If your hair looks like an oil slick a few hours after washing it, you have oily hair. The scalp produces oil to help create healthy hair, but too much oil may collect on the roots, making it greasy. If you have oily hair, use over-the-counter and home remedies to help make your hair look clean and healthy. Individuals with fine, blonde hair may have more problems with oil than redheads, who generally have fewer strands of hair on the head, says New York City hair specialist Philip Kingsley in the book "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies."
Step 1
Shampoo your hair every other day to help your hair produce less oil, according to Gina Wey in the article "Hair Care Myths, Debunked" in "Real Simple" magazine. If your hair is unbearably oily between shampoos, cover your roots with a thick headband.
Step 2
Condition only the ends of your hair. Conditioning your entire head, especially the roots, may make oily hair flat and greasy.
Step 3
Brush your hair as little as possible throughout the day to keep the oil on your scalp from transferring to your roots. Instead of brushing your hair every time you have a small tangle, wait until you absolutely must brush your hair.
Step 4
Use a clarifying shampoo a few times a month to cut back on buildup from shampoo and conditioner, says salon owner Johnny Lavoy in "Marie Claire" magazine. Clarifying shampoo will remove the buildup that is making your hair limp, lifeless and greasy.
Step 5
Mix a solution of one part mouthwash and one part witch hazel to use as a scalp astringent. Dip a cotton ball into the astringent, then carefully dab the scalp with the solution to absorb excess oil. Do not use the solution on the hair itself.
Tips and Warnings
- Shampoo your hair twice, if necessary, to remove all oil from the hair.
- Consult a doctor if your problem with oily hair is sudden and accompanied by health symptoms.
Things You'll Need
- Shampoo
- Headband
- Conditioner
- Hairbrush
- Clarifying shampoo
- Mouthwash
- Witch hazel
- Cotton ball
References
- "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies"; Deborah Tkac; 1990
- "Real Simple": Hair Care Myths, Debunked
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