“Excess scalp oil isn’t about hygiene—it’s about balance. When the scalp is stripped or stressed, it responds with more oil, not less.”
– Dr. Dominic Burg, Trichologist & Hair Biologist
“Hair health always starts at the scalp. Get the scalp right, and the hair will follow.”
– Anabel Kingsley, Trichologist
Hi, I’m Sandra, founder of Terreamer and straightening expert. In the salon, oily hair is one of the issues I hear about most. You wash in the morning, your hair feels fresh and light—but by midday? Flat, greasy roots that ruin your style.
Here’s the truth: oily hair isn’t a cleanliness problem. It’s your scalp telling you something’s out of balance. The fix isn’t more shampoo or dry shampoo—it’s smarter strategy. And once you reset your scalp, oily hair can be solved for good.
Greasy Roots Ruining Your Look? You’re Not Alone
Oily hair is incredibly common, especially in urban climates where the weather can flip from dry to humid within hours. Add stress, colour treatments, or daily heat styling, and oil glands often shift into overdrive. The result? Shiny roots, limp lengths, and styles that never last.
What’s Really Behind Oily Hair
Your scalp produces sebum (oil) through sebaceous glands—it’s natural protection. But when they overproduce, oil builds up faster than your hair can handle.
The main triggers?
● Hormones & stress: Cortisol spikes = oil overproduction
● Diet: Sugar, dairy, and processed foods can overstimulate glands
● Texture: Straight/fine hair looks oily faster; curls and coils trap oil at the root
● Over washing: Stripping oils tricks your scalp into pumping out even more
Understanding these drivers is the first step to breaking the cycle.
Stop Over Washing—It’s Making Things Worse
Washing every day feels like the solution—but it’s the opposite. Overwashing strips away natural oils, and your scalp fights back with extra production.
The fix: Stretch washes to every 2–3 days and use a sulfate-free balancing shampoo. It takes a few weeks to reset, but once your scalp calms, your hair will stay fresher longer.
The Wrong Shampoo = The Wrong Results
Many shampoos marketed as “oil-control” are full of sulfates, silicones, or heavy fragrances. They strip, clog, and leave residues that make oil problems worse.
Instead, look for scalp-friendly ingredients like tea tree, aloe vera, or salicylic acid. These balance without irritation and are safe for colour-treated or smoothed hair.
Heat Styling Spreads the Grease
Heat might give you the finish you want—but it also stimulates oil glands and spreads sebum quickly down the strands. If your hair feels greasy right after styling, your dryer or straightener could be to blame.
Cutting back on heat gives your scalp a chance to stabilise—and makes any treatment or product routine more effective.
How Hair Texture Changes the Story
Straight, fine hair looks oily within 24 hours because oil travels down the strand fast. With curls and coils, oil stays near the scalp and mixes with product or sweat. It may look fine, but buildup is hiding there.
That’s why textured hair needs a different approach: scalp balancing at the roots, hydration through the lengths.
Lifestyle Matters More Than You Think
Trichologists are clear: scalp oil production is tied to internal health. Stress, poor sleep, dehydration, and diets heavy in sugar or dairy all show up in oil levels.
Supporting your scalp from within—hydrating, eating zinc-rich foods like seeds and legumes, managing stress—can make as much difference as your shampoo.
Exfoliate Your Scalp (Yes, Really)
Just like your skin, your scalp collects oil, dead cells, and product buildup. A weekly scalp scrub, clay mask, or chemical exfoliant clears debris, improves circulation, and keeps follicles clear.
Do it once a week—no more. Too much exfoliation causes irritation, which leads right back to oil overproduction.
Professional Treatments That Help
This is where salon science saves time.
● Formaldehyde-free smoothing systems: Cut frizz, reduce the need for daily washing, and help rebalance the scalp.
● Scalp detox services: Lift buildup, refresh follicles, and support healthier growth.
Together, these treatments extend the time between washes and make oily hair easier to manage without constant effort.
Oily Roots + Dry Ends? Treat Them Separately
One-size-fits-all doesn’t work. Balance each zone differently:
● Use a balancing shampoo at the scalp only
● Apply conditioner mid-lengths to ends
● Add a lightweight serum or leave-in just on dry ends
This prevents you from overloading one area while neglecting the other.
Final Word from Sandra
Oily hair isn’t forever. It’s a fixable imbalance. The key is smarter care:
● Wash less, but better
● Use scalp-friendly products and exfoliate regulary
● Balance stress and diet
● Lean on professional treatments when needed
At Terreamer, we’ve seen it over and over: once your scalp is balanced your hair feels lighter, fresher, and finally does what you want it to—without battling oiliness.
