1. Introduction
Greasy hair can be a real pain. You wash it in the morning, and by dinnertime, it’s flat, sticky at the roots, and screaming for another rinse. For some, the shine kicks in within a few hours. For others, it builds up over a day or two and makes styling impossible. Either way, oily hair can throw off your whole look and leave you feeling less confident.
What makes it more frustrating is when you’re doing everything right—washing regularly, buying good shampoo—yet the oil keeps coming. If that’s you, it might be time to change your strategy.
This guide covers what causes oily hair, small habits that make a big difference, natural remedies that actually help, and the best Amazon products for controlling grease. Whether you’re dealing with an oily scalp, greasy roots, or both, there’s a fix here for you.
2. What Causes Oily Hair?
Your scalp has sebaceous glands, just like your face. These glands produce sebum—a natural oil that keeps your scalp healthy and your hair shiny. The problem starts when those glands go into overdrive. Instead of just enough oil to moisturize your scalp, they crank out too much, and it ends up collecting at your roots.
A few key reasons why this happens:
1. Overwashing
Yes, it seems backwards—but shampooing too often can actually increase oil production. When you strip your scalp of all its oils, your skin thinks it needs to replace the lost moisture. So it produces even more oil to “balance things out.”
2. Hormones
Puberty, pregnancy, periods, stress, and even certain medications can all affect hormone levels—and oil production is directly tied to those. That’s why teenagers often get both acne and oily hair at the same time.
3. Product Buildup
Using styling creams, oils, and sprays can create buildup on your scalp. Over time, this traps oil and dirt at the roots. Even conditioners left too close to the scalp can weigh your hair down and make it greasy.
4. Touching Your Hair Too Much
Every time you run your fingers through your hair, you’re transferring oil from your hands to your scalp. Constant brushing can also stimulate the scalp and spread the oil faster from roots to ends.
5. Diet and Stress
High-sugar, high-dairy diets can trigger inflammation and more sebum production. Combine that with chronic stress, which raises cortisol, and your body may start producing more oil than usual.
Quick note: Some oil is good. It keeps your scalp from drying out and gives hair natural shine. The goal isn’t zero oil—it’s balanced oil.
3. How to Fix Greasy Hair: Daily Habits That Help
Small shifts in your routine can go a long way in managing greasy hair. These simple do’s and don’ts can help regulate oil and keep your scalp cleaner, longer.
✅ Do:
- Wash every 2–3 days instead of daily. Give your scalp time to balance itself out.
- Use lukewarm water. Hot water strips oils too aggressively and can irritate your scalp.
- Use a clarifying shampoo once a week. This removes buildup from styling products and conditioners.
- Rinse thoroughly. Leftover shampoo or conditioner can collect at the scalp and look greasy fast.
- Apply conditioner only to the ends. Keep it far away from your roots.
- Clean your hairbrush. At least once a week. Brushes collect oil, dirt, and product.
- Change pillowcases every 3–4 days. They absorb oil and can spread it back onto your scalp.
- Eat whole foods. Cut back on sugar, greasy snacks, and heavy dairy.
- Drink enough water. Hydrated skin (including your scalp) is less likely to overproduce oil.
❌ Don’t:
- Don’t touch your hair all day.
- Don’t use too much dry shampoo—this can clog follicles.
- Don’t overuse styling products that add shine or moisture.
- Don’t pile on thick oils or leave-in creams near the scalp.
Be consistent. You won’t see results overnight, but give it two to three weeks and you’ll notice less grease between washes.
4. Best Amazon Products to Control Oily Hair (Affiliate Section)
These top-rated products are easy to find, budget-friendly, and made for people dealing with oily hair and scalp. Thousands of reviews can’t be wrong—these are reliable picks that work for all hair types.
Clarifying shampoo for build up: Deeply cleanses oily hair and scalp to remove residue and excess oil; pH-balanced cream formula is gentle, non-medicated, and non-drying for all hair types, including color-treated hair.
