Greasy hair can not only be frustrating but also look messy and dirty, even when it’s not. Hair gets oily from time to time due to sebum, the natural oil produced by our body to protect the hair. When it is produced in excess, it leads to greasy hair.
Especially when you have a social life, work life, and have to meet people day in and day out and look your best, greasy hair or excess oil and oily scalp are a real problem. But the good news is, it’s something you can remedy at home. Let’s learn more about excess oil and how to use natural remedies for oily hair.
Unlocking the Secrets to Oil-Free Hair
Even with regular shampooing, an oily scalp is normal and happens from time to time, thanks to the accumulation of dirt and grime, along with the natural oil secreted by our scalp. But if you have greasy hair right after you wash your hair, or if it is a constant problem no matter what you do and even when your hair is clean, it’s also because of excess oil secretion.
We all know water and oil don’t mix that well, so you need something more than just water to wash off when you have greasy hair. A cleansing and clarifying shampoo can help with excess sebum production, but without natural remedies for oily hair, you can’t combat the problem and prevent it from recurring.
Let’s learn about the natural remedies for oily hair and how to use them, shall we?
Causes of Oily Hair
There are different causes for oily hair, but the most common causes are:
- Excess oil or sebum production
- Scalp buildup – could be dirt, grime, products used, etc.
- Certain hair products like serum, for example, can cause greasy hair
- Hormonal fluctuations
- Certain nutrient deficiencies like Vitamin B, for example
- Dandruff
- Excess washing of hair or using a lot of shampoo
- Certain hair types appear oily – fine hair, for example
Why Choose Natural Remedies?
Natural remedies for oily hair are ideal for more reasons than one. They’re as follows:
Natural remedies help get rid of oily hair and regulate sebum production naturally.
These remedies are natural, usually made from available ingredients, and don’t cut a hole in your budget.
Almost nil adverse effects or reactions
While natural remedies take time to work, it works for most
Home Remedies for Oily Hair
Now that we’ve covered more about greasy hair let’s learn home remedies that help combat it. Shall we?
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is one of the easiest ways to get rid of greasy hair. You can use it as a rinse or add it along with other home remedies.
Ingredients
Apple Cider Vinegar – 1/4 Cup
Water – 2 – 4 Cups
Procedure
Add apple cider vinegar to water and mix well.
How to Use it?
Use it as a final rinse – after you wash and rinse out your hair.
After washing off your hair and rinsing it, pour the apple cider vinegar mixture on your hair and scalp – slowly covering all the areas of your scalp.
Massage for a few seconds and wait a few minutes before rinsing off.
2. Aloe Vera Rescue
Most of us have aloe vera gel at home. Did you know it can help deal with greasy hair?
Ingredients
Aloe Vera Gel – 1/4 Cup
Lemon Juice – 1 Tbsp.
Procedure
Add the ingredients to a mixing bowl and mix to combine.
How to Use it?
Apply the prepared mask to your hair and let it sit for 15 minutes before washing off.
3. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is among the essential oils that can be used on the skin directly. However, we’re going to use a carrier oil along with it for use.
Ingredients
Tea Tree Oil – 25 Drops
Carrier Oil – 1/4 Cup
Procedure
Add the tea tree oil to the carrier oil chosen – coconut oil, argan oil, sweet almond oil, etc.
Stir to combine.
How to Use it?
Apply the blend on your hair and scalp and let it sit for a good 25 minutes before washing off.
You can also apply tea tree oil on your scalp directly if you’re not sensitive to it.
4. Holy Basil
You can use it in different ways, but here we’re going to see how to use holy basil for dealing with greasy hair.
Ingredients
Holy Basil Leaves – a handful
Margosa Leaves – a handful
Procedure
Clean and wash both leaves.
Grind them in your blender into a fine paste.
Done.
How to Use it?
You can either filter and use the juice or use the paste as a pack.
After letting it sit on your hair and scalp for 20 minutes, wash it off with a mild shampoo.
5. Epsom Salt
Rich in magnesium, Epsom salts do a world of good to combat greasy hair.
How to Use it?
Mix a few spoons of Epsom salt into your shampoo and apply on your hair and scalp.
Wait for a couple of minutes and rinse thoroughly.
Precautions
Always do a patch test before trying any remedy
Never use ingredients you’re allergic to
Conclusion
Do give these home remedies a try before opting for commercial products to deal with greasy hair. As always, feel free to make your own tweaks and changes to the recipe and make it more suited to your preferences and requirements.
Do let us know how these remedies work out for you. Don’t have time for DIY recipes? We’ve got you covered with a broad range of premium vegan hair care cosmetics from Vitamins Revive. Do check out their online store to know more about their products.
We love hearing from our readers. So feel free to drop us a note or write to us for any queries, feedback, or requests.
FAQs
Does washing my hair help with greasy hair?
Yes, washing your hair helps deal with greasy hair right away, but it doesn’t alleviate the problem. However, it does get rid of oily scalp, especially when using shampoos or herbal hair wash aids.
Why is my hair greasy a day after a shower?
It could be because there’s excess sebum production, but also could also be due to inadequate rinsing, scalp buildup, overusing conditioner, etc.
How often can I wash my hair if it’s very greasy?
You can wash your hair every other day if your hair is very greasy.
Will dry shampoo help combat greasy hair?
Yes, using a dry shampoo is one way to get rid of greasy hair instantly.
Can I blot out excess sebum from hair?
Yes, you can try using blotting paper or tissue to dab and get rid of greasy hair. It works like a charm, though it takes more time than some methods.
What to do if none of the remedies work?
If none of these and other remedies work for you, it’s time to consult a dermatologist who can identify the source of the problem and deal with it accordingly. There are times when professional help might be needed, and you shouldn’t be afraid to ask for it.
Does greasy hair affect hair growth?
Since the hair follicles are clogged due to greasy hair, it can affect hair growth.
Does hair get greasy from our natural oils?
Yes, the sebaceous or oil glands secrete natural oils that nurture and protect hair. However, if it is secreted in excess or due to other factors like accumulation of dirt and grime, scalp build-up and other factors can cause greasy hair.