You’ve just washed your hair, expecting fresh, bouncy locks, but instead, your reflection reveals a less-than-glamorous greasy mess. What’s the deal?
According to dermatologists, several sneaky culprits could be lurking in your haircare routine. From applying oils in the wrong place to dirty hairbrushes, the reasons might surprise you — and thankfully, there are solutions!
Your hairbrush is holding secrets.
Dermatologist Dr. Lindsey, aka @dermguru on TikTok, explains that a dirty hairbrush could be causing your greasy locks.
Not washing your hairbrush regularly means brushing with one filled with oils, bacteria, and debris — all of which can transfer directly onto your hair. Time for a brush-cleaning session, stat!
Oh, no! What?
Now I have to clean my hairbrush??? That’s not fun. And judging by some TikTok comments, I’m not the only one who thinks that.
One commenter asked, “wait how do we clean hair brushes and also isn’t scalp oiling promoted so much? I’ve heard rosemary oil helps with greasy hair.”
To which Dr. Lindsay chimed in, saying that if we follow her advice, it should definitely keep the greasy hair at bay.
Sleeping beauties, beware!
If you’re one to tie up your hair or wear it in a wrap at night, you might be in for a greasy surprise. The doc explains, “Wearing your hair up can concentrate oil at the scalp, leaving it nowhere to go but all over.” Consider switching to loose styles or letting your locks flow freely at night.
Scalp oiling? Not so fast!
Despite its trendiness, Dr. Lindsey throws cold water on the idea of scalp oiling. “There’s no real evidence to support it,” she writes. It might sound nourishing, but it’s more likely to have you waking up with a greasy scalp rather than lush, healthy hair.
She also warns that hair oils might be the villain in this greasy tale. “Hair oils are fine at the ends,” she says, “but if they transfer to your scalp, you’ll get that greasy look — even if it’s freshly washed.” So, steer clear of letting those oils migrate north!
Pillowcases and products.
Pillowcases can be sneaky, too! Dr. Lindsey suggests that residue from hair products can build up on your pillowcase, leading to oil transfer back onto your hair.
Consider washing your pillowcases more often or switching to materials that wick away oils.
Oils need an exit strategy.
When asked about using rosemary oil overnight, Dr. Lindsey advises, “If you apply oil like rosemary but then rinse it out, it’s better than leaving the oil in overnight.” So, give those oils a quick rinse in the morning and avoid leaving them in too long.
Listen to the experts (and commenters)!
One woman exclaimed, “OK FINE!!! I’ll clean my hairbrush.” Another was in disbelief: “Wait, I sleep in a silk bonnet so my hair doesn’t get damaged, but now it’s causing it to be greasy?” Yes, even seemingly harmless habits can have unexpected outcomes!
Find a routine that works for you.
Remember, everyone’s hair is different. What works for your friend might not work for you, and that’s okay! The key is to experiment, tweak, and find a routine that leaves your hair feeling fresh and fabulous — without the unwanted oil slick.
Here’s some food for thought.
So, the next time you’re baffled by your greasy hair just hours after a wash, take a moment to assess your routine.
Simple changes can make a difference from hair oils to dirty brushes. And hey, if all else fails, at least you’ll have some funny stories to share at brunch about your quest for fresh hair!
