Why Is My Hair So Oily? And How Can I Fix It?

Oily curls got you feeling weighed down? You're not alone!

This common hair problem isn’t always because of grubby hair - it’s often because your scalp is producing more oil and overcompensating for a lack of hydration. 

Did you know that when hair isn’t properly moisturised, your scalp kicks oil production into overdrive, leading to that dreaded greasy feeling? Hydration is all about locking in moisture within the hair shaft, rather than just coating the outside.

So if you’re getting to day 2 and your hair is starting to feel greasier than the corner fish-&-chip shop, the first thing to do is check your hair's hydration level!

Other Reasons Why Your Hair Might Be Oily

Healthy hair produces a certain amount of natural sebum. This helps to hydrate your scalp and protect your hair. The amount of sebum your hair produces has a lot to do with lifestyle factors like hygiene habits, exercise and your hair type. 

If your hair isn't being washed regularly or if your hair isn't hydrated well, the sebum can collect on your hair, especially at the roots and on your scalp leaving your hair feeling greasy and slick. 

These are the most common causes of greasy hair- 

1. Sweat. 

2. Over touching your curls. 

3. Wearing hats or headgear. 

4. Not washing your hair enough.

5. Your hair isn't properly moisturised.

Signs Your Hair Needs More Hydration (Not Just a Wash)

• Your roots get oily fast, but your ends feel dry

• Your curls look limp and lose definition quickly

• Products seem to sit on top of your hair instead of absorbing

• Your scalp feels itchy or irritated even when clean

By focusing on hydration rather than stripping away oils, you can help your scalp find its natural balance and keep your curls looking fresh and defined.

Avoiding Oil Buildup: What Works (& What Doesn’t)

When dealing with oily curls, the goal isn’t to remove all oil but to manage it in a way that keeps your hair light and bouncy. Here’s how:

What to Avoid:

Harsh, Sulphate-Heavy Shampoos – These can strip too much oil, causing your scalp to panic and produce even more. 

Heavy Oils & Thick Creams Near the Roots – Thick products can lead to buildup and make oiliness worse. 

Over washing – Washing daily can send your scalp into oil-production overdrive.

What to Do Instead:

Use a Hydrating, Lightweight Shampoo & Conditioner - to cleanse without stripping out any of the good stuff!

Focus Conditioner on the ends – Your scalp doesn’t need extra moisture, but your ends do.

Rinse Thoroughly – Leftover product can contribute to oily roots, so make sure you’re washing it all out. 

A gentle clarifying routine can help remove buildup without disrupting your scalp’s natural balance. If your hair is prone to oil, use a clarifying shampoo every week. 

Dry shampoo is a good way to absorb oil if you want a quick and temporary solution.

Frizz & Hydration: Absorbing vs. Sitting On Top

Here’s a simple wash routine to help your curls get the moisture they need without looking oily:

1. Cleanse Smart – Use Nourish & Flourish Shampoo to gently remove dirt and excess oil without over-stripping.

2. Condition Strategically – Apply Nourish & Flourish Conditioner from mid-lengths to ends, avoiding the roots.

3. Rinse Well – Make sure no product is left behind to weigh down your curls.

4. Lightweight Styling – Use water-based or lightweight styling products, applying sparingly at the roots.

5. Diffuse or Air-Dry Without Over-Touching – Excess handling can stimulate oil production.

Hydration that absorbs into the hair = soft, healthy curls. 

Hydration that just sits on top = greasy, heavy curls.

5 FAQs About Oily Curls

1. Why does my hair get oily so fast after washing?
Your scalp may be overproducing oil due to harsh shampoos, over-washing, or a lack of hydration. Try switching to a gentle, hydrating shampoo and spacing out your washes.

2. Can I use oils on oily hair?
You can, however, use sparingly and be wary of contributing to the problem. If you do use an oil, choose lightweight, fast-absorbing oils like LOHY.’s Hush Nourishing Oil, and apply only to the ends, not the scalp.

3. Should I avoid conditioner if my hair is oily?
No! Oily hair still needs moisture. The trick is applying conditioner only to your lengths and ends and rinsing thoroughly.

4. How often should I wash oily curls?
Every 2–3 days is a good starting point, but it depends on your hair type. If you wash daily, try transitioning to every other day to see if your scalp balances out.

5. Will dry shampoo help with oily curls?
Yes! Dry Shampoo can help absorb excess oil without making hair feel heavy or gritty.

Balancing oily curls isn’t about removing all the oil—it’s about making sure your hair gets the right hydration in the right places. 

By using lightweight & hydrating styling products and avoiding harsh cleansers, you’ll find that your scalp naturally produces less oil over time. Ready to ditch the grease and get your curls thriving? Try changing up your routine and see the difference!

Love & Hydration Xx