Our biggest beauty gripe? Greasy hair. And with the sweaty heatwave weather this summer, it’s gotten extra sticky up in our roots so we need some pro greasy hair hacks at the ready.
It’s a common problem: scalps produce oil and sebum so greasy hair can be inevitable, especially among those with finer textures. Often it’s the result of skipping wash days, over-washing or exercising, but the weather can also play a part.
“Many people find greasiness is worse in the warmer months. With rising body temperatures, sweating is on the increase, allowing sweat to mix with the sebum on the scalp, hence spreading more greasiness,” says Dominic Roach, Creative Director of Colour at Butchers Salon.
And on top of a general increase in the amount we sweat, the weather itself can contribute to the issue as well. “With increased humidity, there is more moisture in the air and therefore more moisture in your hair. Even our summer accessories can exacerbate the problem. Sunglasses pushed back onto the top of the head help transfer oil and grease. So too do sun accessories like hats, which make the roots flatter and greasier,” adds Dominic.
So, what can be done to help the issue? We reached out to the experts for some of their top greasy hair hacks, including the best oil-banishing products and how often you should be washing your hair (hint: it’s not as often as you think).
What causes greasy hair?
Greasy hair is the result of the sebaceous glands on your scalp producing oil. The oil is then absorbed by your hair and too much of it can give a greasy appearance.
The oil in itself isn’t bad for the hair – in fact, it makes hair lustrous, healthy and strong, but too much oil can cause a build up that leaves hair looking limp and overly slick.
Why does my hair get greasy so fast?
Different hair types will appear greasy after different lengths of time – those with coarse or textured hair may be able to leave hair for a week and it still looks fresh. Those with fine or thin hair, however, may find their hair looks greasy after just one day.
It’s all to do with the amount of oil your scalp produces, as well as how well your hair can carry that oil. The temptation when you have oily roots is to wash your hair more regularly, but washing your hair every day can actually contribute to greasy roots.
That’s because once you’ve trained your hair into a regular rinse, it can feel icky and greasy if you try and eke an extra day out of it. It’s the same as over-cleansing your skin and stripping it of natural oils – the more you clean your hair, the more oil your scalp produces to compensate.
“If you normally wash your hair everyday, it will take time to adjust to just washing it every few days so you may have to tie it back or wear an alice band (back on trend) for the in-between days,” says Mark Woolley, founder of Electric Hair. “However, once your hair adjusts, you will notice a dramatic difference by not washing it everyday.”
What are the best shampoos and conditioners for greasy hair?
Of course it’s not just about how you’re washing your hair, but whether you’re using the best products for your hair. Iain Sallis, trichologist and founder of Hairmedic, says it’s essential to select your shampoo and conditioner carefully. He advises avoiding any shampoo and conditioner labelled with the words: ‘dry’, ‘damaged’, ‘smoothing’ or ‘glossy’.
