How scalp training makes your hair less greasy

Does your greasy hair have you reaching for the shampoo every morning? Rethink your haircare regime by switching up your styling products and training your scalp to produce less oil for a more low-maintenance look.

[Photo Credit: Andrey Popov]

What is hair training?
The hair follicles on your head secrete a natural oil called sebum that keeps your scalp from drying out. Many conventional shampoos contain additives that strip your hair of its natural oils, which can cause your sebaceous glands to produce an excess amount of oil. If you’re prone to greasy locks, you can try to regulate your scalp’s sebum production through hair training.

Wean off the shampoo
If you can’t imagine not washing your hair every day, start your scalp training regime gradually. Try reducing your shampoo use to every other day for a couple of weeks, then cut back to every two to three days. While results may vary based on your hair type, length and texture, most salon experts recommend that you should aim to limit your hair washing regime to once or twice a week. When you do lather-rinse-repeat, use a gentle sulfate-free shampoo. Gentle clarifying shampoos like Neutrogena’s Anti-Residue Shampoo or Aveda’s Rosemary Mint Purifying Shampoo are designed to break down oils and impurities in the hair without drying it out. This can help extend the time you can go between washes.

Hands off your tresses
If you want a grease-free, low-maintenance hairdo, keep your hands off your head as much as possible. Resist the urge to run your oily fingers through your mane and avoid using products like hairspray and texturizing mists. Let your locks air dry rather than using hot styling tools, which can damage your hair and trigger your scalp’s sebaceous glands to produce more oil.

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Brush with purpose
It’s important to be mindful of your brushing habits while hair training. Use a paddle brush with boar bristles and comb from the roots to ends to distribute oils evenly. Resist the urge to brush your hair too frequently throughout the day, which can stimulate oil production. Keep in mind your hairbrush also needs regular maintenance. Give it a good clean with soap and water to combat bacteria build-up and treat yourself to a new brush when the bristles start wearing out.

Eliminate excess grease
There are a variety of store-bought and homemade products to combat oily locks while hair training. Apply a powdered dry shampoo like Prêt-à-Powder from Bumble and Bumble directly to your roots to absorb excess sebum and help keep your hair looking fresh and clean. For a DIY approach,  use a homemade apple cider vinegar rinse to restore your hair’s natural pH balance, encourage hair growth, and remove oil and product build-up. Dilute one-part apple cider vinegar with three parts water and apply the treatment to damp hair every two weeks.

Transition with style
Wondering how to style your hair during those awkward days in between washes? If your hair is looking oily, but you want to stick to your scalp training protocol, try styling your locks in a braid or slip on a wide, on-trend hairband to disguise greasy roots. When in doubt, a good hat works wonders on bad hair days.