Greasy hair is a common frustration, but according to celebrity hair experts, the solution lies in understanding your scalp’s needs rather than simply masking oil with dry shampoo. While sebum is essential for healthy, shiny hair, overproduction can leave strands flat and lifeless. Factors such as over-washing, harsh shampoos, heavy styling products, diet, stress, and hormonal changes can all tip the balance, causing the scalp to produce excess oil.
Trichologist Anabel Kingsley explains that fine hair often appears greasier because it has more hair follicles per centimetre, meaning more oil glands. She advises spending at least one minute massaging the scalp when shampooing, paying attention to all areas, including the back, to effectively remove oil and product buildup. Rinsing thoroughly is also crucial to wash away residue and trapped dirt.
Hormonal fluctuations, particularly a drop in oestrogen and rise in progesterone before a period, can stimulate sebaceous glands, says trichologist Helen Reavey. Some birth control pills containing progestin may also increase oil levels. Additionally, warmer weather and humidity can exacerbate greasiness by mixing sweat with sebum, notes Dominic Roach, Creative Director at Butchers Salon.
To combat greasy hair without stripping essential oils, experts recommend a balanced wash routine, scalp-friendly products, and lifestyle tweaks. Kirstie Gillette at Josh Wood Colour warns that over-treating hair can signal the scalp to produce more oil, advising: “Sometimes greasy hair is your scalp saying, ‘You’re doing too much’.”
