How To Manage Oily Hair and Keep Greasy Roots at Bay

Having oily hair can be a bit of a double-edged sword. On the one hand, those with oily hair rarely have to worry about scalp dryness. On the other hand, greasy roots can be frustrating to deal with—and figuring out how to reduce oily hair isn’t always that simple. Lathering up more frequently may keep your scalp fresh, but washing too often can dry out your mid-lengths and ends. If you’re curious about how to make your hair less greasy without sacrificing your mane’s healthy appearance, keep reading. We’ll share the need-to-knows ahead, plus a look at some of our favorite products for oily hair. 

What Causes Oily Hair?

Though oily hair is often referred to as a hair type, it’s not your strands themselves that are oily—it’s your scalp. Like oily skin, an oily scalp is characterized by a higher-than-average production of sebum, your skin’s natural oil.. According to the Cleveland Clinic, how much oil your scalp produces is mostly determined by genetics and hormones, though certain environmental and lifestyle factors (like brushing your hair too often or using the wrong products for your hair type can also play a role). 

How To Manage Oily Hair

If you constantly battle greasy roots, you’re probably wondering how to prevent oily hair. While that’s understandable, you can’t change how much oil your scalp produces. Fortunately, there are ways to help promote a more balanced scalp. Keep scrolling for the details.

1. Choose the right shampoo

When choosing a shampoo for oily hair, it's crucial to opt for formulas designed to help remove excess oil without stripping the scalp of moisture. These shampoos typically contain ingredients that help balance oil production and maintain freshness. Clarifying shampoo to your routine once a week. This is especially helpful if your hair appears greasy thanks to heavy product build-up. Try the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Clarifying Shampoo with Antioxidants—it helps remove hard water residue and product build-up without stripping your strands to promote clean, hydrated hair (plus, it won’t affect your hair color—a rarity for clarifying shampoos).

2. Condition with care

When conditioning oily hair, it’s typically best to apply the product only to your mid-lengths and ends, avoiding the scalp to help prevent buildup. As with your shampoo, you’ll want to look for lightweight conditioners that hydrate without weighing hair down. The L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron + Pure Rehydrating Conditioner for Oily Hair gets our vote—it’s packed with hyaluronic acid and helps minimize excess oils while locking in lightweight hydration for up to 72 hours. 

Rinse thoroughly

If you’re using a lightweight shampoo and still find yourself wondering how to make your hair less oily, your shower routine may be to blame. Leftover shampoo, conditioner, or styling products can contribute to buildup, weighing hair down and making it look greasy faster. Each time you lather up (and condition), be sure to rinse your hair thoroughly to help keep your scalp fresh and your hair free from weighty product residue. It’s also best to rinse with lukewarm water, as ultra-hot water can strip your scalp and strands of moisture and leave your hair dry, rough, and brittle.

Show your scalp some love

Adding a targeted scalp serum to your routine can be a great way to keep your scalp feeling healthy and balanced—which, in turn, can promote healthy-looking strands. For oily hair, you’ll want to steer clear of heavy scalp oils and instead reach for a formula that can help hydrate your scalp without making it greasier. The L’Oréal Paris Hyaluron + Pure Oil-Erasing Serum for Oily Hair is an excellent pick. It’s formulated with salicylic acid and hyaluronic acid and helps remove impurities while locking in hydration for up to 72 hours. To use it, divide your dry hair into four sections, then apply the product directly to your scalp. Massage your scalp with your fingertips for about five minutes, then let the serum sit for another 15 minutes before hopping in the shower and lathering up as usual. 

Use dry shampoo

If your roots look oily but you don’t have time to go through your entire wash routine, grab a dry shampoo. These easy-to-use formulas help absorb excess oil, making them a great way to manage oily hair between washes. To use dry shampoo, hold the can a few inches from your scalp and spray evenly, focusing on the roots. Let it sit for a few minutes to absorb oil, then gently massage it in with your fingertips and brush your hair. To avoid product buildup, use dry shampoo sparingly and ensure you thoroughly cleanse your scalp during regular washes to remove any residue. 

Avoid common triggers

Touching your hair frequently is one of the most common causes of oily hair—the habit can transfer oil from your hands to your scalp and make your hair appear limp and greasy much quicker than it otherwise would. Over-brushing can also stimulate the scalp to produce more oil, so brush gently and only when necessary. Environmental factors, like humidity, are harder to avoid—if you anticipate a particularly humid day, it may be a good idea to preemptively opt for a grease-friendly hairstyle, such as a slicked-back ponytail.

Can You Train Your Hair to Be Less Oily?

If you have oily hair, there’s a chance you’ve heard of “oil training.” The viral social media hack involves washing your hair less frequently, ostensibly to “train” your scalp to produce less oil over time. Though the trend has plenty of proponents, experts say oil training is a myth—how often you wash your hair has no bearing on how much oil your scalp produces. In fact, skipping your regular shampoo could leave you at risk for scalp concerns such as dandruff (which, believe it or not, isn’t only caused by dryness). To keep your scalp and strands feeling balanced, it’s best to shampoo regularly, though the exact schedule may depend on your hair texture and lifestyle. If you’re not sure how often you should lather up, ask your hairstylist—they should be able to assess your scalp and hair and make a recommendation that caters to your needs. 

Next Up: 8 Conditioner Mistakes To Avoid

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris