When it comes to hair care, oil can be both a blessing and a curse. The natural oils produced by your scalp are essential for keeping your hair strong, healthy, and shiny. However, too much oil can weigh your hair down, making it thick, unmanageable, and lacking its natural luster.
If you’ve dealt with oily hair, you’ve probably tried various remedies over the years. Unfortunately, there’s a lot of misinformation out there, and some commonly suggested tips can actually make the problem worse. To help you develop an effective hair care routine, here’s a list of “do’s” and “don’ts” for managing oily hair.
DO: Wash Your Hair When It Feels Necessary
A common myth about oily hair is that washing it too often makes it worse by causing your scalp to produce more oil. While there’s some truth to this, the reality is that if your hair feels oily and uncomfortable, it needs to be washed. No dry shampoo, hairbrush, or styling technique can effectively counteract a buildup of oil. So, if your hair feels greasy, go ahead and wash it.
DON’T: Avoid Blow-Drying Your Hair
Many people avoid blow-drying their hair out of concern for dryness and damage, but if your main issue is oily hair, this shouldn’t be a major worry. In fact, blow-drying can help manage excess oil by “drying out” some of the grease, allowing you to go longer between washes. Just make sure to use a heat-protection spray to minimize potential damage, but don’t feel the need to avoid blow-drying altogether.
DO: Monitor Your Hormones
You might notice that your hair becomes oilier at certain points in your menstrual cycle due to hormone fluctuations, and this is completely normal. However, if your hair is consistently oily regardless of where you are in your cycle, it could be worth visiting your doctor. Persistent oiliness might be related to a hormonal imbalance that no product or hair care technique can fully address, so it’s important to check if the issue is ongoing.
DON’T: Apply Conditioner to Your Scalp
A widely recommended tip that holds true is to avoid applying conditioner directly to your scalp. Conditioner should be used only on the lengths of your hair, particularly below the ears. Even products that claim to be suitable for the scalp can exacerbate oiliness, so it’s best to keep them away from the roots.
DO: Use Arrowroot Powder to Absorb Oil
Dry shampoo is a popular solution for oily hair, but many commercial products contain additional ingredients that might not be ideal for those with oily hair, such as “shine enhancers.” A natural alternative is arrowroot powder, which is commonly used in cooking but works well as a dry shampoo. Arrowroot’s sole purpose in hair care is to absorb excess oil. To use it, sprinkle a small amount onto the roots and lengths of your hair, then brush it through with a wide-toothed comb or your fingers. It will absorb the oil and leave your hair feeling soft and clean.
However, be careful not to use too much. Start with a small amount—just enough to lightly coat your hands—and smooth it over your hair. Using too much can leave a white or gray residue, so it’s better to start small and add more if needed.
In Conclusion
Hopefully, these tips will help you better manage any oily hair issues you might have in the future. With the right approach, you can keep your hair looking fresh and healthy, even if it tends to be on the oilier side.
