Are you tired of constantly dealing with greasy, oily hair?
Oily hair can be a frustrating and embarrassing problem, especially when you're trying to look and feel your best.
Fortunately, there are many simple and effective ways to combat oily hair and achieve a fresh, clean look.
If you are wondering how to get rid of oily hair, then you're in the correct place.
In this blog post, we've compiled 29 of the best tips and tricks for this issue, from choosing the right shampoo and conditioner to adjusting your diet and lifestyle habits.
Say goodbye to greasy locks and hello to healthy, beautiful hair with these tried-and-true solutions for oily hair!
Table of content
What causes oily hair?
Oily hair is caused by an overproduction of an oily substance called sebum, the natural oil that is secreted by the scalp to keep hair and skin moisturized. When too much sebum is produced, it can leave hair looking greasy and weighed down.
Several factors can contribute to excess sebum production, including genetics, hormonal changes, stress, and certain medications.
Using the wrong hair care products or washing your hair too frequently can also strip away natural oils and cause the scalp to overcompensate by producing more sebum.
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29 ways to get rid of oily hair
1. Reduce stress
Did you know that stress can also contribute to oily hair? When we're stressed, our body releases cortisol, a hormone that can put the sebaceous glands in our scalp into overdrive, leading to an increase in sebum production and causing oil buildup on the hair.
Therefore, it's important to reduce stress when you can to help prevent and get rid of greasy hair and promote a healthy scalp.
2. Washing and shampooing
Regular washing with a suitable product can prevent excessive oil buildup and promote healthy hair growth. Diluting shampoo with water and gently massaging it into the scalp can help distribute the product evenly.
3. Brushing correctly
Regular brushing with a wide-toothed comb or soft-bristled brush can help distribute natural oils without overstimulating the sebaceous glands.
4. Do not use conditioner on the scalp
Do not apply conditioner directly onto the scalp as it can create an overly greasy appearance, promote hair fall, and lead to bacterial growth. Apply conditioner starting at the tips of the hair and stopping two inches away from the scalp.
5. Watch your diet
Avoid excessive sugar, dairy, and red meat. Include healthy fats and carbs, omega-3-rich foods, and fruits and vegetables.
6. Utilize a clarifying shampoo
Use clarifying shampoo to remove oil, dirt, and product buildup from the scalp. Dry shampoo should be used sparingly and baby powder can also be used in place of it.
7. Avoid using heat tools
Avoid heat styling tools as they strip natural oils from the scalp, leading to dryness and breakage. Air-dry hair or use styling products instead.
8. Use aloe vera
Aloe vera has natural astringent properties that help remove excess oil and impurities from the scalp. Apply aloe vera gel as a hair and scalp mask once a week for best results.
9. Incorporate vitamins
Medical conditions such as PCOS, liver congestion, and Sjögren's syndrome can contribute to excessive oil production on the scalp. Seek medical treatment and make dietary changes to address the root cause.
10. Use apple cider vinegar
Use apple cider vinegar to remove excess oil from the scalp, balance pH levels, and prevent fungal infections. Dilute 2-3 tablespoons in 2 cups of water and rinse hair with the mixture 2-3 times a week.
11. Take fatty acids
Incorporate essential fatty acids into your diet to reduce excess sebum production and promote healthy hair. Sources include nuts, seeds, fatty fish, and unrefined whole grains.
12. Clean your brushes
Regularly cleaning your hairbrushes is important for maintaining a healthy and oil-free scalp. Remove any hair from the brush and soak it in warm water with a mild shampoo. Gently scrub with a toothbrush, rinse, and air dry. Replace your hairbrush every two months to prevent bacteria build up.
13. Don't use silicone products
Silicones found in many hair products can build up on the scalp and cause greasiness, dryness, and breakage. To avoid worsening oily scalp, it's best to use silicone-free or non-comedogenic hair products.
Read this: 15 Easy & Effective Ways How To Stop Hair Breakage At Home
14. Use egg yolks
Egg yolks are great for oily scalp due to their high sulphur content and protein. A hair mask with 1 egg yolk, 1 tsp coconut oil, and lemon can reduce oil secretion and provide a softer, silkier appearance.
15. Use tea tree oil
Tea tree essential oil has antiseptic properties that keep the scalp healthy and clean. Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with a carrier oil and massage it on the scalp for 5-7 minutes. Repeat at least twice a week for best results.
