Oily hair is a common issue, but it's not a permanent problem. We’re all familiar with that shiny, heavy hair feeling – not the most glamorous – along with the itchy scalp sensation... If you're dealing with oily hair, don't worry: there are simple steps to adopt and others to avoid to say goodbye to greasy strands. Here are 8 tips to combat oily hair and keep your locks fresh and voluminous for longer!
CAUSES OF OILY HAIR
While fine hair tends to get oily more quickly, oily hair isn’t an inherent trait—it’s a temporary condition that can be fixed with the right habits and products.
Like any bodily manifestation, oily hair is a sign that something isn't right. It may not be pleasant, but it's actually a good thing that your body is expressing itself and sending you signals! It's up to us to spot and decode them.
Oily hair occurs when the sebaceous glands of the scalp become imbalanced and produce an excess amount of sebum. Sebum is a natural substance that also helps protect the skin. It’s essential for creating a protective shield around the hair, preventing dehydration, and blocking out pollution. Sebum creates a hydrolipidic film on the hair shaft, which works as a shield to prevent water evaporation and keep hair hydrated.
The key question is: why does the scalp produce too much sebum? There can be both internal and external factors involved.
Before/After Oily Hair
8 TIPS AGAINST OILY HAIR
1. Change Your Shampoo
What’s the best shampoo for oily hair?
When your scalp gets oily quickly, the most common mistake is using harsh shampoos. While they feel cleansing and leave your hair feeling fresh, they can be too aggressive. They can unbalance the scalp, which then compensates by producing even more sebum to avoid dehydration.
It’s okay to use a purifying shampoo, but be sure it’s gentle! Choose a sulfate-free shampoo with a neutral pH that doesn’t irritate the scalp.
Alternatively, using a shampoo that’s too rich could be the issue. Nourishing shampoos are not the best option for fine or quickly greasing hair. Opt for a lightweight shampoo that won’t weigh down your roots.
Our recommended selection of gentle, purifying shampoos:
- K18 Detox Shampoo
- Dr. Barbara Sturm Balancing Wash
- Pure Organic Haircare Uplift Shampoo
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2. Space Out Your Washes with Dry Shampoo
The first reaction when your scalp gets greasy is often to wash your hair more frequently. While this provides immediate relief, it’s counterproductive. Frequent washes don't give the scalp enough time to regulate its sebum production. Washing too often sends the wrong signal to the sebaceous glands.
One of the most challenging tips to follow is to space out your washes as much as possible. It might be a rough transition, but it’s essential for your sebaceous glands to re-learn how to balance their production. To help with this transition, dry shampoos will be your best friend! They’re perfect for absorbing excess sebum and keeping your roots fresh, adding volume. If used properly, they’ll give your scalp a break. However, avoid overuse as it can dry out your roots and make them produce even more sebum.
Our selection of dry shampoos:
- KEVIN MURPHY Fresh Hair Dry Shampoo
- Color Wow Fine Hair Types Dream Cocktail
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3. Detoxify Your Scalp with a Scrub
Once a week or every 10 days, you can use an exfoliating scrub. This product, which works as a shampoo, contains small beads that massage the scalp and help remove impurities.
It’s ideal for congested, suffocated, or polluted scalps. The mechanical action of the beads stimulates blood circulation to the scalp, improving the absorption of active ingredients and nutrients from your diet.
If you suffer from dandruff, scalp exfoliation is a good solution. It deeply cleanses and removes flakes.
An oxygenated scalp = a healthy scalp!
- KEVIN MURPHY Scalp Spa Scrub
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4. Swap Your Mask for a Conditioner
A mask for oily hair isn’t the best option. If your roots grease quickly but your ends are dry, choose conditioners that are lighter than a mask. They will hydrate and add shine to your hair without weighing it down or making your roots oily. Apply conditioner only to the middle lengths and ends, leaving it on for 2 to 3 minutes.
Can you skip conditioner?
We wouldn’t recommend it. Using both shampoo and conditioner is essential. Conditioner is important because it helps detangle, hydrate, protect, and close the hair cuticle.
Our selection of lightweight conditioners:
- Pure Organic Haircare Uplift Conditioner
- KEVIN MURPHY Angel Rinse
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5. Take Care of Your Scalp
If your scalp becomes greasy in just one day, and you experience itching, redness, irritation, or dandruff, we recommend adopting a targeted daily treatment.
You can choose between Dr. Barbara Sturm's Balancing Serum or Leaf and Flower phyto molecular oil, which also helps with psoriasis. These treatments target inflammation on the scalp and soothe any discomfort. They should be applied in different ways: Dr. Barbara Sturm's serum is liquid, like water, and can be applied at any time, while Cut By Fred’s serum is oil-based and works best when applied at night, leaving the shampooing to the next morning.
Our selection of scalp treatments:
- Dr. Barbara Sturm Balancing Serum
- Leaf and Flower phyto molecular oil EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE IN BRUSH SALON
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6. Use a Scalp Massage Brush
Contrary to popular belief, a scalp massage brush does not grease your hair more! Usually made from soft silicone and round in shape, this brush stimulates the scalp, promoting microcirculation. It helps evenly distribute sebum, enhances the effectiveness of treatments, and supports scalp regulation. Plus, it stimulates hair growth! 5 minutes per day is enough to activate your scalp. Don’t forget to clean your brush regularly.
Use it while shampooing to remove impurities, spread the foam evenly, and aerate the roots.
7. Sleep on a Silk Pillowcase
Not something we often think about, but sleeping on a silk pillowcase is a great way to take care of your hair without even realizing it. This precious, hypoallergenic, and antibacterial material has many benefits for both your skin and hair. It helps preserve hydration and regulates sebum production on both your face and scalp. The smoothness of the silk minimizes friction, reducing the amount of sebum produced.
Our recommended silk pillowcases:
- Pure Silk Pillowcase
8. Tie Your Hair the Night Before Washing
On the last day before washing, we always struggle with our hairstyle, right? If you leave your hair loose, it’s likely to look flat and take on an awkward shape. So why not tie it up the night before? You have several options to choose from. Go for maximum shine!
Either take advantage of your greasy hair to do a slick ponytail or bun. You can apply a styling serum to make it even sleeker and hide the oil.
Alternatively, combine utility with pleasure by applying a deep treatment like **B3 Brazilian Bond Builder** and create a sleek bun.
Conclusion
With the right products and routine, you can combat oily hair effectively, creating a healthy, balanced scalp that maintains its freshness and volume. Using high-quality treatments like KEVIN MURPHY, K18, Dr. Barbara Sturm, Pure Organic Haircare and Leaf and Flower along with regular exfoliation and gentle conditioning, can make all the difference in achieving long-lasting results.