ARE you one of those people who can go days without shampooing your locks or do your roots gather grease scarcely a day after washing?
Sometimes that’s just your hair type, and you can’t do a whole lot about it.
But hair experts say there are a number of factors behind why your hair seems to get oily so quickly – from your hair products and hairbrush, to how often you’re washing your locks and whether you’re on your period.
More than a mere nuisance, greasy hair can also sometimes indicate other issues – such as hair loss or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Trichologist Kate Holden – of the Kate Holden Clinic – explains: “Greasy hair isn’t just frustrating, it can be a sign of an underlying issue, as well as making existing problems worse.”
She and Anabel Kingsley, consultant trichologist and brand president at Philip Kingsley, run through the most common culprits behind your lank locks, plus ways to combat the grease.
1. Your hormones
Ever noticed your hair looking greasier at specific times of the month?
“Hormones play a significant role in the condition of your scalp and hair,” Kate tells The Sun.
“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.”
You may also be more likely to get greasy roots if you have PCOS – a common condition where your ovaries create excess hormones, causing irregular periods, excess hair growth and small, fluid-filled sacs on the ovaries.
As Kate explains: “Women with PCOS, which is estimated to be 10 per cent of us, are more likely to have oily hair throughout because of the typically higher levels of androgens.”
If your hair is suddenly oilier, this may also be triggered by changing your contraceptive, the trichologist added.
“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,” she said.
2. Not cleaning your hairbrush
Shampooing your hair is deeply rooted in your weekly routine, but when’s the last time you gave your hairbrush a good scrub?
Chances are, the buildup of grit on this daily tool may be greasing up your freshly washed tresses.
“Your hairbrush can harbour oil, dirt, and residue from styling products,” Kate explains.
“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.”
Meanwhile, Annabel recommends you give your hairbrush a wash every two to four weeks.
3. Overwashing your hair
Jumping in the shower whenever you notice a speck of grease on your locks may be making the problem worse, according to Kate.
“It might seem counterintuitive, but washing your hair too frequently can exacerbate oily roots,” she adds.
“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.”
So, how often should you be washing your hair?
“A good rule of thumb is to wash your hair every two to three days, and weekly for curlier hair, depending on your hair type,” Kate says.
You should also be keeping an eye on your water temperature.
“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,” the trichologist advises.
Ingredient DOs and DON’Ts for greasy hair
If you have oily roots, try to choose products with ingredients to help balance your scalp without overwhelming it.
Here are some ingredients to look for, according to Kate:
- Salicylic acid: This ingredient helps exfoliate the scalp, removing excess oil and dead skin cells, which can contribute to buildup and greasy hair
- 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
Anabel, however, says you can’t really wash your hair too often.
“You take your hair and scalp to the same places you take your face, and it gets just as dirty,” she adds.
“Your scalp is also a living tissue; it sweats, produces oils and sheds skin cells.
“You wouldn’t leave three days between washing your face, and you likely wouldn’t wear the same outfit more than a few times before washing it – apply the same thinking to your hair.”
But she notes: “However, it also depends on what you do to your hair after you wash it.
“If you must heat style every time you shampoo, the damage from styling may outweigh the good of cleansing. It’s about finding a balance.”
Anabel recommends that you don’t wash your hair more than once a day.
“Depending on hair texture, I advise anywhere between one to three days between washes,” she tells The Sun.
“For example, those with fine hair actually have many more hairs per centimetre on their head than any other hair texture and every hair follicle has an oil gland attached to it which is why this hair texture gets oily and limp quickly.
“For fine hair, I recommend daily shampooing but for someone with coarser or coiled hair that doesn’t get oily as quickly, every two to three days is sufficient.”
4. Not rinsing properly
It’s worth taking the time to make sure you’re rinsing out all your shampoo and conditioner in the shower, as leaving traces of it behind can leave your locks looking lank.
“If you leave residue behind, it can mix with your natural oils, leading to buildup and greasiness,” Kate warns.
“Make sure you spend an extra minute or two in the shower to ensure that all of the product is fully washed out.”
Annabel says that “not taking your time to cleanse your scalp” is another common culprit behind greasy locks.
“If you don’t wash your hair properly, this build-up of shampoo residue, dirt, oils and dead skins can cause your hair to become greasier,” she explains.
5. Using the wrong shampoo
“Not all shampoos and conditioners are created equal, especially when it comes to oily roots,” Kate says.
“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.”
She recommended Noughty’s Back to Balance Shampoo to help normalise sebum production and extend the time between washes.
6. Using the wrong hair products
What you smooth over your hair after you’ve washed it can have an effect too.
“Some products can make your hair greasy, especially those that are too heavy or contain oils not suitable for your hair type,” Kate says.
“Look for products that are specifically designed for oily roots or that have lightweight, non-comedogenic formulas.”
