how to get rid of greasy hair

How to Get Rid of Greasy Hair – Naturally

Looking for ways to get rid of oily hair? These natural methods prevent greasy hair and give you the gorgeous tresses you deserve!

Written by Tenley Haraldson. Medically reviewed by Board-Certified Dermatologist Dr. Julie Jackson, MD, FAAD.


Tons of products and beauty regimens promise to get rid of greasy hair.

If you've got naturally oily hair, our derm-approved tips and products will teach you how to get rid of oily hair naturally. It's as simple as adjusting a few elements and finding the right products.

Why Is My Hair So Oily?

greasy hair

The issue tends to circle back to sebum. Produced by sebaceous glands attached to hair follicles, sebum is a mix of sugars, waxes, and fatty acids which help maintain moisture. But – surprise, surprise – some people produce more than others.

Board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Julie Jackson drew our attention to seborrheic dermatitis. This is a condition of thick, oily flaking of the scalp that's often associated with oil production and hormonal factors.

"Seborrheic dermatitis causes redness and scaling on the scalp and has a strong correlation with sebum production. When hormone production increases (typically during puberty and adulthood), it can also manifest as dandruff."

How to Keep Hair from Getting Greasy

how to keep hair from getting greasy over night

Finding the right hair care routine will probably take a little time (and trial and error), but the following advice is a great place to start:

  • Determine how often you should shampoo.
  • Don't touch your hair – your fingertips contain oil.
  • Use warm water (not hot) to wash your hair.
  • Avoid “hydrating” products which add weight to follicles.
  • Use a cloth scrunchie to put hair in a loose bun on top of your head at bedtime.
  • Put a fresh pillowcase on your pillow every few days. Consider investing in a silk pillowcase.
  • Drink more water to flush out toxins and keep your skin (and scalp) healthier.
  • The National Sleep Foundation recommends keeping your bedroom around 65ºF/18.3ºC to avoid sweating.

The Right Hair Products Can Make All the Difference

Buildup caused by many hair care products and "oily hair treatments" can weigh hair down and make it look oilier than it really is.

1. Choose The Best Shampoo for Oily Hair

best shampoo for oily hair

Dimethicone and other silicones might make hair shinier and smoother, but curly and fine hair can quickly get weighed down by the waxy buildup. Silicones also aren't environmentally friendly.

To create our biodegradable Natural Shampoo and Conditioner, we worked with PhD chemists to replicate the smoothing effects of silicone using Lexfeel N5. This 100% plant-sourced, 100% sustainable ingredient is *chef's kiss* for smoother tresses.

Pro Tip: These products are formulated to extend the time between washes for 3+ days!

2. Use Conditioner Correctly

how to get rid of oily hair

If you notice limp strands immediately after showering, you might be using your conditioner too high up on the follicles. Work conditioner into the tips of your hair, let it sit for approximately one minute, then rinse.

3. Do a Weekly Puracy Scalp Scrub

Puracy scalp scrub

Gunky buildup and residue make oily hair look even greasier. Break out a Natural Scalp Scrub in the shower at least once a week. While you can use your fingertips, we think that scalp brushes are better at removing dead skin cells and product buildup (that can lead to dandruff and flaking). Plus, it feels amazing.

4. Spritz Your Scalp with Puracy Dry Shampoo

Puracy dry shampoo

Wondering how to get rid of oily hair without washing it? While we don't recommend it as a total substitute for shampoo, the right dry shampoo is an amazing way to "zhuzh" your roots. By extending time between washes, healthy sebum also remains on the hair follicles (rather than being stripped away).

We've painstakingly developed Puracy Dry Shampoo to:

  • nourish the scalp with charcoal
  • absorb excess sebum with rice starch
  • provide a matte finish
  • give volume and texture to improve styling

Pro Tip: You can use dry shampoo preventatively to take care of excess oil.

Get Rid of Oily Hair – Naturally

shampoo and conditioner for oily hair

We worked with physicians, dermatologists, and PhD chemists to develop plant-based hair products that were:

  • sulfate-free
  • paraben-free
  • silicone-free
  • hypoallergenic
  • biodegradable
  • for all hair types

In fact, this goes for our entire lineup of. Since they come with a money-back guarantee, you've got nothing to lose!