10 of Our Top Ways To Manage (And Prevent) Greasy Hair

Why Does My Hair Get Greasy So Fast?

Greasy hair is primarily caused by an overproduction of sebum on the scalp, which is often influenced by genetics: If you have oily skin, it’s highly likely that you have an oily scalp, too. And while slick-looking hair can be a year-round problem for some of us, hot, humid weather tends to further increase oiliness.

Genetics and hot weather aren’t the only factors at play, however. Greasy hair can also happen when you use the wrong haircare products, don’t wash your hair enough, or constantly touch your hair, which transfers oils from your hands right onto your strands. Additionally, a buildup of dead skin cells, environmental pollutants, and other residue can also contribute to locks that look and feel greasy.

It’s worth noting that anyone can have greasy hair, but it’s usually more noticeable in those with fine, straight hair types. The lack of bends in the hair makes it easier for oils to glide down the hair shaft, resulting in an oily, weighed-down appearance. That’s in contrast to those with curlier hair types, in which case the zig-zag pattern can make it more challenging for oils to reach the ends of the hair. So, while those with curls may not need to shampoo as often, they usually have another battle on their hands: tending to dry lengths.

How To Get Rid of Greasy Hair: 10 Tips

We hate to be the bearer of bad news, but if you’re genetically predisposed to having greasy hair, there isn’t a true way to get rid of it. That being said, adjusting your haircare habits and adopting a good routine can help minimize your hair’s oily appearance. We have some ideas for you ahead.

Wash based on your hair type

The American Academy of Dermatology generally advises washing oily hair once a day, but this may not apply to everyone. The right frequency for you ultimately depends on factors like genetics, hormones, activity level, and personal preference. Signs of overdoing it, per the Cleveland Clinic, can include a dry, itchy scalp and brittle strands. For help discovering what the sweet spot is for your hair, check out our article, How Often You Should Wash Your Hair, Based on Your Hair Type. You can also ask your stylist or dermatologist what they would recommend for you.

Pick up a clarifying shampoo

The best shampoo for greasy hair is often a clarifying one. This type of formula offers a deeper cleanse than a regular shampoo, breaking through tougher grime that you may not be able to reach otherwise.

Among our favorite shampoos for greasy hair is the Shu Uemura Art of Hair Pure Serenity Clarifying Shampoo. The oil-balancing formula deeply cleanses the hair and scalp to remove dirt and styling buildup while reducing excess oiliness. After washing, hair will look shinier and feel softer and more lightweight. For textured hair specifically, we recommend the Mizani Moisture Fusion Clarifying Shampoo to help reset delicate curls and coils without making them feel overly dried or stripped.

Massage while shampooing

Speaking of hair washing, a good shampoo for greasy hair is only part of the equation: How you wash your hair also counts. Be sure to give your scalp a thorough scrub while lathering up to help dislodge buildup on your roots and scalp. Apply the indicated amount of shampoo per the packaging label, then gently knead your scalp in circular motions from the front of your hairline to the back of your head. If you want to make the process feel extra indulgent, invest in a silicone or electric scalp massager for the ultimate self-care moment.

Avoid putting conditioner on your roots

A common mistake that can increase the likelihood of developing greasy hair is applying conditioner to your roots. These thicker, more oily formulas can weigh down your hair, making it appear slick and flat. Instead, it’s typically recommended to slather conditioner onto areas where dryness is more common (namely, the mid-lengths and ends of your hair) to replenish hydration without adding heavy residue to your roots.

Refresh with dry shampoo

Dry shampoo is often touted as the ultimate greasy hair fix, and for good reason: It’s basically a cheat code to scoring hair that appears freshly washed (even if you haven’t sudsed up in days). You can also spritz dry shampoo onto clean hair as a preventative measure to get ahead of grease before it appears.

In our opinion, the best dry shampoo for greasy hair is one that offers heavy-duty oil absorption on all hair types, like Redken Deep Clean Dry Shampoo. Use it to refresh up to fourth-day hair and enjoy a deep clean feel on your scalp.

If you have dark hair and worry about dry shampoo leaving a chalky white cast, opt for the brand’s Invisible Dry Shampoo instead. The fragrance-free formula absorbs oil and eliminates the risk of product residue on even the darkest of hair.

Consider a scalp serum

While some products, like dry shampoo, temporarily fix greasy hair, others are designed to reduce its recurrence over time. One example of such a formula is the Biolage Professional Scalp Sync Oil Balancing Serum. This lightweight, leave-in serum, which is infused with fermented tea, helps rebalance an oily scalp by absorbing and reducing excess oil. Using it continuously can help prevent sebum from traveling down the hair shaft and making hair appear greasy.

Brush your hair

It’s no secret that brushing your mane helps evenly distribute your hair’s natural oils. This is key to keeping locks moisturized and shiny, but there’s a catch: Brushing too little may cause oils to gather on the scalp, whereas over-brushing can make your strands appear prematurely greasy and weighed down. Striking the right balance is essential. The answer may look a bit different for everyone, but generally speaking, try to brush your hair only as needed to remove tangles and promote smoothness.

Good hair day by @slayejae.

Turn up the volume

When it comes to styling grease-prone hair, it’s important to remember that the closer your hair rests to your scalp, the more oily it can look and feel. That’s why volume should be your new best friend. Reach new heights by prepping your hair with a bodifying mousse like Kérastase Mousse Bouffante before styling. Rake a golf ball-sized amount from the roots to the ends of damp hair before blow-drying with a round brush. When you get to the roots, be sure to lift your hair up and away from your scalp as you dry it to get the most voluminous finish.

Choose the right hairstyle for greasy hair

The right hairdo can also expertly disguise greasy hair. One way to make your oily sheen look intentional is with a slicked-back style. Matrix Controller Gel is perfect for giving sleek looks structure, shine, and control without the crunch. The TikTok-approved treatment bun is another option. It involves making hair appear glossy by applying nourishing hair masks, leave-ins, and oils. Learn more about the trendy method in our article, Treatment Buns: Tips for Trying the Hairstyle.

And remember that volume we just mentioned above? A teased bouffant or modern beehive is another strategic hairstyle for greasy hair, keeping locks propped up and away from an oily scalp. Reach for Redken’s Root Tease Backcombing Finishing Hairspray to help take your look to new heights while you tease away.

Resist the urge to touch

We know firsthand how tempting it is to touch your hair (especially if it’s silky-soft!), but it’s best to refrain if you want to keep greasy roots at bay. Otherwise, you risk transferring grease and oils from your hands and fingertips onto your hair. If you have wandering fingers, throwing your hair into an updo can help curb the temptation to fiddle. Browse our list of cute, easy hairstyles to get some inspiration for your next look.

Next Up: How To Manage Greasy Hair With the Biolage Scalp Sync Collection

Header photo credits: Brands and @slayejae.

For more personalized greasy hair tips, use our salon locator to book an appointment with a stylist in your area.