Can I Make My Hair Less Oily?

Written on 10/18/2025
Jacqueline Roberson

Listen, as a fine-haired, oily-skinned girlie, I GET IT!

It took me years to learn these tips and tricks—most of which I never would have figured out without cosmetology school.

So, let’s dive into how I keep my hair fresh longer between washes.

(P.S. I’ve included affiliate links to my go-to products—because if I love them, you might too!)

Shampoo Is for Your Scalp, Conditioner Is for Your Ends

Golden rule: Keep the conditioner below your ears. Conditioner near your scalp = instant oil slick.

If your hair gets greasy fast, it might not be your shampoo—it could be leftover conditioner clinging to your roots. Keep it focused on your mid-lengths and ends for moisture where you actually need it.

My go-to shampoo? Milbon’s Volumizing Shampoo It leaves my hair feeling squeaky clean and lightweight. I can always tell I’m oilier when I skip it!

Shampoo Twice (And Sometimes Three Times!)

That first shampoo? It just breaks up the dirt and oils. The second shampoo is where the magic happens—it lathers, cleanses, and actually gets rid of buildup.

Been heavy on the dry shampoo lately? Using lots of styling products? Go for round three, baby!

Once a week, I swap my volumizing shampoo for a clarifying Milbon’s Scalp Purifying Shampoo to remove any lingering residue and keep my scalp fresh.

Keep It Dry

Long exposure to water—especially overnight—can dry out your scalp, tricking it into producing MORE oil to compensate.

Even if you don’t have time for a full blowout, take a few seconds to hit your roots with a blow dryer before heading to bed. A quick once-over can make all the difference!

Add Texture To Your Roots

Fine hair sits closer to the scalp, soaking up oil faster. Solution? Give it some grit before the grease can take over.

A mousse at the roots lifts the hair off the scalp, keeping it cleaner, fresher, and full of life for longer.

Dry Shampoo—But Make It Work for You

Some mornings, dry shampoo isn’t even enough… and I just washed my hair the day before!

Here’s my favorite trick: Apply a little dry shampoo to your crown before bed. It’ll absorb sweat and oil while you sleep, so you wake up with fresh, voluminous roots instead of flat, greasy hair.

Scalp Treatments: The Secret Weapon

We all love that freshly washed feeling, but greasy roots by midday? Not cute.

A good scalp treatment helps regulate oil production, so your hair stays fresh for days. No more worrying about limp, lifeless strands ruining your style by lunchtime.

TL;DR

Shampoo twice (or thrice) for a deeper clean
✔ Keep conditioner far away from your scalp
✔ Blow dry your roots to prevent overproduction of oil
✔ Use texture products to extend time between washes
✔ Dry shampoo before bed for a proactive approach
✔ Treat your scalp to keep oil levels in check

Try these tricks, and you just might get an extra day (or two!) between washes!