Why Your Hair Gets Greasy So Fast & How to Fix It (Without Overwashing!)

Ever feel like your hair is greasy by lunchtime, even though you just washed it that morning? I’ve been there. At one point, I was shampooing daily, convinced that I had the oiliest scalp in the universe. Turns out, I was making things worse.

If you’re stuck in the wash-rinse-repeat cycle, the problem isn’t just your shampoo—it’s how your scalp is reacting to overwashing. The good news? You can train your hair to be less greasy by tweaking your routine (and no, that doesn’t mean walking around with unwashed hair for a week!).

Let’s talk about why your hair gets oily so fast and what you can do about it.

Why Does Hair Get Greasy So Fast?

Your scalp naturally produces oil (sebum) to keep your hair hydrated and protected. The problem? When things get out of balance, your scalp freaks out and starts overproducing oil, leaving you with greasy roots way too soon.

Here’s what might be triggering it:

❌ Overwashing your hair – The more you wash, the more oil your scalp produces to compensate.
❌ Using harsh shampoos – Sulphates strip natural oils, sending your scalp into oil-production overdrive.
❌ Touching your hair too much – Your hands transfer oil and dirt (guilty as charged 🙋‍♀️).
❌ Skipping conditioner – If your scalp is dehydrated, it compensates by producing more oil.

Sound familiar? Don’t worry—there’s a fix.

How to Fix Greasy Hair (Without Overwashing!)

💡 The goal? Train your scalp to produce less oil naturally, so you can go longer between washes without looking like a grease ball.

1. Wash Less Often (And Try Double Washing!)

🚿 How often should you wash?

• Oily-prone hair → Every 2-3 days

• Normal hair → Every 3-4 days

• Curly or dry hair → Every 4-6 days

• Thick, coarse hair → Once a week

💡 Double washing = game changer → The first wash lifts oil and build-up; the second actually cleanses & balances your scalp.

(Yes, double washing can help you go longer between washes. Sounds weird, but trust me—it works.)

2. Switch to a Sulphate-Free Shampoo (It’s a Must!)

Many traditional shampoos contain sulphates, which strip your scalp’s natural oils. Sounds great, right? Wrong. Your scalp panics and overcompensates by producing even more oil.

🌿 Instead, switch to a gentle, coconut-derived shampoo (like BodFood’s!). It cleanses without stripping, so your scalp stays balanced—not greasy.

(I used to think “sulphate-free” was just a marketing buzzword—until I stopped using them and realised my scalp could actually chill out.)

3. Use Dry Shampoo to Absorb Oil Between Washes

Aerosol dry shampoos? No thanks. Many contain aluminium and talc, which clog follicles and actually make scalp issues worse.

Instead, try BodFood’s Organic Dry Shampoo—a lightweight, non-toxic powder that absorbs oil without suffocating your scalp.

👋 How to use it:
✔ Sprinkle onto roots before bed to absorb oil overnight.
✔ Use between washes for instant volume & freshness.
✔ Massage it in for an invisible, weightless finish.

(Bonus: It gives your hair awesome volume. Even second-day hair looks freshly styled.)

4. Hands Off! Stop Touching Your Hair

Your hands are covered in oil, dirt, and everything you’ve touched today (think phone screens, makeup, coffee cups... eek). The more you touch your hair, the faster it gets greasy.

✔ Keep hair off your face with clips or silk scrunchies.
✔ Avoid brushing too often, which spreads oil from the roots.
✔ Wash your pillowcase every 3-4 days (seriously, it makes a difference!).

Train Your Hair to Be Less Greasy

If you feel like your hair gets oily too fast, the secret isn’t washing more—it’s washing smarter.

✨ Switch to a low-tox shampoo
✨ Try double washing for a deeper clean
✨ Use dry shampoo instead of overwashing
✨ Avoid heavy, non-water-soluble silicones
✨ Be mindful of how often you touch your hair

Stick with it, and your scalp will naturally rebalance itself, helping you go longer between washes—while keeping your hair fresh, light, and healthy.

💛 Ready for a scalp-friendly haircare routine? Try BodFood today!