Use once a week to remove buildup from conditioners, oils, and styling sprays. It leaves your scalp clean but not tight or dry. Works with colored and treated hair too.
Sometimes you just need a fresh start. This clarifying shampoo removes mineral deposits, product buildup, excess oils, and even silicones that can build up over time. Use this when needed to get a deeper clean.
A salon-favorite. This gives your scalp a fresh reset without stripping everything away. Ideal for those who use a lot of styling products.
Briogeo's #1 selling dry scalp shampoo delivers essential exfoliation that is clinically proven to help detoxify, soothe, and moisturize — leaving your strands soft and your scalp clean and fresh.
If your scalp feels congested or itchy along with being oily, this one’s a solid pick. It exfoliates gently and uses clean, plant-based ingredients.
Dry shampoo formulated to target excess oil and grease at the roots to leave your hair feeling clean between washes. Upgrade your hair care with a clean and classic fragrance with a citrusy and refreshing burst of orange and bergamot, balanced by hints of rose, lily, lavender and powdery musk.
The best for in-between wash days. It lifts oil instantly, adds texture, and gives volume without that weird white residue some dry shampoos leave behind.
Hair Growth & Relaxation: This scalp massager refreshes the scalp for stronger and better-conditioned hair over time. Regular use also promotes relaxation, making it an ideal part of your daily self-care routine.
Use it in the shower to work your shampoo deeper into the scalp. It helps break up oil, removes dead skin, and feels relaxing too. Great for circulation and cleansing.
Tea Tree Oil for Hair - Go green with our tea tree oil hair shampoo for oily hair women and men’s formula with scalp care ingredients that help make our purifying shampoo for greasy hair so popular.
Tea tree oil has natural antifungal and antibacterial powers. This shampoo can help reduce oil, flakes, and scalp itching over time.
Quick Combo Tip:
Pair a clarifying shampoo (once a week) with a gentle daily shampoo and a dry shampoo for between washes. Add the scalp brush for deeper cleansing, especially if you wear a lot of product.
5. Natural Remedies to Try at Home
If you prefer a DIY option or want something gentle and budget-friendly, these home remedies may help balance oil levels:
– Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse
Mix 1 tablespoon of vinegar with 1 cup of water. After shampooing, pour it over your scalp, let it sit for 2–3 minutes, then rinse. ACV helps balance pH and cuts through grease.
– Aloe Vera Scalp Mask
Apply pure aloe gel directly to your scalp, let sit for 15 minutes, then rinse and shampoo. Aloe has natural enzymes that calm the scalp and reduce oil.
– Green Tea Rinse
Brew 1–2 bags of green tea, let it cool, and pour it over your scalp. Leave it for 5–10 minutes before rinsing. The antioxidants help calm oil production.
– Clay Scalp Mask
Mix bentonite clay with water to form a paste. Apply to your scalp, let it dry for 10–15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. It absorbs excess oil and deep cleans the skin.
Note: Try these remedies once a week. They’re meant to support your routine—not replace it.
6. When to See a Dermatologist
If oily hair is getting worse or is paired with other symptoms, you might want to get it checked out. Talk to a dermatologist if you notice:
- Sudden, unexplained oiliness
- Scalp that’s always itchy or flaky
- Hair falling out more than usual
- Redness, bumps, or scalp irritation
You could be dealing with seborrheic dermatitis, a fungal issue, or even a hormone imbalance. A quick check-up can give you peace of mind and help rule out bigger issues.
7. Final Thoughts & Call to Action
Oily hair doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong. It just means your scalp needs a little balance—and you can absolutely fix that.
Stick to simple habits:
- Don’t overwash
- Use the right shampoo
- Keep heavy products away from your roots
- Clean your tools and watch your diet
Want a shortcut to results? These Amazon oily-hair products are tested and loved by thousands. They’re affordable, effective, and easy to work into your routine.
Ready to stop fighting greasy hair? Try one of these top-rated shampoos or tools today and give your scalp what it actually needs—balance, not war.