16. Handle your hair gently
Treating your hair with care can prevent the overstimulation of oil glands, which can lead to oily hair. When washing, use a gentle shampoo and massage it into your scalp using your fingertips with light pressure. Avoid harsh brushing, and opt for a wide-tooth comb or a brush with soft bristles to detangle your hair without causing damage.
17. Thoroughly rinse your hair
Proper rinsing is crucial to maintain a clean and healthy scalp. Ensure you thoroughly rinse out shampoo and conditioner to avoid product build-up, which can weigh down the hair and make it appear greasy. While rinsing, use your fingers to gently massage your scalp to remove any leftover residue, and use lukewarm water to avoid stripping your hair of its natural oils.
18. Go for green tea
Green tea extract is beneficial for hair as it helps reduce sebum production and nourishes the skin when applied topically. To make it easier, using a shampoo that includes green tea extract is recommended.
19. Do not play with your hair
Frequent touching, twirling, and scratching of hair can stimulate oil glands, causing them to produce more oil. This can make your hair look worse. Brushing and touching your hair often can also add extra oils from your hands and draw scalp oils down into the strands.
20. Use lemon
Lemon juice is acidic and helps to eliminate oiliness and dandruff. Mix 2 tbsp of lemon juice with water, massage the scalp and rinse after a couple of minutes.
21. Make use of baking soda
Baking soda exfoliates the scalp and eliminates dirt, grime, and oiliness. Make a paste with baking soda and water and apply it to your scalp.
22. Get a coconut oil treatment
Coconut oil treatment can deeply condition your hair and scalp. It can help to remove excess oil from the scalp and roots while providing much-needed hydration. Remember to apply the treatment to your scalp for the best results.
23. Plan washes during workouts
To avoid oil buildup and maintain fresh-looking hair, it is recommended to plan your hair washes around your sweaty workouts. Sweat can spread oils and cause hair to look greasy, so scheduling your washes accordingly can help maintain cleanliness and freshness.
24. Wash hair after wearing something on the head
To prevent the spread of oils and heat-trapping caused by wearing hats, helmets, scarves, and headbands, it is recommended to wash your hair after wearing them. Alternatively, you can use head accessories to extend the time between washes.
Read this: Does Washing Hair Everyday Cause Hair Loss?
25. Use witch hazel
Witch hazel is a useful solution for oily hair, as it can alleviate itchiness, minimize oil production, and soothe inflammation from scalp conditions. Additionally, it is suitable for sensitive scalps.
26. Don't tie your hair constantly
To stretch the time between washes, it's recommended to let your hair down occasionally as constantly pulling it back can cause the oils on your scalp to spread faster, making your hair look greasy. You can leave your hair down the first day after washing and wear it up the day before washing to extend the time between washes.
27. Use rosemary oil
Rosemary oil is a powerful essential oil with antifungal and astringent properties that can balance the scalp's natural oil production while moisturizing the hair. It is an excellent choice for individuals with an oily scalp as it promotes healthy hair without leaving a greasy feeling.
28. Use a multani mitti hair pack
Multani mitti is effective in treating an oily scalp as it absorbs excess oil, purifies the scalp by removing toxins, and can regulate overactive oil glands. To prepare a mask, mix multani mitti with water to form a thick paste and apply it to the scalp. Leave it on for 20 minutes before washing it off with water.
29. Use a honey mask
A honey mask can soothe the scalp and help prevent or treat dandruff due to its antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it an effective solution for extreme oiliness.
What should you eat to prevent an oily scalp and hair?
A balanced and healthy diet is essential for maintaining healthy hair and scalp. Certain foods can help control the production of excess oil on the scalp and hair.
Here are some recommended foods to eat to prevent an oily scalp and hair:
Lean protein
Include lean protein sources such as chicken, turkey, fish, and eggs in your diet. These foods are rich in amino acids that are essential for hair growth and can also help control the production of excess oil.
In addition to regulating sebum production, lean protein is also essential for hair growth and strength. The hair is made up of a protein called keratin, and consuming adequate amounts of protein can help to promote hair growth and prevent hair loss.
Omega-3 fatty acids
Foods such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, flaxseeds, and walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These essential fatty acids can help regulate oil production and promote healthy hair growth.
