How to Get Rid of Greasy Hair – Naturally
Written by Tenley Haraldson. Medically reviewed by Board-Certified Dermatologist Dr. Julie Jackson, MD, FAAD.
Tons of products and beauty regimens promise to get rid of greasy hair.
If you've got naturally oily hair, our derm-approved tips and products will teach you how to get rid of oily hair naturally. It's as simple as adjusting a few elements and finding the right products.
Why Is My Hair So Oily?
The issue tends to circle back to sebum. Produced by sebaceous glands attached to hair follicles, sebum is a mix of sugars, waxes, and fatty acids which help maintain moisture. But – surprise, surprise – some people produce more than others.
Board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Julie Jackson drew our attention to seborrheic dermatitis. This is a condition of thick, oily flaking of the scalp that's often associated with oil production and hormonal factors.
"Seborrheic dermatitis causes redness and scaling on the scalp and has a strong correlation with sebum production. When hormone production increases (typically during puberty and adulthood), it can also manifest as dandruff."
Shop Our Green Cleaning Products
How to Keep Hair from Getting Greasy
Finding the right hair care routine will probably take a little time (and trial and error), but the following advice is a great place to start:
- Determine how often you should shampoo.
- Don't touch your hair – your fingertips contain oil.
- Use warm water (not hot) to wash your hair.
- Avoid “hydrating” products which add weight to follicles.
- Use a cloth scrunchie to put hair in a loose bun on top of your head at bedtime.
- Put a fresh pillowcase on your pillow every few days. Consider investing in a silk pillowcase.
- Drink more water to flush out toxins and keep your skin (and scalp) healthier.
- The National Sleep Foundation recommends keeping your bedroom around 65ºF/18.3ºC to avoid sweating.
The Right Hair Products Can Make All the Difference
Buildup caused by many hair care products and "oily hair treatments" can weigh hair down and make it look oilier than it really is.
1. Choose The Best Shampoo for Oily Hair
Dimethicone and other silicones might make hair shinier and smoother, but curly and fine hair can quickly get weighed down by the waxy buildup. Silicones also aren't environmentally friendly.
To create our biodegradable Natural Shampoo and Conditioner, we worked with PhD chemists to replicate the smoothing effects of silicone using Lexfeel N5. This 100% plant-sourced, 100% sustainable ingredient is *chef's kiss* for smoother tresses.
Pro Tip: These products are formulated to extend the time between washes for 3+ days!
2. Use Conditioner Correctly
If you notice limp strands immediately after showering, you might be using your conditioner too high up on the follicles. Work conditioner into the tips of your hair, let it sit for approximately one minute, then rinse.
