Quick answer: to stop greasy hair, wash with a rebalancing shampoo for oily hair that cleanses the scalp without stripping it, keep conditioner on the ends only, exfoliate the scalp once a week, and avoid touching your hair or over-brushing. Between washes, a dry shampoo powder absorbs oil at the roots. Washing more often won't make oily hair worse if you use a gentle, balancing shampoo.
Hair that looks flat and greasy by the end of the day, or the morning after you wash it, is one of the most common hair complaints. The good news is that oily hair is very manageable once you understand what's causing it and use the right routine.
Why does my hair get greasy so fast?
Every hair follicle has a sebaceous gland that produces sebum, the natural oil that protects the scalp and hair. Some people simply produce more. Common reasons hair gets greasy quickly include:
- Genetics and hair type. Fine, straight hair shows oil fastest, because sebum travels down the strand easily.
- Hormones. Oil production often changes during the teenage years, pregnancy, postpartum and menopause. If your hair has suddenly become much oilier and you're concerned, it's worth mentioning to your GP.
- Harsh or heavy products. Very stripping shampoos can leave the scalp feeling tight, while rich conditioners and oils applied to the roots weigh hair down.
- Product build-up. Styling products, dry shampoo and hard water residue all add to the greasy look.
- Touching and brushing. Running your hands through your hair or over-brushing spreads oil from the scalp down the lengths.
- Heat and sweat. Exercise, hats and hot weather all make roots look oily sooner.
The best shampoo for oily hair: what to look for
A good shampoo for oily hair cleanses the scalp thoroughly and lifts away excess oil and residue, but doesn't leave it tight and dry. Look for purifying, rebalancing ingredients rather than simply the harshest cleanser you can find.
Rebalancing Shampoo is made for oily, greasy scalps. It works like a gentle clarifying shampoo, lifting away excess oil, impurities and styling residue, with a phytocomplex of microalgae, grapefruit, organic birch and organic lavender extracts that helps normalise the scalp, plus a cooling touch of menthol for a fresh, clean feel. Vegan, cruelty-free and made in Italy.
How to stop greasy hair: a simple routine
- Wash as often as you need to. If your roots are greasy daily, washing daily with a balancing shampoo is fine. Massage the shampoo into the scalp with your fingertips, not your nails, and let the lather rinse through the lengths.
- Double cleanse when roots are very oily. The first wash lifts oil and product; the second actually cleans the scalp.
- Condition the ends only. Keep conditioner well away from the roots, and rinse thoroughly.
- Exfoliate once a week. Scalp Exfoliating Cream is a pre-wash scalp scrub with fine pine granules and purifying kaolin clay that draws out excess oil and impurities. Apply to a dry scalp, massage gently, leave for 2 to 3 minutes, rinse, then shampoo. Read more about whether you need a scalp scrub.
- Rinse with cooler water. Very hot water can leave the scalp feeling stimulated and oily.
- Hands off. Try not to touch your hair through the day, and wash brushes, pillowcases and hats regularly.
Oily roots and dry ends
This is one of the most common combinations, especially on longer or coloured hair. Treat the two areas separately: use Rebalancing Shampoo on the scalp, then apply a moisturising conditioner such as Hydrating Conditioner from the mid-lengths to the ends only. Finish dry ends with a drop of a lightweight oil, never at the roots.
Dry shampoo for oily hair
Dry shampoo is the quickest fix between washes. Bodifying Dry Shampoo is a loose powder made with rice starch, tapioca and kaolin that absorbs excess oil at the roots and adds body, rather than an aerosol. Apply to dry roots, wait a few minutes, then massage and brush through. Our guide explains how to use dry shampoo powder properly.
Don't rely on dry shampoo for days on end, though. It sits on the scalp, so wash it out properly to avoid build-up.
Oily scalp with flakes or itching?
An oily scalp can also be flaky. If you have oily, flaky patches, an anti-dandruff shampoo may suit you better. Purifying Shampoo, with organic thyme, rosemary and sage, is made for flaky, itchy scalps. See our guide to dandruff causes and treatment. If your scalp is red, sore or persistently itchy, speak to a pharmacist, GP or trichologist.
Fine, oily hair
Fine hair gets greasy and flat fastest. Keep everything lightweight: a balancing shampoo, conditioner only on the ends, and volume from a root lotion or texture powder rather than heavy creams. Our guide to volume for fine hair has more tips.
A complete routine for oily scalps
The Scalp Balance Ritual brings together a complete reset for oily or congested scalps in one set. Shop the full oily scalp edit.
Frequently asked questions
Does washing your hair every day make it greasier?
Not if you use a gentle, balancing shampoo. There's little evidence that washing more often makes your scalp produce more oil. If your hair is greasy every day, it's fine to wash every day.
Can you "train" your hair to be less greasy?
Many people find their hair feels less greasy once they switch to a balancing shampoo and stop applying conditioner and oils near the roots, but skipping washes alone won't change how much oil your scalp produces.
Why is my hair greasy even after washing?
Usually it's residue: conditioner on the roots, not rinsing thoroughly, or product build-up. Try a double cleanse, rinse well and keep conditioner on the ends only.
What's the best shampoo for oily hair and dandruff?
If your main concern is flaking, choose an anti-dandruff shampoo like Purifying Shampoo. If it's oil, choose Rebalancing Shampoo. Many people alternate the two.
Is sulphate-free shampoo good for oily hair?
It can be, but oily scalps often prefer a more purifying cleanse. Read what sulphate-free really means to decide what suits you.
About the author
Charlotte Read has spent six years in the hair industry with Insight Professional and holds a First Class BSc in Business Management and Marketing. She writes with reference to real salons across social media and the wider Insight community, and draws on the Insight office team, who between them bring over 100 years of combined experience on salon floors.
Where technical expertise is needed, Charlotte consults Lorraine Matic, Head of Insight UK Education, who brings over 38 years of global experience in colour, technique and hair science.