Greasy hair? Here's why and how to fix it

Why is my hair so greasy?

As you’re probably already aware, healthy hair produces a certain amount of sebum, or oil, as a way to hydrate your scalp and protect your hair. And the amount of oil you produce varies depending on your hair type, how often you shower and other lifestyle factors like that.

Sometimes this natural oil can collect on your hair, especially at the root - and this can look greasy or oily. If this sounds familiar, then we’re here to tell you the causes of oily hair, products that can control oil production, and some home remedies for when your hair looks too greasy.

So what’s the cause of greasy hair? The oil in your hair is part of your body’s defense system for the sensitive hair of your scalp. This oil mixes with sweat and dirt, coating your scalp and sometimes the top of your head, too. This is actually normal, so don’t panic.

Practicing good hygiene by washing your scalp often with a shampoo cleanses the oil and gives your hair a fresh start. But saying that, some hair types (straight hair for one, sorry guys) are prone to oil build-up and certain lifestyle habits, like exercise, over-use of styling products, and being out in the heat or humidity can add to your bad hair day.

Reason 1: Over-washing

If your hair is oily or greasy one of the causes could be over-washing. Every time you wash your hair with shampoo, it sends the scalp the signal to produce more sebum. If you’re washing your hair too often, your scalp gets the message that it needs to be in oil production overdrive. This can result in oily build-up on your scalp - and the greasy look you’re trying to avoid.

Reason 2: Hair type

Straight hair is especially prone to collecting oil because the hair shaft doesn’t have any texture or wave to it, so oil slides straight down the hair shaft and collects all over your head. It also makes oil in your hair more visible when hair hangs straight down.

Reason 3: Over styling

Another cause of oily hair is the type of styling products you use. Sebum is a type of oil, which means that simply washing it with water doesn’t break it up. Rinsing your hair with just water or skipping the shampoo step and using only conditioner can allow oil to build up. While it might not be easy to spot the oil when your hair is drying, it quickly appears oily again only a few hours or so later. That’s because only certain ingredients, found in most shampoos, can break down the oil that builds up on your hair.

How to repair heat damaged hair

With constant styling from blow dries, curling and straightening, it’s no wonder many of us are suffering with heat-damaged hair.

But first, what does heat damage do to hair?

Heat damaged hair happens when the hair cuticles are broken. The cuticles are the outer layers of each strand of hair, and they're made up of proteins that form shingles, a bit like a roof. These shingles overlap to keep strands moisturised and protected.

Heat damage causes these shingles to rise up, exposing the inner layer of hair and when this happens, your hair will become dehydrated and struggle to contain moisture.

How can you tell if you have heat damaged hair?

It’s quite obvious as your hair will look dull, and feel dry and brittle. If you’re a curly girl, you might notice you’ve lost your natural bounce. Straight hair loses its sleekness and you might see more split ends and flyaway hairs.

Five ways to repair heat damaged hair

Get a haircut

The most dramatic heat damaged hair treatment option is cutting your hair. This is the only way to 'undo damage because you're removing hair that has split ends, hair that's damaged and has been weakened by over-use of hot tools.

Get a trim

If you aren't ready for a complete haircut, getting a trim off the ends of your hair can help while allowing you to keep the length. 

Switch products

Aim for products that are free from sulfates and parabens and made specifically for damaged hair. Damaged hair shampoos, conditioners, and leave-in conditioners add moisture into your hair and help to rebuild the broken protein bonds. If you wash your hair daily, consider going a little longer between washes to allow some of the natural oils to build up and create a protective barrier around your hair.

Do a weekly hair mask

Heat damaged hair has become severely dehydrated because the moisture is stripped when you use a hairdryer, straighteners or curlers on a high heat setting. You can help rehydrate your hair with a moisturizing hair mask once or twice a week.

Use a heat protectant

Heat protectant sprays create a barrier between your hair and the hot tools, so you can dry and style your hair without causing more damage. And the great thing is, heat protectants can be applied to dry or wet hair. 

Keep bleached hair healthy with our expert tips

Bleached blonde hair needs some special care and attention, but don’t worry as with our expert backed styling tips, you can’t go wrong.

Invest in purple shampoo

Purple shampoo can help take the brassiness out of bleached blonde hair, just don’t use it too much - every few washes is enough.

Sleep on a silk pillowcase

If you’re not familiar with silk pillowcases, they are a great way to maintain hair’s integrity and prevent breakage. They also help to prevent split ends.

Use weekly hair masks

Alternate between a protein and moistures place of your normal conditioner. We recommend L’Oreal’s Professionnel Absolut Repair Mask (£36, 500ml), which boasts a nourishing and reparative formula that leaves hair feeling soft and looking shiny.

Prioritise regular haircuts

Ideally have a haircut or trim immediately—or at least within a week—after getting your hair coloured to seal the ends. Then if you can, every eight weeks.

Is your hair shinier when you rinse it in cold water? And other common hair questions

We’re always getting asked how to get shiny hair and other haircare tricks so we here we answer some of your most common hair questions….

Is hair shinier when you rinse it in cold water?

Hydrating products like hair masks and deep conditioners are best for shiny hair, but there’s no harm in a lukewarm rinse. This closes down the cuticles, the outer protection of the hair, making hair appear smoother and look shinier.

Which is better for hair - oil or serum?

