What to Do When Hair Feels Greasy After Washing?
Some people suffer from hair build-up that even after washing, they cannot eliminate the oil. It usually starts with a small patch on the scalp and that was very oily. People tend to wash it and then scrub it thinking that it will go away after that, but when they go out of the shower and even after drying their hair, it’s still there. This problem has nothing to do with washing your hair, especially when hair feels greasy after washing. You will feel dismayed, because you cannot understand why that’s happening is and what that was all about. After some time, this will progress and it will not just be a small patch on your head, but it will spread all over the head even if you use a natural or organic made shampoo.
Next thing you will know is that your entire head is very oily. This will make you feel very much embarrassed and you will soon wear a hat just to cover up your head. During childhood, your mother must have been telling you that it is best to shampoo the hair once or twice a week only and it will be beneficial if you will use a non-toxic type of shampoo, but you never listened. After a while, you have realized that your mother is right and you want to use a non-toxic type of shampoo when hair feels greasy after washing every now and then. But, you cannot blame this type of shampoo for lacking the effectiveness in keeping the scalp dry.
The cause of oily scalp
Having too oily scalp even after washing your hair is because of Seborrheic dermatitis and it has nothing to do with the shampoo you use and how often you shampoo your hair. It is a type of eczema that hits the scalp. This skin condition is very common and it primarily affects the scalp and the face. It may affect babies and adults too. It is often linked with psoriasis and called Sebopsoriasis. At the onset of seborrheic dermatitis, there will be an increased oil production and then the malessezia yeast will overgrow. After which, the immune system will get and then there will be redness and scales on your scalp. The dandruff will be inflamed in this condition.
You will see the dandruff that looks like bran, scaly patches all over the scalp and hair. Often times, people linked this with ordinary dandruff or Pityriasis capitis, but in this case, the scalp is not as oily as those with seborrheic dermatitis. According to a dermatologist, the wax is because of the hair residue that wasn’t able to get a chance to fully progress for some reasons. It might be because of your diet that they weren’t having the chance to develop and grow into red and scaly patches. But according to some, their diet is not composed of healthy foods though.
But there are other things that trigger seborrheic dermatitis, such as stress, weather condition, diet and genes. Probably, these things have their fair share with this scalp condition. But this condition has nothing to do with your real dandruff, which is a result of not shampooing your hair daily, shampooing it daily, not rinsing off accordingly and by using various hair styling products. When this mingles with your seborrheic dermatitis, your scalp condition will get worse and it will cause discomfort on your part.
What to do with the oily build-up?
If you will consult a doctor, he/she may prescribe a harsh clarifying shampoo to eliminate the scaly patches on your head and to solve the oiliness. But few patients do not want to use such type of shampoo, because the grease is going through the hair and they are not happy with it, so most of them still go back to using their regular shampoo and conditioner. On the other hand, some go for the natural method of cleaning the hair and most of them can attest to the fact that the mixture absolutely solved their problem.
Instead of using a clarifying shampoo, organic and natural shampoo or dishwashing detergent to eliminate the oil build up, why don’t you just use the baking soda mixture as a shampoo and the apple cider vinegar as the conditioner? The apple cider vinegar can be sprayed on your scalp, but do not do this without adding water to the mixture, because it is so powerful that it can burn your skin. You need to dilute it in water of the same quantity as the vinegar. Afterwards, put on a shower cap and then let the vinegar sit there for a few minutes. After almost thirty minutes, you can now wash your hair and add about a tablespoon of baking soda with tea tree oil and then pour the mixture on your scalp and then you are ready to go.
An oily hair is truly not pleasant on the eyes of the beholder. Those with curly and thick hair strands might be able to hold the excess weight of the oil, but those with fine, limp hair may suffer, because they cannot style it the way they want to and they need to hide it under a cap. When hair feels greasy after washing, you need to change your regular hygiene routine. The scalp has a sebaceous or oil glands that develop the oil or the sebum to be able to keep the scalp well moisturized and to also protect the hair naturally. As soon as the oil glands become overactive, they will make a lot of oil for the hair. When the oil builds up faster on the scalp, you will suffer from dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis. You need to use an over the counter pill or prescription pill to control this.
