Suffering from Oily Hair? 10 Tips on How to Get Rid of Greasy Hair

Tired of waking up with oily hair? Take a look at our top tips on how to get rid of greasy hair. Learn more about oily scalp treatment at home in this article.

If there is a hair problem that is the common nemesis for most women, it’s oily hair! The experience of waking up or going through your day with greasy hair is not only uncomfortable and unpleasant, but it can be a total confidence and mood killer.

So, if you are reading this article because you are suffering from oily hair, we absolutely get you - we’ve been there, too, and it’s not a great experience. Luckily, there are some things that you can do to enjoy a healthy and shiny hair minus the grease.

In this blog post, we will give you some of our top ways to get rid of oily hair and restore your confidence and healthy appearance. 

But before we dive into the greasy hair tips, it’s important to understand what causes oily hair in the first place, and what are some things that you can do to prevent it from occurring whenever possible (prevention is better than cure!). So, let’s jump right into it:

What is greasy hair?

Greasy hair, also referred to as oily hair, is hair that looks unwashed and has a shiny or heavy appearance due to an excess production of sebum, the natural oil produced by the scalp. While sebum is essential for keeping the hair and scalp moisturized, an overproduction of it can make the hair look greasy and weighed down. 

What causes greasy hair?

The main causes for greasy hair include hormonal changes, bad hair care habits, environmental factors such as hot or humid weather, overuse or improper use of hair care products, as well as frequent hair touching, among other factors.

These factors lead to an excessive production of sebum - the oily substance produced by the sebaceous glands in the scalp, which is essential for maintaining healthy skin and hair. 

While a healthy quantity of sebum provides a protective coating to the hair and prevents moisture loss and damage, overproduction can lead to a greasy or oily appearance.

Which not only gives people an uncomfortable sensation and leaves room for bacterial growth, but can also be aesthetically unappealing.

How to get rid of greasy hair: 10 tips for oily hair

1. Find the best washing frequency for your hair

If you are wondering how to get rid of greasy hair, one of the first and most important things you’ll need to consider is how frequently you should wash your hair. 

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, greasy hair typically requires more frequent washing as it helps to remove excess oil and maintain a clean scalp. This can mean every other day or every two days, but even every day can be ideal for your hair if it’s too oily. 

However, it’s recommended to play around and try to determine the best frequency for your hair specifically as this may vary between each individual. 

That’s important because overwashing can also lead to the stripping of the hair’s natural oils, which will bring the opposite effect - dryness, dullness, and even potential damage. That’s why it’s always better to experiment so you can find the frequency that works best for you. 

2. Reduce the amount of processed foods

Next on our list of ways to get rid of oily hair is to pay close attention to your diet. If you tend to consume an excessive amount of fatty, fried, sugary or just any kind of processed foods, this could be contributing to an increase in sebum production. 

This will not only make your hair appear greasier, but will also lead to imbalances in the body (including the scalp), as well as increased inflammation. For this reason, it is recommended to limit these types of foods for the overall health of your hair and skin.

Instead, opt for eating healthier, less processed, whole foods - check out our list of the best foods to eat for healthy hair. Also, try to switch frying to baking, grilling or steaming.

3. Make sure to stay hydrated

Staying hydrated is significantly underestimated when it comes to getting rid of greasy hair. 

While the recommended amount of water that you should drink daily will vary by age, height, activity level and other factors, the general rule of thumb is about 8 glasses of water per day - which is about 2 liters or 64 ounces.

Drinking sufficient amounts of water is extremely important for your overall health, including that of your hair and skin. It promotes a healthy scalp and can contribute to a more balanced production of sebum (remember, excessive sebum production is what leads to oily hair!).

4. Wash hair gently and without aggressive movements

While washing your hair may seem like an obvious task, the technique matters if you are wondering how to get rid of greasy hair. You may be surprised how many times we end up with an oily scalp because of aggressive washing or not applying shampoo properly!

To ensure that you are washing your hair the right way, take a small amount of shampoo, and apply it gently into your roots and scalp - focus on doing a delicate massage to your scalp instead of applying vigorous movements or scratching with your nails.

