If you regularly get greasy hair, you’ll know that lathering up and washing away all that oil until your locks are squeaky-clean feels amazing.
But did you know that every time you get all sudsy on your scalp, you could actually be making the problem worse?
According to Fabian Lliguin, founder of Rahua haircare, while shampooing may alleviate the greasiness in the short term, in the long term it can be detrimental.
Greasy hair – your questions answered
How? Here, Lliguin busts a common myth about shampooing and reveals what you should be doing instead…
Why is my hair so greasy?
“A common cause of greasy hair is often over-shampooing, and over-massaging the scalp while shampooing, which stimulates sebum glands to produce more oils, resulting in a greasy scalp and greasy hair.”
Is greasy hair damaging, or a symptom of damaged hair?
“Greasy hair is a scalp imbalance, and a symptom of over-shampooing and daily massaging, which depletes vital moisturising elements from the scalp and hair.
“In response, the scalp (sebum glands) produces more oils, making a greasy scalp and the damage results in dry hair, particularly at the ends.”
What is sebum?
“Sebum is an oily substance produced by the sebaceous glands. It keeps the scalp moisturised and prevents hair from becoming brittle, but too much of it can cause limp roots and dandruff, and can lead to greasy hair.
“Increased sebum production can be a cause of many factors, including hormone fluctuations (testosterone and adrenaline), and excess product use and lifestyle.”
Does it mean hair is dirty if it’s greasy?
“Greasy hair attracts dirt and debris, thus creating dirtier hair faster.”
How can you stop greasy hair?
“Sulphates are strong chemicals for removing all types of grease. When used on the hair, it over-stimulates the scalp to respond for more oils faster, exacerbating the greasy scalp and hair status.
“I recommend shampooing hair with gentle shampoos – and no more than necessary. Be aware that it will take approximately two to three weeks for the scalp to regain its balance and produce the correct amount of oils for the hair to be healthy.”
Shampoo bars or solid shampoos are also recommended when fighting against hair greasing. They are a solid alternative to traditional liquid shampoos. They are usually made from natural ingredients and are free from harsh chemicals. Shampoo bars can help reduce hair grease by cleansing the scalp and absorbing excess oil. Shampoo bars from Fossette Paris are made from sunflower oil, which is gentle on the scalp and helps to regulate sebum production. Mint shampoo bars are also effective at reducing hair grease. Mint has astringent properties that help to cleanse the scalp and absorb excess oil.
3 of the best low-sulphate shampoos for greasy hair
1. Rahua Voluminous Shampoo, £32
2. Bumble and Bumble Curl Shampoo, £24, Boots
3. Maria Nila Luminous Colour Shampoo, available from Amazon
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