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Hair concern · 10 steps · 2 min read · Updated 29 October 2026

How to treat oily hair?

Oily hair is usually an oily scalp. Sebaceous glands produce sebum to protect the scalp and hair, but hormones, genetics, humidity, heavy products and even over-washing can push them into overdrive. The goal is balance, not stripping. Here is how to get there:

  1. 01

    Wash with a Balancing or Clarifying Shampoo

    Choose a lightweight shampoo made for oily or fine hair. Use a clarifying shampoo once a week to remove product build-up, then go back to a gentler daily formula. Harsh, stripping shampoos make the scalp over-correct and produce more oil.

  2. 02

    Shampoo Twice, Rinse Well

    The first wash lifts oil and product, the second actually cleans. Rinse until the water runs clear, and finish with cool water to flatten the cuticle; it leaves the roots looking less greasy.

  3. 03

    Condition Mid-Lengths to Ends Only

    Keep conditioner off the scalp and roots. Apply from the ears down, where the hair is oldest and driest, and rinse thoroughly. Leftover conditioner near the scalp reads as grease within hours.

  4. 04

    Do Not Over-Wash

    Daily washing can strip the scalp and trigger more oil. Try stretching to every second day. The first two weeks feel greasy while the scalp recalibrates, then most people find their hair stays fresher for longer.

  5. 05

    Use Dry Shampoo Between Washes

    Spray dry shampoo at the roots the night before, not the morning after, so it absorbs oil while you sleep. Brush it out in the morning. Do not let it build up for days without a proper wash.

  6. 06

    Go Light on Styling Products

    Avoid heavy oils, butters, waxes and silicones near the scalp. Choose water-based mousses, light sprays or foams, and apply them to the lengths rather than the roots.

  7. 07

    Exfoliate the Scalp Weekly

    A gentle scalp scrub or a shampoo with salicylic acid clears dead skin and build-up that trap oil. Once a week is enough; more can irritate the scalp.

  8. 08

    Keep Hands, Brushes and Pillowcases Clean

    Touching your hair transfers oil from your fingers. Wash brushes weekly and change pillowcases every few days, especially if you use overnight treatments.

  9. 09

    Rethink Heat and Tight Styles

    Tight ponytails trap oil against the scalp and high heat irritates it. Dry on medium, direct the airflow down the hair shaft, and alternate styles.

  10. 10

    Look at Diet and Stress

    High-glycaemic foods and stress both affect hormone levels that drive sebum production. Balanced meals, water and sleep make a visible difference over a few weeks.

Before you go

If your scalp is oily and also flaky, itchy or red, you may have seborrhoeic dermatitis rather than simple oiliness. A pharmacist or dermatologist can recommend a medicated shampoo. Sudden changes in oiliness can also follow new medication or hormonal changes, so mention them to your GP.

Frequently asked questions

Should I wash oily hair every day?

Usually not. Daily washing with a harsh shampoo can strip the scalp and trigger more oil. Try every second day with a balancing shampoo and use dry shampoo in between while your scalp adjusts.

Does conditioner make oily hair worse?

Only if it reaches the scalp. Apply conditioner from the ears down and rinse well. Skipping conditioner altogether leaves the ends dry and the roots just as oily.

Is dry shampoo bad for your scalp?

Used occasionally and brushed out properly, it is fine. Relying on it for several days without washing lets powder and oil build up, which can irritate the scalp and clog follicles.

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