Leading haircare expert Anabel Kingsley has shared her top tips for battling greasy hair and debunked some common misconceptions over the hair issues cause by an oily scalp
There’s nothing more frustrating than waking up in the morning, already in a rush, and noticing your hair could have done with a wash. Greasy hair can be the bane of anyone’s life, and even a quick spritz of dry shampoo sometimes isn’t enough to revive your locks. But according to one expert, there are some simple ways you can help battle the oil.
Haircare expert Anabel Kingsley, Consultant Trichologist and Brand President at Philip Kingsley, has shared some of the most common greasy hair misconceptions around why people get greasy hair and its causes. From hair textures to ‘overwashing’ it, Anabel has shared her top tips.
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While the importance of washing your face daily is understood, the same can’t be said for hair washing. Almost half of women (45%) wash their hair just two to three times per week, 21% every other day and only one in 10 daily. This is simply not often enough says the expert. The scalp is essentially an extension of the skin on the face, and sheds dead skin cells, produces sebum (oil) and collects dirt, dust, and sweat everywhere we go.
Every hair follicle has an oil gland attached to it which also produces sebum and failing to wash hair frequently can lead to a build-up of dirt, dead skin cells, oil and products, rendering locks lank and greasy, on top of clogging hair follicles which can impede hair growth. Shampooing also helps prevent scalp issues like dandruff manifesting.
Speaking to Daily Mirror, Anabel said: “The main cause of greasy hair is not washing it enough. Try to leave no more than two days between shampoos. You should spend approximately one minute gently but firmly massaging your scalp when you shampoo and pay attention to all areas – people often forget to massage the back of their scalp. Rinse well to ensure shampoo residue, and the dirt, oil, dead skin cells trapped in it are washed away.”
Anabel also said your hair texture can play a big part on how oily your scalp is. She explained that people with a finer hair texture will tend to have more hairs per centimetre compared to those with thicker coarser or coiled hair textures. This means there are more oil glands producing more sebum, and it’s the reason those with fine hair will often feel their hair gets greasier quicker and feel the need to wash it daily to avoid the appearance of flat, limp roots.
But the question on everyone’s mind is whether you can truly get rid of greasy hair, and according to Anabel, while you can help keep your scalp oil-free, you won’t ever be able to ‘strip’ your hair. She explained: “With a good washing routine and the correct products for your hair type, you can keep your scalp oil-free.
“It is a common misconception that you can wash your hair too much. You cannot strip your hair or scalp or natural oils, firstly oil is produced on the scalp (not the hair), and once your scalp is cleansed it will simply continue producing oil at the same rate.”
Anabel said by using products suitable for your hair texture, it shouldn’t have any “adverse effects” and added: “If they dry your hair out, it is because the product formulation is not giving your hair what it needs, not because you are over-washing your hair – simply choose products that work for you.”
According to the expert, the best way to work around oily roots is to follow a good hair routine which include shampooing hair regularly with a shampoo containing anti-microbial properties, and using a weekly exfoliating scalp treatment containing Piroctone Olamine.
“Look for a shampoo with a gentle cleansing agent, such as SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulphate). People are typically afraid of SLS in products because it can be irritating, so if you have a sensitive scalp then use a sulphate-free shampoo.”
More than anything, Anabel urges people to “make sure you shampoo frequently and properly cleanse your scalp”. It is also important to choose a shampoo that suits your hair texture, providing the right levels of cleansing and moisturising ingredients.
“If you have fine hair, an oil-rich shampoo will likely weigh your hair down and make it looks greasy and limp. Additionally, avoid using oils on your scalp as this not only makes your hair look greasy, but it can exacerbate conditions such as dandruff. The malassezia yeasts that cause dandruff thrive in an oily environment, so it’s crucial to maintain a clean, oil free scalp to minimise dandruff.”
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