What to do about hair that gets greasy quickly? The best tips for fresh hair

Why does your hair get greasy so fast?

The number one cause of greasy hair is an overactive sebum production by the scalp. Your skin contains sebaceous glands that produce sebum to keep your scalp and hair soft and healthy. When these glands become unbalanced, your hair can become oily quickly. We’ve listed the most common triggers that cause greasy hair:

• Wrong washing routine

• Too frequent or too infrequent washing

• Wrong products for your scalp and hair type

• Hormonal changes or stress

• Touching your hair too often

  
  

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The role of your scalp and sebaceous glands

Your sebaceous glands play an important role in your hair’s health. They protect your hair and scalp from dryness and external influences and help keep your scalp balanced. When that natural balance is disrupted by one of the triggers above, sebum production can become overactive. Your scalp then becomes too oily, resulting in heavy, greasy hair with no volume and dull strands. It’s not harmful, but it is annoying.

Common mistakes with greasy hair

At KURO, we often hear: “I wash my hair almost every day, but it still gets greasy.” And that’s exactly the problem. When you wash too often, you rinse away the natural oils from your scalp. This irritates the scalp and causes it to produce even more sebum. Other common 'mistakes' include not using conditioner. Many clients fear that conditioner makes their hair greasy. Good news: it doesn’t, as long as you use it correctly. When your hair is wet, conditioner tends to move upward. So only apply it to the ends. Also, blow-drying your hair too hot can dry out your scalp, which in turn increases oil production. It’s better to use the lowest setting—your strands will thank you. Touching or brushing your hair too much might be the most common cause of greasy hair. Do you recognize any of these ‘mistakes’? Then it’s time to change your routine!

Can greasy hair be cured?

A frequently asked question is whether you can ‘cure’ greasy hair for good. The answer is no. Sebum production is a natural process of your body and is always active. And that’s a good thing—it protects your hair and scalp. Greasy hair isn’t harmful or unhealthy, but it can be annoying if your hair looks oily quickly. The good news? With the right routine and consistency, you can restore the balance in your scalp. This reduces excess oil and keeps your hair fresher for longer.

What really helps against greasy hair?

Here are our favorite proven tips against greasy hair. By adjusting a few habits, your strands will stay fresh much longer.

Use the right shampoo and cleanse gently

An important step that’s often overlooked is using the right shampoo and conditioner. Every scalp and hair type is different, so it’s crucial to choose products that suit you. For greasy hair, a mild shampoo is best. Avoid products with sulfates. They clean your hair but dry out your scalp, which leads to more oil. Tip: a clarifying shampoo with clay or mint works well to remove excess sebum without disrupting your scalp. Not sure which one to choose? Our specialists are happy to help. Drop by our salon or book an appointment online.

Wash less often—but do it right

How often you should wash your hair remains a hot topic—and the answer is: less than you think. Washing your hair daily often makes the problem worse. However, it can be hard to reduce the frequency if you’re used to washing often. Try to gradually reduce your wash routine (also called ‘hair training’), so your scalp learns to rebalance itself. Start with washing every other day and work towards 2-3 times a week. In the meantime, use a lightweight dry shampoo. Just don’t overuse it, as it can cause buildup and clogged follicles.

Avoid silicones and heavy styling products

Products with silicones give a smooth finish but can also build up and suffocate your scalp. Check the ingredient list and avoid anything ending in ‘-cone’. Also skip waxes and oils if you’re prone to greasy buildup.

Think about your brush and pillowcase

Your hair may be squeaky clean—but if you use a dirty brush or sleep on the same pillowcase for too long, you’re spreading bacteria and oil. Clean your brush weekly with a bit of shampoo and warm water, and change your pillowcase regularly. A small effort, but a big impact on hygiene and haircare.

Also read: Want your hair to grow faster?

Treating greasy hair with a salon treatment

Tried everything and your hair still gets oily fast? At KURO, we offer several treatments that go deeper than a shampoo at home. These luxurious treatments are not only relaxing but also boost and reset your scalp with products designed to restore the natural balance.

Rebalancing Treatment for the scalp

Our favorite salon treatment is the Rebalancing Treatment: a deep cleansing of the scalp using clay powders, among others. This treatment helps regulate sebum production, remove impurities, and bring your scalp back into balance. The result? Fresh, airy hair that stays grease-free much longer!

Scalp analysis and product advice

At KURO, we always start with a scalp analysis. This shows us exactly what your scalp needs. You’ll then receive personalized treatment and product advice tailored to your hair type. Want to truly tackle greasy hair? Book an appointment and let our specialists advise you.

Conclusion: what you can do about greasy hair

Greasy hair is often caused by an unbalanced sebum production and improper care. Luckily, you can do something about it. Choose a mild shampoo, wash less often, and pay attention to your styling products and hygiene. And if you really want to fix the problem? Come by for a professional scalp treatment. Struggling with hair that gets greasy fast? Bye bye greasy hair!