Depending on what your hair needs, oils penetrate your hair, giving it nourishment while serums are more cosmetic and are for taming and smoothing your hair. This can get confusing as some brands call them serums ‘oil’, like like Olaplex No7. These are dry oils and for soothing your hair.

What’s one thing I can do for healthy hair?

We all have different needs so the best thing to do is talk to your stylist about the correct product for your hair. This will save you money on products that aren’t right for your hair.

How can I make my curls look better?

Easy curly hair tips for your best curls ever

The difference between fighting your curls and loving them lies within your hair care routine. Let's be honest, curly hair is different from other hair textures.

It requires more hydration, less washing, and a lot more TLC than straighter hair types. But curly hair doesn't have to be hard work. Follow these tips to help you find the best curls of your life.

1. Always comb your hair from the bottom up

2. Get regular trims to avoid split ends

3. Don't weigh curls down with too much product

How to get rid of split ends, according to our stylists

If you’re wondering how to get rid of split ends, you’re not alone, and our stylists are here to tell you exactly how to do it.

But firstly, what are split ends and what causes them?

Split ends are basically when the ends of your hair are brittle and dry, and they look like they are splitting.

What causes split ends?

The most common causes are chemical treatments and styling including blow drying, heat styling, perming, bleaching and all types of hair colouring as well as infrequent hair trims. Environmental elements such as the weather can and often do result in split ends, too. But don’t worry as split ends are normal and it doesn’t mean they are your fault.

How to prevent split ends

First up, regular trims removes the damaged ends and prevents them from traveling up the hair shaft. Aim for a haircut every 6-8 weeks to prevent split ends. Other things that can help is showering with cooler water than usual, and finishing your shower with a cold blast to seal your cuticle at the end.

When your hair is wet, it’s also at its most vulnerable - it can stretch up to 50% when it’s wet. So put any leave-in conditioners before combing your hair, and try to avoid sleeping with wet hair. Using a microfibre towel, as opposed to a standard cotton one, straight out of the shower can also help protect hair. This is because microfibre causes less friction on hair especially when it’s fragile. Cutting back on heated styling can also reduce damage.

How to fix split ends

When it comes to repairing split ends, treat your hair like you would your skin. So that means use products that add moisture and that are deeply hydrating like a leave-in conditioner or serum.

Autumn haircare tips for healthy hair

When the weather cools it can play havoc with your hair, causing dryness and frizz. But there are a few things you can do to help protect your hair in autumn…

Hydration station

Deep condition your hair with a mask or leave-on conditioner once or twice a week in autumn. Just 10 minutes a few times a week is all you need to keep hair healthy.

Take a break from ponytails

It’s cooler to wear your hair up in the summer but this can cause breakages and scalp stress some come the autumn consider wearing your hair down more often.

Invest in protecting products

Heated styling tools can cause all sorts of damage, especially during the colder months. Add a few protectant products like spray, serum, mousse, or cream to your winter beauty arsenal.

Get a haircut

We always say it, but regular haircuts can help make hair healthier. The longer your hair, the more susceptible you are to breakage so give us a call to book your next appointment.

How can I get my hair shiny like celebrities?

How can I get my hair shiny like celebrities? It’s one of the most common questions we get asked at Pankhurst & Deane and we know all the tricks for how to get your hair shiny.

How can I get my hair shiny like celebrities tip 1: PROTECT HAIR AT HOME

Use a hair mask to hydrate and reduce hair breakage and choose a volumising shampoo to make hair appear fuller.

Apply from the middle of your head down to the ends to prevent flatness.

Don’t forget to use heat protecting products when styling hair with straighteners, curlers and hairdryers, too.

How can I get my hair shiny like celebrities tip 2: LOOK AFTER COLOUR

Dying your hair can make it weaker, so be sure to wash it with colour-safe shampoo and conditioner - opt for ones that contain keratin as it makes chemically-treated hair stronger.

How can I get my hair shiny like celebrities tip 3: GET REGULAR TRIMS

What can we say, we are champions of the good old fashion haircut! But don’t be afraid to get a trim especially if you’re growing it. It’s the best way to keep hair healthy, happy and shiny.

How to protect hair while sleeping

As wonderful as sleeping is, it can play havoc with your hair.

But there are a few things you can do to protect it. Here are our top tips and tricks for protecting your hair while you sleep…

Seven ways to protect your hair while sleeping:

• Dry your hair before bed

• Avoid sleeping with your hair tied up

• Use scrunchies over hair bobbles

• Apply some dry shampoo

• Use a silk scarf

• Apply an overnight conditioning treatment

• Splurge on a silk pillowcase

How to get more volume in your hair

Use a volumising shampoo and conditioner 

Volume starts in the shower (or bath) so find a volumising shampoo and conditioner for your hair type and make it part of your haircare routine.

Avoid putting conditioner on roots

Tempting as it might be to slather conditioner all over our heads, this will actually make your hair look flatter! When you clean your hair with shampoo, your cuticles open up looking for nourishment and moisture, but when you whack loads of conditioner on the scalp (a natural oil source) it will make your roots appear heavy and greasy.

Half-dry your hair upside down

Start off your drying journey with your head flipped upside down - this lifts hair at the root and will rough up your cuticles for maximum volume. When your hair is almost dry, flip back to upright and blow-dry the mid-ends to smooth and soften them.