Go easy on oil products
If you suffer from having oily hair even after washing, you need to refrain from using creams on your hair. There are some products like pomades that cause too much oil on the hair. You can use sulfur8 to control scalp oiliness and greasiness, this is also best for dandruff control. You can use liquid oils instead, these are lighter formulas, but may still result in oiliness if you often use it. You need to wash your hair daily using a gentle type of shampoo. Always consider the condition of your scalp before you use or buy any products. Using styling gels, waxes and mousse can also cause oiliness of the scalp. If you are good to go without them, it will be best not to use them anymore.
Shampoo daily
When hair feels greasy after washing, wash it all the time to remove the oil build up. You need to focus on cleaning his scalp more than rubbing the hair. Let your fingers run through the scalp, use your palms and not the fingernails. Do the work, but control the amount of shampoo you use, so that the oil glands will not ever produce the oil. You need to try and experiment on shampoo schedules for you to determine which will work best for you. You can also apply a cream rinse after every shampoo; this will make the hair smooth and very soft. The frequency of conditioning matters, on the other hand, it can also leave residue on your hair and it can also cause oiliness and limp hair. If your hair is too oily, you can use these products, but not daily.
Stay dandruff and oil free for life
When hair feels greasy after washing, don’t worry! You can still do something about it. It is not yet the end of the world. Though baking soda is a good alternative for a regular shampoo, it is now recommended for daily use, since its pH level is not balance. Actually, it can even cause more damage to the hair and a lot of people who have used it to clean their hair as they go through the no poo method have realized later on that their hair was damaged by the baking soda and it is not repairable anymore. Don’t try the baking soda mixture if you are not sure about it and there are other things that you can do for your hair and oily scalp.
You will need a shampoo with tea tree oil, because it has a pH balance that will not harm the scalp. You can also use the apple cider vinegar with water to help your dermatitis heal and it will also give the hair a smooth and silky feel. It will be very gentle for your hair that you can use it over time, but make sure you dilute it with water, so it will not burn the scalp. Why apple cider? Well, because a healthy scalp is quite acidic and its pH balance is around 4 or 5, so when you use the apple cider vinegar it will bring back the acidity of the scalp into the right level.
You also need to modify your diet and include oily fish into it. In terms of foods, fish like salmon, mackerel and sardines are good and high quality sources of protein, iron and omega 3 & 6 fatty acids. These fatty acids are good for your hair, skin and nails. They can help in stimulating the skin and hair growth to keep the bone healthy and be able to regulate your metabolism. These oils can improve hair dryness and scalp problems at the same time. If you suffer from itchiness and oiliness of the scalp, don’t be bothered right away, because there are simple solutions to a problem.
25 Replies to “What to Do When Hair Feels Greasy After Washing?”
Hi
View CommentShould I use mustard oil on my oily hairs?
Your reply will be appreciated
Thanks.
I am suffering from sinve 2months having oily sticky n greasy scalp iwas using selsun shampoo. 2 bottles finished since after using regular shampoo again it comes back in my scalp what should i do i am worried n which doctor shall i consult…?
View CommentUse selsun only once in three to four days. Instead of conditioner, use indulekha hair oil (yellow bottle). use minimal oil to moisturise only the scalp. follow this routine strictly.
View CommentI washed my hair tonight and I just brushing it and it feels sticky and I don’t no what to do please reply
View CommentYou reply will be appreciated
I’ve been having the same exact problem. I’ve tried about 10 different shampoos and nothing worked until I used Paul mitchel shampoo with tea tree oil. It’s expensive but I’m willing to pay the price. I went to my hair lady and my hair is sticky and ends very damaged. Ive tried listerine, baking soda, Apple cider vinegar to get out residue but my hair is more damaged than ever was. My hair is very long and I’m mortified because of this. I was using the Paul Mitchell tea tree oil shampoo and no conditioner after shower I sprayed hair with no tangles by Johnson and Johnson. Then after about a week I was able to add some conditioner. I made the mistake of trying another shampoo recommended and the sticky is coming back so back to PM. I also sometimes use Malibu C it’s a small packet and used for hard water hair. That seems to strip stickiness but only problem is all this is stripping and damaging my hair. I’m going to stick with PM tea tree oil shampoo and little conditioner see if it works if I’m consistent. I heard Tony and Guy cleanse shampoo is really good. I haven’t tried yet sick of switching. PM seems to work best. Good luck
View CommentHello, I have had this problem on and off for a few years that you describe, so I have to be very careful when washing it. The longest I have managed to go so far without any problems is over three weeks, considering mine long term I was very happy at this progress.
