Frequently asked questions
What causes greasy hair in the first place?
“Touching your hair frequently throughout the day can transfer oils from your hands to your hair, causing it to become greasy,” says Dendy Engelman, MD. But if you experience excessive oiliness, there is likely an internal cause. “Hormonal changes, genetics, and certain skin conditions like seborrheic dermatitis or PCOS, and others can all cause the scalp to produce excessive amounts of oil, leading to oily hair,” she says.
What are signs of unhealthy oily hair?
Most people produce a small amount of oil on their scalps, which is completely normal and actually good for your scalp and hair. There are signs of overproduction. “It’s often if your scalp and hair are oily to the point that it’s limp, and can’t hold a style from the oil,” says celebrity hairstylist Alex Pardoe. Another major sign is clogged follicles on the scalp, which can appear as small pimples. “Clogged follicles can hinder your hair from growing, and can cause excess shedding,” he says.
How do you wash oily hair correctly?
By wetting your hair with warm water to open up the cuticles, says Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. Then use a small amount of shampoo and gently massage the scalp with your fingertips or a scalp massager to lift excess oil and dirt.
Next, rinse hair thoroughly and follow with a lightweight, oil-free conditioner applied only to the ends. It’s also key not to overwash your hair. “Washing too often, especially with stripping shampoos, can exacerbate the problem and overstrip the natural oils in your hair,” says Dr. Engelman. When this happens, your scalp might compensate by increasing oil production, and you’re back at square one.
When you’re in between wash days, Brendnetta Ashley, a hairstylist and professional ambassador for hair care and color brand Schwarzkopf, recommends dry shampoo. “Apply it directly to the scalp, massage into the hair, and style as usual. This is a quick fix if you’re running low on time,” she says.
What should you look for in a shampoo for oily hair?
Finding the right shampoo for oily hair comes down to ingredients. “Oily hair types should avoid shampoos that contain heavy oils or silicones, as these will weigh your hair down and add more oil to your hair,” says Ashley. The stylists we spoke with also note to avoid extra-creamy or moisturizing shampoos, hair masks, and heavy hair oils, and instead stick to lightweight, clarifying options.
“Shampooing twice also helps, making sure to really massage and cleanse the scalp. If your hair is on the finer side, I would skip conditioner; if your hair is medium to thick, just use conditioner from the midshaft down,” says Miguel Luis, a hairstylist at the Rita Hazan Salon in NYC.
How to wash hair when you have dandruff
“The biggest misconception is that dandruff simply means your scalp is dry,” says Kee Taylor, a celebrity hairstylist. Most dandruff is actually related to excess oil and overgrowth of naturally occurring yeast on the scalp. If you have dandruff and oily hair, she recommends using a medicated dandruff shampoo consistently. “When washing, massage the shampoo into your scalp, not just your hair, and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing so the active ingredients have time to work,” she says. Follow with a conditioner only on your mid-lengths or ends instead of coating the scalp.
Are there ways to train your hair to not be greasy?
While you can’t get rid of grease altogether, you can train your hair to be less oily. “Space out your washes slowly, use dry shampoo every day, and avoid touching your scalp too much,” says Papanikolas.
Can certain hair products actually cause your hair to be greasy and produce more oil?
Yes. “Thick oils, rich conditioners, or heavy styling creams applied near the scalp can weigh hair down and trigger your scalp to produce even more oil. Keep oils and leave-in products focused on the midlengths to ends instead,” says Sean Michael, a hairstylist and owner of Salon Beau in Andover, Massachusetts. He also recommends not applying conditioner directly or near your scalp as this can cause oiliness (conditioner is meant to be used on the midlengths and ends only), and to try not to rely heavily on dry shampoo: “While it’s great in moderation, overuse can clog scalp pores and lead to more oil buildup over time.”
We tested shampoos for oily hair on a variety of hair types, including fine hair, textured hair, and curly hair, to see if they met our criteria. Our testers used the formulas for a span of two to four weeks and took note of how long it took each formula to garner results. We also made sure that they tested these formulas at least two to three times per week. Then, evaluated each one by taking a closer look at these factors:
| By Ingredients | By Texture/Format | By Efficacy |
|---|---|---|
| We evaluated the ingredients, how they lathered, and whether they clarified and degreased both scalp and strands after one to three washes. The best ones contained exfoliating ingredients such as salicylic acid, which gently works to slough off dead skin cells, or apple cider vinegar, which helps to detox and cleanse roots to remove excess oil. | All of the shampoos that made our list were lightweight (we’re talking slippery, gel-like textures) and lathered well. The shampoos we chose also didn’t weigh hair down, and every formula gave us a clean feeling post-wash. | We tested shampoos on oily hair types that had a wide range of hair concerns and types, like those with fine hair, curly hair, and some even with dandruff. We considered how our hair looked and felt between washes, and spotlighted those that gave us velvety smooth hair without grease, oiliness, or excess shine. |
- Dendy Engelman, MD, FACMS, FAAD, board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon in NYC
- Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, NYC-based board-certified dermatologist
- Brendnetta Ashley, hairstylist and Schwarzkopf professional ambassador
- Miguel Luis, hairstylist at the Rita Hazan Salon in NYC
- George Papanikolas, celebrity hairstylist and Matrix global brand ambassador
- Sean Michael, hairstylist and owner of Salon Beau in Andover, Massachusetts
- Kee Taylor, a celebrity hairstylist
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