Omega-3 fatty acids also help improve the overall health of the scalp by promoting blood circulation and reducing dryness and itchiness.
This is because they help to nourish and hydrate the scalp, which can improve the health of the hair follicles and encourage healthy hair growth.
Additionally, Omega-3 fatty acids are also beneficial for reducing stress and anxiety, which are known to contribute to increased sebum production. By reducing stress levels, Omega-3 fatty acids can help to prevent an oily scalp.
Citrus fruits
Citrus fruits such as lemons, oranges, and grapefruits are rich in vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that can help maintain a healthy scalp and hair.
One of the key benefits of vitamin C is its ability to regulate the production of sebum, the oily substance produced by the scalp. When sebum production is out of balance, it can lead to an oily scalp and hair.
By consuming citrus fruits, you can help to regulate sebum production and prevent excess oil buildup on the scalp.
Vitamin C also plays a crucial role in collagen synthesis, which is important for the strength and elasticity of hair strands. Additionally, citrus fruits are a good source of other nutrients such as folate, potassium, and fiber, which are all beneficial for overall hair health.
Furthermore, the acidic properties of citrus fruits can help to cleanse the scalp and remove any buildup of dirt, oil, or product residue that can contribute to an oily scalp.
Citrus fruits are also known to have anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce scalp irritation and promote a healthy environment for hair growth.
Read this: Stages of Hair Growth: A Comprehensive Guide to the Life Cycle of Your Locks
Whole grains
Whole grains such as brown rice, quinoa, and oats are rich in fiber and contain vitamins and minerals that are essential for healthy hair growth. They can also help regulate blood sugar levels, which can prevent excess oil production on the scalp.
Vitamin B foods
Vitamin B is a crucial nutrient for maintaining healthy hair, as it strengthens hair strands and helps regulate sebum production, which can prevent an oily scalp.
To increase your intake of Vitamin B, consider adding foods such as beans, leafy vegetables, pulses, and seaweed to your diet.
These foods are not only great sources of Vitamin B, but they also provide other important nutrients that can promote overall hair health.
By incorporating these foods into your diet, you can help achieve and maintain stunning, healthy hair.
Zinc-rich foods
Zinc is an important mineral that is often overlooked when it comes to maintaining healthy hair and scalp.
This mineral plays a crucial role in regulating sebum production, which can help to prevent excessive oiliness on the scalp and hair.
Zinc also has antioxidant properties, which can help to protect the hair from damage caused by free radicals.
Zinc is naturally found in a variety of foods, including oats, nuts, legumes, oysters, eggs, and shellfish. By including these foods in your diet, you can increase your intake of this important mineral.
Additionally, you may consider taking zinc supplements to ensure that you are meeting your daily recommended intake.
It's important to note that while zinc is necessary for optimal hair health, too much of it can actually have the opposite effect and lead to hair loss.
Therefore, it's important to talk to a healthcare provider before taking any supplements and to follow the recommended dosage.
Water
Drinking water is crucial for maintaining the health of our body and, in turn, our hair. When it comes to an oily scalp, drinking enough water is essential to keep the body and scalp hydrated.
An oily scalp is usually a sign of overproduction of sebum, which can be due to various reasons such as hormonal imbalance, poor diet, or dehydration.
If we don't drink enough water, our body and scalp become dehydrated, and the oil glands in the scalp go into overdrive to compensate for the lack of hydration.
This leads to excess oil production and can make the hair look greasy and limp. Therefore, drinking an adequate amount of water can help keep oil production in check and prevent an oily scalp.
Drinking water also helps flush out toxins from the body and scalp, which can contribute to an oily scalp.
hen toxins build up in the body, they can disrupt the balance of hormones, leading to the overproduction of sebum. Drinking water helps to detoxify the body and scalp, leading to a healthy scalp and hair.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are numerous ways to tackle oily hair, and finding the right solution may require some experimentation.
From adjusting your hair care routine to incorporating certain foods and supplements into your diet, many natural remedies help you combat excess oil production on your scalp.
By following these tips and tricks, you can achieve healthy, shiny hair that stays clean and fresh for longer periods of time.
Remember, a healthy scalp leads to healthy hair, so take care of yourself from the inside out.
References:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2569505/
- https://ufhealth.org/oily-hair
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/medgen/1373016
- https://www.healthline.com/health/honey-for-hair
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