We won’t beat around the bush on this one: greasy hair is a b*tch! Ever since we’ve been reunited with our social life, we’re back to planning our calendar around our wash days, and tbh we don’t have time or patience for greasy locks.
We wash our hair often to keep it looking fresh and bouncy, but on the other hand, over-washing might end up producing more oil. Seriously? Is Mother Nature playing some kind of joke? Well, as frustrating as this might be, we come bearing relieving news. If your scalp has a way of acting up, we’ve put together a general guide for how to stretch the time between hair washes and, as a result, train your hair to be less greasy. Keep scrolling! You’ll be thanking us later!
What Causes Greasy Roots & Hair?
First, it’s important to know what the root cause is. And it turns out that there are a lot of factors here. Sebaceous glands also known as oil-producing glands lie within the hair follicles. They produce natural oils and waxes. The natural oil produced by these glands is how the body naturally moistens, protects, and softens the hair. The natural oil produced is also called sebum. As the oil builds up, it moves from the scalp down to the ends of the hair. Heavy hair products build up and mix with the natural oils produced. If you work out, it gets mixed with the sweat, too.
There are a lot of factors that can cause greasy roots. An excess of saturated fats in your diet, soft water, and hormonal changes might lead to more oil production from the scalp. Really hot water can also make the scalp more oily. Harsh products strip the scalp of its natural oils and make it think it needs to protect itself. That’s the reason why it starts producing more oil as a barrier.
Here’s How To Train Your Hair To Be Less Greasy
Evaluate Your Haircare Routine
Before you dive into a different hair care routine, evaluate your current haircare routine. Do you wash your hair every day? Are you drinking enough water? If you wash your hair very frequently, your body will automatically produce more oils. Plus, if you work out on a daily basis, sweat and dirt buildup can mix with the sebum.
Wash Your Hair Less Often
We recommend curbing your hair-washing frequency. When we wash our scalp, we remove sebum, and that actually stimulates the scalp to produce more sebum in response.
Use A Sulfate-Free Shampoo
Sulfate is a harsh cleanser that strips the natural oils of the scalp. Use a sulfate-free shampoo directly on the roots and scalp, followed by a conditioner only on the ends. This will reduce the production of natural oils.
Air-Dry Your Hair
Excessive blow-drying can cause your hair to produce excess grease or oil. So try letting your hair air-dry as much as possible, instead and avoid using heat tools.
Apply Conditioner At The Tips
Instead of applying conditioner from roots to ends, use it only on the tips or ends of your hair. The same goes for heavier finishing products like leave-in conditioners and oils. The first 6 inches of hair are fresh and young with a lot of strength. So, these products are not necessary for newer hair. Apply conditioning products to the midshaft and ends of your strands for better effect.
Avoid Using Hot Water
Super-hot water can makeup the scalp even oilier. Hot water opens the hair follicles and rinses away oils when using shampoo. Say no to more scalding hot showers and opt for lukewarm or room-temperature water instead, if cold water is a no-no for you!
Cleanse & Clarify The Scalp
Once a week you can use an organic and raw apple cider vinegar to restore the pH balance of your hair and get rid of the buildup. Alternatively, you can opt for a clarifying shampoo to remove prior product buildup.
Exfoliate The Scalp
Exfoliating scalp scrubs are an excellent way of absorbing excess oils on the scalp. Look out for products with fine sugar crystals or activated charcoal that will not only clean the scalp well but also massage it and boost blood circulation.
Drink More Water
Increasing your water intake and consuming enough biotin and vitamins is key to keeping the scalp healthy.
Say buh-bye to oily hair!
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