5 Surprising Mistakes That Can Make Your Hair Greasy

When hair falls flat and roots start looking greasy, most people take it as a signal that it's time for a wash. However, for some it seems to come too quickly. Greasy hair is not always directly related to how often you wash or which products you use, but can be a result of a myriad of oil-producing fumbles. Unfortunately, sometimes it's not your hair, it's you. And there are ways to combat that unwanted shine in order to sneak in more time between washes.

Here are 5 mistakes you might be making that contribute to greasy hair, and how to avoid them.

Touching Your Hair Often

Just as touching your face too often can lead to acne, touching your hair too often can lead to added greasiness as well. That's because your hands are also covered in a natural oil to protect your skin, and every time you touch your hair your transferring that oil directly to your hair.

Always Wearing a Ponytail

Ponytails are versatile and easy, but if you're trying to maintain a fresh look, you might want to consider steering clear of sweeping up your hair in an elastic for the first day or two after washing. Your scalp is not breathing when your hair is slicked back in a ponytail, which can lead to oil and sweat accumulating, especially if it's warm outside.

Brushing Your Hair Too Much

You can consider brushing the "Goldilocks secret" of hair care: too little and it will get tangled, too much and it will get oily. Brushing can help distribute oils from the roots down the shaft, which helps your hair maintain a smooth, shiny look for a period of time. However, too much brushing can also stimulate oil production, thus initiating a grease-inducing cycle. Just like touching, only brush when you really need to.

Not Getting Enough Vitamins

What you eat does affect every inch of your body, right down to the ends of your hair. For example, a biotin supplement is recommended for those who would like to boost hair health and fullness, as well as collagen supplements. Additionally, your vitamin B intake has been reported to affect a person's level of sebum (oil) production. Consider taking a vitamin B2 (riboflavin) and vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) supplement, which can help combat greasy hair by regulating sebum production. Luckily, vitamin B is found in a lot of foods including beans, meat, poultry, fish, and some fruits and vegetables.

Washing Your Hair Too Much

This sounds counter-intuitive to keeping greasy hair at bay, but it may be time to stop washing your hair as often as you do. Over-washing can strip hair and scalp of natural oils, causing the scalp to over-compensate by producing even more oil. This can lead to buildup and make hair appear greasy even right after washing. Try out a new schedule that does not require washing every day. Start with every other day, and go from there. If you find yourself wishing for a wash, spritz on dry shampoo to extend your hairstyle.