PDF download Download Article PDF download Download Article

Your head produces natural oils to keep your scalp healthy and protect your hair from damage. However, some people have higher levels of oil production that can lead to hair feeling and looking overly greasy. Thankfully, there are a number of ways to reduce and manage greasy hair.

Here are 11 effective ways to get rid of excess grease and keep your hair looking clean.

1

Use shampoo that’s formulated for oily hair.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Browse a supermarket or drugstore near you to find a clarifying shampoo to help you fight hair grease. Most of these products are pretty similar, so the brand doesn’t really matter![1]
    • Avoid products that advertise "added shine," which usually means they contain oily ingredients.
    • When you use your shampoo, don’t scrub it into your hair too hard. Just rub it enough to get a good lather going. Scrubbing too hard can irritate your scalp or damage your hair!
  2. Advertisement
2

Shampoo your hair more often.

PDF download Download Article
  1. You may have heard that washing your hair less often can retrain your scalp to produce less oil, but that's actually a myth. Some of us just naturally have greasier hair than others, which means we need to shampoo more often than people with dryer hair. If your hair is regularly greasy, try shampooing more often and see if that helps.[2]
3

Apply conditioner only after you shampoo.

PDF download Download Article
4

Try using dry shampoo in between washes.

PDF download Download Article
  1. It even does so without rinsing away all of your hair’s protective oils![5] To apply dry shampoo, hold a spray can of dry shampoo about 6 in (15 cm) away from your hair and spray it lightly onto your hair near the roots in oily areas. Let it sit for 2 minutes, then massage it into your hair with clean hands. Apply dry shampoo whenever your hair feels greasy, or about 1 to 3 times between shampoo washes.[6]
    • Too much dry shampoo can cause white buildup. To avoid this, always spray it lightly onto oily areas only, which are typically the layers of hair nearest to your scalp.
    • Dry shampoo is available in powder form as well as sprays. Choose this variety if you are sensitive to fragrance or aerosols.
    • If you don’t have any dry shampoo, use baby powder as an alternative. Sprinkle a little near your roots and rub it in to absorb grease.
    • Avoid spraying the ends of your hair with dry shampoo because it can make them dry and frizzy.
7

Take care of dandruff.

PDF download Download Article
11

Avoid eating oily foods.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Stay away from greasy, fried foods to help fight hair grease. Increase your intake of fruits and vegetables to keep your hair healthy and less oily.[13]
    • For example, things like French fries, onion rings, and other fast foods can contribute to excess oil in your hair.
    Lorraine Massey
    Lorraine Massey, Hair Stylist

    Greasy roots and limp strands often plague curly hair. Clarify buildup with a sulfate shampoo weekly, focusing just on the scalp. Rinse thoroughly and follow with a gentle conditioner avoiding roots. Absorb excess moisture with a microfiber towel or t-shirt.

  2. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How do you get rid of greasy hair fast?
    Jenny Tran
    Jenny Tran
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Jenny Tran is a Hair Stylist and the Founder of JT Hair Lab by Jenny Tran based in the Dallas, Texas metro area. With over seven years of professional hair styling experience, Jenny specializes in hair coloring, haircutting, and hair extensions. JT Hair Lab is an authorized carrier of R+Co and of Milbon and is committed to using products with quality ingredients.
    Jenny Tran
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Expert Answer
    Dry shampoo is a great temporary fix to absorb oil. I also suggest you start shampooing your hair less, which will prevent your scalp from producing too much oil.
  • Question
    I have extremely greasy hair and none of this is working please help me?
    Ashley Adams
    Ashley Adams
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Ashley Adams is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Hair Stylist in Illinois. She completed her Cosmetology education at John Amico School of Hair Design in 2016.
    Ashley Adams
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Expert Answer
    If you’ve tried all of the remedies above including baking soda, apple cider vinegar, and even clarifying shampoo, you may need to visit your physician. They will be able to diagnose your condition and recommend treatment.
  • Question
    How do I stop having greasy hair?
    Ashley Adams
    Ashley Adams
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Ashley Adams is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Hair Stylist in Illinois. She completed her Cosmetology education at John Amico School of Hair Design in 2016.
    Ashley Adams
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Expert Answer
    Start shampooing your hair every 2 days using a clarifying shampoo. If you don’t have any, you can use household items such as baking soda or apple cider vinegar. Both should be diluted with water. After shampooing, apply conditioner to the ends of your hair only.
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement

Reader Videos

Tips

  • Keep in mind that curly hair often follows different rules, and you'll probably need a different products and routines than someone with straight hair.

Tips from our Readers

  • It sometimes helps if you just apply shampoo and conditioner to your scalp, and leave the rest of your hair product-free. The product will gradually spread over the day.
  • You can also use baby powder. It helps take the grease away. Also corn starch helps. Make sure that, when you finish showering, to use a comb not a brush.
  • Rinse your hair with cool water because hot water will wash off natural oils on your scalp and it will just produce more oil immediatly.
  • I use a tea tree oil shampoo, which helps strengthen hair while also not being too greasy.
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Name
Please provide your name and last initial
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Advertisement

You Might Also Like

Advertisement

About This Article

Jenny Tran
Co-authored by:
Professional Hair Stylist
This article was co-authored by Jenny Tran. Jenny Tran is a Hair Stylist and the Founder of JT Hair Lab by Jenny Tran based in the Dallas, Texas metro area. With over seven years of professional hair styling experience, Jenny specializes in hair coloring, haircutting, and hair extensions. JT Hair Lab is an authorized carrier of R+Co and of Milbon and is committed to using products with quality ingredients. This article has been viewed 733,213 times.
22 votes - 61%
Co-authors: 42
Updated: October 31, 2024
Views: 733,213
Article SummaryX

To wash away hair grease, lather your hair with oil-fighting shampoo every 2 to 4 days. To absorb oil between washes, spray your hair with dry shampoo powder. Only use conditioner on the tips of your hair, not the roots, and cut down on hair products like gel and mousse. If your hair doesn’t improve, switch to a powerful clarifying shampoo for every other wash. To learn about home solutions for hair grease, read on!

Did this summary help you?

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 733,213 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Matthew W.

    Matthew W.

    May 5, 2016

    "Pictures were entertaining, and reading was short and to the point, but the best part was the absence of annoying..." more
Share your story

Did this article help you?

Advertisement