A common dilemma faces many of us: you’re at the peak of a hectic week, and your hair, just a day away from wash day, is beginning to look less than fresh. With no intention of overloading it with harsh products, you wonder—can your scalp be trained to need less shampoo, and how do you manage greasy hair while still looking put together?
Jake Unger, a stylist at Larry King Marylebone, explains the balancing act your scalp performs when it comes to oil production. “The natural oils produced by the scalp are essential for moisture and protection,” he shares. “When we strip those oils too frequently, the scalp overcompensates, producing more oil, which leads to greasiness.” Fellow stylist Elliot Bute of Hershesons Fitzrovia adds, “Factors like hair type, how often you wash, and even your lifestyle play a role in the level of oiliness you experience. Finding a middle ground in your routine can help manage this.”
Training Your Hair to Need Less Shampoo: Does It Work?
One trend that has surfaced online is the idea of “training” your hair to produce less oil by skipping washes. The thought is that by giving your scalp time to adjust, it will eventually require fewer washings. However, hair care experts urge moderation. Unger advises, “Pushing too long between washes can clog hair follicles, negatively affecting growth. Shampooing twice a week is a reasonable approach to maintaining healthy hair.” Bute echoes this caution, noting that over-washing can disturb the natural balance of bacteria on your scalp, potentially causing irritation or dandruff. He adds, “Washing sparingly can also reduce the need for excessive heat styling, which helps prevent damage like breakage and split ends.”
Best Hairstyles for Greasy Hair
When it’s time to head out, but your hair is betraying you with excess oil, opt for a chic hairstyle that conceals the grease while still looking polished. According to Unger, “Wet-look hairstyles are still on trend. Think Julia Fox’s sleek bob with a fringed finish at this year’s Grammys.” To tame flyaways and perfect the hairline, he recommends using Larry King’s anti-frizz kit to ensure a smooth, premium look.
Bute offers several styling suggestions to disguise oily roots. Messy buns, for example, provide a relaxed yet stylish vibe, while a sleek top knot keeps hair tidy and oil-free. “Braids and ponytails are also excellent choices,” he says. “For added texture and volume, use a bit of dry shampoo and texture spray. These will refresh the look and mask any oiliness.” To avoid exacerbating the issue, Bute advises steering clear of heavy styling products like thick oils or creamy serums, which can make greasy hair appear more weighed down. Instead, opt for lightweight sprays or dry shampoos.
A standout product recommended by Bute is Hershesons’ Zhoosh Foam, a lightweight styling foam that uses powder-to-foam technology to add volume and refresh second- and third-day hair effortlessly.
By adjusting your hair care routine and choosing the right styles and products, greasy hair doesn’t have to be a challenge—it can be an opportunity to experiment with trendy and sleek looks.
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