Going cold-turkey from shampoo to the water-only (WO) method may result in a particularly oily transition, so try alternating with another detergent-less method until your scalp calms down. Over time, many people find that their hair actually becomes less greasy as their scalp's oil production normalizes.
Washing it with water only will actually make it produce less oil over time. The less often you wash your hair with anything, the less often your scalp will need to produce oils to make up for lost oils. Stripping your hair with shampoo causes your scalp to freak out and produce more oils to get back to normal.
However, if you wet your hair without washing it every day, you may notice that your scalp becomes oily and your hair becomes greasy. This is because when you wet your hair, the oils from your scalp are distributed throughout your hair, which can make it look greasy.
To my mind, any time you actually clean your scalp/hair (whether you're using conditioner or shampoo to wash it) is considered "wash day." If you're just getting it damp and putting in more product, that's generally considered a "refresh day" and not a wash day.
Start by using a volumizing shampoo and conditioner to help reduce the appearance of greasy hair. Then, use a lightweight leave-in conditioner or serum to add moisture without weighing down your hair. Finally, be sure to rinse your hair thoroughly after shampooing to remove any excess product.
Believe it or not, the simple act of repeatedly wetting your hair alone can be bad for your hair. "Wetting the hair repeatedly (and then using heat to dry it) can weaken the cortex and cuticle layers of the hair," Longsworth says. "And if the hair stays wet for extended periods of time, hygral fatigue can be an issue."
“The benefits of water-only hair washing allow your natural oils to protect, nourish and lubricate your scalp and hair rather than constantly being washed away from a traditional cleansing detergent or shampoo,” says McDaniel.
Warm water helps to soften the grease, but it doesn't wash it away on its own. You need to use a shampoo to properly clean your hair and scalp.
While it's not “bad” for your health in the sense of causing disease or permanent damage, the hair's increased fragility when wet can potentially lead to mechanical damage over time, especially if you toss and turn a lot during sleep.
The no-poo (or “no shampoo”) method is a hair-cleansing technique that removes shampoo from the equation, says Yadav. Instead of using shampoo, followers of the practice use alternatives such as apple cider vinegar, a cleansing conditioner, or just plain water.
While you definitely want some natural oils to remain in your hair, not washing your hair will allow oil, dirt and grime to build up on your scalp.
"With more natural oils lubricating the hair [from water-only washing], the hair shafts glide over each other, leading to less tangles." Skipping shampoo also allows for the hair's sebum to distribute throughout, and this may make hair appear more shiny and less frizzy.
Does hard water make your hair greasy? While hard water is typically more drying, the minerals can also mix with your natural oils and leave your mane looking greasy. These minerals may also interact with the ingredients in your shampoos and other hair products, impacting their effectiveness.
Washing the hair is a lot like washing skin. Water can remove most visible dirt and debris, but might not eliminate odors or oily deposits. Shampoo helps water remove dirt, debris, and odors, such as smoke or sweat effectively. Shampoos can also remove oil.
By wetting your hair you're still technically washing it, but you're avoiding exposure to potentially dehydrating ingredients like sulfates. A good time to use the “just water” method is when it's the end of the day and your hair is looking like a bit of a mess.
Going to bed with wet hair can make your hair look greasy when you wake up in the morning. This is because your hair produces an oil called sebum that coats your strands. If you don't have time to dry your hair properly before bed, this sebum will stay on your strands and make them look greasy.
Rinsing with cold water will give you smoother, shinier, more moisturized hair. However, doing the entire wash with cold water isn't necessary–it won't clean your hair as well as warm water will, and your hair could look greasy and flat at the end.
Infrequent hair washing, a reaction to a hair product, dandruff, and seborrheic dermatitis are some of the most common reasons why your scalp might be itchy. Other causes include head lice, psoriasis, nerve problems, ringworm, and scabies. Your treatment will depend on what's causing the itching.
Oily hair isn't healthy or unhealthy by default. People with an oily scalp can have healthy hair or dry, brittle hair. Your hair needs oil to be healthy, but too much oil can lead to buildup on the hair and scalp. Oily skin may also contribute to a condition called seborrheic dermatitis.