If your hair feels oily all the time, it starts at the root. Literally. Greasy hair is caused by a bulid-up of sebum, sweat, dead skin cells and environmental pollution on the scalp. So managing it begins there. We’re talking scalp care and breaking down how to get rid of greasy hair ahead, including the best tips, tricks and product picks.

So why does my hair get greasy so fast? Let's take a look at the science behind greasy hair. Sebum is a naturally occurring oil in the skin, keeping it moisturized, and preventing it from drying out. If the glands in your skin produce more of this oil than required, you're left with oily skin. This includes the skin on your scalp. Excessive sebum production can be caused by hormonal changes, genetics, diet, stress, seasonal changes, poor hair care habits and certain medications. Greasy hair isn’t unhealthy on its own, but it can lead to inflamed, itchy, flaky skin, or seborrheic dermatitis. Dandruff is a type of seborrheic dermatitis. An oily scalp also leads to dandruff caused by the yeast-like fungus Malassezia, that feeds on the oil on your scalp. Regular dandruff can also happen as a result of excess oil irritating the skin.

Managing greasy hair depends on proper hair habits and grooming choices. These are the best washing and conditioning practices to reduce greasiness.

1. Wash properly: Avoid overwashing and under washing oily hair. Both washing too often, and not often enough, can leave your scalp in a state of greasiness. It’s a delicate balance, but getting it right is a must.

2. Shampoo properly: Apply a small amount to your roots and scalp and gently massage it in. Avoid using your nails or creating friction on your hair. Aggressive scrubbing can increase oil production. Focus on cleaning your scalp where oil builds up, rather than the length of your hair.

3. Rinse properly: When rinsing, let the shampoo flow through your ends without scrubbing them. Run the water over your head until the water runs clear and all the shampoo is out of your hair.

4. Don’t condition your roots: Even greasy hair needs conditioner to seal the hair’s cuticle. But be sure to avoid your scalp and roots, applying it only to your mid-lengths and ends.

5. Air dry after washing: Any time you can avoid heat styling (this includes blow drying) your strands will be better off.

The products you use and how you use them makes a huge difference in how oily your hair is. These are our Products Dos and Don’ts for managing greasy hair.

6. Choose the right hair products: If you’re struggling with greasy strands, using only products formulated for oily hair is a must in your routine.

7. Avoid using too much product: Using excessive hair styling products can lead to heavy hair, excess oil production, and buildup, which can result in oily roots.

8. Try dry shampoo: Using oil-absorbing products like dry shampoo can be beneficial for absorbing excess oils, masking odors, and creating volume in the hair.

9. Avoid moisturizing products: Stick to lightweight products and conditioners to balance the moisture on your scalp without causing even more excess oil.

10. Avoid products with silicone: Silicones leave behind a barrier on the hair shaft, resulting in product buildup and increased oil in your hair. This will make greasy hair worse.

11. Clarify regularly: Clarifying products are designed to remove buildup from the hair. Use a clarifying shampoo in place of your regular, once or twice a month, to keep your scalp’s oil balanced and in check.

These home remedies will help you manage greasy hair.

12. Try a DIY Shampoo: Choose ingredients like green clay to balance oil production, and rosemary to stimulate and promote a healthy scalp.

13. Coconut oil hair mask: Using oil on hair that’s already oily might not seem like the best remedy, but coconut oil is actually an amazing oil- fighting ingredient. It works by lifting oil from the scalp, nourishing and conditioning at the same time.

14. Soothe with honey: A honey mask can soothe the scalp and help treat and prevent dandruff due to its antibacterial and antifungal properties. Studies show it helps with itching, redness, flakiness, and excess oil production.

15. Deep clean with aloe: This natural astringent helps to remove excess oil, combat product buildup, provide relief to the scalp, and protect hair strands. Twice a month, try a scalp massage using aloe verain between your shampoo and conditioner.

16. Using witch hazel: Another natural remedy for relieving scalp problems including an oily scalp, dandruff and dryness is witch hazel. It treats scalp sensitivity and provides relief from itching and irritation.

17. Tea tree oil before bed: Tea tree oil is known for its antibacterial and anti-fungal properties and It’s especially beneficial for those with an oily scalp. Once a week, rub a few drops of tea tree oilinto your scalp before bed.

18. Drink green tea: Green tea is a hair superfood. It's loaded with antioxidants, to protect the scalp and from inflammation and damage; and caffeine, which helps prevent hair loss. It also helps reduce sebum production to fight oily hair.

19. Rinse with apple cider vinegar: Due to its highly acidic content, apple cider vinegar works as a natural antifungal inhibiting the growth of dandruff. It also helps to clear buildup and condition hair making it softer, silkier, and shinier. 

Still wondering how to get rid of greasy hair fast? These healthy lifestyle habits will help.

20. Eat a balanced diet: Vitamins B6 and B2 (riboflavin) have been shown to regulate excess sebum production. Eat foods like poultry, fish, milk, lentils, and spinach, and avoid oily, fried, and sugary foods, as these affect the scalp's oil production.

21. Change dirty linens: Your hair can accumulate oils from previous nights sleep on your pillowcase. Wash it weekly to maintain freshness.

22. Clean your hair brushes/combs Clean your hair tools regularly by wiping them down with a wet cloth to remove dirt, bacteria, and product buildup transferred from your hair.

23. Avoid touching your hair often: Minimize brushing or touching your hair excessively, as it can stimulate excess sebum production and transfer oils from your hands to your hair.

24. Be gentle: It is important to be gentle when washing, brushing, styling, or scratching your head to avoid overstimulating the scalp and causing excess oil production.

25. Plan your washes around workouts: To avoid over washing or under washing your strands, find a balanced washing routine around your workout schedules

26. Wash after wearing a hat or helmet: Keep your oily hair oil-free by washing after wearing a hat or helmet for a long period of time. This will help rid your scalp of sweat and skin cell debris.

27. Manage stress: Keep stress under control by moving your body regularly. Go for daily walks, start a yoga practice, or whatever you can commit to regularly.

If you’re still experiencing greasy hair it may be time to step it up with one of the following.

28. Professional clarifying treatments: Talk to a Davines stylist near you for a relaxing, deeply refreshing, clarifying in-salon treatment, by making an appointment here.

29. Blotting sheets: Just like you’d use blotting sheets on your skin to absorb excess oil, try using them on your scalp and roots to do the same.

30. Pro treatment and home remedy double duty: If you’ve got greasy hair and nothing seems to work, try an in-salon service AND a home remedy.

Remember that managing greasy hair depends on your grooming habits and product choices. Keep our tips and remedies for oily strands on hand and use only the highest quality hair products like the ones from Davines on your hair. Our oily hair and scalp products help restore a healthy scalp and hair by adopting an all-natural regimen that cleans, refreshes, and eliminates oil-producing properties.

But why is my hair no longer curly? These are some of the most common reasons why your natural curls are losing their definition.

Regularly trimming the ends of your hair will help your curls stay healthy and help them hold their shape, before the ends can split. Trim your hair every 6-8 weeks to keep your curls intact. Consult with your stylist for your best trim schedule.

by Jaclyn LaBadia, featured contributor