It’s normal for hair to get greasy from time to time but many people don’t like it when this happens to their locks, so a dermatologist has shared three simple tips to avoid this
No one wants a bad hair day, especially when getting ready to go out for a social event or special occasion. There are plenty of hair issues people report, including hair falling out, lacking volume or dandruff but one of the most common is having greasy hair.
This is very normal and it happens when the scalp produces too much sebum, the natural oil that moisturises the scalp and hair. The oil is then absorbed by the hair and travels down its lengths, resulting in a dull and clumpy appearance. Greasy hair also looks flat and strands near the front of the face might look stringy.
Aamna Adel, a consultant dermatologist based in London, has given some advice on how to deal with greasy hair.
She posted a video on TikTok, where she boasts 1.8 million followers, and said: “If greasy strands are the bane of your life then you need to hear this.
“I’m a dermatologist and these are three easy ways to level up your wash day routine for hair that stays fresher for longer.”
1. Double cleanse your scalp
Dr Adel’s first tip is to double cleanse your scalp, stating that double shampooing is “non-negotiable when it comes to getting an effective cleanse.”
She recommends lathering hair with shampoo two times to get rid of the build up of oil.
2. Choose the ‘right’ shampoo
The dermatologist added: “Say it with me – not all shampoos are created equal.” She included an image of the Neutrogena T/Gel Anti-Dandruff Scalp Relief Shampoo in her TikTok clip and explained that although it doesn’t look very aesthetically pleasing, it “has the ingredients to work.”
Dr Adel elaborated: “It has three per cent salicylic acid to get rid of those flakes and reduce the amount of oil.”
She also advised applying a clarifying shampoo once a week, such as the K18 Peptide Prep Detox Shampoo, promising that it will make a significant difference when trying to remove a build up of oil.
3. Blow dry hair instead of air drying
The hair specialist’s final tip is to blow dry wet hair after it has been washed instead of leaving it to air dry as she believes that air drying “keeps the oils on your scalp longer, meaning that your hair gets greasier quicker.”
Dr Adel went on to caution that dry shampoo “is not a substitute for skipping hair wash day” but if you are going to use it, she suggests applying it at night to “clean hair before it gets greasy.”
The dermatologist gave an overview of her video in the caption of the TikTok post: “Greasy hair girls I’ve got you. This is the ultimate hair wash routine for hair that stays fresher for longer.”
Viewers shared their thoughts on Dr Adel’s greasy hair tips in the comments section. One user said: “Double washing my hair was a game changer for me!”
Another exclaimed: “I double cleanse and it still happens!” The well-known haircare brand John Frieda has listed several factors that can cause greasy hair, including touching your hair too often, transferring oils from your fingers and hands onto your hair, applying conditioner to your roots instead of the lengths only and over-brushing.
It further mentions that greasy hair can be caused by a hormonal imbalance or an underlying health condition so it advises speaking to a GP if you have tried lifestyle changes for greasy hair and they haven’t worked.