If you ever feel like you can’t get your hair clean, no matter what you do, then this blog post is for you. I used to feel like my hair was always heavy and greasy and just needed a reset. In this blog post, we’ll review an oily hair routine that will leave your hair feeling clean, healthy, soft, and shiny!
First Wash Day
We’ll call this Day 1 of our oily hair wash routine.
Scalp Exfoliation
On the first wash day, we are going to work on clearing out any build-up on the scalp. This is what sets this oily hair routine apart from most. The buildup from sweat, oils, and products accumulates a lot faster in oily hair types. Use an AHA or BHA toner and apply it to the scalp. Leave on for 10-20 minutes and then shower.
Just like we exfoliate our skin, it’s important to exfoliate the scalp as well. Using a BHA serum is preferred since it works well at reducing oil as well, but anything works! Avoid harsh scrubs because these can cause breakage.
This is a great time to be more sustainable and use what didn’t work for your regular skincare routine.
Oily Hair Wash Routine
Double shampoo your hair with a sulfate-free shampoo, yes, even for this oily hair routine. Follow up with a hydrating conditioner to the ends of your hair.
Pat dry using a microfiber towel and try to keep post-wash styling products to a minimum. I use a lightweight volume spray on the roots and a detangling spray on the ends. That’s it.
Blow dry your hair in this oily hair routine to keep your hair from getting greasy faster. A wet scalp can lead to more oil production.
In-Between Washes
These are Days 2 and 3 most likely.
Go as many days in between oily hair wash days as you can. If it feels greasy, feel free to wash it. There’s no need to keep the oil and dirt build up on your hair. This can lead to dandruff and hair loss.
For this oily hair routine, try to keep dry shampoo to a minimum and only use it when you need to. Although it helps extend the time between washes, it can also lead to more build-up.
Lastly, try to avoid touching your hair as much as possible. Our fingers produce oils and when we touch our hair, they can get transferred over.
{Related Post: 6 Indian Hair Care Secrets for Soft, Shiny, and Healthy Hair}
Second Hair Wash Day
This is around Day 4
Hair Oiling
Hair oiling to really important to get our scalp the nutrients and blood circulation it needs. It can feel counter-intuitive because you already have greasy hair. But, hair oiling is an essential step in an oily hair routine.
Check out my entire post on hair oiling.
{Related Post: How to Oil Your Hair like a South Asian}
Hair Oiling Wash Routine
After letting the oil sit in your hair, the next step for this oily hair routine is to use a clarifying or medicated shampoo—double shampoo to really get the oil out and then follow up with conditioner on the ends.
Your post-shower styling routine can remain the same.
Oily Hair Routine
Just keep repeating this cycle. Your oily hair routine on one wash day will focus on scalp exfoliation. The next time you wash your hair, focus on hair oiling.
Oily Hair Routine 1: exfoliate, sulfate-free shampoo, conditioner, style
Oily Hair Routine 2: hair oil, clarifying/medicated shampoo, conditioner, style
Oily Hair Maintenance
In any case, there are things to remember in an oily hair routine. Following these “rules” will help keep your scalp and strands happy
- Avoid heavy cream products and conditioners on the scalp. This will weigh the hair down and create a buildup.
- Avoid dry shampoos when possible and only use them when needed. If you can wash your hair, do that instead
- Avoid touching your hair. This adds oils to the hair strands, making it feel dirtier quicker.
- Clean your hair brushes and pillowcases often. They collect dirt, oil, and sweat.
- Don’t be afraid of clarifying shampoos. They have a purpose. They deeply clean the build-up on your scalp.
- Listen to your scalp.
- Test your water. Hard water means you might have mineral deposits on the scalp which can lead to clogged follicles and build-up. You’ll need to use a clarifying shampoo more often in this case.
{Related Post: How to Clean Hair Brushes: An Easy Way to Get Your Brushes Looking New Again}
Product Recommendations
Final Thoughts
If you found this oily hair routine helpful, leave a comment below! Share your tips and any other topics you’d like to see in the future!
With love,
Aditi <3
Aditi Rani – Figuring Out Life in Your Twenties
*Disclaimer: This is not professional advice. Some links are affiliate. By clicking and/or purchasing, I may receive a commission. It does not alter the price or change your buyer experience.
