Why is My Hair So Greasy? 12 Common Causes and Fixes

Greasy hair is a problem that can make your hair look flat, oily and unwashed - even when you just shampooed it. Your scalp produces natural oils called sebum, keeping hair healthy and protected. Too much sebum can quickly cause greasy-looking roots, which can spread to the rest of your locks. Below, Laura Elliott, Head of Education at Neäl & Wølf explores some of the reasons your hair gets greasy.

1. Touching your hair too often

One of the simplest yet most overlooked causes of greasy hair is how often you touch it. Every time you run your fingers through your strands, you transfer oil, dirt, and bacteria from your hands to your hair. This can make your hair look greasy more quickly, even just after wash day- so be conscious of how much you brush it back, twirl it and adjust it through the day.

2. Genetics

Sometimes, oily hair is in your DNA. Genetics can influence how much sebum your scalp produces, so some people have naturally oilier hair than others - it can run in your family. While you can’t change your genetics, you can manage the oil in your hair with an effective hair washing routine - you might need to wash hair more often, as well as using nourishing products. Our HYDRATE Moisture Shampoo moisturises strands, whilst also using coconut acid, which gently removes sebum - making it an ideal solution.

3. Hair type

The type of hair that you have has an impact on how greasy it gets. Straight and fine hair tends to look oily much faster, because the sebum can easily slip from the scalp down the hair shaft. Curly or coarse hair can take longer to show grease as the oil struggles to travel along the twists and thickness of the strands. For this reason thinner hair can need washing every day with volume-enhancing products such as our AMPLIFY Volumising Shampoo. This is formulated to create a glossy lift, with ingredients such as panthenol and wheat protein. Find out more about the right shampoo for you: How to Choose the Best Shampoo for Your Hair Type

4. Hormones

Fluctuations in hormones are another reason that hair can feel suddenly more greasy. Changes linked to periods, pregnancy, menopause, or even certain medications can make your hair feel more oily. If hormones are the cause, managing grease might mean washing your hair more often or consulting a doctor if changes feel extreme. Between hair washes, we’d recommend using a dry shampoo such as our DAILY Dry Shampoo. This works by absorbing excess oils with tapioca starch and betaine, whilst also keeping your locks and scalp moisturised.

5. Stress

Not only does stress affect your mood - it can also affect your scalp. When you’re feeling the pressure, your body produces more cortisol, a hormone that can trigger the sebaceous glands to overproduce oil. If you’ve noticed your hair getting greasy faster in busy or stressful periods, it might be your body’s way of telling you that you need a break. Stress management techniques like exercise, meditation, or getting enough sleep can help balance your scalp over time.

6. Over-washing or under-washing hair

Finding the right hair-washing routine is key when it comes to managing greasy hair. If you don’t have naturally oily hair, washing too often can strip your hair of natural oils, which then triggers your sebaceous glands to produce even more oil to compensate. Alternatively, if you go too long between washes, oil, sweat, and product buildup can accumulate on the scalp, leaving your hair limp, greasy, and sometimes itchy. The key is balance! Learn how much to wash your hair: How Often Should You Wash Your Hair?

7. Using the wrong hair products

Not all hair products are created equal, and using the wrong ones can weigh down your hair and make it greasy much faster. Products that contain sulphates can take away the natural oils in your hair, causing sebaceous glands to produce even more oil. All of our products are sulphate and paraben-free - if it doesn’t benefit our customers, we don’t include it. Find our more about why you should choose the right products: Harmful Ingredients in Hair Products to Avoid and Check For

8. Diet

What you eat and how you live your life can have an impact on your scalp health. A diet high in greasy, fried, or processed foods can contribute to oily skin and hair. Not drinking enough water can also leave your body unable to balance oil production. A balanced diet with plenty of fruit, vegetables, and whole grains can improve how your scalp regulates sebum.

9. Putting conditioner on your roots

Conditioner is ideal for keeping your locks soft and hydrated, but applying it to your scalp or roots can leave hair feeling greasy. Conditioner should be applied to the mids and ends of your hair, to target the dry and damaged parts of your strands. A leave-in conditioner like our HYDRATE Leave-In Conditioning Spray can detangle, reduce frizz and restore moisture using avocado oil and hydrolyzed vegetable protein.

10. Applying too much hair oil

Hair oils can be great for taming frizz, enhancing shine, and helping with manageability. But, applying too much can make your hair look greasy straight away. Hair oils like our VELVET Nourishing Hair Oil should only be applied in a small amount to either damp or dry hair. You may also need to look towards a solution like our SILK Smoothing Blow-Dry Balm which is non-greasy, lightweight and can easily smooth frizz and flyaways.

11. Using dirty equipment

Everything your hair comes into contact with can impact it. Hairbrushes, combs, and towels collect oil, dust, dead skin cells, and leftover product over time. When you use them on freshly washed hair, you’re essentially transferring all that buildup back onto your scalp. To avoid this, wash your hairbrush weekly and keep your towels clean.

12. Over-brushing

Brushing your hair has benefits - it helps to distribute natural oils from your scalp down your strands, keeping them moisturised. But brushing your hair too often can overstimulate the sebaceous glands on your scalp, leading them to produce more oil. To avoid this, brush your hair gently just enough to detangle and style it, rather than running a brush through it constantly throughout the day.

So, why is your hair so greasy? The answer usually lies in your daily habits, the products you use, and your natural hair type. While genetics and hormones can play a part, factors like touching your hair too often, or applying conditioner to your roots often make the problem worse. 

The good news is that with a few small adjustments - such as switching products, washing less frequently, eating a balanced diet, and keeping your tools clean - you can manage oil production and enjoy fresher, healthier-looking hair. View our products to combat greasy hair: Hair Products