What causes hair to get oily?
It’s simple: The more you work out/move, the more oil you’ll produce on your scalp. “Like our skin, our scalp naturally produces oil at varying degrees depending on the person. Diet and lifestyle factors can play a part. Those who exercise, or whose body temperatures run higher, tend to produce more oil on their scalp,” Tom Smith, creative director of Evo, tells ELLE.com. “When a scalp produces oil, it moves down the hair shaft creating a noticeable oily look to the hair. The less porous the hair is, the more noticeable the oil can be as it sits on top of the hair. When the hair is chemically processed or naturally more porous, the oil tends to absorb a bit meaning the hair is less prone to appearing oily.”
What should you look for in a shampoo if you have oily hair?
Because the hair has so much buildup, you should opt for shampoos that can properly cleanse greasy hair while also being gentle enough to maintain the hair’s health. “I recommend using a gentle but deep cleansing shampoo. If you have oily hair, shampooing the hair properly is also essential. Shampoo twice and make sure you work it into an even lather on the scalp. Rinse for about 30 seconds longer than you think you need to so that all the product really washes out.
What should you stay away from?
“Cheaper drug store shampoos tend to use low-grade silicones and waxes to make your hair feel really soft, but what these ingredients actually do is build upon the hair and suffocate the cuticle, which makes the hair feel slimy over time,” Smith adds.
How often should you wash oily hair?
The amount of times you wash your hair depends on your routine and hair type. “Some people’s scalps produce more oil than others, so it can take a lot of trial and error to figure out the best schedule for you. It is ok to wash your hair every day if you need to, as long as you’re using good quality products that aren’t going to leave a residue on your hair,” Smith says.
