Other factors that can cause oily hair include going too long between washes (which causes buildup dirt, oil, and various styling products), using hair-care products that are too heavy for your hair type, high humidity levels, sweating, and even certain scalp conditions. Evans points to sebaceous dermatitis as a specific example, which is caused by a yeast that grows on the scalp. “It can make hair very oily and scaly,” she explains.
What shampoo prevents greasy hair?
To help prevent greasy hair, you’ll want to use shampoo that is specifically formulated to combat excess oil. “For patients with oily hair, I recommend they use clarifying shampoos to help avoid oil buildup,” Sobel says. These may also be referred to as “purifying” or “detoxifying.” You’ll also want to look for something sudsy, Rabach instructs. “Shampoos that make a lot of bubbles can help break up the oil.”
What to Look for in a Shampoo for Oily Hair
As mentioned, an especially foamy formula can be effective in combating excess oil. Be aware that suds come courtesy of a type of ingredient known as surfactants, the most well-known being sodium lauryl sulfate, which many people avoid because it can be very stripping. Though that’s kind of the goal of a clarifying shampoo, there are plenty of surfactants that won’t be as harsh on your hair and scalp, including cocamidopropyl betaine, which is derived from coconuts.
Additionally, you’ll want to seek out a shampoo that contains ingredients that can help control oil. Our experts all recommend salicylic acid, which you might recognize from your skin-care routine. “Salicylic acid helps exfoliate the skin, decrease inflammation, and decrease oil production,” says Sobel. Evans also suggests ketoconazole and zinc pyrithione, which she says are very helpful for controlling oil production as well as flakes. Lastly, consider looking for ingredients that help remove buildup as well as absorb sebum. Ingredients in this category include resurfacing glycolic acid, purifying muds, clays, and charcoal, and plant extracts like rosemary and sage.
How often should you shampoo if you have oily hair?
If your hair can tolerate it, our experts recommend shampooing daily or every other day to get rid of excess oil, though everyone is different. “Thinner, finer hair gets oily faster, so those hair types may need to shampoo every day,” says Sobel. “Thicker hair can go longer without washing.” He also notes that styling products, especially those for volume, can leave behind greasy residue, which may necessitate more frequent washing.
We get it—the thought of shampooing your hair daily may be overwhelming and tempt you into relying on dry shampoo to extend time between washes. But while the clays and starches in dry shampoo can temporarily mattify the look of hair, you’re ultimately just adding in buildup that makes the hair look greasier in the long run, says Rabach. Product buildup can also inhibit healthy hair growth, making consistent cleansing essential. If you need more incentive to commit to a daily wash, know that cleansing will actually control oil: “Regular washing can help the scalp not to overproduce more oil,” explains Rabach.