Greasy hair can really mess up your entire look. All that stickiness is uncomfortable. And for a lot of us, it is just something we cannot help, many thanks to our perpetually oily scalps. 

However, you should know that the oil actually serves a purpose. 

Also, there are many things you can do to make your hair look less greasy. 

Table of Contents:

• Why Do I Have an Oily Scalp?
• What Are The Other Causes of Greasy Hair?
• Over-washing
• Hair Type
• Hair Products
• How Can I Make My Hair Look Less Greasy?
• Dry Shampoo
• Dust Some Powder
• Stop Touching Your Hair
• Clean Your Hair Brush
• Try Homemade Hair Masks
• Wash Your Hair Less Often
• Try Cute Hairstyles
• Avoid Heat Styling Tools 

Why Do I Have an Oily Scalp?

The oil on your scalp is essentially a waxy substance called sebum. It is produced by the sebaceous glands present in the scalp. 

According to a study, its production is important for maintaining skin homeostasis, lubrication, and physiological defense against external factors. 

In short, it is beneficial when produced in controlled quantities. 

However, in many people, sebum is produced in excessive quantities. It can lead to dandruff, acne, and other conditions. 

Using the right products and taking good care of your hair care can help in resolving or managing those conditions. 

What Are The Other Causes of Greasy Hair?

Other than the natural oil produced on your scalp, other factors can also lead to greasy hair. For instance, when you go a few days without washing your hair, the dirt, sweat, humidity, and other factors start coating your scalp. 

A few other common causes of greasy hair are mentioned below. 

Over-washing

Like not washing enough, washing your hair frequently can also lead to an oily scalp; every time you shampoo your hair, the sebaceous glands get a signal to start producing more sebum. The sebum or natural oil is essential for the overall health and shine of the hair. Hence, washing your hair frequently leads to overproduction of sebum, ergo, oily scalp. 

Hair Type

Certain hair types, such as straight hair, are more prone to increased oil production. This is because straight hair does not have any textures, so the oil produced on the scalp easily slides onto the hair shaft and triggers increased production. 

Hair Products

Again, using too many or too few products can also lead to greasy hair. It is important to shampoo 1-2 times a week or more depending on your hair type and needs as shampoo removes the oils. 

Hair or even face products that contain ingredients like silicones can also lead to buildup in the follicles. The most common silicones are Cyclomethicone, amodimethicone, and dimethicone.

How Can I Make My Hair Look Less Greasy?

Below I have mentioned the top 8 ways which will help you get rid of excess oil in no time. 

Dry Shampoo

Starting with the most obvious one, yes, dry shampoo. Dry shampoo is specially formulated to suck up all the oil from the roots and make it less greasy immediately.

If you have a very oily scalp and cannot go 2 days without shampoo, using dry shampoo allows you some relief from the daily washing.

Dust Some Powder

Yes, I know this is an old-fashion technique, but it's so effective that I had to mention it. Just dust some baby powder or cornstarch and rub it on the scalp. 

Voila, all the oil is now gone! 

Although, you want to take only a small quantity as it can leave a white cast or use a small amount of cocoa to match your hair color. 

Stop Touching Your Hair

You know this was coming. 

There is all oil on your palms and face, so the more you touch your face, the more you keep transferring it to your hair. 

Clean Your Hair Brush

If you cannot recall the last time you washed your hairbrush, well, it has been too long, and you should do it now. 

A dirty brush has a buildup of oil, styling products, oils, and dirt, and using this brush after hair wash is causing more damage than you realize. 

To clean it, put a small amount of shampoo or cleanser and massage it with an old toothbrush till all the dirt is removed with the help of water. 

Try Homemade Hair Masks

Whip up a hair mask every couple of weeks. 

It should contain raw honey, green tea extract, or other ingredients such as diluted apple cider vinegar. These ingredients have been found to have excellent properties when it comes to reducing sebum production. 

Wash Your Hair Less Often

Like I have mentioned above, washing your hair frequently can strip the natural oils, so you should avoid doing that unless absolutely necessary. 

Try Cute Hairstyles

The most fun fix of all, try cute hairstyles like a messy bun, dutch braids, fishtail braid, or any other of your choice.

It looks like you put in so much effort in doing your hairstyle when really, you are just shifting the focus from the oil. 

Or even simpler, just put on a cute hat, and you’re good to go.

Avoid Heat Styling Tools 

The closer you use the heat styling tools to your scalp, the more oil it will come in contact with and make it look more oily. 

Avoiding these tools is also beneficial for your overall hair health. 

While it is common to have greasy hair, you do not always have to put up with it. Trying one or more of the above-mentioned tips and maintaining general hair hygiene can certainly manage oil production better.

Talking about hair hygiene, I have 2 product shampoo recommendations for you. 

WOW Activated Charcoal & Keratin Shampoo

WOW Activated Charcoal & Keratin Shampoo deep cleans your hair. If you have an oily scalp or sweat too much, this is one of the most amazing shampoos for you. 

The activated charcoal has detoxifying properties, so it effectively removes dirt, oil, product buildup, and impurities. 

The keratin present in the shampoo, along with the goodness of Sweet Almond Oil, Jojoba Oil, Argan Oil, and Aloe Vera Extract, strengthen, smoothen, repair damage and return moisture to your locks. 

All you need to do is take a generous amount and lather on your palms, apply it to the hair. Rinse with water and condition to seal the cuticles. 

WOW Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo

WOW Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo is gentle on the scalp and tough on the impurities. It helps in clarifying and rebuilding your hair from the roots.

It removes excess sebum, buildup, flakes, and impurities and restores the shine and vitality to your hair. Free from parabens, sulfates, and other harmful chemicals, it balances the pH levels of the strands. Meaning, it helps in strengthening, nourishing, and boosting the volume of your hair. 

Take a few pumps of shampoo on your palm and massage it gently onto your scalp and strands for a few moments. 

Leave it on for 2-3 minutes so it can do its magic, and rinse thoroughly with warm water. 

Use a conditioner. 

Check out the WOW website for other hair care products to address all your hair concerns. From our all natural sulfate, silicone and paraben-free collection we also recommend Red Onion Black Seed Oil Shampoo. And if you would like to learn more about apple cider vinegar's benefits or onion oil's benefits check out our ultimate guide on how to use them on your hair.