How to Get Rid of Greasy Hair

Greasy hair is frustrating, especially if you know your hair is clean. Oily hair looks dirty and dingy, and it’s usually more evident in blonde and lighter hair colors than darker hair colors.

While having unclean hair can definitely cause it, greasy hair is typically the result of excess secretion of sebum by the sebaceous glands of the scalp. While some secretion is normal and should happen for a healthy scalp and hair, too much secretion creates that oily look and can even cause an itchy scalp, dandruff and scalp acne, which is a skin disorder known as seborrheic dermatitis.

In addition, oily hair can cause thinning and disrupt hair’s natural luster and shine.

Wondering how to get rid of greasy hair? Let’s look at some brilliant greasy hair natural remedies you can start using soon.

How to Get Rid of Greasy Hair Naturally

1. Eat a Balanced Diet of Healthy Fats and Carbs

Studies suggests that the foods we consume can affect our sebaceous glands and how much is excreted. More dietary fat or carbohydrates can actually increase the production of sebum from the sebaceous glands.

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On the other side, caloric restriction has been shown to dramatically decrease the sebum secretion rate — and it’s the sebum component that can greatly affect acne.

Is it as simple as eating less fat and restricting calories from carbs? Probably not, but choosing the right fats (healthy fats like ghee and coconut oil) and carbs is likely to help create a more positive balance in the oil-producing sebaceous glands.

Studies have shown that increasing the intake of omega-3 fatty acids through a diet rich in fish and seafood results in a lower rates of acne. Since the Western diet typically has way more omega-6s than omega-3 fatty acids, balancing that for a healthier 2:1 ratio (omega 6 to omega 3) can help.

2. Shampoo More Frequently

Usually, I encourage less washing for a healthier approach to hair, but if you have oily hair, you probably need to wash a bit more. When you shampoo, it collects the oils and dirt and gives you the opportunity to rinse it out of your hair. Washing daily or every other day may do the trick.

Also, using the right shampoo, such as shampoo for oily hair, can make a big difference. If dandruff has come into the picture, check out this DIY anti-dandruff shampoo that may help.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar

Fungus is naturally found on the scalp, which is called malassezia. Even though it’s a naturally occurring fungus, when it grows out of control, it can cause your scalp to get oily and irritated. This can can cause dandruff, too.

Fortunately, apple cider vinegar has the ability to kill fungus and bacteria, and it makes a great home remedy for oily hair. One of the most popular natural remedies out there, you don’t need much of it, as too much can be harsh on the scalp and hair.

Simply dilute two to three tablespoons in a cup of water, and then put it on your hair. A spray bottle may make it easier — just make sure you get it into the roots and scalp.

Rinse after two to three minutes. Apply two or three times a week.

Here is a great apple cider vinegar hair rinse that you can try!

4. Make a Dry Shampoo for a Quick Fix

A DIY dry shampoo made out of arrowroot powder and essential oils can prevent the greasiness from getting to the hair. This is a great option, especially if you are in a hurry.

While some choose baby powder, make sure it’s asbestos-free, as some studies show that it may cause cancer — instead, skip the worry and go with arrowroot powder, which comes from the tubers of the plant without the use of harsh chemicals or high heat.

By sprinkling a little directly onto the scalp and brushing through your hair, you can make the hair appear less greasy. Washing when you get a chance is best, but for those moments when you just don’t have time, this can be a great solution.

5. Witch Hazel as a Scalp Astringent

While you may not have thought about an astringent for the hair, it may be just the ingredient you need to do the trick. Astringents cause the contraction of body tissues, typically of the skin — in the case of how to get rid of greasy hair, it can help close up the pores a bit so that less oil is released.

In fact, witch hazel is often recommended for people with acne if they have oily skin. It also helps eliminate fungus.

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Now, you need those oils so you do not want to do this too much, but a few times a week should be fine. When applying an astringent directly to the scalp before washing, it can significantly diminish that greasiness from the scalp and hair.

Witch hazel acts to eliminate oil, and by dabbing a few drops of witch hazel mixed with water onto the hair before shampooing, it may give it the extra boost it needs.

6. Use an Egg Yolk Hair Mask

You have probably heard of using egg as a mask on the face to help prevent acne, but what about the health benefits of eggs for the hair? Egg yolks have a high sulfur content, which can help relieve dandruff and greasy hair symptoms. Also, egg yolks contain lecithin and protein, which can help strengthen your hair while providing it with a softer, shinier appearance.

You can simply beat the egg yolks by themselves or mix them with honey and essentials oils to a make a hair mask, apply to dry hair, and leave on for about five to 20 minutes. Then wash your hair thoroughly, and rinse well.

7. Tea Tree Oil for Oily Hair

Some essential oils can provide the desired results. Tea tree oil is known for helping control acne, but it also has the capability of controlling sebum production.

When too much oil is produced, it can combine with dead skin cells, eventually blocking your pores. This can cause a range of skin conditions, such as acne and even cystic acne on the scalp. Additionally, tea tree oil is antimicrobial and can reduce bacteria, which may help minimize or eliminate fungus.

Some other essential oils known to be helpful are lemon, bergamot and eucalyptus. By adding a few drops to your conditioner, or better yet using this homemade conditioner, your hair can become oil-free and shiny!