Though slick-backed hair is a runway mainstay, most of the time, greasy hair isn't ideal. Dealing with greasy hair is a reality for us all—and one caused by various internal and external factors. Practically everything, from diet and climate to heavy products and improper cleansing, can cause greasiness, making for a frustrating and difficult-to-define issue. Fortunately, once the cause of your excess oil is determined, it is more than likely treatable, allowing for a life of grease-free hair. 

Meet the expert

Causes of Greasy Hair

Though several factors can lead to greasy hair, the ultimate answer is simple: greasy hair is caused by sebum, an oil secreted by the scalp to keep things moisturized. Whether produced at a high rate (resulting in quickly greasy hair) or simply combined with dirt from your external environment, it all comes down to sebum. 

“Greasy hair occurs due to overactive sebaceous glands,” says Giannetos, who lists hormonal changes, genetics, stress, weather, poor diet, products, and routine as potential culprits. Humidity, for example, will lead to dampness and sweat and thus grease, while stress raises levels of both cortisol and sebum. 

Though dealing with greasy hair is something of a universal experience, an expert can help pinpoint the problem. “If greasiness persists, consulting a healthcare professional is advisable for further guidance,” says Giannetos. Once you determine the cause of your level of greasiness, treatment becomes a much easier feat. 

Tips for Reducing Oiliness

After addressing habits and lifestyle choices that could be contributing to an excess of sebum (“Maintain a balanced diet, stay hydrated, and manage stress levels, all of which can impact oil production,” says Giannetos), shifting your haircare routine is the natural next step. 

“To reduce oiliness in hair, use a mild, sulfate-free shampoo and rinse thoroughly to remove residues,” advises Giannetos. “Avoid over washing, limiting it to two to three times a week, and consider using a clarifying shampoo once a week.” Ironically, washing hair too much can also lead to an overproduction of sebum (“This will lead to a dry scalp and, in turn, more oil,” explains Taylor), so finding your balance is key—a sentiment echoed by the American Academy of Dermatology.

Giannetos also recommends limiting conditioner to the ends of your hair, relying on alcohol-free products when styling, and reaching for dry shampoo between washes. 

“I recommend using a dry shampoo after you wash your hair to prevent excess oil from building up and to prolong your style even longer,” agrees Taylor, who favors BOLDIFY’s Revitalize & Refresh Dry Shampoo, which claims to lend to scalp health. Though dry shampoo does absorb oil, be sure to limit use and stick to your cleansing schedule to avoid unnecessary product build-up and clogged pores, worsening the very problem that you’re trying to solve.   

Finally, Giannetos suggests remembering that simple steps like refraining from frequently touching your hair (and thus transferring oil and dirt), regular trims, limiting heat styling, and using a heat protectant can all help hair look fresh and clean. 

Products for Greasy Hair

Avoiding greasy hair calls for lightweight products, clarifying, and gentle (or even detoxifying) on the scalp. “I love Dae Hair Signature Shampoo for my daily routine: It does a wonderful job of properly hydrating my hair without it being heavy,” says Giannetos. “I'm also a fan of Raw Sugar Scalp Restore for its scalp benefits, as it does a great job balancing your scalp's pH.” 

A deep cleanse is the best way to ensure you're removing excess product and helping to mitigate unwanted greasiness. “Clarifying shampoos are great for oily hair, and I highly recommend Deeper than Hair’s Detox Bath,” says Taylor. “It is formulated with natural oils, which is soothing on the scalp and provides a deeper clean to get rid of excess dirt and dandruff. Plus, it’s safe to use on color-treated hair!”

Natural remedies like apple cider vinegar (a spritz of which helps to balance scalp pH) and tea tree oil (an antibacterial) can help, too. Just be sure to dilute them, as they can cause irritation when used on their own.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can washing your hair too often make it greasy?

  Yes. Though washing your hair may feel like the best way to cut the oiliness, overwashing can actually make your hair greasier by increasing the scalp’s production of sebum. 
  

• Does styling cause greasy hair?

  Yes! Too much touching (a natural accompaniment of both wet-to-dry styling and crafting styles) and heat damage can lead to greasy hair. Styling tools can also harbor oils from past use, greasing up previously clean lengths. 
  

• Does dry shampoo help with greasy hair?

  Yes, to an extent. “Dry shampoos have the ability to absorb grease and add volume without having to physically wash your hair,” says Taylor, who recommends using the hero product to combat greasiness. Still, dry shampoo covers up the symptom without addressing the actual cause, and overuse of dry shampoo can result in product buildup on the scalp, hampering overall hair health. For the best results, reserve dry shampoo for essential spot treatments (and spray sparingly) and try not to go too long between washes.