You washed your hair this morning, and it already looks like you dunked your head in a bucket of grease. Sound familiar? If your hair goes from fresh to flat and oily before lunchtime, you’re definitely not alone. Millions of people deal with oily hair every single day, and it can feel like a never-ending battle.
The good news? You don’t need expensive salon treatments or harsh chemical products to fix greasy hair. Some of the most effective solutions are probably sitting in your kitchen right now. These home remedies for oily hair have helped countless people get their confidence back without breaking the bank.
In this guide, I’ll share 17 natural treatments that actually work, explain why your hair gets so oily in the first place, and give you practical tips you can start using today. Whether your hair gets greasy after one day or just a few hours, there’s a solution here that will work for you.
Understanding Why Your Hair Gets So Greasy
Before we jump into the remedies, let’s talk about what’s actually happening on your scalp. Your skin has tiny glands called sebaceous glands, and they produce an oil called sebum. This oil isn’t bad. In fact, you need it to keep your scalp healthy and your hair protected.
But sometimes these glands go into overdrive and produce way too much oil. According to research published in the International Journal of Trichology, several factors influence how much oil your scalp produces, including genetics, hormones, and even how often you wash your hair.
Here’s what typically causes excessive oil production:
Your genes play a huge role. If your parents had oily hair, there’s a good chance you will too. Some people are just born with more active oil glands.
Hormones are major culprits. Teenagers going through puberty often notice their hair getting greasier. The same thing happens during pregnancy, menstruation, or when you have hormonal imbalances. These changes trigger your glands to pump out more sebum.
You might be washing your hair too much. This sounds backwards, but it’s true. When you strip all the oil from your scalp, your glands panic and produce even more oil to compensate. It’s a vicious cycle.
Product buildup makes things worse. Hair sprays, gels, and heavy conditioners can create a layer on your scalp that traps oil and makes your hair look greasy faster.
Your diet matters more than you think. Foods high in unhealthy fats and sugar can increase oil production throughout your body, including your scalp.
Stress affects everything. When you’re stressed, your body produces more cortisol, which can ramp up oil production.
Even the weather plays a part. Hot, humid weather makes your scalp sweat more, which mixes with the oil and makes your hair look even greasier.
How do you know if you actually have oily hair or just normal oil production? If your roots look greasy within 24 hours of washing, you’re dealing with excessive oil. Normal hair can go two to three days before needing a wash.
17 Powerful Home Remedies for Oily Hair
Now let’s get to what you’re really here for. These natural treatments use simple ingredients to control oil without damaging your hair. I’ve included exactly how to use each one so you can start seeing results right away.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse
Apple cider vinegar is one of the best natural remedies for oily hair, and there’s real science behind why it works. The acetic acid in vinegar helps balance your scalp’s pH level. When your scalp’s pH is balanced, it doesn’t need to produce as much oil.
Mix two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with one cup of water. After shampooing, pour this mixture over your hair, focusing on your scalp. Massage it in gently, let it sit for a minute or two, then rinse with cool water.
Use this rinse once or twice a week. Don’t overdo it because the acidity can dry out your hair if you use it too often. The smell might be strong at first, but it disappears once your hair dries.
Pro tip: Add a few drops of lavender or rosemary essential oil to the mixture to make it smell better and boost the oil-controlling benefits.
2. Aloe Vera Gel Treatment
Aloe vera isn’t just for sunburns. It contains enzymes that break down excess oil and dead skin cells on your scalp. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, aloe vera has natural cleansing properties that don’t strip your scalp like harsh shampoos do.
You can use fresh aloe vera gel straight from the plant or buy pure aloe vera gel from the store. Just make sure it doesn’t have added oils or fragrances.
Apply the gel directly to your scalp and massage it in for a few minutes. Let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes, then wash it out with a gentle shampoo. You can do this two to three times a week.
Fresh aloe works best, but it’s messier. Store-bought gel is more convenient and works almost as well.
3. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a game changer for oily scalps. It has natural antimicrobial properties that keep your scalp clean and regulate sebum production. A study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that tea tree oil can significantly improve scalp health.
Never apply tea tree oil directly to your skin because it’s too strong. Mix two to three drops with one tablespoon of a carrier oil like coconut, jojoba, or olive oil. Massage this into your scalp, leave it for 15 minutes, then shampoo as usual.
You can also add a few drops to your regular shampoo. Just squeeze out your normal amount of shampoo, add two drops of tea tree oil, mix it in your palm, and wash your hair like normal.
Use this remedy once or twice a week. Some people are sensitive to tea tree oil, so test it on a small area first.
