Are you frustrated by your hair’s quick transformation from fresh and clean to greasy and lifeless? You’re not alone. Many people struggle with oily hair, which can be both inconvenient and a sign of deeper issues. In this blog post, trichologist Kate Holden sheds light on why your hair might be getting greasy faster than you’d like and offers practical solutions to manage and prevent it. From hormonal fluctuations to improper hair care habits, discover the key factors affecting your scalp's oil production and learn how to adjust your routine for healthier, less greasy hair. Dive into her expert advice to tackle this common problem and keep your locks looking their best.
1. Hormones and Your Menstrual Cycle:
Hormones play a significant role in the condition of your scalp and hair. Fluctuations in hormone levels, particularly during your menstrual cycle, can lead to an increase in sebum production. Just before your period, levels of oestrogen drop while testosterone levels can become more dominant. This shift can stimulate the sebaceous glands in your scalp, leading to oilier roots and greasier hair overall. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome, which is estimated to be 10% of us, are more likely to have oily hair throughout because of the typically higher levels of androgens.
If your hair is suddenly oilier, it can be triggered by changing your contraceptive. Some hormonal contraceptives contain progestins that behave in a more androgenic way, and some women experience oilier hair when they are taking the mini pill or have the Mirena coil.
2. Not Cleaning Your Hairbrush Often Enough:
Your hairbrush can harbour oil, dirt, and residue from styling products. When you brush your hair, especially after washing it, you might be reintroducing these back into your clean hair. Make it a habit to clean your brush regularly—about once a week—to ensure that you’re not transferring grime back on to your scalp.
3. Overwashing Your Hair:
It might seem counterintuitive, but washing your hair too frequently can exacerbate oily roots. When you strip your scalp of its natural oils too often, it can go into overdrive trying to replace them, leading to an increase in sebum production. This can create a vicious cycle of greasy hair. A good rule of thumb is to wash your hair every 2-3 days, and weekly for curlier hair, depending on your hair type.
Using too hot water or being too vigorous when you wash your scalp can also stimulate sebum production, so turn your shower temperature down and go easy on the scalp massager.
4. Using the Wrong Shampoo and Conditioner:
Not all shampoos and conditioners are created equal, especially when it comes to oily roots. Some shampoos contain stronger sulphates that can strip the scalp of its natural oils, prompting an overproduction of sebum as a defense mechanism. Instead, opt for a gentle, sulphate-free formula that balances oil production without stripping.
On the other hand, if you deal with hyperseborrhea or an excessively oily scalp you may need to use a stronger sulphate or clarifying shampoo every week to remove build up. If you have the right hair care routine, it is fine to shampoo daily.
5. Not Rinsing Properly:
It’s crucial to thoroughly rinse out shampoo and conditioner. If you leave residue behind, it can mix with your natural oils, leading to buildup and greasiness. Make sure you spend an extra minute or two in the shower to ensure that all product is fully washed out.
6. Touching Your Hair Too Often:
Constantly running your fingers through your hair can transfer oils from your hands to your strands, making your hair look greasy faster. Try to keep your hands out of your hair as much as possible throughout the day.
7. You are Experiencing Hair Loss:
If you have noticed that your hair is thinning or shedding more than usual, your scalp probably feels oilier than usual too. This is because every hair follicle has a sebaceous gland, so when there isn’t as much hair the sebum pools on the scalp instead of coating your hair. Addressing your hair loss can help to remedy this.
8. Using the Wrong Hair Products:
Some styling products can make your hair greasy, especially those that are too heavy or contain oils not suitable for your hair type. Look for products that are specifically designed for oily roots or that have lightweight, non-comedogenic formulas. Noughty's Back to Balance Shampoo is an excellent choice for those with oily roots. This natural, sulphate-free shampoo gently cleanses without stripping the scalp, helping to normalise sebum production and extend the time between washes. Formulated with moisturising provitamin B5, glycerine, and tea tree which work together to hydrate and balance your hair.
Ingredients to Look For:
If you have oily roots, it’s important to choose products with the right ingredients to help balance your scalp without overwhelming it. Here are some ingredients to look for:
Ingredients to Avoid:
Heavy Oils: Ingredients like coconut oil and argan oil can be too heavy for those with oily roots, potentially making the problem worse.
Silicones: While silicones can make hair feel smooth and shiny, they can also build up on the scalp and hair, trapping oil and leading to greasy roots.
Should You Use a Clarifying Shampoo or Scalp Scrub?
If you struggle with greasy hair, incorporating a clarifying shampoo or a scalp scrub into your routine can be very beneficial.
Clarifying shampoos are designed to deeply cleanse your hair and scalp, removing product buildup, excess oil, and impurities. Noughty’s Detox Dynamo Clarifying Shampoo is an excellent option for this purpose. It detoxifies by banishing buildup and removing follicle-clogging impurities and environmental residues. Its natural, sulphate-free formula gently cleanses without stripping your hair, leaving your scalp feeling healthy and clean. The rehydrating extracts of sorrel leaf and peppermint also help replenish lost moisture, supporting optimal scalp and hair condition.
Scalp Scrubs are another great option for tackling greasy hair. They exfoliate the scalp, helping to remove dead skin cells and buildup that can lead to oiliness. Noughty's Detox Dynamo Clarifying Scrub is designed to lift away dead skin cells, sebum, and buildup. It contains a trio of natural exfoliating actives—pumice, green bamboo, and crushed coconut shell powders—which work together to leave the scalp clean and fresh, without residue or grit. Additionally, the scrub stimulates microcirculation, giving your scalp a healthy head start. Just like with clarifying shampoos, it’s important not to overuse scalp scrubs—once a week is typically sufficient.
