How to Take Care of Oily Hair

How to Take Care of Oily Hair

We spend a lot of time talking about dry hair types and dealing with hair damage, but what about the other end of the spectrum? Many of us are born with oily and greasy hair types, yet there is little information out there regarding how to best care for and treat it. With so many products out there catering to dry hair types, it can be frustrating to try and find a product that doesn’t leave your hair feeling weighed down and greasy.

Although greasy hair can be a pain and a bit of extra maintenance, there are certainly tips and tricks that can help you manage this hair type and have it looking in tip top shape. Read below for a guide on how to care for greasy hair and the best products to use!

Why does hair get greasy?
Much like the skin on our face, our scalp and hair follicles produce sebum, a natural substance that keeps the skin and hair hydrated and healthy. Without sebum, our skin and hair would be dry and flaky, making it a very important and natural part of our skin and hair health.  Unfortunately, some people are genetically predisposed to produce too much sebum, sometimes due to hormones or conditions like stress or environmental changes, which causes the hair to become weighed down and greasy. This leads to the hair being difficult to style and create volume, along with creating the potential for scalp conditions like dandruff and dermatitis.

How to care for greasy hair
When it comes to greasy hair types, you’ll focus on keeping your hair clean and residue free in order to help your hair have more volume without being weighed down. At minimum, try to wash your hair at least every other day, and for extra greasy hair types you can even wash your hair once a day. Although you should never forego using a conditioner after you wash your hair, look for a conditioner that is ultra light and contains humectants like glycerin and panthenol, instead of heavy, greasy oils and silicones. Too much extra oil and silicone can create even more buildup on your hair and further exacerbate your issue, which makes it key to avoid them as much as possible.

Products to use on greasy hair
Once you solidify your hair care routine, you’ll want to focus on products specifically designed for greasy hair. This means lightweight conditioners and styling products that leave as little residue in your hair as possible. Additionally, look for stronger conditioners that can remove all the extra grease and oil on your hair and scalp. A good option for a weekly hair treatment is using a detoxifying or exfoliating hair mask that can help you remove dead skin cells from the scalp, which helps to reduce oil and grease buildup. Additionally, aim to use a clarifying shampoo once a week to completely remove any product buildup from your hair strands, which will allow your hair to better absorb any conditioner you use.

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