Our biggest summer beauty gripe? Greasy hair. And with warmer days incoming, it’s about to get extra sticky up in our roots so we need some pro greasy hair hacks at the ready.
“Many people find greasiness is worse in the warmer months. With rising body temperatures, sweating is on the increase, allowing sweat to mix with the sebum on the scalp, hence spreading more greasiness,” says Dominic Roach, Creative Director of Colour at Butchers Salon.
And on top of a general increase in the amount we sweat, the weather itself can contribute to the issue as well. “With increased humidity, there is more moisture in the air and therefore more moisture in your hair.
Even our summer accessories can exacerbate the problem. Sunglasses pushed back onto the top of the head help transfer oil and grease. So too do sun accessories like hats, which make the roots flatter and greasier,” adds Roach. So, what can be done to help the issue? We reached out to the experts for some of their top greasy hair hacks.
Whatever you do, don’t over-wash it
As hair gets greasier, it can be tempting to increase the amount you wash it. After all, it makes sense that to combat grease, you just start afresh! Sadly though, experts say this is actually the worst thing we can do. “If you start washing your hair every day, your scalp feels like it has to overproduce sebum. You end up in a vicious cycle of feeling like you need to wash your hair every day,” says celebrity hairstylist and Co-Founder of Percy & Reed, Paul Percival.
If you already feel like you’ve fallen into the overwashing trap, start weaning yourself off. “Slowly reduce the number of times you shampoo and go for sulphate-free products as these will help clarify the hair,” says Roach.
Dry shampoo is your best friend
To combat greasy hair between washes and keep strands looking fresh and full of volume, turn to dry shampoo. “Add it to your root area to absorb excess oils, sweat and impurities. It can also create volume and texture in yesterday’s hair do. My go-to is Aveda Shampowder Dry Shampoo,” advises Roach.
If you find that your scalp isn’t a fan of dry shampoo and can get easily irritated, fear not. “For sensitive scalps, I recommend spraying the product onto a brush first and comb it through the hair, making sure you get to the roots,” says Percival.
When you do wash it, go easy on product
Come summer, you might find you have to reassess your usual shampoo and conditioner combo in order to minimise grease levels. “Stay away from silicones and sulphates,” says Percival. Percy & Reed Turn Up The Volume Volumising Shampoo gives a lift to limp hair without coating it or weighing it down. “Give hair a blast of cold water once it’s washed – this will help the scalp and regulate blood flow,” he adds.
