Here’s How to Get Rid of Greasy Hair for Good, According to a Celebrity Hairstylist
Good riddance, oily locks.
Greasy strands can get the best of us, but some of us are much more prone to it than others. How come some of us can go days without washing our hair and still have it look fresh and clean, while others have issues combatting grease mere hours after stepping out of the shower?
Well, there are a lot of factors that contribute to a greasy feel on your scalp. Thankfully, Julien Farel, creative director and owner of the Julien Farel Restore Salon and Spa at NYC’s Regency Hotel is breaking them down for us. He also explains the best types of products to use on greasy hair and which to avoid.
The Best Products for Greasy Hair
- Best Clarifying Shampoo: amika Reset Scalp Clarifying Gel Shampoo
- Best Conditioner: Klorane Volume Conditioner with Flax Fiber
- Best Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse: R+Co Acid Wash Apple Cider Vinegar Cleansing Rinse
- Best Dry Shampoo: Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Biotin Dry Shampoo
- Best Scalp Scrub: Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub With Sea Salt
- Best Scalp Oil: Ceremonia Aceite de Moska Hair Oil
- Best Drugstore Shampoo: Neutrogena Anti-Residue Clarifying Shampoo
- Best Drugstore Conditioner: L'Oreal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Clay Rebalancing Conditioner
- Best Hair Mask: Crown Affair The Renewal Mask
- Intensive Detox: Act+Acre Cold Pressed Scalp Detox
What Causes Greasy Hair?
Unfortunately, hair is notoriously fickle, and Farel notes that there is a full laundry list of issues that can contribute to that greasy oil-slick feel.
“Greasy hair is the result of overactive sebaceous glands, which are producing too much sebum. Even our natural nourishing oils benefit the hair by keeping hair hydrated and healthy, but too many oils can cause the hair to look dirty and greasy,” he says. “Greasy hair looks neglected, and the result is a poorly managed beauty regime or a natural process.”
However, greasy hair doesn't always mean dirty hair. Farel says there's a huge list of issues that can lead to greasy strands. Think hereditary traits, unhealthy eating habits, medications, improper hair care, the changing of seasons, hormonal fluctuations, and extended periods of stress.
How to Get Rid of Greasy Hair
Luckily, there's some good news: There are quite a few ways to address greasy tresses. According to Farel, one culprit that may lead to greasy hair is how much you're shampooing.
"When it comes to oily hair care, you could pursue a policy of ‘more is more.’ When it comes to shampooing, however, this is rarely effective," he says. "Using a good clarifying shampoo once every two weeks will do a far better job of deep cleaning and stripping away a buildup of scalp oil. In between times, try to use a mild shampoo once every 2 or 3 days. Where possible, skip the washing altogether and instead use a dry shampoo."
Tip: Use a good clarifying shampoo once every 2 weeks and mild shampoo in between.
Farel also suggests avoiding substances like oil, silicone, and even conditioners altogether until your grease issue is resolved. Instead of using these grease boosters, Farel recommends using apple cider vinegar rinses, which can help restore the scalp's pH and therefore control oil production, and making some conscious dietary changes. "Adding vitamin B-rich foods, especially B-2 and B-6, to your diet, is believed to help moderate your sebum production," he says.
Tip: Add vitamin B-rich foods to your diet to help moderate sebum production.
Fussing with your hair throughout the day, according to Farel, can also lead to increased greasiness. “Refrain from over-brushing, as this will only distribute the sebum all through your hair from the roots to their ends,” he says. However, if your hair is particularly knotty, Farel says to use a wide-toothed comb to get rid of knots. If you’re a hair-toucher, Farel advises wearing your hair in a low bun “to look chic while removing all temptation to mindlessly play with it.”
Tip: Avoid over-brushing your hair and use a wide-toothed comb to get rid of knots.
Farel also suggests avoiding all sticky styling products such as mousse, paste, hairspray, and wax.
What to Consider Before Buying
When looking for a product to treat your oily strands, there's obviously one goal in mind: combat grease. So, we gathered a few hair care products that do exactly that, without completely stripping your hair's natural hydrating oils.
We also made sure each and every pick on this list is formulated with hair-fortifying ingredients to overall benefit your locks instead of making matters worse. We also took cost into account, curating an array of products for every budget to enjoy. Check out our guide to the 10 best products for greasy hair.
