Greasy Hair: 9 Essential Do’s and Don’ts
1. Greasy Hair, Let’s Talk About It
Greasy hair between washes? Totally normal. I’ve had days where my roots look shiny by noon, and honestly, it just means your scalp is doing its job. Healthy scalps make oil to protect your hair and keep it soft.
But if your hair always feels slick and heavy, even right after washing, I get how frustrating that can be. I’ve been there, staring at the mirror thinking, “Did I even shampoo?” The good news is, greasy hair isn’t a life sentence. A few small habit changes can make a big difference.
Scroll on. These tips have saved my hair more times than I can count.
2. Don’t… Keep Touching Your Hair
This one caught me off guard when I learned it. Your scalp makes oil, yes, but your hands do too. Every time you twirl, smooth, or rake through your hair, you move that oil straight to your roots.
A little touching here and there is fine. We all tuck hair behind our ears or adjust a part. But doing it all day? That builds grease fast.
If you’re a chronic hair-toucher (hi, same), try tying it back loosely with a silk scrunchie. It removes temptation and saves your roots.
3. Do… Use Dry Shampoo (But Go Easy)
Dry shampoo can feel like magic in a can. A few sprays and suddenly your hair looks human again. But too much is where things go wrong.
I once overdid it and ended up with dry, itchy roots and greasy hair the next day. When the scalp gets too dry, it panics and makes more oil.
Spray lightly at the roots. Wait a minute. Then blend with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb. Less really is more here.
4. Don’t… Wash Your Hair Every Day
I know. This one hurts. When your hair looks greasy, washing feels like the only answer. I used to shampoo every morning without fail.
Here’s the twist. Every wash strips away oil, and your scalp responds by making more. It’s like a never-ending oil factory.
When you stretch washes by a day or two, your scalp slowly learns to calm down. The result? Less grease over time, not more.
5. Do… Use a Clarifying Shampoo (On Wash Days)
When you do wash, make it count. A clarifying shampoo helps reset your hair by removing buildup, excess oil, and leftover products.
I love using one after a few no-wash days because my hair feels truly clean again. That fresh, airy feeling? Worth it.
Just don’t overuse it. Once or twice a week is plenty. Any more and your scalp may dry out and rebel.
6. Don’t… Put Conditioner on Your Scalp
This rule changed my hair game. Shampoo is for roots. Conditioner is for lengths and ends. Never the scalp.
Conditioners are rich and creamy for a reason. They’re made to soften dry ends, not oily roots. When I stopped conditioning my scalp, my hair instantly felt lighter.
Think of it like skincare. You wouldn’t moisturize already-oily skin. Same logic applies here.
7. Do… Choose Hairstyles That Work With Grease
Some days, washing just isn’t happening. And that’s okay. The trick is choosing styles that make grease look intentional.
Slicked-back buns are my go-to for workdays. On weekends, a sleek middle part with a half-up style always looks polished.
These styles hide oily roots by turning shine into part of the look. Smart, right?
8. Don’t… Use Too Much Heat
Heat and greasy hair are a tricky combo. Too much heat can dry your hair out, which pushes your scalp to make more oil. Or worse, it can melt oils and make hair look slicker.
I learned to turn the heat down, and my hair thanked me. Gentle heat gives better volume and less shine at the roots.
If you can, choose a blow-dry over straightening. Flat irons often press oil flat against your scalp.
9. Do… Clean Your Hairbrush Often
This one is easy to forget. I used to wonder why my hair got greasy so fast. Then I cleaned my brush. Game changer.
Brushes collect oil, dead skin, and old product. If you don’t clean them, you’re putting all that back into clean hair.
Try washing your brush once a week. Your hair will stay fresher longer, I promise.
If greasy hair has been messing with your confidence, you’re not alone. I’ve tried nearly every mistake on this list myself. Small tweaks add up, and once your scalp finds balance, everything feels easier.