You may want to alternate your shampoo consistently- use a volumising shampoo for two washes than a dandruff control shampoo during one week, so you wash your hair three times a week using a mild shampoo and than a dandruff product if you suffer from it, as this can contribute to it. I have also found some shampoos are much to harsh for my fine hair, like Tresemme clarifying shampoo- it’s best to avoid products that make your hair squeaky and dry it out, as this can encourage sebum production. Try using one stronger product ( ie dandruff shampoo) once a week instead.
Also, be careful about the temperature of water you use as hot water can lead to this problem, it’s best to use just warm water. Make sure also you are massaging the shampoo thoroughly throughout your scalp, concentrating where it can get most oily. Finally, although it’s a given please rinse as much as necessary to avoid any residue.
Natural shampoos with plant extracts have worked best for my hair.
View CommentI have been dealing with waxy scalp too. I have tried everything. The more I would wash the more it would spread. I tried spraying probiotics on my scalp and washed as usual and it is gone. I had surgery yesterday so I haven’t been able to wash my hair and still no waxy scalp. Now I am spraying my whole body. I started drinking it about three weeks ago 2xs a day and it has helped my digestive system big time. I buy it from nextwaveprobiotics.com
View CommentLife changer
I’ve suffered from this since I was 22 (now 31). No more cream shampoos, I currently use pantenes weekly damage repair as my daily shampoo with the damage repair conditioner (it’s a clear shampoo is a see through bottle. Neutrogena hair detox does not work on this condition. If I run out or Walmart or whomever is sold out of this shampoo I use johnsons original baby shampoo. Anytime I get brave and decide to try a cream shampoo, no matter the brand (even head and shoulders) it comes back within 2 days, doesn’t matter my diet, weather, mentruation etc. I’m tOo lazy to try the natural treatments (apple cider etc), I’d rather buy something that works.
View Commenti have had this problems for years. when my hair is a darker color it gets much worse. i have found blonde high lights help a lot to get rid of the problem. also normalizing shampoo and no conditioner.
View CommentI use my all time favorite GKhair pH+ clarifying shampoo for my oily and greasy hair. Also best for removing an excess styling products, dirt, residue, product build up and other impurities that can cause in dandruff in the coming future. I’d highly recommend this shampoo. Very effective for cleansing scalp. Love it. 🙂 <3
View CommentWashing your hair every day is the worst advice for someone with oily hair! The more you wash, the more you strip the natural oils from your scalp, causing your body to produce even more! It’s a vicious cycle that I don’t recommend.
View CommentI have had this issue for years and simply mix a teaspoon of baking soda into my shampoo (any type) daily. Fixes it instantly. I feel like it does dry out the ends of my hair so I condition the ends only and sometimes apply an oil to the very ends. I’ll have to try the apple cider vinegar trick.
View CommentHi.
View CommentI am a junior in high school and my hair is very oily all the time even right after I wash it. It started off with just a little patch of oily hair that would build up by lunch time, but now my entire head is oily even right after I wash it. I have tried many different shampoos and gotten my hair done on ways that would dry out my hair, but my hair won’t clean. It is embarrassing having to go to school everyday and have people stare at my hair and give me looks. I don’t know what to do about my hair and I really could use some help.
I have the same problem, my hair is so oily it looks wet! I used mouthwash on my hair!! I wet my hair and pour a few capful of any mouthwash on my scalp, head tilted way back (mouthwash in your eye is no fun) i massage in for a minute or two and then wash off, i imediatly can feel the shampoo working properly!
View CommentThis worked immediately! Thank you for your advice! Mouth wash is the way to go!!
View CommentI’ve had this oily, sticky, waxy hair problem for months now. I’ve tried using dish soap which did help a little for few days but it stripped my colored hair. I’ve used vinegar in the past to get rid of dandruff but it seemed to get worse after it. Today I decided to do the vinegar and also wash with baking soda. The hair felt soft when I was washing, it felt like something was finaly working. I let my hair air dry to see true results. After drying my hair it is worse than its ever been, I went to pick up my daughter from school and people are looking at my hair. It looks like I have not washed it in weeks, it’s so greasy. I will be trying tea tree oil and if that doesn’t help, will go see a doctor. By the way I have long hair and I feel like vinegar did a lot of damage to it.
