Why Does My Hair Get Greasy So Fast: Unraveling the Causes and Fixes
By Dr Rajeev Singh +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr Rajeev Singh
Last updated: Apr 17, 2024Click to rate this article!
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By Dr Rajeev Singh +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr Rajeev Singh
Last updated: Apr 17, 2024Table of Contents
Greasy hair can be an uncomfortable and frustrating issue that affects not just our appearance but our self-confidence as well. Although this problem can seem like a never-ending battle, understanding the causes behind excessively oily hair is crucial if you want to find the most effective solutions. By knowing what triggers greasy hair and how to fix it, you’ll be one step closer to achieving healthy, beautiful locks.
This blog post will unveil the prime culprits of greasy hair, such as too much sebum, washing too often, hair types, and product build-up. We’ll then share some solutions – from the best shampoos to DIY tricks, fast fixes, and daily life tips. So let’s get started.
Did you know?
Getting to know the key triggers of greasy hair is a great start on your way to fixing it. Let’s dig into some usual reasons behind oily hair:
Sebum is a natural oil that your scalp makes. Your hair and scalp need it to stay healthy. But too much sebum gives you greasy hair.
Hormones can affect how much sebum your scalp makes. Puberty, being pregnant, having your period, or even stress can make your hormones go haywire. So, during these times, you might notice that your hair gets oily faster than usual.
Your genes can affect your hair type and how much sebum your scalp makes. If oily hair runs in your family, you might have gotten that trait too.
Oddly enough, washing your hair too much can also make it greasier. When you wash your hair a lot, your natural oils wash off. This pushes your scalp to make more sebum, and it soon becomes a never-ending cycle.
Using strong shampoos or washing your hair too much can strip its natural oils. This stimulates the scalp, producing more sebum and resulting in oily hair.
As mentioned before, washing your hair too often can force your scalp to produce more sebum. So, find a balance with your hair wash routine that works for your hair type, your daily life, and your likes.
Some hair types are more likely to get oily due to their shape and feel.
If you have thin hair, you might find that your hair roots get oily quickly. That’s because thin hair strands can’t soak up much oil, leading it to build up on the surface of your hair and making it look greasy.
People with straight hair also might find that oil slides down their hair shaft faster. Plus, straight hair lies flat on your scalp. So, there’s more contact with the roots where the oil-making glands are, leading to a greasy look.
If you use haircare and styling items a lot, these can pile up on your scalp, adding to the oil and dirt.
Using hair care items like conditioners, hair masks, and other nourishing treats can sometimes make thin or fine hair look oily. Using lighter products and putting them on the right way can reduce this problem.
Styling items like gels, pomades, or hair waxes often have oils and other stuff that can leave a grime on your hair, making it feel oily. So, think about using non-oily styling items and be careful not to use too much.
Studies suggest that using a shampoo with salicylic acid may help manage a greasy scalp. While untreated greasy scalp is generally harmless, it could potentially lead to issues such as dandruff, scalp seborrheic dermatitis, ringworm, and even lice.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, MD
Picking the right shampoo for oily hair can aid in handling too much sebum and keeping your hair healthy.
When you’re picking a shampoo to fight greasy hair, give these ingredients a closer look.
Shampooing and rinsing your hair well can improve the results you get from your shampoo.
Put the shampoo on your scalp, focus on the roots, and massage it in softly. Pay attention to the spots that feel the oiliest. This ensures your hair gets a really good wash, removing any extra sebum, dirt or build-up of products.
Make sure you rinse the shampoo out entirely after lathering. Any leftover can leave a layer on your hair, making it feel greasier than before. It’s ok to spend a little extra time rinsing to make sure all the shampoo has been washed off.
Exfoliating your scalp may help reduce oiliness. While choosing a scalp exfoliator you must consider your hair type, follow the instructions for the best results, and avoid exfoliating too often to prevent irritation.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
If you like making your own hair treatments, there are some home-made remedies that are believed to help you get better hair health and reduce the oiliness.
Using certain essential oils in your hair care routine can help manage how much sebum your scalp makes and keep your scalp healthy.
Tea tree oil has elements that can potentially kill bacteria and reduce inflammation. These may help clear out pores, cut down on scalp inflammation, and control sebum.
To use tree oil, add a few drops of the oil to a carrier oil like coconut oil, and work it into your scalp. Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing and washing your hair as usual.
Lemon oil is another essential oil that is said to help manage greasy hair. It potentially has a drying and anti-fungal effect.
You can mix equal parts of lemon oil with a carrier oil, apply to your scalp, and leave for 10 minutes before washing your hair. Remember to stay out of direct sun as lemon oil can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) may aid in balancing your scalp’s pH levels and cut down on oily build-up. Apple cider vinegar helps remove removes oil, dirt, and product build-up.
ACV is mixed with water in equal proportions, put on the scalp after shampooing, and allowed to sit for a few minutes before rinsing out well. Using this mix once or twice a week can give good results.
Aloe vera has natural elements is said to reduce inflammation and kill bacteria. It may have many benefits for tackling oily hair, such as deep cleaning, comforting an irritated scalp, and managing sebum.
To use aloe vera as a home remedy for oily hair, simply mix equal amounts of aloe vera gel and water and put it on your scalp. Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing and washing your hair as usual.
Although studies have shown the beneficial properties of essential oils, ACV and aloe vera for a lot of hair problems, further research is needed to confirm how well these can tackle oily hair issues.
