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Greasy hair can be such an annoying sight. Imagine you are from the shower and you want to comb and set your hair the way you want. But, you know what? You are met with such an unsightly look and a not-so-nice feeling as you touch your hair. I understand the feeling because I have been there. Before I give you some useful tips on how to get rid of greasy hair, let’s first have a look at the reason why your hair gets greasy. The sebaceous glands in your scalp are charged with the secretion of sebum.
Sometimes when the scalp is stimulated, it produces excess sebum that makes your hair look greasy and dirty. The result of this is an itchy scalp with dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis, a red pimple like rash on your scalp. Getting rid of oily hair can be difficult sometimes, but with proper attention combined with following the right steps to remove it, you will eventually get the desired results.
How to Get Rid of Greasy Hair?
If you want to know how to get rid of greasy hair, I just mentioned here 7 effective ways for you:
1. Keep Your Hair Clean
Oily dirty hair is sometimes a result of poor hygiene. When dirt and natural oils combine, it can make your hair look dirty and greasy. Find the right shampoo and conditioner for your hair. Clean your hair as often as possible, but make sure to clean it gently. Scratching your scalp or being rough on it as you clean your hair can stimulate the scalp which in turn releases excess oil.
Avoid using rough brushes or combs on your scalp. At the end of your hair cleaning process, make sure you rinse it thoroughly so that no trace of shampoo or conditioner remains on your hair. There are shampoos and conditioners for oily hair. Just make sure you get the right one. Some shampoos can be so harsh on your hair and scalp and may render your hair dry and frizzy.
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2. Take a Healthy Diet
If you thought healthy hair has nothing to do with eating healthy, then think again. Having a balanced diet is one way of having hair that looks healthy, smooth, silky and soft. Taking fatty foods or foods with high amounts of carbohydrates can cause excessive secretion of sebum. To avoid this, ensure that you take foods that have healthy fats and low carbohydrates.

Some of the sources of healthy fats are coconut oil, ghee, and Omega-3 fatty acids-rich foods like fish. Eating healthy will definitely stop the secretion of those excess oils that make your hair look greasy and dirty. Taking food with low calories and healthy fats will stop the secretion of excess sebum. So if you want to get rid of that oily look of your hair make sure a well-balanced diet is part and parcel of you.
3. Use Tea Tree Oil
Do you want to know how to get rid of greasy hair without washing it? Then tea tree oil is the answer. It is a known antidote to an itchy scalp or dandruff. Mix tea tree oil with your shampoo and use it to clean your hair. This process gets rid of dirt and excess oil, giving you a healthy scalp. It opens up your hair follicles, thereby protecting your scalp from acne
This oil is also known to get rid of layers of dandruff that build up as a result of excessive secretion of sebum by your scalp. Use it to soothe your itchy scalp or to treat any rashes on your scalp.
Related: 7 Tips To Protect Your Hair On Holiday
4. Use Apple Cider Vinegar
Washing your hair with apple cider vinegar helps to balance alkalinity. Excessive production of sebum affects the PH levels of the scalp. When the scalp is highly alkaline, it encourages the growth of bacteria which causes an itchy scalp, dandruff, and inflammation.
Apple cider vinegar is known to lower the high alkaline levels brought about by the excess oil on the scalp. Apple cider vinegar also helps open up the hair follicles making your scalp healthy and fresh.
5. Avoid the Use of Moisturising Products
Since your hair is already oily, it does not need that extra treatment of moisture. Using moisturizing products can only prove to make your scalp and hair messy. Avoid these products. So, rather than using hair products that add moisture to your hair, you are better off using your own dry shampoo substitute. Cocoa powder is known to be a good treatment for greasy hair. You can make use of it for great results.
Related: How To Add Volume To Straight Hair
6. Apply Witch Hazel
Witch hazel is a known natural astringent that helps in making the skin cells contract. When the skin cells contract, the pores are reduced making the scalp reduce the secretion of excess oil. Applying a few drops of witch hazel mixed with water before shampooing your hair will do the trick. Every week, make sure you use it a few times and your scalp and hair will look and feel great!
7. Apply a Honey Mask
The antibacterial properties of honey help to smooth your hair as well as aid in the healing process of your scalp. If your scalp has developed some rashes, using honey will help in healing it. Add honey to a little amount of water and apply it to your scalp. This mixture makes a great treatment for your scalp by soothing it and removing excess oil. If you thought that honey can only be used as food, now you know better.
Giving your hair a sweet honey treatment will bring wonderful results to your hair and scalp and you wouldn’t want to miss that, would you?
How To Get Rid Of Greasy Hair – FAQs
How often should I wash my hair if I have greasy hair?
If you have greasy hair, it is recommended that you wash your hair every day or every other day with a gentle shampoo to remove excess oil and buildup. However, over-washing can strip the scalp of its natural oils and cause the sebaceous glands to produce even more oil, so it is important to find a balance that works for your hair type.
What are some natural remedies for greasy hair?
There are several natural remedies that can help reduce the greasiness of hair, including apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, aloe vera, and tea tree oil. These ingredients can be applied to the scalp and hair to help remove excess oil and balance the pH levels of the scalp.
Can certain foods cause greasy hair?
While there is no direct link between diet and greasy hair, consuming a diet high in saturated fats and processed foods can contribute to an overall unhealthy scalp and hair. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats can help maintain a healthy scalp and hair.
Are there any styling tips to prevent greasy hair?
To prevent greasy hair, it is important to avoid over-styling and using too many hair products, which can weigh down the hair and contribute to excess oil production. It is also recommended to use a clarifying shampoo once a week to remove buildup and keep the scalp and hair clean. Additionally, using dry shampoo or powder can help absorb excess oil between washes.
Final Verdict
Using any of these natural treatments on your hair will help you avoid those bad hair days. Your hair is everything, and it can be very disappointing if your scalp continually produces excess sebum. So, after those workouts or activities that leave your hair sweaty and oily, make sure you use any of these treatments to take good care of your hair and scalp. If your worry has always been how to get rid of greasy hair fast, then you now have a solution. With this, there would be no more greasy hair days!
About Author (Edna K. Martin)

Edna K. Martin is an expert in skincare and hair care. With years of experience in the beauty industry, she has developed a deep understanding of the science behind healthy skin and hair; has a wealth of knowledge about the latest products and techniques. She is a certified skin care coach and has helped many people achieve a clearer and healthier complexion. As a hairstylist, View Profile ››