1. Hormones and Your Menstrual Cycle:
Hormones play a significant role in the condition of your scalp and hair. Fluctuations in hormone levels, particularly during your menstrual cycle, can lead to an increase in sebum production. Just before your period, levels of oestrogen drop while testosterone levels can become more dominant. This shift can stimulate the sebaceous glands in your scalp, leading to oilier roots and greasier hair overall. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome, which is estimated to be 10% of us, are more likely to have oily hair throughout because of the typically higher levels of androgens.
If your hair is suddenly oilier, it can be triggered by changing your contraceptive. Some hormonal contraceptives contain progestins that behave in a more androgenic way, and some women experience oilier hair when they are taking the mini pill or have the Mirena coil.
2. Not Cleaning Your Hairbrush Often Enough:
Your hairbrush can harbour oil, dirt, and residue from styling products. When you brush your hair, especially after washing it, you might be reintroducing these back into your clean hair. Make it a habit to clean your brush regularly—about once a week—to ensure that you’re not transferring grime back on to your scalp.
3. Overwashing Your Hair:
It might seem counterintuitive, but washing your hair too frequently can exacerbate oily roots. When you strip your scalp of its natural oils too often, it can go into overdrive trying to replace them, leading to an increase in sebum production. This can create a vicious cycle of greasy hair. A good rule of thumb is to wash your hair every 2-3 days, and weekly for curlier hair, depending on your hair type.
Using too hot water or being too vigorous when you wash your scalp can also stimulate sebum production, so turn your shower temperature down and go easy on the scalp massager.
4. Using the Wrong Shampoo and Conditioner:
Not all shampoos and conditioners are created equal, especially when it comes to oily roots. Some shampoos contain stronger sulphates that can strip the scalp of its natural oils, prompting an overproduction of sebum as a defense mechanism. Instead, opt for a gentle, sulphate-free formula that balances oil production without stripping.
On the other hand, if you deal with hyperseborrhea or an excessively oily scalp you may need to use a stronger sulphate or clarifying shampoo every week to remove build up. If you have the right hair care routine, it is fine to shampoo daily.
5. Not Rinsing Properly:
It’s crucial to thoroughly rinse out shampoo and conditioner. If you leave residue behind, it can mix with your natural oils, leading to buildup and greasiness. Make sure you spend an extra minute or two in the shower to ensure that all product is fully washed out.
6. Touching Your Hair Too Often:
Constantly running your fingers through your hair can transfer oils from your hands to your strands, making your hair look greasy faster. Try to keep your hands out of your hair as much as possible throughout the day.
7. You are Experiencing Hair Loss:
If you have noticed that your hair is thinning or shedding more than usual, your scalp probably feels oilier than usual too. This is because every hair follicle has a sebaceous gland, so when there isn’t as much hair the sebum pools on the scalp instead of coating your hair. Addressing your hair loss can help to remedy this.
8. Using the Wrong Hair Products:
Some styling products can make your hair greasy, especially those that are too heavy or contain oils not suitable for your hair type. Look for products that are specifically designed for oily roots or that have lightweight, non-comedogenic formulas. Noughty's Back to Balance Shampoo is an excellent choice for those with oily roots. This natural, sulphate-free shampoo gently cleanses without stripping the scalp, helping to normalise sebum production and extend the time between washes. Formulated with moisturising provitamin B5, glycerine, and tea tree which work together to hydrate and balance your hair.
Ingredients to Look For:
If you have oily roots, it’s important to choose products with the right ingredients to help balance your scalp without overwhelming it. Here are some ingredients to look for:
- Salicylic Acid: This ingredient helps exfoliate the scalp, removing excess oil and dead skin cells, which can contribute to buildup and greasy hair. Noughty's Frizz Magic Shampoo contains salicylic acid, making it a great option for those who need an extra deep cleanse while also managing frizz.
- Tea Tree Oil: Known for its antibacterial and antiseptic properties, tea tree oil can help to control excess oil while soothing the scalp.
- Witch Hazel: A natural astringent, witch hazel can help to tighten the skin and reduce oil production, making it a good choice for oily scalps.
- Green Tea Extract: Rich in antioxidants, green tea extract can help reduce sebum production and promote a healthier scalp environment.
Ingredients to Avoid:
Heavy Oils: Ingredients like coconut oil and argan oil can be too heavy for those with oily roots, potentially making the problem worse.
Silicones: While silicones can make hair feel smooth and shiny, they can also build up on the scalp and hair, trapping oil and leading to greasy roots.
Should You Use a Clarifying Shampoo or Scalp Scrub?
If you struggle with greasy hair, incorporating a clarifying shampoo or a scalp scrub into your routine can be very beneficial.
Clarifying shampoos are designed to deeply cleanse your hair and scalp, removing product buildup, excess oil, and impurities. Noughty’s Detox Dynamo Clarifying Shampoo is an excellent option for this purpose. It detoxifies by banishing buildup and removing follicle-clogging impurities and environmental residues. Its natural, sulphate-free formula gently cleanses without stripping your hair, leaving your scalp feeling healthy and clean. The rehydrating extracts of sorrel leaf and peppermint also help replenish lost moisture, supporting optimal scalp and hair condition.
Scalp Scrubs are another great option for tackling greasy hair. They exfoliate the scalp, helping to remove dead skin cells and buildup that can lead to oiliness. Noughty's Detox Dynamo Clarifying Scrub is designed to lift away dead skin cells, sebum, and buildup. It contains a trio of natural exfoliating actives—pumice, green bamboo, and crushed coconut shell powders—which work together to leave the scalp clean and fresh, without residue or grit. Additionally, the scrub stimulates microcirculation, giving your scalp a healthy head start. Just like with clarifying shampoos, it’s important not to overuse scalp scrubs—once a week is typically sufficient.