Your head produces natural oils to keep your scalp healthy and protect your hair from damage. However, some people have higher levels of oil production that can lead to hair feeling and looking overly greasy. Thankfully, there are a number of ways to reduce and manage greasy hair.

Here are 11 effective ways to get rid of excess grease and keep your hair looking clean.

1

Use shampoo that’s formulated for oily hair.

2

Shampoo your hair more often.

  1. If your hair is always greasy, it may be a sign that you're not washing it enough. You may have heard that washing your hair less often can retrain your scalp to produce less oil, but that's actually a myth. Some of us just naturally have greasier hair than others, which means we need to shampoo more often than people with dryer hair. If your hair is regularly greasy, try shampooing more often and see if that helps.[2]
4

Try using dry shampoo in between washes.

  1. Dry shampoo is a scented powder that sits in your hair and absorbs grease. It even does so without rinsing away all of your hair’s protective oils![5] To apply dry shampoo, hold a spray can of dry shampoo about 6 in (15 cm) away from your hair and spray it lightly onto your hair near the roots in oily areas. Let it sit for 2 minutes, then massage it into your hair with clean hands. Apply dry shampoo whenever your hair feels greasy, or about 1 to 3 times between shampoo washes.[6]
    • Too much dry shampoo can cause white buildup. To avoid this, always spray it lightly onto oily areas only, which are typically the layers of hair nearest to your scalp.
    • Dry shampoo is available in powder form as well as sprays. Choose this variety if you are sensitive to fragrance or aerosols.
    • If you don’t have any dry shampoo, use baby powder as an alternative. Sprinkle a little near your roots and rub it in to absorb grease.
    • Avoid spraying the ends of your hair with dry shampoo because it can make them dry and frizzy.

Expert Q&A
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  • Question
    How do you get rid of greasy hair fast?
    Jenny Tran
    Jenny Tran
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Jenny Tran is a Hair Stylist and the Founder of JT Hair Lab by Jenny Tran based in the Dallas, Texas metro area. With over seven years of professional hair styling experience, Jenny specializes in hair coloring, haircutting, and hair extensions. JT Hair Lab is an authorized carrier of R+Co and of Milbon and is committed to using products with quality ingredients.
    Jenny Tran
    Professional Hair Stylist
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    Dry shampoo is a great temporary fix to absorb oil. I also suggest you start shampooing your hair less, which will prevent your scalp from producing too much oil.
  • Question
    I have extremely greasy hair and none of this is working please help me?
    Ashley Adams
    Ashley Adams
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Ashley Adams is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Hair Stylist in Illinois. She completed her Cosmetology education at John Amico School of Hair Design in 2016.
    Ashley Adams
    Professional Hair Stylist
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    If you’ve tried all of the remedies above including baking soda, apple cider vinegar, and even clarifying shampoo, you may need to visit your physician. They will be able to diagnose your condition and recommend treatment.
  • Question
    How do I stop having greasy hair?
    Ashley Adams
    Ashley Adams
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Ashley Adams is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Hair Stylist in Illinois. She completed her Cosmetology education at John Amico School of Hair Design in 2016.
    Ashley Adams
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Expert Answer

    Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

    Start shampooing your hair every 2 days using a clarifying shampoo. If you don’t have any, you can use household items such as baking soda or apple cider vinegar. Both should be diluted with water. After shampooing, apply conditioner to the ends of your hair only.
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About This Article

Jenny Tran
Co-authored by:
Professional Hair Stylist
This article was co-authored by Jenny Tran. Jenny Tran is a Hair Stylist and the Founder of JT Hair Lab by Jenny Tran based in the Dallas, Texas metro area. With over seven years of professional hair styling experience, Jenny specializes in hair coloring, haircutting, and hair extensions. JT Hair Lab is an authorized carrier of R+Co and of Milbon and is committed to using products with quality ingredients. This article has been viewed 698,633 times.
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Co-authors: 41
Updated: June 16, 2022
Views: 698,633
Article SummaryX

To wash away hair grease, lather your hair with oil-fighting shampoo every 2 to 4 days. To absorb oil between washes, spray your hair with dry shampoo powder. Only use conditioner on the tips of your hair, not the roots, and cut down on hair products like gel and mousse. If your hair doesn’t improve, switch to a powerful clarifying shampoo for every other wash. To learn about home solutions for hair grease, read on!

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