Greasy hair, should you care? Life — and the internet — is full of “shoulds.” Whether greasy hair matters to you is highly personal. Some guys may love a little grease, feeling it helps with styling. Others may prefer to leave the grease to wheels and cast-iron skillets, especially if they experience excess oil on their hair, scalp, and even their foreheads.
“Greasy hair looks dirty,” shares Paul Labrecque, the creative director, master stylist, and colorist with Paul Labrecque Salon and Skincare Spa.
Well, at least it can if it becomes chronic and super obvious, which it doesn’t always, especially for dudes.
“Guys typically don’t usually like having volume as much as women do, so some might not mind a little grease because they can better control volume and frizz this way,” Labrecque says. “Overactive sebaceous glands on the scalp can make skin break out and cause acne on both the scalp and forehead.”
If you need to get a handle on greasy hair, we’ve got you. Experts helped guys get to the root cause and find solutions.
Why is my hair so greasy?
Reasons for greasy hair include family history, hygiene habits and other lifestyle choices. It’s crucial to get to the root cause before you can find the right solution to nix oily hair.
- Genetics. Sometimes, greasy hair is a product of something you cannot control. “In many people, it’s simply genetic,” said Dr. Viktoryia Kazlouskaya, MD, Ph.D., a dermatologist with Dermatology Circle. “Oil — or sebum — production in the scalp is regulated by testosterone, so increased oiliness is often seen during puberty or in individuals taking testosterone supplements.”
- Work and lifestyle. Exercise is essential—and you can’t change the climate you work in. However, both lifestyle and climate can throw your hair’s oil balance off. “Working out, running, working in a place that’s hot and dirty or sweaty, to living in a hot, humid climate can all lead to greasy hair,” said Drew Hudson, the owner of Salon 1905 and an educator for Pure Brazilian frizz-fighting haircare.
- Touching your hair. We get it. You love your hair, but your locks may be touched out and showing you by shining a bit too bright. “Every time you run your fingers through your hair out of habit…whatever is on your hands, from food to your environment, plus natural oils from your skin and scalp, will stick to your hands and transfer back to your hair,” Hudson said. “It builds up throughout the day.”
- Hygiene habits. Greasy hair may be a sign that your hair needs more frequent shampooing. “Natural oils from the scalp can build up over time between washes and when combined with outside elements can further exacerbate that ‘greasy’ appearance,” said Dr. Anna Chacon, MD, a dermatologist.
- Product overload. Multi-step styling routines may be harming your natural hair. “Sometimes, too much product, such as leave-in oils or pomades, can be too heavy for the hair and give the appearance of oily or dirty hair,” Dr. Chacon said. “When in doubt, start small and build up the amount used little by little. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away without a shower.”
- Over-shampooing. Perhaps ironically, you can over-clean your hair. “Sometimes, the scalp can be thrown out of balance due to a variety of factors, but one common one is too much natural oil excreted from the scalp and into the hair to overcompensate for over-washing, giving a slick or wet look,” Dr. Chacon said.
- Using the wrong products for your hair type. As with skincare, it’s crucial to choose the products that work well with what you’ve got. For instance, Dr. Chacon said heavy products or overuse of hydrating deep conditioners, shampoos and leave-in conditioners can be a recipe for grease. “Heavier concentrations of hydrating ingredients can weigh down your hair,” Dr. Chacon said. “Opt for a balancing review of your products and swap some out for ‘daily’ options that are generally lighter weight and won’t cause extra build-up.”
What hormones cause greasy hair?
Greasy hair can have a hormonal root. “Androgens, like testosterone, can often bump up the production of sebum oil, giving the appearance of greasy hair and skin,” Dr. Chacon said. “This is why you tend to see an increase in oil, breakouts, and greasy hair during puberty.”
Labrecque noted that some autoimmune diseases can cause greasy hair, such as hypothyroidism. However, he added that it is usually the opposite: autoimmune diseases trigger drier locks. Also, don’t discount stress.
“Stress at work or home can cause a surge in cortisol levels, also triggering sebaceous glands,” Hudson said.
How do I stop my hair from getting so greasy?
Once you’ve determined why your hair is greasy, you can work toward solutions.
“The good news is that by making some of these easy and inexpensive lifestyle changes, you can decrease the grease on your hair,” Hudson said.
Here’s how to make your hair less of a squeaky wheel.
- Find your shampoo frequency sweet spot. Dr. Kazlouskaya said shampooing more frequently may help you eliminate excess oil. However, if you’re shampooing too much, you may benefit from washing your hair every other day. Frustrated? Dermatologists empathize, but it’s the nature of the greasy-hair game. “Some of these techniques will be trial and error since everyone is different, but a quick shuffle of your products and an extra day or so between washes can make a huge difference,” Dr. Chacon said.
- Choose the right products for your hair. Speaking of shuffling products, you may find it beneficial. Hudson advises against
high-shine, oil-based pomade if you want to avoid greasy build-up. “Go for a matte finish styling clay or water-soluble pomade that will wash out easily,” Hudson said. Dr. Kazlouskaya said ingredients like Salicylic acid in shampoos can help you nix excess oil and build-up. - Don’t go overboard. Appropriate use of products can help. Overuse can make greasy hair worse. “Gels, serums, and sprays can leave residue that traps oil and makes hair look greasier. Too much conditioner may also lead to an oily scalp,” Dr. Kazlouskaya said.
- Make healthy lifestyle choices. Hudson reported that consuming a diet that prioritizes fruits and veggies and minimizes processed food can help you avoid greasy hair — ditto for coping with stress.
- See a dermatologist. The experts we spoke with agreed that seeing a dermatologist is a good idea if greasy hair is chronic and an issue for you.
Final word on greasy hair
Some guys may not like greasy hair at all. Others may embrace it. “Greasy hair can be ‘a look,” Hyudson said. “If that’s your choice, be bold and go for it.” That said, overproduction of oil on the scalp can be a sign that you aren’t washing your hair enough, are over-shampooing, are using too many products, are stressed, or have underlying conditions. Finding a good shampoo frequency and using the right products — but not too many – for your hair can help. If you’re concerned, see a medical professional, such as a dermatologist. They can help you find the best solutions, including a work-up or a referral to a doctor to check for other underlying conditions.
