Wendy Rose Gould is a lifestyle reporter based in Phoenix, Arizona. For the last 10 years, she's covered beauty, health, wellness, and travel for leading lifestyle outlets, including NBC, The Zoe Report, Bustle, Glam, TripSavvy, and others.
Washing your hair is an event in and of itself -- one that often requires a certain sort of muster and determination to complete every task on your shower list. All that effort literally goes down the drain when your hair becomes greasy within a day or two of a thorough washing. What gives? Turns out, there are a handful of things making your hair get greasier faster, and these are the biggest culprits. Once you figure it out, you can make all the right switches and extend the time between washes.
It's completely normal for hair to start getting oily at the root around two days after washing, but if you notice greasiness before this then it could be a sign that something's not quite right.
"As a hairstylist, I can tell you it's completely normal for your hair to get greasy when you go a few days without washing it. Your scalp naturally produces sebum, which is basically its way of keeping your hair moisturized and protected," explains Marie Nino, a NYC-based hairstylist and colorist.
However, she says that if your hair gets greasy just hours after washing -- or stays oily no matter how well you care for it -- that could mean your scalp is out of balance.
From overwashing to certain skin conditions, excessively greasy hair has a few key culprits. Read through this list to see if any ring true for you, then make the appropriate changes to help balance your scalp's oil production.
Everyone has their own ideal shampoo frequency, but it's possible you haven't quite found yours yet. Overwashing hair can strip your strands, resulting in your body triggering more sebum production to counteract the drying effects. Underwashing can create an environment of oil and dirt, which can make it hard to catch up and get a properly clean scalp.
"I would recommend washing your scalp two to three times a week unless your hair and scalp are extremely dry. In that case, once a week should be sufficient," says Gina Rivera, a hairstylist and owner of Phenix Salon Suites. "Make sure you are [gently] scrubbing the scalp when washing the hair."
If you're dealing with greasy hair no matter what you do, the issue could be with your water source. "Hard water deposits minerals like calcium and magnesium on your scalp, disrupting your oil balance and causing greasiness," Nino says. "Using a shower filter removes these minerals, helping your scalp maintain a healthier oil production."
How many nights in a row have you rested your precious little head on that pillow? If it's been more than a week, you could have just found your greasy hair culprit. Pillowcases collect sweat, oils, and dirt from your skin and hair over time, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. If not washed regularly, these contaminants can transfer back onto your scalp, exacerbating oiliness and potentially leading to clogged hair follicles.
From conditioner to dry shampoo to styling sprays and gels, products can accumulate on your scalp and hair and make it difficult for shampoo to properly penetrate.
"Product buildup, excess oil, and pollutants can weigh your hair down and make it feel greasy fast," Nino says. "Using a clarifying shampoo once a month gives your scalp a deep cleanse without stripping your natural oils." A double wash once a week can also help. Just make sure to follow up with a hydrating conditioner each time.
Here's another reason to log into your meditation app more frequently: Stress can contribute to an overly greasy scalp. Chronic stress levels can cause your body to produce higher levels of cortisol, which stimulates sebaceous glands to secrete more oil. If that isn't compelling enough, know that stress-related oiliness often occurs alongside other issues, such as hair thinning or dandruff.
Ever noticed how there are so many different types of shampoos and conditioners to choose from? Some cater to dyed hair, some are great for curly strands, and others are ideal for fine hair. If you're using a heavy conditioner on thin or fine hair, this could be causing greasy strands.
"Switching to a lightweight, hydrating shampoo and conditioner can work wonders for reducing excess oil," Nino says. "These formulas gently hydrate without weighing your hair down, tricking your scalp into thinking it's already moisturized, so it naturally produces less oil over time."
Nino says that another common cause of excessively greasy hair is a condition called seborrheic dermatitis. In this case, the extra slick is often accompanied by redness, irritation, and flaking. Seborrheic dermatitis is caused by an overgrowth of a natural yeast called Malassezia, which thrives in oily environments.
Treating seborrheic dermatitis typically involves medicated shampoos with ingredients like zinc pyrithione or salicylic acid. If the condition persists, schedule a consult with a dermatologist.
In some scenarios, excessive oil production may be caused by a hormonal issue. "In this case, if nothing you are doing or trying is helping then I would recommend seeing a doctor to determine the best course," Rivera says. She notes that sometimes a simple change in nutrition, supplements, or medication can help rebalance everything.