How To Get Rid Of Greasy Hair Without Dry Shampoo

If you feel like your hair is nonstop oily just a few hours after you wash it, the problem may have to do with the way you're cleansing and styling it — and surprisingly, the answer isn't necessarily to wash your hair more or use tons of dry shampoo.

Trust us: good hair days are guaranteed to follow after considering these common mistakes and then solving them with our experts' smart solutions on how to get rid of greasy hair. A few tweaks to your routine will give you hair that stays shiny and voluminous instead of greasy and weighed down.

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1. You're not shampooing enough

Well, duh! "Just as not washing your face can lead to clogged pores, not cleaning your scalp causes unwanted bacteria and clogged hair follicles," says Stephen Thevenot, hairstylist at Eva Scrivo Salon in New York. Without regular washing (every 2-3 days, for most people), "oil, dead skin cells and debris builds up on the scalp, weighing down the hair," explains Sejal Shah, M.D., a New York-based dermatologic surgeon and RealSelf contributor. With a healthy scalp, healthy hair will follow.

2. You're shampooing too often

On the other hand, lathering your hair too frequently could also be to blame for greasy hair. "If you are washing too much, the scalp skin is constantly being stripped of oils," says Dr. Shah, and "it will respond by producing more oil to replenish the lost oil." The result: Greasy hair that just never seems to get clean, no matter how hard you try.

Jeffrey J. Miller, M.D., assistant professor of dermatology at Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, advises taking your environment into consideration when it comes to your wash schedule. For example, if you live in a rural area with clean air and low humidity, it's OK to wash your hair every few days. But if you're in a city, or if you workout frequently, you should cleanse your hair and scalp each day.

A good rule of thumb: "Shampoo every two days if you have a healthy scalp," says Thevenot. Only shampoo every day if you have thinning hair, which Thevenot says "will help prevent hair follicles from getting clogged, a cause of thinning hair."

Best Shampoo and Conditioners

Best for Dandruff: Head & Shoulders Full & Thick Dandruff Shampoo + Conditioner

Best for Color-Treated or Thin Hair: Nioxin System 1 Kit

Best for Volume: Nexxus Diametress Volumizing Shampoo

Best for Dry Hair: Pantene Pro-V Expert Collection Age Defy Shampoo

3. You're applying conditioner incorrectly

Your hair needs conditioning to keep it moisturized and healthy, but "if you have oily hair, you may not need to always condition your hair," says Danusia Wnek, GH Beauty Lab chemist. "Avoid applying conditioner to the roots of hair, as this can cause your hair to look greasy." Thevenot agrees: "The scalp produces its own natural oil, so there is no need to add conditioner to your roots." Focus conditioner on the lower half of strands only.

4. Your showers are too hot

A steamy shower may feel heavenly, but "scalp skin can become dry with overexposure to hot water, resulting in dry skin and overproduction of oil to compensate," says Dr. Shah. Rather than pumping up the heat during your shower, stick with a medium-warm temp. In fact, Cruz recommends that your final rinse should be with cold water, which closes the hair cuticle to add shine. Bonus: Less heat during your shower time is actually better for your skin.

5. Your styling products are too heavy

Products like waxes, creams, and oils can make your hair greasier too, since they're made with emollients. Keep these products away from your roots, or look for lighter weight products if you're struggling with greasy hair. Pay close attention to how products make your hair feel, and "look for options that address your concerns, rather than looking for a certain ingredient," suggests Thevenot.

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6. You're straightening your hair too often

Bad news for flat iron addicts: Your straightening habit might be making your hair look oilier than you'd like. "If you straighten your hair, it will lie closer to the scalp, coming into contact with more oil and appearing greasier," explains Dr. Shah. Even more reason to embrace your natural texture.

7. Your hair styling tools are dirty

Just like dirty makeup brushes can make you break out, using dirty hairstyling tools has repercussions for your scalp. "If your styling tools are dirty, you can transfer oils and dirt to the hair," says. Dr. Shah. Learn how best to clean your hair brushes and clean your heat tools, and do it frequently to prevent greasy hair.

8. You're brushing your hair too frequently

Brushing your hair 100 strokes per day can actually make it look greasier. "Over-brushing can stimulate more oil production," explains Dr. Shah. Instead, brush before washing your hair, and "make sure the bristle tips are touching your scalp, which helps to lift up dead skin and product residue," advises Thevenot. When hair is damp post-shower, gently detangle strands from the bottom with a wide-tooth comb, working upwards toward the scalp to avoid breakage and damage.

9. You're relying on dry shampoo

While a great dry shampoo can work wonders on second-day hair, that doesn't mean you should use it for five days straight. "You can use dry shampoo, but make sure that you are regularly washing so that it doesn't build up on the scalp," advises Dr. Shah.

Do a little grease damage control with this trick from Dove hairstylist Mark Townsend: "Spray the dry shampoo on a flat brush first to prevent over-application, then comb carefully down in the specific area or in three-inch sections from roots for larger swaths or all over."

Shop Top-Tested Dry Shampoos

Garnier Fructis Volume Extend Dry Shampoo

Kristin Ess Style Reviving Dry Shampoo

Dove Refresh + Care Dry Shampoo

Suave Professionals Refresh & Revive Dry Shampoo

Sam Escobar Contributor Sam's enthusiasm for makeup is only rivaled by their love of all things relating to cats.

Paige Stables Paige Stables is the Assistant Beauty Editor at Good Housekeeping, Woman's Day and Prevention magazines, all part of the Hearst Lifestyle Group; she has also written for Cosmopolitan, Seventeen, Redbook, Dr.

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