7. Touching your hair too often
When you’re self conscious about your roots, you might find yourself smoothing your hair back or constantly messing with it to make it look better.
But this reflex may be making your tresses oilier, Kate says.
“Constantly running your fingers through your hair can transfer oils from your hands to your strands, making your hair look greasy faster,” she explains.
“Try to keep your hands out of your hair as much as possible throughout the day.”
8. You’ re experiencing hair loss
Sometimes greasy roots could be indicative of hair loss, Kate adds.
“If you have noticed that your hair is thinning or shedding more than usual, your scalp probably feels oilier than usual too,” she says.
“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.”
Sun Health’s favourite hair products
Strolling the aisles in Boots and Superdrug can be overwhelming.
With so many hair products on offer, it can be difficult to know which to buy – especially when they all claim to do wonders for your tresses.
Well, these are our favourites.
Vanessa Chalmers, Health Features Editor
Shea Moisture Superfruit Complex 10-in-1 Multi-Benefit Hair Masque
“I wouldn’t use any other hair mask. As someone with ringlet curls, it’s necessary to keep them hydrated to stop them from knotting. I only use it once a fortnight or so – otherwise I’ll use the Curl & Shine conditioner. I can tell the difference straight away – the curls are very soft and silky. This brand is best for people with more coarse hair as it provides a lot of moisture but fewer protein-building ingredients.”
Alice Fuller, Senior Health Reporter
“I’ve been using it for about 15 years and I don’t want to try anything else. It glides through wet and dry hair so easily, and doesn’t make it fall out.”
Isabel Shaw, Health Reporter
OGX Renewing+ Argan Oil of Morocco Extra Penetrating Oil
“I like to apply this to the ends of my hair when it looks particularly dry and wispy. It helps make my hair look healthier, less damaged, and a bit thicker, plus it smells really good.”
Sam Blanchard, Health Correspondent
“I have fine and unruly hair and this will hold it in any style easily. I’ve tried a lot of hairsprays since I was a teenager and found this has the best combination of strong hold, easy to brush or wash out, and it doesn’t stink like a lot of others.”
Eliza Loukou, Health Reporter
“I’ve used this since I was a teenager. I spritz this into my roots for some extra texture and it smells pleasantly salty and sandy, like the beach. Plus, it doesn’t break me out in the back of my neck or hairline like other texturising products I’ve used in the past.”
OILY HAIR HACKS
Annabel and Kate gave the following tips for dealing with your greasy locks.
1. Scalp first
Annabel recommends using products that help to reduce your scalp’s oiliness.
She suggested the Philip Kingsley Flaky/Itchy Scalp Toner, which is water based, so will dry without making your hair oily.
2. Hydration station
Greasy hair always seems to be an issue when travelling – but Annabel has a handy tip for combating this.
“To help counteract bothersome roots, apply a hydrating serum to your scalp the night before you fly and shampoo your hair in the morning,” she says.
She recommended Philip Kingsley’s Overnight Scalp Balancing Serum, to hydrate and gently exfoliate your scalp while also helping to regulate oil production.
3. Sop it up
“If you find your roots getting greasy too frequently in between shampooing, then you can use a dry shampoo,” she adds.
She recommended Philip Kingsley’s Flaky/Itchy Dry Shampoo.
“This not only helps soak up excess oils and give roots a boost but also contains antimicrobial ingredients to help rebalance the scalp and keep bacteria at bay,” she says.
4. When in doubt, wash
“However, nothing beats cleansing your scalp properly and regularly,” Annabel says.
“Try to leave no more than two days between shampoos.
“You should spend approximately one minute gently but firmly massaging your scalp when you shampoo and pay attention to all areas – people often forget to massage the back of their scalp.
“Rinse well to ensure shampoo residue, and the dirt, oil and dead skin cells trapped in it are washed away.”
She recommended the Flaky/Itchy Shampoo, or the Philip Kingsley Vitamin C Jelly detoxing hair and scalp treatment for an in depth cleanse.
5. Clarify
Anabel recommends using a clarifying shampoo if you struggle with greasy hair.
“Clarifying shampoos are designed to deeply cleanse your hair and scalp, removing product buildup, excess oil, and impurities,” she explains.
She suggests using the Noughty’s Detox Dynamo Clarifying Shampoo.
6. Scrub-a-dub-dub
“Scalp scrubs are another great option for tackling greasy hair,” Annabel says.
“They exfoliate the scalp, helping to remove dead skin cells and buildup that can lead to oiliness.”
She recommended Noughty’s Detox Dynamo Clarifying Scrub to lift away dead skin cells, sebum, and buildup.
But she notes: “Just like with clarifying shampoos, it’s important not to overuse scalp scrubs—once a week is typically sufficient.”
