Products for Greasy and Oily Hair

Scalp-Balancing Products for Greasy Hair

Greasy hair is a scalp condition before it is a hair condition. Excess oil production, known as sebum, originates at the sebaceous glands in the scalp rather than in the hair itself. Over-washing in an attempt to control greasiness often makes the situation worse, stimulating the scalp to produce even more sebum to compensate for what is being stripped away.

The most effective approach is to rebalance the scalp rather than simply strip it. Using the right clarifying and purifying formulas to reduce sebum build-up and regulate oil production over time, without creating the cycle of over-stripping that perpetuates the problem.

Davines' oily hair products cover this approach from cleanse to treatment, with formulas developed for oily, greasy, and build-up-prone scalps. All products are sustainably made in Parma, Italy, and free from sulphates and parabens.

Shampoo for Greasy Hair

A good shampoo for greasy hair is one that cleanses thoroughly without triggering the rebound oil production that harsh formulas cause. Our SOLU Shampoo is our most targeted clarifying formula. Developed specifically for oily and build-up-prone scalps, it removes excess sebum, product residue, and environmental debris with sea fennel extract, leaving the scalp thoroughly clean without stripping the natural moisture balance that normal cleansing relies on.

The Purifying Shampoo from the NaturalTech range addresses oily and problematic scalps by regulating sebum production and reducing the scalp conditions that lead to persistent greasiness, making it particularly effective for those who find standard clarifying shampoos too stripping. Explore the full NaturalTech Purifying range for the complete suite of purifying products.

For those whose greasy hair is accompanied by scalp sensitivity or irritation, the Rebalancing Shampoo from the NaturalTech range takes a gentler approach, regulating oil production while soothing the scalp and addressing the imbalance at a physiological level rather than simply through surface cleansing.

Clarifying Treatments for Oily Scalps

Periodic clarifying treatments remove the layers of product build-up, hard water minerals, and excess sebum that regular washing cannot fully address, giving the scalp a thorough reset that improves the effectiveness of every product that follows.

The Detoxifying Scrub Shampoo combines physical and chemical exfoliation to deeply cleanse the scalp, removing build-up and excess sebum while stimulating circulation at the scalp surface. Used once or twice a week in place of your regular shampoo, it provides a deeper clean that maintains scalp health over time.

The SOLU Sea Salt Scrub Cleanser is a treatment-grade scalp scrub that physically exfoliates the scalp using sea salt, clearing follicle-blocking build-up and excess oil while leaving the scalp refreshed and receptive. It works well as a pre-shampoo treatment used on dry or damp hair before washing. Browse the full clarifying range and detoxifying essentials for all available options.

Managing an Oily Scalp Long-Term

Retraining an oily scalp takes time. Gradually extending the interval between washes, combined with using the right rebalancing products consistently, allows the scalp to recalibrate its oil production over several weeks. On non-wash days, the DEDE Shampoo offers a gentle daily option for those whose scalp requires more frequent cleansing without the intensity of a clarifying formula every time.

For those whose oily scalp is accompanied by sensitivity or flakiness, the sensitive scalp and dandruff collections cover overlapping conditions that are often associated with scalp imbalance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Greasy Hair

Why does my hair get greasy so quickly?

Hair becomes greasy quickly when the scalp's sebaceous glands are producing more sebum than normal. This can be driven by hormonal factors, diet, stress, or by over-washing, which strips the scalp and triggers compensatory oil production. Fine hair also appears greasier more quickly than thick hair because there is less hair volume to absorb the oil. Switching to a rebalancing shampoo and gradually reducing washing frequency is the most effective long-term approach. Our guide on how to train your hair covers the process of extending time between washes in detail.

What is the best shampoo for greasy hair?

The best shampoo for greasy hair cleanses thoroughly without over-stripping the scalp, which can trigger increased oil production. Our SOLU Shampoo is our primary recommendation for oily and greasy hair: it removes excess sebum and product build-up effectively while maintaining the scalp's natural balance. For scalps that are oily and sensitive simultaneously, the Rebalancing Shampoo from the NaturalTech range is a gentler rebalancing alternative.

How often should I wash greasy hair?

Washing greasy hair every day or very frequently can perpetuate the problem by over-stripping the scalp and triggering increased sebum production. For most people with oily hair, washing every two days is more effective than daily washing, and gradually extending to every three days over several weeks allows the scalp to reduce its oil output over time. Using a scalp scrub or clarifying treatment once or twice a week provides a deeper clean at intervals without the daily stripping cycle. Our guide to detoxing your hair and scalp covers how to reset an oily scalp with salon-level treatments.

Can hard water cause greasy-looking hair?

Yes. Hard water contains high levels of calcium and magnesium minerals that deposit on the hair and scalp over time, creating a build-up that can make hair look dull, feel heavy, and appear greasy even when it is clean. A chelating or clarifying shampoo removes this mineral build-up more effectively than regular shampoo. The SOLU Shampoo and SOLU Sea Salt Scrub Cleanser are both effective for this purpose. Our guide to how to properly clarify hair explains the process and frequency in detail.

Can I use conditioner if I have greasy hair?

Yes, but apply it to the mid-lengths and ends only, never the scalp or roots. Conditioner applied to the scalp adds weight and oil at exactly the place you are trying to manage, making greasiness worse. Focusing conditioner on the ends, where the hair is drier and more prone to breakage, gives you the benefits of conditioning without contributing to scalp oiliness. A lightweight conditioner is preferable to a richer formula for oily hair types.

What causes a greasy scalp and dry hair ends?

This combination, often called combination hair, occurs when the scalp overproduces sebum but the excess oil does not travel far enough down the hair shaft to reach the ends. It is particularly common in longer hair. The solution is to treat the scalp and the ends differently. Use a rebalancing or clarifying shampoo on the scalp and roots, and apply conditioner only to the dry ends. Our guide to scalp balance and winter reset covers scalp rebalancing approaches in more detail.