What to do about greasy hair? Causes, tips and natural solutions
An oily scalp is a sign of excessive sebum production , it can be hereditary, but can also be triggered by hormonal fluctuations, stress, heat or incorrect use of hair products. Ironically, aggressive shampoos (with SLS sulfate) that clean very strongly can actually increase sebum production, because your scalp goes on the defensive and thinks: "Help, I'm drying out!" The result: greasy hair , often within one day of washing.
Fortunately, you can restore your scalp’s balance with a well-considered routine – from the inside out and with the right care. Are you looking for the best shampoo for oily scalp or a natural solution for oily hair ? Read on
Why does my hair get greasy so quickly?
- You naturally have an oilier scalp, so genetically .
- You use products that unbalance your scalp.
How do you know what is happening to you? A simple self-check helps: do you use a shampoo with strong sulphates (such as SLS) , silicones or drying alcohol? Then there is a good chance that your scalp is reacting to these ingredients. They strip your skin of natural oils, which makes your sebaceous glands work harder. About 70% of people with oily hair get this from unsuitable hair products. Only 30% have a genetically oily scalp.
Our tip: switch to a mild, natural shampoo without sulfates or silicones – like our Calm Breeze or Dewy Spring . Give your scalp some time to recover and see if you notice a difference after two to four weeks.
Is your oily scalp genetic? For some people, it helps to postpone your washing a little (for example, every other day instead of daily), so that you do not constantly trigger your scalp. It is important that you cleanse thoroughly when washing and choose gentle products that do not stimulate your sebum production , such as the Serene shampoo .
Wash well
Many people wash their hair but forget to really wash their scalp. It sounds obvious – shampoo, rinse, done – but to effectively treat oily hair , you need to massage your scalp with your fingertips and nail blades (not your nails!) and really take your time. Think of it as a mini scrub session like you would do for your face.
Use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo for oily hair , like our Calm Breeze (with organic aloe vera and a luxurious vetiver scent) or the fresh Dewy Spring variant. These natural shampoos for oily hair cleanse thoroughly but gently, without drying out your scalp and prevent your sebaceous glands from overcompensating.
Do you suffer from sensitivity or itching in addition to greasy hair? Then the Serene shampoo is ideal. It soothes and restores, with organic plum extract, radish root ferment filtrate and linden flower extract.
A little help from us
Many people who suffer from greasy hair avoid care products such as conditioner and hair masks: for fear that they will make the hair even greasy. Rightly so. That is why we developed the Lemon Dreams conditioner, a light conditioner that does not make the hair greasy , but does care. It closes the hair cuticles after washing and gives the hair a healthy shine, without weighing it down. Perfect for those looking for a conditioner for greasy hair .
And for those days when your hair looks greasy again even though you washed it yesterday? Then our Intimist dry shampoo for greasy hair is just what you need. This dry shampoo immediately absorbs excess oil and provides volume and hold, so that your hair looks airy and fresh. A perfect solution for on the go, after sports or as a quick freshener.
MADE FOR OILY HAIR/SCALP
in summary
An oily scalp is often caused by the wrong hair products , in 70% of cases , or is genetically determined , in about 30% of people . Both causes require a different approach, but one thing always applies: clean your scalp well and choose your hair care consciously . Even if you wash your hair daily, it will continue to get oily - unless you learn to really clean your scalp properly and switch to products that respect your natural balance.
Opt for a sulfate-free, natural shampoo for oily hair , such as Calm Breeze or Dewy Spring, which cleanse your scalp without drying it out. If you have a sensitive, oily scalp , the soothing Serene shampoo is ideal. After washing, use a light conditioner such as Lemon Dreams , which nourishes without weighing you down or making you greasy, and freshen up in between with the Intimist dry shampoo for oily hair – perfect for quick results without washing.
If your oily scalp is genetic , it can sometimes help to delay washing your hair a little , use mild products that don't trigger sebum production , and pay extra attention to thorough cleansing with every wash.
FAQ OILY HAIR & SCALP
Why does my hair get greasy so quickly?
Oily hair is usually caused by excessive sebum production. This can be genetic or caused by external factors such as stress, hormonal fluctuations or the use of aggressive hair products. Shampoos with sulphates (such as SLS) and silicones can dry out the scalp , causing it to produce more sebum to compensate. Therefore, choose a natural mild shampoo such as the Dewy Spring shampoo.
How do I know if my oily hair is genetic or product related?
Are you using a shampoo with harsh sulfates like SLS sulfate, and microplastics and is your hair getting greasy quickly? Try switching to a mild, sulfate-free shampoo like our Calm Breeze or Dewy Spring . If you notice an improvement after a few weeks, it was the products. If the problem persists, it could be genetic.
Which shampoo is best for oily hair?
A mild, sulfate-free shampoo helps balance sebum production without drying out the scalp. Our Calm Breeze and Dewy Spring shampoos are specially formulated for this purpose. For sensitive scalps, we recommend the Serene shampoo , which soothes and hydrates.
Should I use conditioner if I have oily hair?
Yes, but choose a light conditioner that does not weigh the hair down. Our Lemon Dreams conditioner nourishes the hair without making it greasy. Apply the conditioner only to the lengths and ends, avoiding the scalp.
Can diet affect oily hair?
Yes, a diet high in sugars and saturated fats can increase sebum production. A balanced diet with adequate water intake can help keep the scalp in balance.
What are other tips to prevent greasy hair?
- Avoid touching your hair often with your hands
- use styling products sparingly
- rinse your hair with lukewarm or cold water
- wash your pillowcases regularly.
Does dry shampoo help with oily hair?
Yes, our Intimist dry shampoo is perfect for quickly and effectively refreshing greasy hair. It absorbs excess oil at the roots, adds volume and leaves your hair looking clean and fresh instantly – without water. Ideal for in between.
Of course, that works in the short term, do you want a long-term solution against greasy hair? Then it is important to also adjust your shampoo with harmful substances and review your hair routine. For example, use our Dewy Spring or Calm Breeze shampoo in combination with the light non-greasy Lemon Dreams Conditioner . Be careful with a leave in , for example only use a small amount in the ends.