Having greasy hair is one of the toughest challenges for a lot of people as it can make you look unkempt and unhygienic even if you do your best to be in tiptop shape. It also feels gross and embarrassing, especially in the summer when grease and sweat mixes together. This can also be the very culprit of our breakouts, so addressing the problem pronto is a must.
Understanding Your Roots
In order to solve your oily hair woes, you should first know what causes it. The grease in your scalp is actually sebum, the substance that keeps your skin smooth and lubricated. It is also the same substance that makes your face oily.
The thing with sebum is that it is perfectly healthy and getting rid of it completely will cause your skin and hair to be dry, brittle, and unhealthy. But like everything in excess amounts, it can also weigh your hair down and make it look gross. Erratic hormones can also cause excessively oily hair, which is why a lot of sufferers from this problem are kids going through puberty, pregnant and menopausal ladies, those with thyroid complications, and those who are suffering from hormonal issues. If you’re none of the above yet still battle with oily hair, your diet or choice of hair products can also be looked at.
Dealing with Oily Hair
A lot of people struggle from having oily hair. Most of which make a lot of mistakes in trying to manage it. If you’re one of these folks who struggle with oily hair and want to deal with it as soon as possible, here are 8 tips you can try.
1. Stop shampooing your hair so often.
If you have oily hair, the number one thing you are doing wrong is washing it a lot. Some are even guilty of washing their hair twice a day just so they can achieve fresh and clean locks. What makes doing this a massive mistake is the fact that it strips your scalp of the natural oils it needs to lubricate and protect your hair from getting damaged. Doing this will cause your oil-producing glands to go into hyperdrive and chug out more oil to compensate for the dryness the washing caused. And this is why the more you wash your hair, the greasier your hair can be.
What you should do instead is try to limit your washes. Experts say that to keep your hair healthy and minimize your scalp’s oil production, you should just wash every two or three days.
2. Be careful with the hair products you use.
Another mistake most folks with oily hair do is that they use the wrong products. Oily hair items exist for a reason: so they can provide a lighter and more effective option for you. Other products may be loaded with ingredients that might trigger your oil-producing glands and make your hair oilier, so avoiding them is a must.
3. Don’t use too much hair product.
Not only are you supposed to choose your hair products carefully, but you should also use less of them if you have oily hair. This is because the grease on your locks may just be your body’s reaction to the product pile up in your scalp, leaving your follicles clogged and in dire need to be opened up.
4. Use dry shampoo.
If it seems unbearable for you to go on a day without washing your hair for the fear of looking like a grease ball by midday, you should definitely get a dry shampoo in your beauty arsenal right away. These products will help you freshen up your hair without having to wash it, making it the perfect product for those who are training their hair to be less oily. Make sure to opt for the powder kind, though, so it can also double as a volumizer and mattifier.
5. Use clarifying shampoo at least once a month.
An important hair care item that you should also have when battling oily hair is a good clarifying shampoo. This will help clear out the product buildup in your scalp, keeping your tresses healthy and in great condition all the time.
6. Stop touching your hair.
Your hands have dirt and oil that can also cause your hair to get extra greasy. Avoid touching your hair at all costs so you can prevent adding to the greasiness of it all. It is an extra difficult task, but it can be done. You can always achieve this by trying hairstyles that will keep your hair away from your face on your second and third day of not washing.
7. Ask your stylist for some tips.
Professional stylists from establishments like the JCPenney Salon know a lot of things that will help you take care of your hair. Seek them out for some words of wisdom for your oily hair problems and they will surely be able to help you out.