If your hair looks & feels greasy no matter how often you wash it you are not alone. This is a common problem with many possible causes including your hair type and scalp type along with hormones & genetics. Board-certified trichologist Aga Tompkins explains that oily hair is often wrongly seen as a hygiene problem when it actually relates to scalp biology. She notes that oil is not bad and is actually necessary for a healthy scalp. I talked to three trichologists and dermatologists to learn more about the common causes of greasy hair & the treatments available. I also asked them about misconceptions people have about this issue. They shared their product recommendations that can clean your hair effectively without stripping away too much oil. I have also included some favorite treatments from NBC Select staff members.
How I selected the best solutions for persistently greasy hair
When selecting products to help manage oily hair and extend the time between washes hair experts suggest thinking about these key points:
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Ingredients: Search for shampoos containing niacinamide and tea tree oil since these help control sebum production. Beta hydroxy acids like salicylic acid or alpha hydroxy acids such as glycolic and lactic acid are also beneficial because they gently remove dead skin cells from your scalp and regulate oil without causing your scalp to produce more oil in response. Surfactants including sulfates can work well for oily hair types since they effectively remove dirt and oil. Keep in mind though that these ingredients can remove too much natural oil and may cause dryness or irritation if used too frequently.
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Product type: If you have oily hair you should look for an exfoliating shampoo that balances your scalp along with a lightweight conditioner that adds volume. Apply conditioner only to the ends of your hair to prevent it from looking flat and greasy. Use a clarifying shampoo once weekly to eliminate buildup from styling products and excess oil. Between washes apply dry shampoo to keep hair from looking greasy and lifeless. For those concerned about volume remember that your scalp and hair strands have different requirements. Choose your shampoo based on your scalp type to properly control oil and maintain balance. Select your conditioner based on what your hair strands actually need.
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Hands-on testing: top-performing products for oily, greasy hair
NBC Select reporter Zoe Malin considers this clarifying shampoo one of her top choices and incorporates it into her weekly routine to keep her hair from appearing heavy after applying different styling products. Malin notes that the formula provides gentle cleansing while maintaining moisture and thoroughly refreshing the scalp. The brand states that this shampoo works well with any hair color or texture & contains hydrolyzed keratin that helps minimize frizz while enhancing shine.
Crown Affair Volumizing Shampoo: lightweight cleansing without buildup
This shampoo works well for fine hair when you have an oily scalp. The formula contains coconut-based surfactants along with rice protein. These ingredients help remove buildup from your hair while adding volume. The brand states that it makes your hair look thicker and keeps it hydrated at the same time.
Briogeo Superfoods Mango + Cherry Conditioner for oil balance
When you have oily hair the conditioner matters just as much as your shampoo. You need a lightweight formula that will not make your hair feel heavy. I use this Briogeo conditioner for my fine hair because it adds volume while controlling frizz. This is the conditioner I choose when my hair looks flat & dull.
Ceremonia Papaya Scalp Scrub Shampoo for deep scalp detox
I have very fine hair that typically becomes oily the day after I wash it. But after using this scalp scrub for a few months I have seen a significant improvement in how frequently I need to wash my hair. The product exfoliates to clear away buildup & dirt while remaining gentle enough to avoid stripping my scalp. It keeps my scalp feeling healthy and clean at the same time. I substitute it for my regular shampoo once weekly which is just the right frequency to prevent my scalp and hair from becoming too dry. The scent is also wonderful.
Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Shampoo for everyday oil control
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Hadley King suggests this shampoo for people who have oily hair. The formula contains salicylic acid that works to exfoliate your scalp and clear away buildup. According to King the shampoo also includes niacinamide to support a healthy scalp. Also it has glycerin & aloe that provide hydration and soothing benefits for your scalp.
4U by Tia Clarifying Shampoo to reset oily hair days
NBC Select editorial projects manager Rebecca Rodriguez suggests this clarifying shampoo for people with textured hair or relaxed hair or those wearing protective styles. The formula contains apple cider vinegar along with hemisqualane which serves as a silicone alternative and sea moss extract. According to the brand these ingredients work together to remove build-up from your hair while preventing breakage and helping to define your curls.
Batiste Original Dry Shampoo for instant grease absorption
If you want to go longer between hair washes, try this Batiste dry shampoo. It’s one of my favorite hair products. The formula feels light and doesn’t make my hair heavy. It soaks up oil better than most other brands I’ve used before. It barely leaves any white marks on my dark hair & I can easily brush it out. If you’re concerned about the color showing up they also make it in dark brown and blonde versions.
The real reasons your hair gets greasy so fast
The main reason hair gets greasy is that the oil glands on your scalp work too hard & make too much sebum. This oil is meant to protect your hair & skin. Several things can make these glands overactive. Your genes matter a lot because some people have a skin problem called seborrhea dermatitis that makes them produce more oil than normal. Your hormones & stress levels also affect how quickly oil moves from your scalp down your hair. Even simple habits like touching or brushing your hair often can speed up this process. People with fine hair usually notice grease faster than others. This happens because fine hair has less surface area to soak up the oil. The thinner cuticle layer on fine hair means the sebum shows up more quickly & becomes visible sooner.
Does washing too often actually increase oil production?
Using harsh or stripping formulas can cause problems. Tompkins explains that the real issue is not about washing your hair but about what ingredients are in your products. When you wash too often you remove the natural oils from your scalp. Your scalp might then try to protect itself by making even more oil. Some harsh ingredients to watch out for include drying alcohols like isopropyl alcohol that appears in many hair care products. Parabens are another concern because these preservatives can disrupt how your scalp produces oil. However Tompkins notes that washing frequently with gentle products actually helps balance oil levels instead of causing your scalp to make too much.
Proven ways to treat and prevent greasy hair long-term
The main objective is to avoid washing your hair too much and to choose products that gently clear away buildup according to Tompkins. Hallajian explains that managing oily hair is not really about drying it out but rather about creating balance and helping your scalp work properly. Along with using ingredients that control oil like niacinamide and glycolic acid and lactic acid you should think about these tips that experts recommend: Stay away from thick conditioners or oils.
When you use styling products that are too heavy for how your hair naturally is you will end up making your hair look even more oily. This also applies to conditioning hair masks because they can make your hair feel flat and heavy.
Use a clarifying shampoo one time each week to get rid of buildup. These shampoos contain stronger surfactants which are the cleaning agents that make foam and they help wash away oils from your scalp that regular shampoos cannot handle according to experts. However you need to remember that using a clarifying shampoo too often can remove too much oil and cause your hair to become dry and break easily.
Pay attention to eating well & managing your stress. Hallajian says these are important factors that can disrupt the health of your scalp.
