GREASE LESSENING

Louis Whitbread on the best shampoos for oily hair

- Louis Whitbread

If you put time, effort, and products into your skincare routine, you should definitely be doing the same for your hair-washing routine. Just like your face, your scalp has oil glands that can become overactive and leave you with greasy strands. If you’re sick of washing your hair constantly or are always reaching for dry shampoo to add life back into your tresses, you may have an oily scalp, and require a dedicated shampoo for cleansing.

Dr Anastasia Therianou, consultant dermatologist and hair-loss expert, says a greasy scalp and dull hair are the two main characteristics of oily hair, which often lacks root volume, especially if not frequently washed. “Oily hair tends to occur through genes, but there are other causes, particularly hormones (including stress hormones) or using products that do not clean the scalp properly. If you are predisposed to excessive sweating, this can also trigger oily hair, as can environmental pollutants and climatic temperature changes,” she explained.

Excess oil production can be combated by washing your hair regularly and using the right shampoo, Therianou reveals. “Rather than simply giving the hair a quick lather then rinsing, leave the shampoo in for a few minutes to give it enough time to work.” Dr Therianou cites clarifying shampoos as the most effective tool in your shower routine and recommends steering clear of even the best sulphate-free shampoos as “sulphates are the ingredients that help clean the scalp properly.”

She also advises applying conditioner only on the ends of the hair and never to the roots, and ensuring you rinse off any shampoo and conditioner thoroughly, to avoid exacerbating any oiliness. Lastly, “it’s important to avoid using too many styling products on the roots of the hair, and avoid using any type of hair oil near the scalp.”