7 Ways to Stop Oily Hair for Good

BeautyRiot Diva

Confession: My hair gets oily SUPER fast, like visible grease in a matter of hours fast. By 5:00, I look like Kristen Stewart in this pic. Think I'm over-exaggerating? The other day, I was late for work (aka: I had NO time to shower), and I got ready in five minutes flat with this lazy girl's guide to hair. As I was running out the door, my boyfriend looked at me and asked why I was going out with wet hair. Major fail.

I've tried everything to stop the oil slick. You name the product, I've bought it. I even participated in this dirty hair challenge to make myself feel better about it. But I never thought about asking real girls what they do to keep their oily hair from taking over their lives -- until now. Check out some of the awesome tips I got from our readers below:




No. 1: Dye Your Hair
"Whenever I dye my hair, I find that my hair gets less oily." -- Briana L.

Here's why it works: Hair dye has chemicals that lift your hair away from the scalp, which makes it harder for oil to travel up the hair shaft. Whether you color all of your hair or simply put highlights near the roots, it'll help dry out the oil, says celebrity hairstylist Angelo David of Angelo David Salon.




No. 2: Rinse with vinegar
"I rinse my hair with vinegar to get rid of oil and residue, and then apply a fruity shampoo to get rid of the smell." -- Grass (Yes, that's her real name)

Here's why it works: Applying things like vinegar, tea, and diluted lemon juice to your scalp definitely helps cut the oil, say hairstylist Sherri Jessee of Sherri Jessee Salon. That's because these products contain tannic acid, a natural astringent, which leaves the hair clean but doesn't completely strip it (you do need a little oil after all).




No. 3: Put oatmeal on your scalp
"I make some oatmeal (the apple cinnamon one [has] the best smell) and let it cool. Then I rub a generous amount onto my scalp and rinse it out." -- Grace M.

Here's why it works: "Oatmeal is a great treatment for oily hair," says David. Its thick consistency helps soak up the oil from your roots. Not to mention, it also exfoliates your scalp and soothes itchiness. If you're in a rush and have no time to cook up some oats or hop in the shower, sprinkle dry oatmeal onto your scalp to soak up any oil, and brush it out.




No. 4: Style your hair in waves or curls
"I notice my hair gets oily faster when it's straight. But when I use a curling iron to curl my hair, it seems to takes longer for the oil to set in." -- Sarah C.

Here's why it works: The wavier your hair texture is, the drier it tends to be, says hairstylist Stephanie Pohl. The waves and bends in your hair make it harder for the oil to spread. When your hair is straight, there's nothing to stop your natural oil from slipping down the hair shaft. Time to break out that curling iron.




No. 5: Look for minty products
"I make my own minty hair rinse by boiling a handful of mint leaves. When it cools, I pour the entire mixture over my hair for a tingly sensation." -- Sarah K.

Here's why it works: Mint is a great way to refresh limp hair, says Jessee. For a similar result (if you're not into the DIY method), use a shampoo containing tea tree oil, like Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo, $26. The herbal extract mimics the effect of mint, and works as an invigorating astringent to remove excess build up on your scalp. If you have a specific area, like your bangs, that always gets oily, "mix some witch hazel with water in a spray bottle and mist the area before styling," says celebrity hairstylist Andi Scarbrough of Byu-Ti Salon.




No. 6: Use baby powder, cornstarch, or cocoa powder
"I throw some baby powder on the roots and then braid my hair. It adds more texture to my fine hair so the braid sticks better." -- Katie M.

Here's why it works: According to Jessee, baby powder or cornstarch is a great option for girls with lighter hair. You can also use a fragranced body powder. "Just dab the powder onto a puff and blot your roots with it. This will absorb the excess oils and simultaneously mask odor," says Jessee.

If you have dark hair, doing the same thing with cocoa powder or dark eyeshadow (brown or black) will also do the trick, says hairstylist Jessica Chavez. Just apply it to the roots of your hair with an old blush brush, being careful not to leave any marks on your scalp.




No. 7: Skip a wash (or two)
"I only wash my hair every other day." -- Melisa M.

Here's why it works: "Over-shampooing and an oily scalp go hand-in-hand," says Scarbrough. That's because the more you shampoo, the more oil your scalp produces to try to rehydrate your hair. Simply put: If you have oily hair, you shouldn't be washing your hair every day.

If you're an every day washer, start by skipping just two days a week. On the days you don't wash your hair, use a natural bristled brush to move those oils to the ends of your hair where they're needed. "In a few short months, you'll see less oil production once your hair stabilizes and gets used to skipping an everyday wash," says Scarbrough.

Click here to see six more expert-approved ways readers treat their oily hair. Then check out these 10 must-have winter accessories -- no one will even notice your hair when you're wearing one of these.

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