Oily hair has an excess of sebum, the fatty "oil" on your scalp. Oil gives hair its sheen, but too much of it can weigh hair down, causing it to look greasy. If you have fine, straight hair, you are most at risk for oily hair, according to Thomas Goodman, Jr., M.D., dermatologist and assistant professor of dermatology at the University of Tennessee for Health Sciences. "Oil wicks onto fine hair very easily," says Goodman. Fortunately, there are remedies you can use to make hair less oily.
Beer
Swap your mousse for beer. According to David Daines, owner of the David Daines Salon in New York City, beer makes a good setting lotion for oily hair, and won't clog pores as mousse might.
Astringents
Put the brakes on excess oil secretion by using astringents directly on your scalp. According to Philip Kingsley, a London and New York hair specialist, you can use cotton pads to apply a mixture of equal parts witch hazel and mouthwash. Kingsley notes that the witch hazel is an astringent, and the mouthwash has antiseptic properties. Use after shampooing, and rinse out after a few minutes. If you choose to use conditioner after rinsing, you should use it only on the ends of your hair.
Apple Cider Vinegar
You can employ vinegar to combat oily hair. According to mothernature.com, 1 tsp. of apple cider vinegar in a pint of water can be used for a finishing rinse after shampooing. The vinegar helps to remove soap residue and works as a tonic for the scalp.
Baby Powder
Baby powder can help absorb excess oil in your tresses, while leaving them pleasantly scented. According to iloveindia.com, you can sprinkle baby powder through your hair, leave on for 5 minutes and then comb it out.
Aloe Vera and Lemon Custom Shampoo
Consider adjusting your shampoo to create a custom blend for oily hair. According to iloveindia.com, you can add 1/2 tsp. aloe vera gel and 1 tbsp. lemon juice to your regular shampoo to make it more suited to oily hair.
Essential Oils Custom Shampoo
Use essential oils to reduce greasiness in your hair. According to iloveindia.com, you can mix 8 drops of geranium essential oil with 8 drops of lemongrass oil, then add to an 8-oz. bottle of your regular shampoo.
Spearmint and Other Herbal Rinses
There are many herbal rinses that may help control excess oiliness in hair, and they are not difficult to make. According to hairrecipes.homestead.com, you can create an oil-reducing spearmint rinse by boiling 3 tsp. spearmint leaves in a quart of water. Allow the mixture to cool, and store it in the refrigerator for use as an after-shampoo rinse. You can substitute basil, rosemary or sage leaves for spearmint.
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