25 Ways to Fix Oily Hair

If oily hair bothers you, simple approaches like an apple cider vinegar rinse and adjusting how you wash can make your hair feel less greasy while preserving your scalp’s natural oils.

An excessively oily scalp can cause uncomfortable itching and may contribute to seborrheic dermatitis. It can also worsen dandruff.

But you don’t want to remove all the oil. Natural sebum protects strands and supports a healthy scalp and hair. Here’s how to reduce the grease without harming your hair or upsetting your scalp.

Adjust your washing routine

1. Wash more frequently

People with very oily hair sometimes need to shampoo as often as once a day, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association. Shampooing removes excess oil, debris, and leftover styling products from the scalp.

2. Wash less frequently

If you shampoo daily and your hair still looks greasy by evening, consider experimenting with how often you wash.

Washing too much can strip your scalp of its natural oils, which may prompt it to produce extra oil to compensate.

If you also have dry skin or a dry, itchy scalp along with oily hair, gradually extending the interval between washes can help balance oil production.

3. Use the right shampoo technique

It’s possible to wash your hair the wrong way and end up with an oily scalp and damaged strands.

To wash correctly, gently massage a small amount of shampoo into your roots and scalp. Avoid using your nails or creating excessive friction on the hair. Vigorous scrubbing can irritate the scalp and trigger more oil production.

Concentrate on the scalp, where the oil accumulates, rather than the lengths. Don’t apply shampoo directly to the ends or scrub them; let the shampoo run through the lengths when you rinse.

4. Condition with care

Conditioners can make hair appear greasier and accelerate oil buildup. Try conditioning only the ends and rinse thoroughly.

5. Opt for air drying

Flat irons and blow dryers can produce a smooth finish, but they can also make hair look oilier sooner.

Letting your hair air dry and embracing its natural texture can extend the time between washes and avoid heat damage.

Or, if you must use a dryer, try low heat settings.

6. Choose products designed for oily hair

Many hair-care products are engineered for specific needs. If your shampoo isn’t doing the job, try a clarifying shampoo with stronger detergents to lift oil and leave hair feeling cleaner.

If you work out a lot or need to wash daily, a gentle baby shampoo may be less irritating and more suitable for frequent use.

7. Be gentle

When washing, brushing, styling, or even scratching your head, be gentle. Agitating the scalp can overstimulate oil glands and increase oil production.

8. Rinse thoroughly

Take an extra minute or two to ensure all shampoo and conditioner are rinsed out. This can significantly improve how your hair looks and feels.

Leftover products can coat strands, making hair appear and feel dirty and itchy.

9. Keep your brush clean

A dirty brush has no place on freshly washed hair. Brushes accumulate styling products, oils, and debris that can make clean hair look dirty right away.

Wash your styling tools with clarifying shampoo or mild soap to remove buildup. Remove loose hair after each use to keep the brush free of oil and grime.

Switch up your hair-care products

10. Steer clear of silicones

Many shampoos, conditioners, creams, and styling products contain silicones to smooth hair and add shine.

Along with glossy results that can look like oil, silicones can accumulate on hair and make it appear weighed down and dirty. Common silicones include:

• dimethicone
• cyclomethicone
• amodimethicone

Silicones can also block beneficial moisture from entering the hair shaft. Consider avoiding ingredients that end in “-cone.”

11. Use dry shampoo

Dry shampoo can absorb oil and make hair appear cleaner. Many formulas also add a pleasant scent to freshen hair.

The downside is that dry shampoos leave a residue, which can make hair and scalp feel gritty and unclean. They can also dry out hair, so use them sparingly and wash them out the next day to prevent irritation and damage.

12. To moisturize or not?

If your hair is oily, a lightweight conditioner might help.

A lighter conditioner can restore and balance moisture on the scalp without triggering excess oil production. Oily hair is sometimes a response to scalp signals to produce more oil because strands are drying out from products.

Specialists suggest applying a small amount of leave-in conditioner to damp rather than dry hair to avoid greasiness.

13. Try shampoos with tea tree oil

Tea tree oil has antibacterial and antifungal qualities. It may help reduce dandruff, ease itchiness, and tackle greasiness. Look for a shampoo listing tea tree oil among its active components for maximum benefit.

14. Use green tea–infused shampoos

Green tea is beneficial for hair, too. Some older studies suggest green tea extract may decrease sebum production and nourish the skin when applied topically. Consider a shampoo that contains it.

Home remedies for oily hair

15. Deep clean with aloe

Some people use aloe as a scalp and hair mask, claiming it removes excess oil, combats product buildup, soothes the scalp, and protects strands.

More research is needed to confirm aloe’s effectiveness for greasy hair, but it is generally considered safe for topical application.

16. Make DIY dry shampoo

Cornstarch or baby powder are classic at-home dry-shampoo substitutes if you need one in a pinch. Adding cocoa powder helps it blend into darker hair.

17. Deep condition with coconut oil

A coconut oil treatment can serve as a deep conditioner. This approach can help lift oil from the scalp and roots while delivering deep hydration to strands.

18. Rinse with apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar, when diluted correctly, can help remove product buildup, balance scalp pH, and reduce frizz.

19. Use witch hazel

Witch hazel may soothe itching, tighten oil-producing pores, and lessen inflammation from dandruff, pH imbalance, or other scalp issues. It’s often gentle enough for sensitive scalps.

20. Try a honey mask

If oil has gotten out of control, a honey mask can calm the scalp and help prevent or treat dandruff thanks to honey’s antibacterial and antifungal traits.

A 2023 study found a topical mix of honey, probiotics, turmeric, and vitamin B12 reduced symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis—such as itching, redness, flaking, and excessive oil—in children.

Adopt practical hair habits

21. Stop fidgeting with your hair

Excessive brushing and touching can stimulate oil glands. You can transfer scalp oils into the lengths and add oils from your hands.

If you often twirl, scratch, or run your fingers through your hair, try keeping your hands away from your head to see if oiliness decreases.

22. Time washes around workouts

Sweat spreads oils and can make hair look less fresh. Schedule shampooing around your most intense workouts to maximize each wash.

23. Wash after wearing headgear

Hats, helmets, scarves, and headbands can spread oil and trap heat. A quick wash can undo the effects of hat hair. Or use a silk cap or similar to help prolong the time between washes.

24. Wear your hair down sometimes

Tightly pulling hair back can distribute oils more quickly and make hair appear greasier. Let your hair hang loose occasionally to extend the interval between washes.

This works well if you wear your hair down on the first day after washing and up the day before your next wash.

25. Embrace the topknot

Sometimes it’s simpler to work with the oil. A sleek topknot can use your hair’s natural oils to hydrate strands and give you a better hair day tomorrow.

Final thoughts

Changing how you wash, the products you use, and certain hair habits can help control greasy hair.

Keep in mind oil production shifts over time and typically lessens with age. Those especially oily days of youth usually fade—you won’t be stuck with them forever.