Do you notice your hair getting greasy even when you have only just washed it? Maybe your scalp is feeling oily. An oily scalp is one of the most common concerns people face when it comes to their hair and scalp health. While natural oils are essential for keeping your scalp healthy, too much oil can leave hair looking flat, heavy, and difficult to style. In this advice article, we will investigate the causes of oily scalps and why our hair can get greasy along with the solutions on how to keep your hair and scalp fresh.
Understanding oily and greasy hair
Your scalp is lined with sebaceous glands. Sebaceous glands are located at the base of each hair follicle and produce sebum – a waxy oil that hydrates the scalp and lubricates each strand. This sebum is essential as without it, your hair would be brittle, dry and prone to breakage.
When sebaceous glands become overactive, excess oil quickly weighs strands down. Sebum production isn't the same for everyone, and various factors such as age, climate and scalp microbiome health all have an influence on the sebaceous glands.
Common causes:
- Over washing. Using harsh shampoo or over washing can strip your scalps protective microbiome and irritates your skin causing natural oil production into overdrive.
- Product buildup. What you put on your hair and scalp matters. Heavy conditioners or waxy serums can often leave behind a film or greasy coating.
- Not rinsing thoroughly. Poor rinsing is one of the most overlooked causes of grease build up and oils on the hair.
- Touching and brushing too often. Every time you brush or run fingers through your hair, oils from the scalp and being spread down the hair shaft. Oils and dirt from your hands or build up on your brush can add to the problem too.
Solutions on tackling an oily scalp and greasy hair
- Washing your hair the right way. It might seem logical to wash your hair every day when it is oily or greasy, but over washing can make it worse. Use a gentle, balancing shampoo designed for oily scalps and focus on cleansing the scalp rather than the ends. Rinse thoroughly to make sure no product is left behind. Double shampooing can help remove excess oil without the need for using more products.
- Choose lightweight products. Heavy conditioners, serums and styling creams can build up on the scalp and make hair appear greasy more quickly. Apply conditioner only to the mid-lengths and ends, avoiding the roots. This keeps your hair soft without adding any unnecessary oil to the scalp.
- Avoid touching your hair as much. Try to style hair once and leave it alone as much as possible. If you do need to re style or touch up your hair throughout the day, use a clean brush or comb. You should clean your hairbrushes and combs regularly to prevent oil and product build up transferring back onto clean hair.
- Rethink your dry shampoo. Dry shampoo can be a good way to maintain your look in-between washes. It absorbs excess oil at the roots and helps add volume too. Don't always rely on dry shampoo to achieve your desired look as it can also have the opposite effect if used incorrectly. As it is another product on your scalp and in your hair, the powder mixed with the natural oils on your scalp can build up very quickly.
- Keep your scalp healthy. Greasy or oily hair often starts with the scalp. Product buildup, stress, hormones, and even diet can affect how much oil your scalp produces. Regular professional salon treatments can help reset the scalp and remove buildup that normal shampoo may not fully clean. If your hair becomes greasy very quickly, speak to a Supercuts stylist who can recommend the right treatment and products for your hair type.
Having oily hair doesn't mean you need to wash it constantly or struggle with flat styles. With the right routine, lightweight products, and proper scalp care, you can keep your hair looking fresh, clean, and full of life for longer.
If you need personalised advice, our stylists are always happy to help you find the best routine for your hair type.