Tips for Oily Hair Control are helpful all the time, but if your hair is given to extra oil, they're especially necessary in summer when all that extra sweating can wreak greasy havoc on your hair. Oily locks can be a real look-ruiner. If you struggle to keep your tresses light, shiny and bouncy for longer than a couple of hours, you’ll know exactly how frustrating this hair type can be; you battle to create volume, your pony tails tend to come out just a little too sleek, and you find yourself in a panic if you leave the house without your dry shampoo. Needless to say, great tips for oily hair control are high on your list of priorities. Greasiness generally results from the overproduction of sebum in the scalp, and while it may just be a fact that you’ve genetically inherited this condition, certain environmental and hormonal factors play their part in aggravating it as well. In order to help you to navigate the do’s and don’ts of greasy tresses, I’ve done some research and put together this list of 8 tips for oily hair control.
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1. Time Your Washes
If you struggle with oily locks, you will want to wash them only every second day. Many girls make the mistake of over washing greasy hair with the result that it becomes stripped of nourishing natural oils. This, in turn, stimulates the sebum glands to over produce causing more oil to be released into the hair and aggravating the problem. Don't be afraid that your hair will look oilier if you don't wash every day; shampooing less frequently is easily the number one tip for oily hair control.
2. Choose Your Products Wisely
Hair that tends towards oiliness needs extra special attention. It is very important that the shampoo and conditioners you use to wash and nourish your locks are tailored specifically to its needs. If you use a rich moisturising variation, for example, you will find yourself with hair that is heavy, dull and greasier than ever; stick to cosmetics designed especially for your hair type.
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3. Use Dry Shampoo
A dry shampoo really is the friend of oily hair, especially if you are trying to implement an ‘every other day’ washing system. Use it to eliminate the worst of the residue around the roots of your hair; you’ll find your tresses feel lighter and less greasy in no time. As another useful tip for oily hair control, you can even look into making your own dry shampoo.
4. Be Sparing with Your Styling Products
Oily hair is particularly susceptible to product build up and residue which simply weighs it down further and aggravates its greasiness. Be extra careful with your gels, mousses and hair sprays; try to choose items that leave minimal residue on your hair and scalp, and be sure to ask your hairdresser to recommend a good brand if you are struggling to find one on your own.
5. Limit Your Brushing
Going easy with your brush is another essential tip for oily hair control. Excessive brushing can stimulate the production of oil and if you have greasy hair to begin with, this is not a desirable outcome. Try to keep your combing to a minimum; too much attention and you will simply exacerbate the problem.
6. Cleanse
Every so often, it is a good idea to give your hair a good cleanse to remove oily build up and product residue that coats strands over time. You can either buy yourself an especially designed commercial or mix citrus fruit juice (lemon is the best) with water and use it to rinse your locks – it does the trick fabulously.
7. Be Strategic
Treat your oily hair with care when you shampoo and condition. Pay a lot of attention to the roots when you are washing it, and focus on the tips when you are applying conditioner. This will help to prevent a ‘greasy scalp and dry tips’ effect characteristic of combination tresses. Many tips for oily hair control have to do with how you treat your hair when washing it.
8. Get a Manageable Cut
Often, very long hair that tends towards greasiness becomes dry and dehydrated towards the ends over time. For this reason, if you seriously battle to control your oily locks, you might want to consider keeping them in a short, chic style in the interest of manageability. This will prevent your tips from dehydrating and breaking, and will thus allow you to keep your hair healthier and in better condition.
9. Don't Overuse Shampoo
Don't be tricked into thinking that shampoo is your best friend. It's only going to help you look stylish if you use the right amount. Instead of pouring as much of it into your palm as you can, only use a quarter-sized amount. That's all you need.
10. Skip Conditioner
You have oil in your hair naturally, so overdoing it with conditioner will make it too oily. If your hair is always very greasy, then you can even skip the conditioner all together. It should enhance your look, so give it a try. If you don't like the results, you can always use the conditioner again during your next shower.
11. Avoid Sulfates
Sulfates are too strong of a chemical to use on your hair. When picking out a new brand of shampoo, make sure that it says it's "sulfate-free." If the shampoo you're currently using contains sulfates, it could be the cause of your oily hair.
12. Rinse Thoroughly
When you wash your hair, make sure you get out every drop of shampoo. If you leave any on your hair, it will irritate your scalp and cause your hair to become oily. So before you step out of the shower, rinse yourself off one last time to be safe.
13. Avoid Touching
You already know that you shouldn't brush your hair too often, but you shouldn't touch it too often either. So the next time you talk to your crush, don't play with your hair. There are plenty of other methods you can use to flirt with him.
14. Use Warm Water
Avoid using hot water in the shower, because high temperatures aren't good for your hair. Of course, you don't have to use freezing cold water either. Find a balance by using warm water. It'll be comfortable for your body and healthy for your hair.
15. Use Low Temperatures
High temperatures aren't only bad for your hair when water is involved. If you need to blow dry your hair, then make sure to use low temperatures on the machine. Of course, if you can let your hair dry naturally, that's even better.
16. Wear Hats
If it's super sunny out, put on your favorite hat. You don't want to expose your hair and scalp to the sun on hot days, because of the high temperatures. Plus, the hat will cover up any oil currently in your hair, so you won't have to worry about what it looks like.
17. Deep Condition
Use a deep conditioner once a week, no more, no less. It won't take up too much of your time, so make sure you set aside a day to do it. Your hair will thank you and so will your mirror.
18. Use a Hair Pick
Use a hair pick instead of hairbrush when you're combing out the knots in your hair. The pick will assure that oil is not spread from the scalp through the hair like it is when you use a brush.
19. Avoid Flat Irons
If you have curly hair, avoid using flat irons. If your hair is naturally straight, you might want to think about curling it. Why? Well, straight hair gives oil a direct path down your hair, which makes the grease more visible.
20. Eat Healthy
Your diet affects much more than your weight. It also affects the look of your hair. That's why you need to eat enough vitamins, minerals, and proteins. They will keep hair nourished and looking fabulous.
21. Avoid Stress
Stress can lead to hormonal imbalances, which can cause an increase in oily hair. So the next time you're stressed about school or work, take a few hours to nap or enjoy your favorite hobby. You can't feel guilty about it, because it's for the sake of your health.
Hopefully, these tips for oily hair control can help you control your pretty tresses. Greasy locks can be real drag if you’re not sure how to look after them effectively. This list of 8 tips for oily hair control should help you to take intelligent steps towards lighter, bouncier and more balanced tresses. You don't have to suffer from greasy hair, and you can easily manage it if you make smart choices. If you have any other tips for oily hair control, please share them! Do you have any useful suggestions of your own to contribute?
This article was written in collaboration with editor Holly Riordan.
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