Hair Cair Tips for Oily Hair

For all of my adult life I have had extremely oily hair. I’m quite positive this started once I started washing my hair on a daily basis in college. It became a vicious cycle and, since I love the feeling of a clean scalp, I’ve washed my hair every single day for over a decade.

However, I know this isn’t sustainable or healthy, if we’re being honest. Recently I’ve been practicing new habits that are helping me actually go a day or two between hair washing. And if you know me, this is a huge accomplishment.

Here are some tips I’m following that are helping me on my journey to stretching between hair wash days for oily hair.

Hair Care Routine for Oily Hair

1. Choose Natural Shampoo for Hair Wash Days

Having the right products makes a world of a difference for oily hair. Since I also have color-treated hair, I only consider shampoos + conditioners that are free from sulfates, parabens, mineral oil and colorants. I found that clarifying formulas can sometimes kickstart extra oil production, so I try to stick to moisturizing formulas.

I’ve always tried to do my part to be environmentally-friendly, but have you realized how much plastic waste we product from shampoo alone? I was so excited to learn about Spring & Vine, a clean shampoo company that produce natural shampoo bars.

Spring and Vine at Target is dedicated to making clean shampoo bars that use 95% less plastic and 90% less water than traditional shampoo, without any synthetic fragrances. They’re also free of sulfates, parabens, silicones, dyes, phthalates, and mineral oil. Plus, they’re perfect for travel!

I like that Spring & Vine shampoo bars are crafted with shea butter and essentials oils that leave your hair feeling clean, healthy and moisturized. They have 4 different blends to choose from depending on your needs and preferences (the balanced clean is my favorite for my oily scalp):

• Volumizing – Grapefruit & Rosemary
• Moisturizing 2 in 1 – Oatmeal
• Scalp Soothing – Tea Tree & Mint
• Balanced Clean – Lavender & Orange Blossom

This year, I decided I’m going to start “training” my scalp to produce less oil. In a twist of irony, I have dry ends, so I try to focus the shampoo at the roots of my hair, without lathering the ends.

How to use Shampoo Bars

So, how do you use a shampoo bar on oily hair? First, wet your hair and dive your hair into sections. You can treat the shampoo bar like a soap bar: wet your hands and rub the bar to create a lather in your hands.

However, I like to use the bar directly on my scalp, particularly on my oilier areas: the top and back of the head. My scalp is left feeling clean and hydrated, without any residue that can encourage oil production.

2. Use Silk Pillowcases for Skin + Hair Health

Did you know silk pillowcases are great for your skin and hair? Silk pillowcases, as opposed to cotton ones, aren’t as absorbent. Which means they won’t absorb your skincare, but most importantly, they won’t absorb the oil/sebum your scalp produces overnight.

What happens when your oily scalp feels dry? It produces more even more sebum. Get where I’m going? A silk pillowcase will help extend the time between hair washing days. In addition, it will reduce any hair breakage. Win-win!

3. Choose Your Cut & Color Wisely

What length is your hair happiest at? My hair is happiest when it’s on the shorter side. Not only that, but it gives me more volume–which automatically makes hair look clean. Also, whenever I color my hair, I ask the stylist to give me a “lived in” look with my roots. Light-colored highlights near an oily scalp will stand out more than my natural dark color.

4. Stick with Waves and Curls

My hair gets oily looking quick when it’s slick straight. However, when I try beachy waves or curls, my hair appears more voluminous, and I can easily make it to day 2 with just a sprinkle of dry shampoo.

Waves will always look great! I love using a 1 – 1.25″ curling wand or iron (straight barrel). I also love how soft waves look when I use a 1.5″ curling wand. Use some texture spray for hold, and dry shampoo immediately after styling, before bed, and again in the morning. Sounds excessive, but I usually don’t need more dry shampoo after that. (I’ve made it to 3 days!)

5. Hair Accessories are Your Friends

The best way to draw attention away from oily roots is with a pretty headband. I personally like leopard print fabric or the velvet ones with pearls. They’re so pretty and are an easy way to dress up a basic outfit.

Do you have oily hair like me? What are some of your tips for oily hair? How do you extend the time between hair washings?

Next time you’re at Target make sure you grab one of the Spring & Vine natural shampoo bars to not only reduce plastic waste, but also have a safer product in your shower!