Key Takeaways:
- Your Scalp’s Response Matters: Excess oil is often the scalp reacting to irritation or imbalance, and hygiene alone won't fix it.
- How Shifting Your Routine Helps: Small changes in washing habits and product types can support better oil regulation over time.
- Why Natural Care is Effective: Gentle, scalp-friendly shampoos can help reduce oiliness without stripping or overcorrecting.
Some of us can go a few days without washing our hair, while others feel oily by the end of the day. If your roots tend to get greasy quickly, you’re not alone. And no, it doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong. Oily hair is a common issue, and it can be caused by a mix of things like scalp type, product build-up, hormone changes, or even how often you’re washing. The good news is that there are ways to manage it gently, without stripping your scalp or relying on harsh ingredients.
At MooGoo, we’ve spent years creating scalp-friendly hair care that skips the silicones, detergents, and synthetic fragrances that often make oily hair worse. We started by helping people with skin problems like Eczema and Dermatitis. Our approach has always been about making things that are safe, effective, and suitable for sensitive scalps. Everything we make is natural where it counts, made right here in Australia, and full of ingredients your skin already knows how to work with.
In this piece, we’ll be exploring what causes oily hair, common triggers that might surprise you, and gentle solutions that can actually help.
Understanding Oily Hair: What’s Actually Going On?
Oily hair isn’t just about greasy strands. It starts at the scalp, where sebaceous glands produce sebum. Sebum is a natural oil that helps keep the scalp and hair healthy, moisturised, and protected. When everything is balanced, sebum is a good thing. Sometimes the scalp produces more oil than the hair needs. That excess oil builds up on the roots, weighs down the hair, and can leave it looking flat or greasy.
This increase in oil can be influenced by genetics, which means some people naturally produce more sebum than others. Hormonal changes can also affect oil production, particularly during puberty, pregnancy, or certain times of the month. Heat and humidity may add to the issue, while frequent washing or using products that are too harsh can push the scalp to produce even more oil in response.
Understanding oily hair means recognising that oil itself is not the problem. The goal is to support the scalp so it can maintain a healthier balance rather than trying to strip oil away completely.
Why Is My Hair So Oily? Common Everyday Triggers
If you’re constantly asking yourself why your hair feels greasy not long after washing, it could be due to a few everyday habits or natural factors that throw things out of balance. Sometimes oily hair isn't about what you're doing wrong but more about what your scalp is reacting to. Some common triggers that can lead to excess oil include:
- Overwashing your hair: Washing too frequently can strip the scalp of its natural oils. In response, it can produce even more oil to make up for it.
- Using harsh shampoos: Products with strong detergents or synthetic fragrances can irritate the scalp, which may lead to overproduction of oil.
- Touching your hair often: Fingers carry oils and dirt, and regularly running your hands through your hair can spread oil from your scalp down the strands.
- Heavy styling products: Gels, waxes, and some conditioners can build up on the scalp and weigh hair down, making it feel greasy faster.
- Hormonal changes: Shifts during puberty, pregnancy, or even stress can cause oil glands to become more active.
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Wearing hats or helmets for long periods: These can trap heat and sweat, creating the kind of warm, enclosed environment that oil glands tend to love.
Learning how to identify your specific triggers can make it easier to adjust your routine in a way that supports your scalp. While some reasons stem from common everyday triggers, underlying chronic conditions, such as Seborrheic Dermatitis, Psoriasis, or Eczema, checking in with your doctor can help you find the best course of action for you.
The Role Of Scalp Health In Oil Production
Oily hair gets treated as a surface problem, but the real story starts at the scalp. When the scalp isn’t functioning at its best, oil production can become unbalanced. A healthy scalp creates the conditions for balanced hair, and supporting it gently can go a long way in managing excess oil.
A Balanced Scalp is a Healthy Scalp
Sebum production is part of how the scalp protects itself. When the scalp is healthy and balanced, it produces just the right amount of oil to keep hair soft and protected. However, when the scalp gets irritated, too dry or stripped of its natural barrier, oil production shifts into overdrive. This is often the body's way of compensating for what it senses is missing.
