How to Train your Hair Not to be Greasy

It doesn’t matter if your hair is long or short; curly or straight; light or dark – knowing when and how regularly to wash your hair can be a bit of a minefield, especially with so much conflicting information out there about the effects of regular washing vs. sporadic washing. 

The simple fact is that you wash your hair to clean and refresh it, and yet in doing so you end up producing more oil which makes it appear greasy more quickly. That’s right, it really is the ultimate vicious cycle. Luckily, we’ve got a few hacks to help you overcome the battle of the grease and keep your hair looking fresher for longer. 

Tips for Grease-Free Hair

The following tips offer ideas and tips for keeping your hair fresh in between washes, allowing you to leave your hair for an extra day or two between washes. This is because if you can train to hair to stay cleaner for longer between washes, you can “break the wheel” (in the words of Daenerys, ultimate hair QUEEN from Game of Throne), reduce the frequency of washes, and prevent hair from becoming greasy so quickly. 

Sound good? Let’s dive right in. 

Dry Shampoo

The quote ‘the best thing since sliced bread’ is super common – but we GENUINELY believe that dry shampoo is THE best thing since sliced bread (and probably before that too). Dry shampoo is the ultimate hair refresher, covering up rather than eradicating grease and giving your hair a much fresher look – with the added benefit of some extra texture too!

Opt for Sulfate-Free Shampoo

We’re no stranger to a shampoo recommendation, but in this case sulfate-free is our go-to for problematic and greasy hair. Sulfates are a common ingredient found in shampoo and are actually responsible for over-cleansing and ultimately drying your scalp out. What do you think happens next?

That’s right, your scalp makes up for this by producing more oil to counteract the dryness, leaving you with greasier hair. Instead, reach for a clarifying shampoo which contains no sulfates and also removes any build up of product and oil in your roots. 

Texture Sprays

Texture sprays are popular for those who have already reached the stage where they can leave their hair unwashed for at least two or three days but need something to give it some extra volume and breathe life back into it. Spraying small amounts of texture spray (avoiding the roots) counteracts the weighing effect of grease and gives your hair some of its bounce back – making you more confident even on day 3 of a wash. 

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is one of those magic ingredients that promises everything from weight loss to a well held together poached egg, and – you guessed it – grease free hair. The vinegar is said to be acidic enough to strip oils from your hair and restore its balance, making it a great rinsing solution for day 3 or 4 of your single wash. Take care to use warm rather than hot water, and get the mix of vinegar to water right. 

Exfoliate your Scalp

Just like you exfoliate your legs and arms to keep them fresh and soft, doing the same for your scalp keeps it free from build-up and the irritation which comes with the production of grease and oil. The idea being exfoliating the scalp is to ensure it is clean while maintaining the right pH balance to support your hair.  

Master the Updo

If your hair is looking a little greasy but you’re in the middle of hair training and not ready to wash it, don’t worry! Throw your hair into a lowkey updo and you have an instant (and perfect) disguise. Not only does an updo disguise grease but it also prevents you from touching your hair too much – which can exacerbate the problem.  

Use Clarifying Shampoo

We said it once already and we’ll say it again – opt for a clarifying shampoo to remove build up and give your hair a proper clean without nasty sulfates weighing you down. 

Let your Hair Air-Dry

Products and heating tools can all make a grease problem worse, by encouraging you to touch your hair more than you need to and by causing your hair to produce excess grease. Instead, add a leave-in conditioner and let your hair dry naturally. You never know, your natural style might be exactly what you were looking for. 

Supplements

Last but not least, when all else fails it’s time to try some supplements for healthy hair – some of which can aid growth, cleanliness, hair strength, and so much more. 

The Takeaway

All of these tips and suggestions are designed to help you combat the effect of greasy hair, without losing your confidence or feeling like you can’t wash your hair but have to stay hidden. Embrace your hair, find ways of managing grease between washes, and experiment with new styles and ideas that allow you to conceal and disguise the effect of grease until wash day!