How to Tame Oily Hair? – Most Common Barber Questions

There is no clear answer to this question. The reason for washing hair could be excessive oil on the scalp, accumulation of foreign particles along the length of the hair, sweating from physical activity, or odor absorbed from the environment we’ve been in throughout the day. And each of us experiences these things at a different rate.

However, if we set aside washing hair purely due to objective “dirtiness,” the most commonly recommended interval is washing every 3 days.

The level of oiliness on the scalp is primarily genetically determined, but it’s true that we also influence it through our behavior. We all know that stress and poor diet don’t help. However, ironically, we can also have oilier hair as a result of excessive care. For example, if we wash our hair too often and use low-quality shampoo that dries out the scalp. The scalp perceives the sudden removal of oil as an attack, and it tries to replenish it faster – after all, oil is primarily a natural protective film.

When it comes to hair, it’s important to take things slow, especially if you want to change your routine after years or decades of a regular washing habit. Patience is key.

The next step is to get a good quality shampoo that hydrates the scalp (so it won’t feel the need to fight back) but doesn’t weigh the hair down. It should not be a nourishing shampoo, as nourishing ingredients like oils and emulsions can accelerate oil production.

Now you’re ready to start washing your hair at longer intervals. It’s best to gradually add just one extra day and – most importantly – don’t force yourself or your hair to increase the interval every week. If you were used to washing your hair every day, start washing it every other day, and stick to this routine for three or four weeks (until your hair gets used to it), then try increasing the interval by another day.

Listen to your hair and how it feels. And remember – if you wash your hair earlier than planned due to a social or other event, don’t stress about it. Simply return to your routine with ease. Your hair and scalp will reward you with better health.

And no – washing your hair once a month is not necessarily the “best.” Washing every three days is already a big success. There are also those whose hair just can’t adapt (because genetics can’t be changed), and they need to wash it every day. And there’s nothing wrong with that.