I asked experts why TF my hair is so oily, and they gave me these five tips

Having greasy hair isn’t all that bad. I mean, it is ideal for creating a perfect slicked-back bun. And all those natural oils help nourish your hair and keep it healthy—no bottle of argan oil or coconut oil required. But sometimes there’s too much of a good thing, especially when you’re left wondering why your hair is so oily that you’ve gotta wash it every single day. Below, dermatologists and hair experts give us the 411 on oily hair—and share tips and products on how to manage it—so you don’t have to completely ditch your $$$ blowout after a day.

What is the cause of greasy hair?

Greasy hair can be caused by a variety of things, explains hairstylist Marc Ballance. Generally, it comes down to genetics. Have oily skin? You probably also have an oily scalp, says dermatologist Ryan Turner, MD. Fluctuating hormones can also trigger excess oil production across your entire body, including your scalp, resulting in greasy hair, notes dermatologist Jessie Cheung, MD. But it could also come down to a few habits, says Ballance. “Shampooing your hair too often, putting conditioner on your scalp, not rinsing your hair thoroughly, leaving products on your scalp, and even diet are some of the most common culprits behind oily hair,” he adds.

While having oily hair can be annoying, Ballance assures us that it’s not necessarily a bad thing. “The natural oils your body produces are there for a reason to nourish the scalp and hair,” he says. “However, what can be bad is a buildup of oil that can lead to products, dandruff, and such clogging the pores which can lead to hair loss.”

How can I get rid of oily hair?

Even though there are plenty of reasons why you might be experiencing oily hair, there are just as many (if not more!) remedies to cut the grease, according to experts.

Use a clarifying shampoo weekly

Product buildup is one of the main causes behind excess oil. If you’re not willing to give up your stylers, try incorporating a clarifying shampoo into your routine every other week (see options for formulas experts love below). Dr. Turner says these types of shampoos provide a deep clean to get rid of excess oil, dirt, and product buildup for the squeakiest clean.

Lower the water temperature when washing your hair

You’ve probably heard that washing with lukewarm water is better for overall hair health, but it can reduce oiliness too, according to Ballance. You see, scorching water can actually strip your follicle of the natural oils, which in turn causes it to produce more and leads to that greasy feeling.

Don’t use conditioner at your roots

If your hair is already prone to greasiness, massaging conditioner into your roots can potentially exacerbate oiliness, says Ballance. In fact, it can actually even make your hair look greasy from the jump, especially if the formula is filled with heavy oils and butters. After shampooing, only use conditioner from mid-lengths to ends to re-moisturize your hair and add some shine. (And FWIW, look for lightweight formulas that use thinner hydrators, like squalane and hyaluronic acid, which won’t feel so rich on your hair.)

Exfoliate your scalp once a week

To help break down oils even further, exfoliate your scalp both chemically and physically once a week or so. Chemical scalp exfoliants use AHAs or BHAs to help go beneath your skin’s surface and slough away dead skin, while physical scalp scrubs are great for gently removing buildup.

Switch up your styling routine

“Switching to products that are lighter in weight or using fewer of them can often go a long way,” says Dr. Turner. Try swapping heavy mousses for airy volumizing foams, leave-in conditioning creams for serums, and strong-hold gels for mists. And while you can spritz in some dry shampoo to extend the life of your style for a day or two, don’t go overboard—too much can potentially clog your pores and trigger even more oil.

How often should you wash your hair with an oily scalp?

Much like how the same skincare routine won’t work for every skin type, Dr. Turner says there’s no universal shampooing schedule that works for all hair textures and types. “You may have to experiment to find the right cadence for your hair,” he explains. However, if you have straight, oily-prone hair, you may find yourself needing to wash it more frequently than those with curly hair. “Oil travels more easily down straight, fine hair, which is why it tends to appear oily faster than curly hair,” Dr. Turner adds.

While some people may say not to wash your hair every day, Ballance says there’s no harm in doing that if you feel the need to as long as you’re using the right techniques, tools, and products. “I always say it’s the client’s preference,” he explains. “Some people feel much better with a light daily shampoo whereas others want their blowdry to last a week.”

Regardless of how often you wash your hair—whether you do so every day or a few times a week—Dr. Turner recommends shampooing twice on your wash days. “It’s like double cleansing with your skincare routine—not all cleansers are going to remove all traces of oil and buildup in one go,” he explains.

Final thoughts:

Although oily hair can put a damper on your mood (and your voluminous hair goals), it’s totally normal and nothing to be ashamed of. Plus, the good news is that there are tons of ways to minimize greasiness—and many are pretty affordable. Making mindful shower adjustments, switching up your wash day routine, and adding a deep-cleaning or scalp-balancing product or two can make a major difference and extend your style. Soon enough, voluminous ’90s supermodel hair will be yours…for more than a day even!!

Meet the experts:

- Ryan Turner, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at his own practice in New York, NY and cofounder of TRNR Skin.
- Marc Ballance is a celebrity hairstylist and creative director of Ballance Hair.
- Jessie Cheung, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at her own practices in Willowbrook, IL; Chicago, IL; and New York, NY.

Lead image credits: Getty Images//Stefan Gruber


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