Scrubbing aggressively and applying too much tension may lead to an irritated scalp, which in turn will cause it to produce more oils and thus make the hair greasier. 

5. Rinse thoroughly 

Sometimes, when we are in a hurry, we may leave the shower without making sure that our hair is rinsed thoroughly from all the shampoo and hair products that we are using. 

However, it’s important to not skip this step if you have oily hair - leftover product can weigh it down and contribute to even more greasiness.

6. Wash your hair with lukewarm water

If you want to learn how to get rid of greasy hair, here is one more tip from our professional experience - don’t wash your hair with hot water! Hot water can overstimulate the sebaceous glands on your scalp, which are responsible for producing sebum. 

When these glands are overstimulated, they will end up producing more sebum than it’s actually necessary, and you will end up with the greasy hair you don’t want to suffer from. In addition, hot water also strips the hair of its natural oils, causing an imbalance to your hair and scalp.

7. Use hair products free of parabens and silicones

Hair products made with parabens, silicones and harsh chemicals may worsen the condition of greasy hair as they build up on it over time and weigh it down, making it appear dull and lifeless. 

So, if you want to get rid of greasy hair, opt for a shampoo and a hair conditioner that not only combine well together, but are also made of natural ingredients for optimized hydration without the grease.

For this, look no further than the NuMe Vegan Tourmaline Hair Care Set - a powerful trio of conditioner, shampoo and hair mask made of tourmaline powder, 11 amino acids, parkii butter and argan oil to ensure that your hair always looks smooth, hydrated and healthy.

8. Use hair conditioner properly

Knowing how to apply your hair conditioner properly is important if you want to learn how to get rid of greasy hair once and for all. Make sure to apply it after washing and carefully rinsing your hair, while it’s still damp.

Start with a small amount, usually between one and three pumps of your hair conditioner (depending on the length of your hair), from the mid-shaft to the ends. Leave it for a few minutes to allow for deep penetration, and then rinse. 

Avoid applying conditioner to your scalp, as this can weigh down your roots and make your hair appear greasier. Instead, concentrate on the mid-lengths and ends of your hair, where it tends to be drier and more damaged.

9. Use products for oily hair

If you want to get rid of greasy hair, it is also important to use products specifically made or suitable for oily hair, such as the NuMe Vegan Shampoo + Conditioner duo.

This type of products have been specifically formulated with the challenges of oily hair in mind, using ingredients that are capable of lifting up the oil and removing the grease from your hair. 

10. Avoid over brushing your hair

Next on our list of tips on how to deal with oily hair is to avoid excessive hair brushing. That’s because brushing your hair stimulates the sebaceous glands on your scalp, which can lead to the production of more oil. 

Over brushing can distribute the oils from your scalp to the lengths and ends of your hair, making it appear greasier.

What is the best shampoo for greasy hair?

While the best shampoo for greasy hair will depend on your type of hair and individual preferences, one of the best options on the market at the moment is the NuMe Vegan Hydrating Tourmaline shampoo.

It is not only perfectly suitable for all hair types, but also uses a proprietary blend of proteins to keep moisture locked in, and promote the overall health of your scalp. 

Made with hydrolyzed quinoa, tourmaline powder and 11 amino acids, it reduces frizz and adds shine without weighing the hair down or making it appear grease. 

FAQ - How to Get Rid of Greasy Hair

How to get rid of greasy hair fast?

To get rid of greasy hair fast, start by determining the best frequency of washing for your hair, keeping in mind that oily hair should be washed more often than normal hair. Make sure to adjust your hair products to ones formulated for oily hair, and keep your diet and hydration in check to promote overall health.

How should I wash greasy hair?

To wash greasy hair, use a clarifying shampoo designed for oily hair. Focus on massaging the scalp, rinse thoroughly, and avoid using hot water, as it can stimulate oil production.

Why is my hair greasy after 1 day? 

Hair can become greasy after one day due to overactive sebaceous glands, using too much conditioner or styling products, washing hair too frequently, not rinsing thoroughly, or brushing too often, stimulating oil production.