Having oily hair can be a real challenge when it comes to maintaining good hygiene and personal grooming. It can make your hair look greasy, weighed down, and dull; that’s why having a washing routine for oily hair, is essential. So don’t worry – there are ways to keep your locks looking fresh and vibrant without overwashing or using harsh products.
The key is finding the right washing routine for oily hair that works for you. In this article, we will discuss how you can create an effective hair care routine for oily hair that keeps your scalp healthy while making sure your strands stay oil-free all day long!
Washing Routine for Oily Hair Quick Guide
Washing oily hair can be challenging, as excess oil and sebum buildup can make your hair greasy and dirty-looking. Following a proper washing routine can remove excess oil and keep your hair looking fresh and clean. Here are the steps for a washing routine for oily hair:
- Pre-wash Treatment
- Wet your Hair
- Apply Shampoo
- Condition
- Towel Dry
- Style
Washing Routine for Oily Hair Steps
Following these steps can help you maintain a healthy scalp and keep your oily hair looking fresh and clean. Remember to wash your hair every 2-3 days, as excessive washing can strip your scalp of natural oils, causing even more oil production.
Step 1: Pre-wash Treatment

Before shampooing, apply a pre-wash treatment to your hair to gently loosen and remove any product buildup or excess oil. You can use natural ingredients like apple cider vinegar or lemon juice for this purpose.
Step 2: Wet your Hair

Wet your hair thoroughly with warm water. Avoid using hot water, as it can strip your scalp of natural oils, leading to increased oil production.
Step 3: Apply Shampoo

Apply a clarifying shampoo specifically designed for oily hair to your scalp and hair. Focus the product on your roots and massage gently with your fingertips. Rinse thoroughly with warm water. Repeat these steps if necessary.
Step 4: Condition

Use a light, oil-free conditioner on the length of your hair, avoiding your scalp. Leave the conditioner on for a few minutes and rinse with cool water. Cool water helps to close the cuticles and prevent oil buildup.
Step 5: Towel Dry

Gently towel-dry your hair to remove excess water. Avoid using a blow dryer, as heat can stimulate your scalp to produce more oil. Towel dry your hair gently, avoiding rubbing too vigorously to prevent further oil buildup.
Step 6: Style