4. Lemon Juice Clarifying Treatment
Lemons are natural astringents, which means they tighten your pores and reduce oil production. The citric acid also removes product buildup and leaves your hair shiny.
Squeeze the juice from one fresh lemon and mix it with one cup of water. After shampooing, pour this mixture over your hair and massage it into your scalp. Let it sit for five minutes, then rinse thoroughly with cool water.
Only use this treatment once a week. Lemon juice can lighten your hair color over time, especially if you have light or color-treated hair. Also, avoid sun exposure right after using lemon juice because it can make your scalp more sensitive to UV rays.
The acidity works wonders for oil control, but too much can dry out your hair, so stick to the weekly schedule.
5. Baking Soda Scalp Scrub
Baking soda acts like a gentle exfoliator for your scalp. It removes dead skin cells, product buildup, and excess oil without harsh chemicals. It also helps balance your scalp’s pH level.
Mix one part baking soda with three parts water to make a paste. Apply this paste to your wet scalp and massage gently in circular motions for a few minutes. Focus on your roots and oily areas. Rinse thoroughly with warm water, then follow up with conditioner on your ends only.
Only use this scrub once a week or every two weeks. Baking soda is powerful, and using it too often can disrupt your scalp’s natural balance and actually make the oil problem worse.
6. Green Tea Rinse
Green tea is packed with antioxidants and tannins that control oil and promote healthy hair growth. It’s gentle enough to use regularly and smells amazing.
Brew two green tea bags in two cups of hot water. Let it cool completely. After shampooing, pour the green tea over your hair and massage it into your scalp. You don’t need to rinse it out.
You can use this rinse every time you wash your hair if you want. It’s one of the gentlest remedies on this list. Green tea also helps reduce inflammation and soothes irritated scalps.
Save leftover tea in the fridge for up to three days. Just make sure it’s completely cool before using it on your hair.
7. Clay Masks
Bentonite clay and Fuller’s earth are both incredible at absorbing excess oil. They work like magnets, pulling oil and impurities out of your scalp without stripping away moisture.
Mix two to three tablespoons of clay powder with enough water to make a smooth paste. Apply this mask to your scalp and roots, avoiding the ends of your hair since they don’t need the treatment. Leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes until it dries, then rinse thoroughly with warm water.
Use a clay mask once a week for best results. Your hair might feel a bit dry right after, so apply a light conditioner to your ends.
These masks are perfect for really oily scalps. You’ll notice a huge difference after just one use.
8. Witch Hazel Toner
Witch hazel is a natural astringent that tightens pores and controls oil production. It’s gentle and won’t irritate sensitive scalps.
Pour some witch hazel onto a cotton pad and apply it directly to your scalp, parting your hair in sections to reach the roots. You can leave it in or rinse it out after 10 minutes.
This works great as a between-wash treatment. If your hair starts looking greasy the day after washing, apply witch hazel to your scalp to extend the fresh feeling.
Use it as often as you need. It’s one of the safest and most flexible remedies you can try.
9. Egg White Mask
Egg whites are full of protein, and they absorb excess oil like a sponge. They also strengthen your hair and add shine.
Separate one or two egg whites from the yolks. Beat the whites until they’re frothy, then apply them to your scalp and roots. Leave the mask on for 20 minutes, then rinse with cool or lukewarm water. Never use hot water because it will cook the eggs in your hair.
After rinsing out the egg whites, shampoo your hair as usual. Use this treatment once a week.
The smell isn’t great, but the results are worth it. Adding a few drops of lemon juice to the egg whites can help with the smell and boost the oil-controlling power.
10. Tomato Pulp Treatment
Tomatoes have natural acidity that balances your scalp’s pH and controls oil. They’re also full of vitamins that nourish your hair.
Blend one or two fresh tomatoes into a pulp. Apply this pulp to your scalp and hair, massaging gently. Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse with cool water and shampoo.
You can use this treatment once or twice a week. It works for all hair types and is especially good if you have a sensitive scalp because it’s very gentle.
The pulp can be a bit messy, so apply it in the shower or over a sink.
11. Cornstarch or Arrowroot Powder
This is your emergency oil fix. Cornstarch and arrowroot powder absorb oil instantly, making them perfect homemade dry shampoos.
Sprinkle a small amount of powder directly onto your roots, focusing on the oiliest areas. Let it sit for a minute to absorb the oil, then brush it through your hair thoroughly to distribute it and remove excess powder.
For dark hair, mix the powder with a bit of cocoa powder so it doesn’t leave a white cast.
Use this whenever you need a quick refresh between washes. It doesn’t replace actual washing, but it buys you extra time when you’re in a rush.
