Greasy hair requires a specialised routine to cleanse the scalp whilst maintaining its natural balance. Rather than stripping the skin, the aim is to regulate sebum production in the long term.
How to recognise greasy hair?
Greasy hair typically exhibits the following characteristics:
greasy roots the day after (or two days after) washing
hair that’s flat and heavy
a shiny scalp
rapid loss of volume.
This imbalance can affect the overall appearance of the hair and cause discomfort.
Why does hair get greasy?
Multiple factors can explain the excess sebum which causes greasy hair:
The scalp producing excess sebum
The scalp naturally produces sebum to protect the hair shaft. When this production increases, the roots become greasy again more quickly.
Hormonal factors and stress
Hormonal fluctuations and stress can stimulate the activity of the sebaceous glands.
Using the wrong products and washing hair too often
Shampoos that are too harsh or daily washing can cause a rebound effect: the scalp produces more sebum to protect itself.
What’s the best haircare routine for greasy hair?
A tailored routine helps to cleanse the scalp without upsetting the balance. Here are a few things you can do every day:
Cleans gently but effectively:
Use a balancing cleansing product such as the Plant-Based Shampoo or the neutral, palm-free shampoo base, customised with regulating active hair ingredients. Moroccan rhassoul or clays ( Montmorillonite green, purple or white) can be used occasionally to purify the scalp.
Balance the scalp:
Incorporate active ingredients such as Algo’Zinc, Plant-derived salicylic acid, Bacti-Pur or Organic rosemary CO₂ extract to help balance sebum production. Nettle, Rosemary verbenone or Clary sage hydrosols can be used as a balancing mist.
Maintain the balance in the lengths:
Even if the roots are greasy, the lengths may need a little care: a small amount of Native Aloe Vera gel or jojoba oil helps to keep the hair supple without weighing it down.
Support hair health:
The Keratin Hair growth & care duo or the Hair complex food supplement can help improve the overall condition of your hair.
For a routine that’s perfectly tailored to your needs, take our personalised hair assessment to understand your specific requirements: Hair assessment
Key active ingredients for regulating excess sebum
Certain active ingredients are particularly suitable, such as:
Algo’Zinc: helps to regulate and mattify the scalp.
Plant-based salicylic acid: helps to gently purify the skin.
Astringent plant extracts: such as green tea or certain Ayurvedic powders (Neem, Tulsi).
To find out more about this topic, see our feature: How can I get rid of greasy hair?
How to space out shampooing if you have greasy hair
Gradually spacing out hair washing helps to rebalance sebum production.
Start by alternating between a gentle shampoo and a purifying treatment, avoid using water that is too hot, limit frequent touching of the scalp, and use absorbent powders (cornflour, bamboo sap) on the roots from time to time.
