’s nothing more discouraging than having to wash your hair every day because it’s greasy. Then you go through the whole shampoo-condition-dry process only to end up with limp, frizzy, greasy or heavy strands. Now you have a hair loss on your hands!
To get to the root of oily hair, it’s important to look at your hair care routine. You should know that regular washing isn’t all that stands between you and fresh-looking hair. There are also pesky grease-boosting ingredients and surprising daily habits that could be the culprit for your greasy tresses.
Time to take on the fight against greasy residue and uncooperative strands by shedding light on these all-important hair care behaviors!
1. You’re using the wrong shampoo and conditioner
Just like skin types, everyone’s hair is different and requires a unique balance of products. Using the wrong shampoo and conditioner for your hair type can cause product to build up on the scalp and hair, causing patchy itchiness and a dull appearance. This product build-up at your roots can also trap oil and create heavy, greasy hair.
To prevent product build-up, look for shampoos that are light and absorb well into the hair. Avoid store-bought shampoos and conditioners that are full of oils, polymers and silicones: all of these can leave residue and a build-up that’s hard to wash off. Using natural hair products with a balance of clean ingredients can enhance natural shine – without inhibiting hair build-up.
2. You wax (too much) – or should be waxing
Hair wax is great for adding texture and shape to your strands. While some waxes work well on thick and medium-textured hair, they can be too heavy for fine or fine hair types – especially those with longer strands.
Waxes tend to leave residue and build-up on finer hair types and can lead to limp, limp locks. Plus, if not washed out properly, waxes could make your oily hair even greasier – no thanks!
Opt for natural hair products with light hold gels or light pomades, which can give you flexible hold instead of flops. Remember: if you are following the path of the candle, a little goes a long way. Using too much of certain waxes can weigh your hair down and make it both greasy and unmanageable.
3. The products you use contain harsh ingredients that dull the hair
Greasy hair is a beauty nuisance that we all have to overcome at some point. There are many store-bought hair products that not only add to your oily hair problem, but leave you with dull and lifeless strands. A BIG hair culprit: sulfates. After hearing more, you won’t want to let these infamous ingredients decide the fate of your beautiful tresses.
These hard surfactants can be the main cause of oily hair suffering. Although these chemical detergents create a foamy sensation when you lather, sulfates create a vicious cycle of aggressively stripping hair which then leads your scalp to overproduce oil – the main cause of oily hair. Instead, switch to sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner formulas for natural shine, without the extra grease.
4. Your hair may need some clarity
If your daily hair routine includes sprays, serums, pomades, or other styling products, you better make sure your regular shampoo effectively removes all that product buildup. As we learned earlier, this same buildup will leave your hair feeling heavy, greasy, and stringy.
Enter the almighty hair cleansing shampoo! Maybe you rely on dry shampoo in the days between washes and need a deep cleanse to remove any product build-up on your hair and scalp. Whatever the case may be, using natural hair products to clarify your hair may be all it takes to kick your hair to the curb and get your hair back to its normal self.
5. You are using the wrong oils for your hair
We know – it sounds confusing and counterproductive for oily hair! But there is evidence that putting oil in your hair can help prevent an oily scalp. The reasons this theory works: once you strip your hair of its natural oils, your scalp goes into oil production overload, undoing everything you’re trying to combat. Sigh.
Although, it should be noted that some store-bought hair oils may not be the best for your already oily scalp. There are many options in natural hair products that use oils that aim to add shine – not greasiness – to your hair. Look for natural hair products with cosmetic or virgin quality oils and NO fillers. Alternatively, expand your hair care repertoire with hair serums made from natural ingredients.
6. Your products contain ingredients that hair hates
Navigating the hair care market can be daunting, especially if you’re committed to the natural beauty lifestyle. It’s a minefield filled with parabens, alcohol, toxic dyes, synthetic chemicals, silicones and fragrances.
We would recommend avoiding any alcohol based hair products (SD Alcohol 40, Ethanol, Propyl or Isopropyl) and let’s not forget sulfates (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, or SLS). PEGs (polyethylene glycols) are petroleum-based compounds widely used in products and should also be avoided for risks of epithelial absorption.
Each of these synthetic ingredients has the potential to dry out the scalp and hair, contribute to dullness, strip away protective lipids, and disrupt the natural moisture balance that keeps hair shiny and lustrous.
7. Try exfoliating your scalp
Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp. As we do with our skin, it is important to consider the role of exfoliating the scalp. On the scalp, dead skin and sebum can build up. If the skin cells in this area are not regularly exfoliated, this sebum build-up can lead to clogged hair follicles and damage to hair length, fullness and growth. When we exfoliate our scalp, we remove any product build-up that wasn’t cleaned out in our regular hair washing session.
Exfoliation is also a key method for introducing oxygen to the scalp and preparing it for maximum absorption of any hair treatments you apply. You can check out our scalp exfoliation guide for a full breakdown!
With these tips, we hope you can send greasy hair to the sidelines and enjoy your hair game all the way to the finish line. Choosing the right natural hair products is key to a happy, healthy head of hair – especially since they come with pure ingredients that make us feel confident in our hair care efforts. Now that’s a win-win for the mind and the mane!
Frequently asked questions about oily hair
How do I choose the right shampoo and conditioner for oily hair?
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Look for cleansing shampoos: These shampoos are designed to remove excess oil and product build-up. They contain ingredients like sulfates that can help clean the scalp more effectively.
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Choose lightweight conditioners: Heavy, moisturizing conditioners can weigh your hair down and make it look greasier. Choose lightweight volumizing conditioners and apply only to the ends of your hair.
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Ingredients to look for: Tea tree oil, salicylic acid and witch hazel are effective for oily hair as they help balance the scalp’s oil production.
What ingredients should I avoid in hair products to prevent greasiness?
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Silicones: Ingredients like dimethicone can build up on the hair and scalp, making it look greasy.
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Heavy oils and butters: Coconut oil, shea butter and other heavy oils can weigh hair down and contribute to greasiness.
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Sulfates: While sulfates can help cleanse the scalp, they can also strip away too much natural oil, causing the scalp to overcompensate and produce more oil.
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Alcohol: Certain alcohols, especially short-chain alcohols (such as isopropyl alcohol), can dry out the scalp, leading to increased oil production.
Which natural oils are suitable for oily hair?
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Jojoba Oil: It closely resembles the natural oils of the scalp, making it effective in balancing oil production.
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Tea Tree Oil: Known for its antibacterial properties, tea tree oil can help keep the scalp clean and reduce oiliness.
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Peppermint Oil: This oil has a cooling effect and can help control oil production while stimulating the scalp.
How can exfoliating the scalp help reduce oiliness?
Exfoliating the scalp helps remove dead skin cells, excess oil and product build-up that can clog hair follicles and contribute to an oily scalp. By exfoliating regularly (once a week), you can maintain a clean and healthy scalp environment. Use gentle scrubs or exfoliating brushes designed specifically for the scalp.
How can I prevent product build-up in my hair?
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Use clarifying shampoos: Incorporate a clarifying shampoo into your routine once a week to remove build-up.
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Rinse thoroughly: Be sure to rinse your hair thoroughly after washing to make sure all the product is removed.
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Limit the use of heavy products: Avoid using too many styling products, especially those containing silicones and heavy oils.
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Rotate products: Changing your hair products regularly can help prevent any product build-up.
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Use Apple Cider Vinegar Rinses: An occasional rinse with diluted apple cider vinegar can help clear product build-up and balance the scalp’s pH. Mix 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with a cup of water and rinse your hair with it after washing.