12. Black Tea Rinse
Black tea has more tannins than green tea, making it even more effective at controlling oil. It also adds subtle shine and depth to your hair color.
Brew two black tea bags in two cups of hot water. Let it cool completely. After shampooing, pour the tea over your hair and massage it into your scalp. Leave it in without rinsing.
You can use black tea every time you wash your hair. It’s safe for regular use and actually improves your results over time.
Black tea works especially well for people with dark hair because it can enhance your natural color.
13. Multani Mitti Pack
Multani mitti, also called Fuller’s earth, has been used in India for centuries to treat oily skin and hair. It’s a type of clay that absorbs oil extremely well.
Mix three tablespoons of multani mitti powder with enough water or rose water to make a smooth paste. Apply it to your scalp and roots, massaging gently. Leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes until it dries, then rinse thoroughly.
Use this pack once a week if you have extremely oily hair. It’s one of the most powerful oil-absorbing treatments on this list.
Rose water makes the pack smell better and adds extra soothing benefits for your scalp.
14. Yogurt and Honey Mask
Plain yogurt contains probiotics that balance your scalp’s natural bacteria, which can help control oil production. Honey is a natural humectant that moisturizes without making your hair greasy.
Mix half a cup of plain yogurt with one tablespoon of honey. Apply this mixture to your scalp and hair, focusing on the roots. Leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes, then rinse with cool water and shampoo.
Use this mask once a week. It’s perfect if your scalp is oily but your ends are dry because it balances everything out.
Make sure you use plain, unsweetened yogurt. Flavored yogurts have added sugars that can make your hair sticky.
15. Oatmeal Scalp Treatment
Oatmeal gently exfoliates your scalp and absorbs excess oil. It contains natural cleansing agents called saponins that remove dirt without harsh chemicals.
Grind half a cup of oatmeal into a fine powder using a blender or food processor. Mix it with enough water to make a paste. Apply this paste to your wet scalp and massage in circular motions for a few minutes. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
Use this treatment once a week. It’s incredibly gentle, so it works well if you have a sensitive scalp or conditions like eczema.
The fine powder works better than whole oats because it’s easier to rinse out.
16. Coconut Water Rinse
Coconut water is different from coconut oil. It’s light, refreshing, and full of vitamins and minerals that nourish your scalp without adding grease.
Pour fresh or store-bought coconut water over your hair after shampooing. Massage it into your scalp for a minute, then leave it in. You don’t need to rinse it out.
You can use coconut water as often as you want. It’s one of the most gentle and hydrating remedies that still helps control oil.
This works especially well in hot weather because the coconut water feels cooling on your scalp.
17. Hibiscus and Neem Paste
This is a traditional Ayurvedic treatment that combines two powerful ingredients. Hibiscus strengthens hair and controls oil, while neem has antibacterial properties that keep your scalp healthy.
Grind a handful of fresh hibiscus flowers and neem leaves with enough water to make a smooth paste. If you can’t find fresh ingredients, you can use dried hibiscus powder and neem powder mixed with water.
Apply this paste to your scalp and roots, massaging gently. Leave it on for 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly and shampoo.
Use this treatment once a week. The combination is powerful and shows results quickly.
The paste has a slightly bitter smell from the neem, but it fades after rinsing.
Daily Habits That Keep Your Hair Less Greasy
Home remedies work great, but changing your daily habits makes them work even better. Here are practical tips you can start using today.
Wash your hair the right way. Focus your shampoo on your scalp, not your ends. Your scalp produces the oil, so that’s where you need to clean. Massage the shampoo into your roots for at least a minute, then rinse thoroughly. Let the suds rinse through your ends naturally. Use lukewarm or cool water for the final rinse because hot water stimulates oil production.
Find your ideal washing schedule. This is different for everyone. If you’re washing daily and your hair is still greasy, try spacing out your washes. Yes, your hair will be oily for a few days while your scalp adjusts, but it usually balances out after a week or two. Most people with oily hair do best washing every other day.
Be careful with conditioner. You still need conditioner, but only apply it from your ears down to your ends. Never put conditioner on your scalp or roots. This is one of the biggest mistakes people make.
Skip the heavy products. Avoid hair products with silicones, heavy oils, or thick creams. Look for words like “lightweight,” “volumizing,” or “oil-free” on the labels. If a product makes your hair feel coated or heavy, stop using it.
Touch your hair less. Every time you run your fingers through your hair, you’re transferring oil from your hands to your scalp and spreading the oil from your roots through your hair. Try to keep your hands off your hair as much as possible.
