Greasy hair is caused by an excessive production of oil, made by the sebaceous glands on your scalp, which is then absorbed by the hair causing your locks to look greasy.

Some people naturally produce more sebum than others causing their hair to get greasier, with factors such as ethnicity, hormones, and genetics all playing a part. 

If you have straight or fine hair, you may find that your tresses become greasier faster as they don’t have any curls to restrict the sebum distribution. As such, oil slides around the hair quicker making it appear greasy. 

From lifestyle factors to the products that you use on your hair, there are many things that can contribute to what makes your hair greasy so quickly. Here is a breakdown of possible causes:

Diet contributes to the overall health of your hair, with greasy locks being a sign that you need to look at the foods you are consuming. The body’s oil production can be increased with what you eat. Foods that cause greasy hair include those that are high in refined carbohydrates and saturated fats, as well as a lot of dairy products.

Dirty bedding can harbour bacteria, especially if it isn’t washed regularly, which can lead to greasy hair. Cotton pillowcases are known to absorb the hair’s natural oils causing the sebaceous glands to overproduce sebum that will further contribute to the speed at which your hair becomes greasy.  

Sadly, the modern world has caused stress and anxiety levels to rise in many, and it is a surprising cause of greasy hair. When you are stressed, your body produces a hormone known as cortisol which can increase oil production, therefore causing oily locks.

When hormones are imbalanced the production of sebum increases and, although this is more common at the time of menstruation or during pregnancy, it can also occur during the menopause or after a hysterectomy. Androgen levels can rise during menopause which encourages the scalp to produce sebum, sometimes in excessive levels, leading to greasy locks.

Using too much conditioner or leaving it in for too long can leave hair looking greasy. Conditioners can cause oil to build up quickly which will contribute to hair grease, leaving it flat and bounceless.

Hair products are not a one-size-fits-all situation. Something that works for a friend, might not have the same result on your tresses. Just as hair comes in different textures, thickness, and type, so do hair care products and it is important to use ones that will work best for your hair as otherwise your locks could look greasier quicker.

Using dry shampoo is a great short-term solution to tackling oily locks but it isn’t something that should be used every day. Overuse of dry shampoo can cause product build-up which will lead to grease and even hair loss in some circumstances.  

The temptation when you’ve got greasy hair is to keep washing it, but this actually strips your locks of the natural oils required to support its health. 

Washing these oils away will send your scalp into overdrive, producing even more oil and leaving your hair greasier quicker. Using shampoo too often can also result in greasy hair as it can cause the sebaceous glands to produce too much oil.

If you are guilty of running your fingers through your hair, this could be a cause of your hair getting greasy quickly as our fingertips hold on to dirt, grime, and oil which transfers on to strands upon contact.

Brushing hair is a balancing act, as brushing both too little and too much, can cause hair to become greasy. Whilst brushing can help to distribute oil on the scalp further down the hair strands, over-brushing can stimulate the scalp into producing too much oil, creating greasy locks.

Hair needs a thorough cleanse to ensure you get rid of any build up, and it is important to focus on every area of your hair and scalp to get it completely clean. If you find that your hair is greasy after one day and you wonder why, it could be because you haven’t washed it sufficiently enough.

Eating a balanced diet is essential for healthy hair and can also help control your hair getting greasy fast. 

It is worth noting that if you choose an alternative diet such as veganism, you will need to look at supporting your vitamin intake further. Consume foods such as lean proteins, vegetables, fruit, and grains including rice and quinoa. Consider introducing a supplement with iron as well as vitamins A, B, D and E to further support hair health.

Get to grips with brushing techniques and a routine that ensures you aren’t over or underdoing it. 

Brush your hair twice a day, in the morning and night, to remove knots and distribute the hair’s natural oils.  Also, be sure to wash your brushes regularly, we recommend every 2-3 weeks. Follow our simple guide to keep your tools clean:

Step-by-step: hairbrush cleaning

• Remove old hair from brush 
• In the sink, add some soap to warm water 
• Place your hairbrushes in the water and leave to soak for around 10 minutes
• Wipe off excess water and allow to air dry

If you feel like your shampoo isn’t lathering up enough to cover all your hair, or to give a thorough cleanse, try adding water to your locks rather than adding another squirt of shampoo. This pro salon tip will save you on product, but also reduce the rate at which your hair becomes greasy.

Invest in some blotting papers to dab over hair, when on the go, and reduce excess oil. Facial tissues have the same effect, pull them apart so it is one single sheet and gently blot over hair.

Look at ways to reduce stress levels, some popular methods include:

• getting enough sleep 
• journaling
• exercising
• massage
• meditation 
• socialising with friends

Self-care is an important way of having “me time” that will help to calm anxiety and stress. Try incorporating a hair mask into your hair care routine to add a pampering touch that makes hair washing seem like less of a chore.

Cotton is known for being super absorbent which means your pillowcase holds on to sweat, dirt, and general grime which can then transfer on to your hair, so switch to a silk pillowcase. Not only is it good at keeping knots at bay, but it will keep a firm control on hair sebum production and reduce your greasy locks!

Although excess sebum is predominantly responsible for greasy hair, it can also come from dirt, and even oil, on your fingertips. To prevent you from touching your hair too often, pull hair back into a bun or braid. Not only will a style like this reduce temptation to touch it but it will also keep it away from oily faces or sweaty necks.

Using apple cider vinegar on hair is a popular at-home remedy that can keep your hair from getting greasy so fast. Apple cider vinegar helps to balance the PH levels of the scalp, reduce and stop build-up from products, and sustain oil balance. Simply dilute in water, rinse through hair, and leave for 2 minutes, then wash out.

There are plenty of causes for your hair becoming greasy quicker than usual, from stress to overwashing, but there are a wide range of solutions that can help reduce the oiliness. 

When looking at how to make your hair less greasy, consider all aspects, not just hair washing itself. Lifestyle changes and hair care routines are both important in how to prevent greasy hair. 

Don’t forget, oil is necessary for both hair and scalp health and has important jobs to perform. If you are concerned by your greasy hair, or find that your scalp appears irritated, seek medical advice.