Is it good to let your hair get naturally oily?

Author: Enos Anderson  |  Last update: Monday, July 21, 2025

Although your hair should maintain some natural oils, no one wants greasy hair. Excess oil can leave your hair lank, attract dirt, and contribute to skin conditions such as acne and psoriasis. The amount of oil your hair produces depends on your age, genetics and environment.

Is it healthy to let your hair get oily?

It's best to prevent your hair from becoming too greasy to keep the scalp healthy. Sebum is the natural oil produced by the scalp that helps keep the skin moisturised and healthy. However, if the scalp starts to become built up with excess oil and grease, this can lead to itching, redness, and dandruff.

Should you oil naturally oily hair?

Heo sweet, yes, you can still use hair oil even if you have greasy roots. Focus on applying the hair oil to the dry ends of your hair, avoiding the roots. Hair oils can help nourish and moisturize the dry ends, making your hair look healthier and silkier without making the roots greasier.

Is it good to get your hair done when it's greasy?

No, if it's too greasy, it won't absorb the dye as well, and if you're getting it done in a salon, your stylist would probably prefer not to deal with excessively dirty hair.

Does leaving your hair greasy help it grow?

"Oils may have made your hair look and feel healthier, giving the illusion of growth," says Anabel. "They could also have helped with de-tangling, which can cause breakage, but will not make hair grow more at the root."

Get Rid Of Oily Scalp For Good: Dermatologist Tips!

Can greasy hair help hair growth?

Hair growth flourishes from a clean, healthy scalp. The bottom line is that dirty hair doesn't grow any faster than clean hair, so you may as well have a clean scalp and fresh tresses. Your strands will look better, feel better, and be healthier, too.

Is oil actually good for hair?

Absolutely! Oiling can be beneficial for your hair in several ways. It helps nourish and moisturize the scalp, which can promote healthier hair growth and reduce dryness. The natural botanical oils used also contain essential nutrients that can strengthen the hair shaft, prevent breakage, and add shine.

Do hairdressers prefer clean or greasy hair?

While some hair types may hold better the second or third day of washing, in most cases it's best to visit the salon with clean, dry hair. Despite what you may have heard before proms and formal dances back in the day, it's actually preferable to work with hair that is free of oil and buildup.

Should I wait until my hair is greasy to wash it?

Generally speaking, it's recommended to wash your hair once it's greasy or unclean to the touch. For some people, that means washing every other day. For others, it could mean shampooing once a week. You may be familiar with the idea that washing your hair less often will “train” it to be less oily.

Should your hair be clean before dying it?

The general rule of thumb is to not wash your hair the day of coloring or even the day before coloring if your hair washing routine allows. You might hear colorists say a second (or even third) day hair is best. Why is that so? Unwashed hair produces a natural oil protective layer.

Is it OK not to wash oily hair?

So, if you are still wondering how often you should wash oily hair, a good rule to follow is between 2 to 3 times a week. This way, you can enjoy a clean feel without stripping essential moisture and exposing your strands to too many chemical elements.

Can you train your hair to be less oily?

Oil training is pretty much what it sounds like—it's the process of training your hair to produce less oil. While it might sound counterintuitive, the idea behind this technique is that washing your hair less often actually lessens your oil production.

Is it OK if I oil my hair everyday?

Oiling your hair 1-2 times a week is enough. Doing it everyday can attract dirt and also strip away essential oils from your hair. Combing, rubbing and vigorously massaging your hair with oil can also cause breakage. So, follow the steps we mentioned and healthy, beautiful hair will follow.

Is oily hair cause hair loss?

While oily hair does not directly cause hair loss, the side effects of an oily scalp can contribute to hair thinning. Excess oil can mix with dirt and product residue, leading to clogged hair follicles.

Should I wet my hair every day?

Here's a general overview: For those with dry, damaged, or color-treated hair, daily wetting may not be advisable as it can further strip the hair of its natural oils and moisture, leading to increased dryness, frizz, and breakage.

Is oily hair damaged?

Excessive oiliness can lead to weakened hair strands, making them prone to breakage and ultimately contributing to hair loss. Moreover, the presence of excess oil can disrupt the natural balance of the scalp, creating an unfavorable environment for healthy hair growth.

Is it OK to leave hair greasy?

Although your hair should maintain some natural oils, no one wants greasy hair. Excess oil can leave your hair lank, attract dirt, and contribute to skin conditions such as acne and psoriasis.

Why does oily hair look thinner?

According to hair expert Jean Will of NiaWigs, an oily scalp makes your hair look thinner because a buildup of excess oil at the base of your hair follicles causes strands to clump together. “Greasy hair looks thin because of its oily look,” she said.

Can you go 2 weeks without washing your hair?

If you have very fine, straight hair that gets oily fast, day four or five may be your cutoff point. If you have a thick, coily mane that's on the drier side, you might find that two weeks or more sans wash makes your hair feel its healthiest.

How do you tell the difference between healthy hair and greasy hair?

Each hair follicle on your head has an oil gland that produces sebum. Sebum is there to naturally moisturize your scalp and keep your hair healthy, shiny and strong. But when there's too much of it, it can build up and lead to greasy, limp locks.

Does unwashed hair style better?

In fact, it can actually be an asset. "Dirty hair calls for messy buns, slicked-back snatched buns, braids, and knots," says celebrity hairstylist Bridget Bager, "This is because dirty hair adds more texture, grit, and grip to your hairstyles, allowing hair to stay in its place.

Is it better to cut hair wet or dry?

If you have curly, wavy, or highly textured hair, a dry cut may be the better option, as it allows the stylist to work with your hair's natural texture and movement. For straight, fine, or moderately textured hair, a wet cut can be a good choice, as it allows for greater precision and control.

Who should not oil their hair?

“People with dry, coarse tightly curled hair can benefit from oiling, while others with fine, straight hair may find oiling weighs their hair down too much. Those who are prone to dandruff should avoid all types of oils.”

Which oils regrow hair?

One of the most popular essential oils in the market, rosemary oil is known for its hair growth properties and deeply nourishes the hair. It improves the health of the scalp and creates a healthy ground for the follicles to grow on.

Is sebum good for hair?

It transports Vitamin E to the skin, lending it antioxidant properties that reduce oxidative stress on your skin and hair. Sebum also coats your hair in a thin layer that prevents it from drying out. When there is not enough sebum on hair, the cuticle opens and allows the moisture to escape.

Previous article
How do I tell if I am skinny?
Next article
Is a chubby face attractive?