Clean your tools regularly. Your hairbrush collects oil, dead skin, and product buildup. Wash it with shampoo once a week. Also, change your pillowcase at least twice a week because it absorbs oil from your hair and skin, then transfers it back.
Watch what you eat. Eating too many fried foods, processed snacks, and sugary treats can increase oil production all over your body. Add more fresh fruits, vegetables, and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids like salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds. Drinking plenty of water also helps balance oil production.
Manage your stress. Easier said than done, but stress hormones really do increase oil production. Find what works for you, whether that’s exercise, meditation, or just taking time to relax.
Use the right brush. Boar bristle brushes distribute your scalp’s natural oils down the length of your hair instead of letting them build up at the roots. Brush your hair once or twice a day, but not more than that because excessive brushing stimulates oil production.
When You Need More Than Home Remedies
Sometimes oily hair isn’t just about overactive glands. If you’ve tried these remedies consistently for a month and aren’t seeing improvement, something else might be going on.
Seborrheic dermatitis causes both oily skin and flaking. If your scalp is oily and you have yellowish, greasy flakes, this could be the issue. Regular dandruff flakes are dry and white, but seborrheic dermatitis flakes are oily.
Hormonal imbalances like polycystic ovary syndrome, thyroid problems, or other endocrine issues can cause excessive oil production. If you’ve noticed other symptoms like irregular periods, unexplained weight changes, or extreme fatigue, talk to your doctor.
Some medications increase oil production as a side effect. Birth control pills, hormone treatments, and certain antidepressants can all affect your scalp’s oil levels.
If home remedies aren’t working, a dermatologist can prescribe medicated shampoos with ingredients like ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, or coal tar. These are stronger than over-the-counter options and target underlying scalp conditions.
Don’t feel like you’ve failed if you need professional help. Some people just need a stronger approach, and that’s completely normal.
Your Questions Answered
How often should I wash oily hair?
Most people with oily hair do best washing every other day. Daily washing can make oil production worse because it strips your scalp too much. If you absolutely must wash daily, use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo. Give your scalp time to adjust to a new routine. It usually takes about two weeks.
Can home remedies permanently fix oily hair?
Home remedies can significantly reduce oil production and help you manage the problem, but they won’t change your genetics. If you’re naturally prone to oily hair, you’ll need to keep up with regular treatments. The good news is that many people find their hair gets less oily as they get older because hormone levels change.
How long before I see results?
Most people notice some improvement within a week, but it typically takes two to four weeks of consistent use to see major changes. Don’t give up too quickly. Your scalp needs time to adjust and rebalance its oil production.
Does diet really affect how oily my hair gets?
Yes, absolutely. Your diet affects your entire body, including your scalp. High glycemic foods like white bread, sugar, and processed snacks can trigger inflammation and increase oil production. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats helps regulate your hormones and oil levels.
Is oily hair genetic?
Genetics play a huge role. If your parents had oily hair, especially during their teenage and young adult years, you probably inherited that trait. You can’t change your genetics, but you can definitely manage the symptoms with the right care.
Should I use conditioner if I have oily hair?
Yes, but only on your ends. Your ends need moisture even if your scalp is oily. Skipping conditioner completely can lead to dry, damaged ends while your roots stay greasy. Just keep the conditioner far away from your scalp and roots.
Can stress cause oily hair?
Stress increases cortisol levels, which can ramp up oil production throughout your body. When you’re stressed for long periods, your sebaceous glands work overtime. Managing stress through exercise, sleep, and relaxation techniques can help control oil production.
Are expensive products better than home remedies?
Not necessarily. Many expensive products contain the same active ingredients you find in home remedies. What matters most is finding ingredients that work for your specific scalp, not how much they cost. Home remedies are definitely worth trying before investing in pricey treatments.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with oily hair is frustrating, but you have so many options to control it naturally. You don’t need to spend a fortune on salon treatments or fill your shower with expensive products. The ingredients in your kitchen are powerful tools for managing excess oil.
Start with two or three remedies from this list that sound easiest to you. Maybe try an apple cider vinegar rinse twice a week and keep some cornstarch handy for emergency touch-ups. Use them consistently for at least a month before deciding if they work for you.
Remember that your hair is unique. What works amazingly for someone else might not be perfect for you, and that’s okay. Give yourself permission to experiment and find your ideal combination of remedies and habits.
The key is consistency. Pick remedies you can actually stick with long term instead of complicated treatments you’ll give up on after a week.
Your hair doesn’t define you, but I know how much better you feel when it looks fresh and clean. These natural solutions can help you get there without harsh chemicals or breaking your budget. Give them a real try, be patient with the process, and don’t forget to celebrate the small victories along the way.
You’ve got this!
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