What Causes Greasy or Oily Hair?
Greasy hair has a wide range of causes, and not all of them can be easily controlled. Find out what causes greasy hair and how to stop it.
What is greasy hair?
The terms “greasy” and “oily” usually refer to the amount of natural oil (sebum) that’s visible on the hair.
What makes your hair look greasy?
Your scalp is constantly producing sebum – it helps to keep your hair and scalp healthy, hydrated and moisturized. Sebum is quite
sticky – it causes hair fibers to stick to each other and clump, instead of moving freely as individual fibers.
Some people naturally make more sebum than others do, which makes hair appear greasy faster. There are plenty of other factors at play too.
Some substances, like styling products, airborne dust or pollution, can build up on the hair and make it look even more dull and greasy.
Diet can be to blame as well: diets high in refined carbohydrates and saturated fats can increase skin’s oil production.
While there’s no “cure” for greasy hair, you can easily keep it under control by using the right hair care products and washing frequently.
Our Cool Menthol Shampoo is specially formulated to tackle excess oils for a deep clean you can feel straight away.
Or you could try Cool Blast Men Shampoo, which cleans deep and leaves you with a refreshed feeling that lasts. Plus, it starts to tackle dandruff and associated symptoms from the first wash.
Don’t let greasy or oily looking hair leave you feeling limp – keep it under control by using Head & Shoulders every time you wash your hair.
More about oily and greasy hair
More tips and advice from the experts:
Frequently Asked Questions
Oily hair typically results from overactive sebaceous glands that produce excess sebum (natural oil). This can be influenced by genetics, hormonal fluctuations, age, and environmental factors. Interestingly, people with oily scalps may be more prone to dandruff since the Malassezia yeast feeds on these oils.
Several factors might contribute to rapid oil buildup: overwashing can trigger your scalp to produce more oil as compensation, using heavy conditioners on the scalp, hormonal changes, or simply having naturally active oil glands. Your hair texture also plays a role—fine, straight hair shows oil more readily than thick, curly hair.
People with oily hair might benefit from washing daily or every other day, but this varies by individual. If you have oily hair and dandruff, consider alternating between a clarifying shampoo and your anti-dandruff treatment to address both concerns without over-drying your scalp.
Key strategies include: avoiding touching your hair throughout the day (oils from hands transfer to hair), using dry shampoo between washes to absorb excess oil, applying conditioner only to mid-lengths and ends rather than roots, and choosing lightweight, oil-free styling products. Regular brush cleaning also prevents oil buildup on your tools.
Yes, excess oil can create an environment that promotes Malassezia yeast growth, potentially leading to dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis. Oily scalps might also be more prone to clogged hair follicles and scalp acne. This is why managing oil production can be an important part of overall scalp health.
While the relationship isn't fully established, some people notice their hair becomes oilier when consuming high-glycemic foods, dairy products, or foods rich in saturated fats. These foods might potentially influence hormone levels and sebum production. However, topical care remains the most direct approach for managing oily hair.
Yes, but apply it strategically. Focus conditioner on the mid-lengths and ends of your hair, avoiding the scalp area. This helps prevent additional oil buildup at the roots while still providing moisture to hair that may be dried out by frequent washing or anti-dandruff treatments.