Product Buildup and Blocked Follicles
Using products that contain silicones or harsh detergents can leave behind residue that builds up over time. This buildup can block hair follicles and interfere with how the scalp naturally regulates oil. A congested scalp can also struggle to breathe and self-regulate, which often leads to more oil and even irritation or flaking.
Scalp Type Matters
Just like skin types vary from dry to oily, scalp types do too. If you naturally have an oily scalp, you may be more prone to greasy hair regardless of how often you wash it. The goal isn't to dry it out but to choose products that support a healthy environment so your scalp can settle into its natural rhythm.
Supporting scalp health means choosing ingredients that don’t disrupt its natural processes. That’s why we focus on formulating our products without harsh chemicals or artificial fragrances. If you’re curious to learn more about our approach to hair care, you can get the scoop on our hair range for extra details about how each product works with your scalp, not against it.
How To Get Rid Of Oily Hair Without Harsh Ingredients
Managing oily hair doesn’t mean scrubbing your scalp into submission or reaching for the strongest shampoo on the shelf. In fact, those harsh approaches often make things worse. The key is to shift toward gentler habits and ingredients that help your scalp restore its natural balance over time.
Switch to a Gentle, Sulphate-Free Shampoo
Many mainstream shampoos rely on strong detergents that strip the scalp of its natural oils. This can leave the skin feeling dry or tight, prompting your scalp to respond by producing even more oil. A gentle cleanser made with mild, skin-friendly ingredients can help break this cycle and support a more balanced oil flow.
For example, our Milk Shampoo uses Coconut-derived cleansers and Natural Milk protein to clean hair gently without stripping. The formula supports the scalp's natural balance, making it a solid option for anyone dealing with oily roots.
Don’t Overwash
It’s easy to assume that more washing means less oil, but overwashing can do more harm than good. Washing too frequently strips away protective oils, and your scalp may respond by producing more to make up for the loss. Finding a rhythm that works for your hair type takes a bit of trial and error, but less can sometimes be more.
Avoid Heavy Conditioners and Styling Products
Heavy, silicone-rich conditioners or styling products can coat the hair and scalp, leading to product buildup that weighs hair down and traps oil. Lightweight formulas made with natural oils and proteins are often better suited for those with oily-prone hair. Our Cream Conditioner is formulated without silicones and uses natural ingredients like Jojoba Oil to condition without the heavy coating. Applied mid-length to ends, it helps keep hair soft without adding to scalp oiliness.
Be Patient With the Transition
Moving away from conventional shampoos? Your scalp might take a little time to adjust. This temporary phase doesn't mean the products aren't working. Your skin is simply recalibrating.
Why Gentle Hair Care Is A Game Changer
Oily hair is often a sign that the scalp is out of balance, and sometimes the products used every day contribute to the issue. Many shampoos rely on ingredients like Sodium Lauryl Sulphate or synthetic fragrances that can irritate the scalp, strip away too much oil, and cause the skin to produce even more oil in response.
Gentle hair care takes a different approach. Instead of trying to remove every trace of oil, it supports the scalp so it can regulate itself more effectively. Products made with mild cleansers and skin-friendly ingredients help keep the scalp calm, which can reduce excess oil over time.
At MooGoo, we’ve always focused on keeping formulations simple and kind to sensitive skin and scalps. Harsh ingredients can affect both scalp health and hair condition, which is why we use ingredients the skin recognises, such as Milk Protein and Coconut-derived cleansers. We explain this philosophy in more detail in our article on why gentle hair care is essential for healthy hair, where we break down how a softer approach can support long-term scalp balance.
Natural Shampoo: A Kinder Way To Manage Oiliness
When switching from regular shampoo to a natural one, many people notice a difference in how their hair and scalp behave. Some experience an adjustment period where oiliness may seem worse before it gets better. This is often the scalp recalibrating after being used to stronger detergents and synthetic ingredients.