View CommentHi, I have a problem that after washing my hair my hair feels greast BUT ONLY IN MY ENDS. My roots and scalp feel totally fine, but lover part of my hair just feels sooooo grasy and disgusting I can barely touch my hair and I just wear it in a bun or braid. And I don’t know what to to. I colord my hair about two weeks ago and since then it has gone downhill. I didn’t use conditioner in my last wash, as I thought that might be the problem, but no. What should I do? I hope anyone can help me.
View CommentSounds like you have hard water. Get a water softening filter or hard water shampoo.
View CommentWow I’ve seldomly read so many bad or conflicting tips for people with oily hair. Is it oily, then wash it all the time??? Advising to use baking soda and vinegar as a great alternative, but then stating that BS may be bad after all? Seriously – that is not touching the root of the problem, but most likely only aggravating it. Stating that many people have oily hair because of some eczema??? How can you even state that without having seen any person irl, we’re not doctors let alone dermatologists and even they don’t do diagnostics without actually seeing the patient…And if you DO have eczema, then you should most definitely not use baking soda as it is incredibly irritating to an already oversensitive skin (and even to many regular skins).
Most people have oily hair precisely because they wash their hair way too often, leaving their scalp in a continuous state of dryness or irritation, which it then tries to overcome by creating more oils. Seriously, I don’t mean to be rude but this site needs a thorough review and some advice from an actual expert in natural hair care.
View CommentI was having the same problem, it started with a patch of hair on the crown of my head, and was spreading forward. I was so disgusted! What worked for me was OGX Extra Strength teatree mint shampoo. I bought it at Walgreens. If it didn’t work I would have tried an apple cider vinegar rinse, but I REALLY hate the smell of vinegar. If the shampoo stops working, I will be sure to update on here. Also, I have psoriasis, which I am positive created this scalp problem. Different causes for it may have different solutions?
View CommentHi,
View CommentI have used TRESemmé salon silk, herbal essences clean shampoo, L’Oreal elvive shompoo for oily roots. And nothing has worked, I just used the elvive one and immediately after using it, it has given tgis greasy look. What should I do/use? I quick reply would be appreciated.
Hi,
View CommentI have a very similar issue. The top of my head is ok but the whole under layer looks and feels greasy and waxy. I thought maybe I was washing it wrong so separated my hair and doubled my time in the shower to wash it out. Didn’t work. I have used clarifying shampoos. Didn’t work. I’ve complained to hairdressers but they don’t ever give a straight answer. It’s only when I go hair dresser to get a wash and blow dry my hair is perfect. But I can’t afford that.
I don’t get what I’m doing so wrong but when I go hairdressers it’s fine?
I only wash my hair 2 maybe sometimes three times a week.
It’s so frustrating.
I had been having this problem for a couple of weeks. Tried everything. Finally in desperation I tried a dandruff shampoo from the dollar store my husband had around. It worked! No more waxy greasy hair. I had tried all the expensive dandruff shampoos, neutrogena clarifying, vinegar, dish soap, and a dollar store shampoo did the trick. My hair is normal again! The one with zinc in it!
View CommentHello i am suffering from greasy waxy scalp hair even after washing..please help me how to get rid of it asap!!! Its for last 1months..i tried vinegar rinse bt not working 🙁
View CommentMy mother was a beautician. We used only a vinegar rinse on our hair after shampooing, and we used a much diluted shampoo, as it was known the damage a lot of shampoo could do. I had very long and shiny hair, never a problem. In a pinch, we used baking soda for cleaning if we had to. We lived in some isolation so occasionally we had to make do. One of my daughters developed this oily scalp condition. I spent so much money trying every product, every natural, every clean and tea tree shampoo. What made it heal? Baking soda on the scalp mixed with clear (not green or yellowish) aloe 30 minutes before washing with natural shampoo(no preservatives, basically a soap) and vinegar rinse, about 1/2 tsp per 16 oz water. Perfect.
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