How to Make Your Hair Look Less Greasy

Greasy hair got you down? Don’t grab your oversized hat in an attempt to go incognito just yet. With the right hair care products, you can help make your hair look less greasy in no time. Wondering what unexpected ingredient we love for oily roots at the moment? That would be clay. It’s been super-popular in skin care products for a while now (clay face masks, anyone?), and clay is now making waves in the hair care world, too. Below, learn why you have oily, greasy hair and which hair care products can help (including our best shampoo for greasy hair), plus get a step-by-step routine you should follow to learn how to get rid of greasy hair. No more hiding your hair under beanies!

WHAT CAUSES GREASY HAIR?

First off, if you’ve been asking yourself, “Why does my hair get greasy so fast?”, it’s time for answers. Here’s what’s going on: Oil produced by your scalp can build up, causing your roots to look slick, and this buildup can even weigh your hair down. If you don’t wash your hair often enough or never use a clarifying shampoo, this could be why your hair seems to get greasy super quick. Furthermore, if you consistently overuse hair styling products in your routine, or apply them incorrectly, they can coat your hair and make it look extra greasy.

Typically, greasy hair is something that you’ll notice happening over time. However, if you’re asking what causes greasy hair suddenly, it’s likely that a new product you’re using is to blame. Did you apply a hair oil all over your strands? If yes, you want to focus oils only on your ends. Did you switch to a new shampoo and conditioner? Maybe you aren’t using the right formula for your hair type—a shampoo for oily hair may be a better pick.

IS IT GOOD TO LET YOUR HAIR GET GREASY?

You don’t like how greasy hair looks—no one does—but could it actually help your hair? The truth is, you don’t need to sport greasy strands for the health of your hair. With that said, your hair’s natural oils are there for a reason. You don’t want to strip those completely, which is why it’s key not to over-wash your hair, just as it’s important not to wash your mane too little. It’s all about balance.

HOW TO MAKE YOUR HAIR LESS GREASY

When you spend major time blow-drying or curling your hair only for it to look oh-so-oily by midday, that can be super-disappointing. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Ready to learn how to make your hair less greasy? Follow this routine to help keep excess grease at bay!

STEP #1: USE A PRE-SHAMPOO MASK

Before getting your hair wet, use a pre-shampoo treatment, like the L’Oréal Paris EverFresh Micro-Exfoliating Scrub, which works to gently remove impurities, flakes, and buildup from dirt and excess oils from the scalp. Apply the mask to wet hair, making sure to massage onto your scalp and through your strands gently. Rinse thoroughly, then follow the next step.

STEP #2: GRAB YOUR SHAMPOO

Now you’re ready to wash your hair! If you’re looking for shampoo for greasy hair, try the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Clay Shampoo, which is formulated with three refined clays. Remember how we mentioned clay is great for grease? This shampoo helps absorb excess oil at the roots and rehydrate dry ends. Massage the shampoo onto your wet tresses, lather up, then rinse.

Editor’s note: When your hair gets oily, your initial response is to wash it, right? Well, think it over for a minute before you actually go ahead and reach for shampoo all the time. As we mentioned, over-washing your hair won’t do you any favors. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, if your scalp is oily, you should wash your hair once a day.

STEP #3: AND YOUR CONDITIONER

If you thought you could skip this step because your hair happens to get oily, you’d be wrong. Finding the right conditioner for your hair type is key, though. The L’Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Clay Conditioner, which is also formulated with three refined clays, helps to hydrate dry lengths while purifying oily roots. When you’re finished shampooing, apply the conditioner sparingly to your ends. Leave it on for about three minutes, then rinse once more.

STEP #4: BRUSH HAIR ONCE IT’S DRY

Regardless of your hair type, it’s a bad idea to brush wet hair. Your hair is most fragile when wet, and brushing through wet strands can lead to damage. We recommend waiting to brush your hair until after it’s dried. Once damage is no longer a concern, reach for a boar bristle brush and carefully brush your hair from the ends to roots. Not only will your hair be tangle-free, but a good hair brushing session can prevent all of your hair’s oils from becoming concentrated at your roots. 

STEP #5: REACH FOR DRY SHAMPOO

Just because you have greasy roots doesn’t mean you need to wash your hair twice a day. If your hair starts to look oily before you’re due for a wash, dry shampoo can help. It’s almost too easy; a few spritzes and fresh hair, here you come! Hold the can of dry shampoo six to eight inches away from your hair and spray directly onto oily roots and lightly throughout the rest of your hair. Brush it through the lengths of your hair to distribute the dry shampoo evenly.

When you finish with your dry shampoo, toss it in your purse, so you’re ready to touch-up your roots on the go if needed.

STEP #6: APPLY STYLING PRODUCTS SPARINGLY

Do you love to style your hair with a hair cream, gel, or oil? Make sure you don’t work the formula through the full length of your hair—that could reverse all of your efforts. Use just a small amount of styling product, that’s really all you need, and apply it only to your ends.

Next: The Benefits of Clay for Oily Hair