Natural shampoos work by gently cleansing the scalp without stripping it. Instead of harsh foaming agents, they rely on mild, plant-based cleansers that leave the skin’s barrier intact. This can help reduce oiliness over time by allowing the scalp to settle into a healthier rhythm.
It’s also worth noting that natural formulas are often free from silicones, which can coat the hair and build up over time. Without that layer, your scalp can breathe better and your hair can absorb moisture and nutrients more effectively.
For a closer look at what to expect when making the switch, we share more insights in our blog about 5 changes to expect when using natural shampoo. Being patient during this phase can make all the difference in seeing long-term results. Not sure what shampoo suits your needs? Read up on our shampoo showdown guide to help narrow it down.
Final Thoughts on Supporting Oily Hair the Gentle Way
Managing oily hair isn’t about overcorrecting or stripping the scalp of its natural oils. It’s about understanding what your hair and scalp need to stay balanced, and choosing gentle care that supports that. From using natural shampoos to rethinking how often you wash, small changes can make a noticeable difference.
Everyone’s hair is different, so building a routine that works for you might take some trial and error. Our guide on how to build a healthy hair and scalp routine offers a helpful place to start, especially if you’re trying to simplify your approach. If you're unsure which shampoo suits your needs best, our resources can help narrow down your options. Being kind to your scalp can go a long way, and it doesn’t have to feel like a chore.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oily Hair Causes and Solutions
Can diet affect how oily your hair gets?
Yes, certain foods high in refined sugars or saturated fats may influence hormone levels, which can in turn affect oil production on the scalp.
Does hard water make hair oilier?
Hard water can leave behind mineral buildup on the scalp, which may lead to irritation or imbalance, sometimes prompting excess oil production.
Is there a link between stress and oily hair?
Stress can trigger hormonal shifts that increase sebum production. Elevated cortisol levels may contribute to an oilier scalp for some individuals.
Can dry shampoo make oily hair worse over time?
Used occasionally, dry shampoo can help manage grease, but overuse may lead to buildup on the scalp, which can clog follicles and increase oiliness.
Do certain medications affect scalp oil production?
Yes, medications that influence hormones, such as birth control or steroids, may increase oiliness as a side effect for some people.
Is brushing your hair too much a cause of oiliness?
Excessive brushing can distribute oil from the scalp down the hair shaft, making the hair appear greasier than it actually is.
Can sleeping on dirty pillowcases contribute to oily hair?
Yes, pillowcases that haven’t been washed regularly can transfer oil, bacteria, and product residue back to the scalp and hair overnight.
Does tying hair up all the time make it oilier?
Keeping hair tied tightly for long periods can trap heat and sweat near the scalp, which may lead to increased oil production in some people.
Are natural remedies like apple cider vinegar effective for oily hair?
Apple cider vinegar can help balance scalp pH temporarily, but results vary. It should be diluted properly and used with care on sensitive skin.
Can over-conditioning cause oily roots?
Yes, applying conditioner too close to the scalp or using heavy formulas not suited for your hair type may leave residue that contributes to oil buildup.
Sources:
- Xu, C., Li, W., Lin, L., Zhang, D., Lei, J., Pan, D., Liang, S., Chen, Y., Wan, Y., & He, J. (2025). High‑throughput sequencing to analyze changes in the human scalp microbiome during the use of a shampoo. BMC Microbiology, 25(497). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12866-025-04260-5
- Saxena, R., Mittal, P., Clavaud, C., Dhakan, D. B., Roy, N., Breton, L., Misra, N., & Sharma, V. K. (2021). Longitudinal study of the scalp microbiome suggests coconut oil to enrich healthy scalp commensals. Scientific Reports, 11(7220). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-86454-1
- Tsai, W.‑H., Fang, Y.‑T., Huang, T.‑Y., Chiang, Y.‑J., Lin, C.‑G., Chang, W.‑W., & Chang, Y.‑W. (2023). Heat‑killed Lacticaseibacillus paracasei GMNL‑653 ameliorates human scalp health by regulating scalp microbiome. BMC Microbiology, 23(121). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12866-023-02870-5
