These ideas are also suitable for those going through the greasy transition period to a form of natural haircare.
Braided Hairstyles Work Best on Greasy Hair
Braided hairstyles actually work better on greasy hair than clean. A single braid is the ideal solution, as double braids involve exposing more of the hair’s roots. Use a boar bristle brush to make hair lie back smooth and flat, and then choose whatever type of braid you like – a herringbone, rope, French, Dutch or four-strand braid will hold beautifully on dirty hair.
Disguise Greasy Hair by Boar Bristle Brushing
Using a boar bristle brush helps to spread sebum from the roots of your hair down the length to the tips, where it acts as a conditioner. A boar bristle brush also “polishes” the surface of the hair, which can make grease look like product.
Bandanas, Headbands and Hats
A broad headband worn close to the hairline can cover a lot of grease, especially if the hair is pulled back smoothly from the forehead without parting. Remember, more parts in your hair means more exposed greasy roots! Greasy bangs can often be pulled back and hidden under this kind of headband as well. If it’s appropriate for the situation, wearing a bandana or hat is of course the easiest way to disguise greasy hair.
Using Talcum Powder to Cut Greasiness
This old-time technique is best for women with fairish hair; on dark hair the baby powder may show up and give the appearance of grey streaks! Simply sprinkling baby powder over the roots, massaging in for a minute and then brushing the powder out removes grease from the hair along with the powder.
Quick-Washing Bangs
Bangs tend to look oily more quickly than the rest of the hair. Some women like to cheat by giving their bangs and sometimes the first inch of hair behind the hairline a mini-shampoo. As bangs dry quickly, this can be a time-saving option when a complete shampoo is not feasible.
Wetting Hairto Disguise Grease
On some hair colours wet hair can be impossible to distinguish from oily hair. Even if you don’t have time to wash your hair, dunking the length to soak it thoroughly can change people’s perceptions from “dirty” to “just-washed”.
Using Dry Shampoo and Hair Powder
Commercial dry shampoos are available which absorb grease and then brush out. While they’re more expensive than the talcum powder option they are easier to use (usually coming in aerosol containers) and work on hair of any colour.
How to Prevent Greasy Hair
Consistently greasy hair may be a matter of overcleansing rather than hormones. A scalp cleansed too harshly and too often produces extra sebum (grease) to compensate, resulting in a cycle of ever-oilier, high-maintenance haircare. Washing your hair less frequently, using a baby shampoo formula or trying one of several natural haircare methods such as conditioner-only washing can help cut down on greasy days.
Sarah Tennant - Sarah Tennant is a onetime English major who lives in New Zealand with her husband and two small children. Her interests range from ...
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