The optimal frequency of hair wash is 2-3 times a week. Washing too frequently may strip the hair of its natural shine and make it prone to breakage. On the other hand, washing less may lead to oiliness, potentially causing infections.
Dr. Smita barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.
When you need to fight greasy hair fast, you might want to try out these quick fixes:
Dry shampoo can freshen up your hair on the spot by soaking up extra oil and adding volume, no water needed. Dry shampoo is great when you’re in a rush or need to fix up your hair after work. It saves you time, makes your hairstyle last longer, and means you wash your hair less often.
Just spray it onto your roots, let it sit for a few minutes, then comb your hair to spread the product and remove any bits left behind.
Both of these work well as a natural version of dry shampoo, that may soak up oil and freshen up your hair quickly. These powders are cheap, easy-to-get alternatives to commercial dry shampoos. These may work especially well for those with light hair colors who might see product residue from other options.
You can sprinkle cornstarch or baby powder gently onto your roots, focusing on the oiliest spots. Massage the product into your scalp softly, then comb it through your hair to spread it and remove any extra.
Oil-absorbing sheets, which are usually used to take off facial oil, may also be used to blot up extra oil from your hair and scalp. They’re small, easy to carry, and quiet to use, making them just right for times when you need a fast fix but can’t hold of other hair products.
All you need to do is press an oil-absorbing sheet on your scalp gently and it will soak up the oil. Focus on the spots where your hair feels the oiliest, such as along the line of your parting or near your hairline.
Some simple life changes and healthful hair care habits can help manage oily hair better over time.
Picking a kind, sulfate-free shampoo can help clean your scalp and hair without washing away too much of your hair’s natural oils. This can stop your scalp from making too much sebum.
Baby shampoos are usually kinder than regular ones, making them a good choice for those with sensitive or easily irritated scalps. They can clean your hair nicely without making it oilier.
The right frequency to wash your hair depends on your hair type and lifestyle factors. Try out different routines, like washing every two days or every three days, to find the best balance for your hair and scalp.
If you brush a lot, it spreads sebum from your scalp to the lengths of your hair and makes your sebaceous glands make more oil. So try to cut down on brushing to stop spreading extra oil through your hair.
Brushing your hair gently and less often will help ensure your hair’s natural oils spread evenly without making more sebum.
By not brushing too much and focusing on detangling your hair softly, you can help cut back on how much sebum your scalp makes.
If you use heat-styling tools like hair dryers and straighteners a lot, this can make your hair greasier by making your scalp make more oil and hurting your hair’s structure.
Straightening your hair can make it oilier and cause other hair problems like dryness, split ends, and breakage. Cut down on using heat-styling tools or go for settings with gentler, low temperatures.
Instead of using heat-styling tools, think about using no-heat styling ways like braids, twists or using hair rollers. These can give similar results without hurting your hair and scalp with high temperatures.
Switching pillowcases at least once a week is important to keeping your hair healthy and stopping oil build-up. Your pillowcase can collect oil, sweat, and dirt from your face and hair, which can get back onto your hair while you sleep.
Choosing materials like silk or satin for your pillowcase can help cut back on friction and stop hair damage, breakage, and the spread of oils.
Try to change your pillowcase at least once a week, or more often if you experience a lot of oiliness.
To wrap up, solving greasy hair can be tough and frustrating. But knowing why it happens, such as making too much sebum, washing your hair too frequently, your particular hair type, and build-up of products, is key to finding the best solutions. Tackling greasy hair calls for an all-round plan that takes in these causes and focusses on picking the right shampoos, trying out some home remedies and quick fixes, and changing daily habits. By using a complete strategy, you can manage your hair’s oiliness and keep your locks looking healthy and lovely.
Your hair may become oily after just one day due to reasons like too much sebum, washing too often, your hair type, or build-up of products. Applying the tips and solutions we shared in this blog post might help manage and cut down on the oiliness.
How often you should wash your hair depends on your hair type, your daily life, and your likes. Try different routines, like washing every two days or every three days, to find the best balance for your hair and scalp.
Yes, your period can make your hair oilier. That’s because hormone changes that happen during your period can affect how much sebum your scalp makes.
Tight hairstyles like ponytails might pile up oil since they trap oil, dirt, and grease on the scalp. Go for looser hairstyles or use a claw clip to let your scalp breathe, and cut back on oils in one spot.
Some hair types like fine or straight hair will get oilier easily due to their shape and feel. These hair types tend to attract oil more easily and show oiliness more.
Yes, it’s possible for dry scalps to also have oily hair, particularly when conditions like dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis are present. These conditions cause flaky, itchy skin while also trapping oil on the scalp.
To prevent your hair from getting oily too quickly, think about changing your hair washing routine, using the right shampoo, trying home remedies, using quick fixes when needed, and making lifestyle changes like limiting heat styling and changing pillowcases often.
Training your hair to be less greasy involves a mix of good hair care practices like washing and moisturizing properly, and using less heat. Changing pillowcases regularly, adopting healthier hair habits, and using the right hair products can help train your hair to be less oily over time.
Straight hair gets oily quickly due to its structure. The flat and smooth surface of straight hair lets oil slide down the hair shaft easily and show up more. Applying the right hair care solutions and following the tips we shared in this blog can manage greasiness in straight hair.
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