Style your hair as desired using an oil-free styling product. Avoid using too many products, as they can weigh down your hair and make it look oily.
Avoid styling products that contain heavy oils or silicones as they can weigh down your hair and lead to greasiness. Opt for lightweight, oil-free products instead.
Washing Routine for Oily Hair Tips
- Before washing your hair, brush it thoroughly to remove any tangles and loosen any dirt or oils trapped in your hair.
- Wet your hair thoroughly with lukewarm water as hot water can strip your scalp of natural oils and cause your hair to produce more oil.
- Apply a small amount of shampoo to your hair, focusing on your scalp and roots as this is where the oil buildup is most concentrated. Massage gently with your fingertips to create a rich lather and ensure that the shampoo reaches all areas of your scalp.
- Rinse your hair thoroughly with lukewarm water and repeat the shampooing process a second time to ensure that all oil and dirt are removed from your hair.
- Avoid over-shampooing your hair as this can cause your scalp to produce more oil in response to being stripped of its natural oils.
- Apply a gentle conditioner to the ends of your hair, avoiding your scalp as this can further exacerbate excess oil production. Leave the conditioner in for 2-3 minutes before rinsing thoroughly with lukewarm water.
- Avoid touching your hair too often throughout the day as the oils from your hands can transfer to your hair and cause further buildup.
- Wash your hair every other day to prevent excess oil buildup without stripping your scalp of its natural oils.
Washing Routine for Oily Hair Recommended Tools To Get The Job Done
Neutrogena Exfoliating Healthy Scalp Clarify & Shine Shampoo for Oily Hair
Neutrogena’s Exfoliating Healthy Scalp Clarify & Shine Shampoo for Oily Hair is formulated with pink grapefruit to clarify and exfoliate oily scalp and hair. This color-safe, paraben-free shampoo boosts shine and hydrates the hair to give it radiant health.
It’s ideal for oily scalp and hair but suitable for all types, including straight, wavy, and curly hair. Use this shampoo as part of your washing routine for optimal results from a nourishing product that helps maintain your scalp’s natural balance while protecting colored treated locks.
Enjoy shiny, healthy-looking hair without harsh chemicals or sulfates. Make Neutrogena Exfoliating Healthy Scalp Clarify & Shine Shampoo part of your regular hair care routine today.
Nexxus Hydra-Light Weightless Moisture Conditioner
The Nexxus Hydra-Light Weightless Moisture Conditioner is perfect for those with oily hair. Thanks to its advanced conditioning technology, this lightweight conditioner deeply hydrates and nourishes hair without weighing it down.
Enriched with Deep Sea Minerals and Concentrated Elastin Protein, this salon-quality product will help your hair look full and vibrant while unlocking beautiful movement.
With Nexxus Hydra-Light products in your washing routine, you can get flawless locks that are sure to turn heads.
Drybar Triple Sec 3-in-1 Finishing Spray
Drybar Triple Sec 3-in-1 Finishing Spray is the perfect addition to any washing routine for oily hair. This product texturizes, amplifies, and refreshes your locks for a tousled, sexy look with a light hold.
Shake it extremely well before use and spray 4-6″ (10-15 cm) from dry hair for texture, volume, and lift. For maximum volume and style, flip your head upside down when applying this product.
After styling your hair using other products or tools, finish off by spraying Drybar Triple Sec 3-in-1 Finishing Spray as the final step in achieving a voluminous look that lasts all day long.
Common Questions About Washing Routine for Oily Hair
Should you include styling products in a hair care routine for oily hair?
To prevent your hair from becoming greasy, avoid applying conditioner or styling products to your scalp and hair roots. The roots of your hair are naturally moisturized by sebum produced by your scalp, so you don’t need to apply any additional conditioners or masks to the roots.
How often should you wash oily hair?
If you have an oily scalp and your hair gets greasy very quickly, washing it frequently might seem like the best solution to keep it looking fresh. However, this could backfire on you. Washing your hair every day will make your scalp produce more sebum quickly to replace what has been lost.
You may want to endure a few bad hair days initially to prevent your hair from becoming greasy as fast in the future. Washing and styling your hair every day can also be time-consuming and inconvenient, so it’s worth giving this a try.
What shampoo and conditioner are best for greasy hair?
- It’s important to shampoo your hair to cleanse it, remove excess oil, and freshen up greasy hair. But make sure you use a gentle product that won’t strip your hair completely or encourage your scalp to produce more oil. Look for shampoos that are gentle, natural, and clarifying, and avoid those that contain silicon to prevent excessive buildup.
- Choose a natural, lightweight conditioner that balances moisture instead of thick or intensive ones that can cause an imbalance and make your hair greasier faster. Additionally, it’s advisable to steer clear of conditioners with thick oil as the primary ingredient.
Video Oily Hair Hacks! How to Wash Hair Less With Greasy Hair- dpHue, Amika, Best Dry Shampoo
Are you struggling with oily hair and looking for the best washing routine for oily hair? In this video, you’ll learn a step-by-step hair care routine that can help to keep your scalp oil free. Learn how to wash your hair properly and discover some tips on taking the best care of oily hair.
Final Thoughts
Having an effective hair-washing routine for oily hair is essential to keeping your scalp healthy and free of buildup. Knowing how often to wash, what products to use, and the right way to lather up can help you maintain a balanced oil production on your scalp.
With regular maintenance and proper care, it’s possible to keep your greasy roots in check while still nourishing them with natural oils that are beneficial for overall health.
If you have any questions or concerns about finding the perfect balance between cleansing and conditioning, reach out to one of our experts today – we would be happy to help.