Oily hair often looks greasy, heavy, and flat, and requires frequent washing to feel fresh. While some oil is necessary to keep your hair healthy, too much can make your hair look dull and weighed down. Fortunately, with the right hair care routine, you can control the oiliness and keep your hair clean, shiny, and healthy. Here are some simple tips on how to take care of oily hair.
1. Use a Gentle, Oil-Control Shampoo
The first step to managing oily hair is choosing the right shampoo. Look for a shampoo that’s designed to control oil without drying out your hair or scalp. Avoid shampoos that are too harsh, as they may strip your hair of essential oils, causing your scalp to produce even more oil to compensate.
2. Don’t Over-Wash Your Hair
It might seem tempting to wash your hair every day when it feels oily, but washing too often can actually make the problem worse. Overwashing strips your scalp of natural oils, which can trigger the production of even more oil to compensate. Instead, try washing your hair 2-3 times a week, depending on how oily it gets. On days when your hair feels greasy, you can use dry shampoo to freshen it up without needing to wash it.
3. Use Conditioner Sparingly
While conditioner is important for healthy hair, using too much can weigh down oily hair. Apply conditioner only to the ends of your hair avoiding the scalp. The ends are more likely to be dry, while your scalp is where oil production happens. Choose a lightweight conditioner that doesn’t leave your hair feeling greasy.
4. Try Dry Shampoo
Dry shampoo is a lifesaver for those with oily hair. It absorbs excess oil from your scalp and gives your hair a fresh and clean look without having to wash it. Simply spray or sprinkle the dry shampoo onto your roots, wait for a few minutes, and then massage it in. It will help add volume and reduce the greasy appearance and make your hair look refreshed.
5. Avoid Touching Your Hair Too Much
One of the simplest ways to reduce oil buildup is to stop touching your hair. Your hands carry oils and dirt, which can transfer to your hair and make it greasy faster. Try to avoid running your fingers through your hair throughout the day, and always make sure your hairbrush or comb is clean before using it.
6. Wash with Lukewarm Water
Washing your hair with hot water can stimulate oil production in your scalp. Instead, use lukewarm or cool water when washing your hair. Hot water can strip away natural oils and lead to your scalp producing more oil to compensate, whereas cool water can help close the hair cuticle and prevent excess oil buildup.
7. Rinse with Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) can be a great natural remedy for oily hair. It helps balance the pH of your scalp and removes excess oil and product buildup. Mix 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with a cup of water and use it as a final rinse after shampooing your hair. ACV can help remove stubborn oil and make your hair feel lighter and fresher.
8. Avoid Heavy Styling Products
Heavy styling products like gels, waxes, and pomades can weigh down oily hair and make it look greasier. These products can also contribute to product buildup which can further exacerbate the problem. Instead, opt for lighter products like mousses or lightweight hairsprays that won’t add extra oil or weight to your hair.
9. Use a Silk or Satin Pillowcase
Did you know that your pillowcase could be making your hair greasier? Cotton pillowcases can absorb natural oils from your hair and face, leading to more oil buildup in your hair. Switching to a silk or satin pillowcase can help reduce oil transfer and keep your hair cleaner for longer. Silk pillowcases are also gentle on your hair reducing frizz and preventing breakage.
10. Eat a Balanced Diet
What you eat affects the oil production in your scalp. Foods that are high in sugar, unhealthy fats and processed ingredients can lead to an increase in oil production. To help control oily hair, focus on eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. Omega-3 fatty acids found in foods like salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds can help regulate oil production in your scalp and promote overall hair health.
11. Stay Hydrated
Drinking enough water is essential for overall health, including the health of your hair. Dehydration can lead to your scalp overproducing oil to compensate for the lack of moisture. Aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water per day to help keep your scalp balanced and your hair hydrated.
12. Give Your Scalp a Gentle Massage
Sometimes, oily hair can be a result of poor circulation in the scalp. Massaging your scalp gently with your fingertips can help increase blood flow which promotes healthy hair growth and can help regulate oil production.
Taking care of oily hair isn’t difficult. With the right products and a few simple habits, you can control excess oil and keep your hair fresh.