Greasy hair after you wash it? Don’t panic - there are lots of reasons this could happen, from over-washing, using the wrong products and pollution, and we’re here to identify what’s going on.
Read on to find out about the most common reasons for greasy hair - and how to fix it.
Over-washing
If you wash your hair too often you’ll know about it! It can disrupt your scalp’s natural oil balance and this triggers to the body to overproduct oil to compensate what is being stripped away by the shampoo. The result? Greasy hair.
Using the wrong products
Harsh shampoos with sulfates (look out for sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate on the ingredients list) or silicones, can irritate the scalp and trigger excess oil production. Using too much conditioner can also leave a residue on the hair, which can make it look greasy.
Over-styling
Certain products, particularly those that have oil or wax in them, can cause a build-up in hair that looks and feels greasy.
Not rinsing when you wash hair
If you don’t rinse enough then you’ll most likely get a build-up of shampoo or conditioner which, you guessed it, leaves a residue that can weight hair down and make it feel and appear greasy.
Pollution
On holiday? Humidity can make hair greasy.
Hormone imbalances
If you’re experiencing hormonal changes this can impact sebum production, which makes hair look greasier than normal.
What to do to fix greasy hair
Adjust how often you wash your hair: Cut back on washes to see if that helps.
Go sulphate-free: Opt for lightweight, sulfate and silicone-free shampoos and conditioners designed for oily hair.
Rinse thoroughly: Make sure you rinse all shampoo and conditioner out of your hair.
Consider clarifying shampoos: Using these every so often can help to remove product build-up.
Use conditioner sparingly: Put conditioner on the ends of your hair, avoiding the scalp.
Clean hair tools regularly: Keep brushes, combs and other hair tools clean ro avoid build-up.
Address hormonal imbalances: If you think fluctuating hormones could be at play, talk to your doctor.