Hair wash days can be such a pain. It feels like it takes forever to get your hair squeaky clean, only for it to get oily again in no time. Talk about frustrating. Most people think that greasy hair is just dirty but in this case, it can be due to something you’re doing in your haircare routine, or maybe your hair type is just naturally prone to greasiness.

So, what causes greasy hair? It's caused by the sebaceous glands on your scalp producing more oil than your hair needs. In this post, we'll dig into why this might happen and what you can do to avoid it.

You're Overwashing Your Hair

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Washing your hair too often can strip away the natural oils that your scalp produces. When this happens, your scalp goes into overdrive to replace those oils, which may play a part in excess sebum production. Instead of washing your hair every day, try cutting back to every other day or even every 3 days. Use dry shampoo in between washes to keep your hair looking fresh.

You're Using the Wrong Shampoo

Avoid moisturizing or heavy shampoos that have silicones and sulfates like sodium lauryl sulfate. Even though they lather up well, these shampoos can leave residues on your hair, making it look greasier faster.

Instead, go for a balancing, volumizing, or clarifying shampoo. These are specially designed to remove excess oil and keep your scalp clean without adding extra moisture or residue. Also, look specifically for natural ingredients like tea tree oil, peppermint, or witch hazel.

Your Conditioner Is Too Heavy

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If you’re using a rich, thick conditioner with coconut oil or shea butter, it can weigh your hair down and make it oily faster. Instead, opt for a lightweight conditioner labeled as oil-free, or for daily use with ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, or panthenol (pro-vitamin B5).

Another tip is to apply conditioner only to the ends of your hair. Avoid the scalp area. The roots don’t need as much conditioning as the ends do. Also, use only about the size of a dime or a nickel. Rinse everything out thoroughly to make sure there’s no residue left behind.

You're Rinsing Your Hair With Hot Water

Remember, your scalp is just like the rest of your skin—it reacts to dehydration by producing more oil. That’s why it’s important to treat it gently. Instead of hot water, try rinsing your hair with lukewarm or cool water. These temperatures are gentler to your oily scalp and can even help smooth and add shine to your hair by closing the hair cuticles.

You're Using Too Many Styling Products

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Hair products like gels, mousses, serums, and heat protectants can build up on your hair and scalp, making your hair look oily and weighed down. Even products meant to add shine or smoothness can contribute to the problem if you use too much.

To avoid this, start with a pea-sized amount and add more only if necessary. Use the product to the ends of your hair rather than the roots to prevent buildup near your scalp. Look for lightweight or water-based products that are less likely to leave a heavy residue.

Also, try to choose products that are specifically designed for your hair type. For instance, if you have fine hair, look for volumizing products that won’t weigh your hair down. To combat oily hair, thick hair, or textured hair, opt for oil-free or lightweight products.

You Have a Bad Diet

If you've tried all the right techniques and treatments and nothing seems to work for you, then you need to look internally at your diet and water consumption.

Eating a lot of greasy or sugary foods can increase oil production in your scalp. We're talking about foods high in refined carbs, like white bread and pastries. Also, try to avoid irritating foods like dairy and gluten. Instead, include more fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, include foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds. Make sure to drink plenty of water as well.

Your Hairbrush Is Not Clean

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Over time, hairbrushes can accumulate oil, dirt, and product residue. When you use the same dirty brush soon after washing your hair, you’re transferring all that buildup which will of course make your hair look greasier.

To avoid this, make sure you clean your hairbrush after every wash. For stubborn residue, soak it in warm water with a bit of shampoo or mild soap. Use a toothbrush to gently scrub between the bristles. Rinse the brush thoroughly and let it air dry completely before using it again.

You're Not Changing Your Sheets After Every Wash

Your pillowcases can collect oil, dirt, and sweat from your skin and hair while you sleep. If you’re not washing your pillowcases frequently, these residues can transfer back to your hair, making it greasy.

To help keep your hair clean, change your cases at least once a week. If you have particularly oily hair or skin, you might want to change them even more often. Also use cases made of natural fabrics like cotton, as they are more breathable and less likely to trap oils. Don't forget to wash your hair towels as well.

Summary

Managing oily hair can be challenging, but understanding the reasons behind it can help. Avoid overwashing your hair, use the right shampoo and conditioner, and be mindful of the amount and type of styling products you use. Also, don't forget to adjust your diet, clean your hairbrush regularly, and change your pillowcases. By making these small changes, you can target overly greasy hair after washing.

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