How Can You Get Rid of Oily Hair Effectively?

| 03 Mar 2025

A person applying dry shampoo to manage oily hair effectively, showcasing a solution for greasy hair issues.

Raise your hand if you've ever felt personally victimized by your own scalp? Yep, us too. There's nothing quite like styling your hair to perfection, only to have it looking like an oil spill by lunchtime. But fear not, friends! Because at Moxie, we’re all about conquering hair woes and getting you to your best hair day, every day.

So, let's dive headfirst into the oily hair ocean and figure out how to navigate these slick tides, shall we? Consider this your ultimate guide, served with a side of Moxie magic.

Why Does My Hair Think It's an Oil Rig? 
Let’s Get to the Root of It.

Okay, let’s get real. Why does your hair sometimes feel like it could power a small engine? It's all about your scalp's natural oils, or sebum, to get all science-y on you. Sebum is actually a good thing – it's your hair's natural moisturizer, keeping things healthy and happy. But sometimes, those oil glands get a little too enthusiastic.

Think of it like this: Your scalp is throwing a party, and the oil glands are in charge of refreshments. Sometimes they order just the right amount of snacks, and everything's chill. But other times? Pizza delivery gone wild. Too much oil, and suddenly, it’s a greasy situation.

What makes the oil glands go into overdrive? A bunch of things, actually:

  • Genetics: Thanks, Mom and Dad! Sometimes it’s just in your DNA to be a little oilier.
  • Hormones: Hello, puberty, periods, and stress! Hormonal shifts can send your oil glands into a frenzy.
  • Over-Washing: Wait, what? Washing too much makes it worse? Yep! Stripping your scalp of oil too often can make it produce even more to compensate. It's a vicious cycle, like trying to break up with your ex who just won't take the hint.
  • Product Buildup: Heavy products can clog your scalp and trap oil, making things feel greasy faster.
  • Diet: Greasy food doesn't directly make your hair greasy, but a diet high in processed foods and unhealthy fats can contribute to overall skin and scalp imbalances.

So, now we know the culprits. But what can we do about it? Glad you asked!

Am I Actually Making Things Worse? 
Busting Oily Hair Myths (and Bad Habits).

Let's play a quick game of "Hair Care Confessions." Be honest, how many of these sound familiar?

  • "I wash my hair every single day to get rid of the oil." DING DING DING! This is a classic oily hair mistake. Remember that vicious cycle we talked about? Daily washing can be a major trigger.
  • "I scrub my scalp like I'm trying to win a prize." Oof, gentle, darling, gentle! Aggressive scrubbing can irritate your scalp and yep, you guessed it, stimulate more oil production.
  • "I load up on heavy conditioners to hydrate my dry ends." Conditioner is your friend, but heavy formulas near the scalp? Not so much. They can weigh hair down and contribute to oiliness.
  • "I’m using the same products I’ve always used, even though my hair changed." Hair needs change! What worked in your teens might not work now. Time to reassess your routine.

The truth bomb? Sometimes, we're accidentally sabotaging our own hair goals! But awareness is the first step to amazing hair days, right?

The Moxie Method
Your Oily Hair Game Plan.

Alright, enough doom and gloom. Let's talk solutions, Moxie style! Here’s your step-by-step guide to showing oily hair who’s boss.

Step 1: Cleanse Smart, Not Hard.

  • Gentle Cleansing Shampoo is Your New BFF: Sulphate-free is the name of the game. Our Gentle Cleansing Shampoo is like a breath of fresh air for your scalp. It deeply cleanses without stripping away all the good stuff, thanks to Yacón root for antioxidant scalp protection and Hydrolyzed Sweet Almond Protein for hair growth. One wash miracle? Believe it, darling.
  • Wash Less Often: I know, scary thought for oily hair folks! But try stretching out washes to every other day, or even every two days. Your scalp will thank you (eventually, promise!). On in-between days… hello Cheat Day Dry Shampoo! This 100% plant-based powder is your secret weapon. Just a shake, part, spray, and blend with our Partner In Grime Dusting Brush (those vegan bristles are dreamy). Greasy roots? Bye Felicia. White cast? Never met her.
  • Focus on the Scalp: When shampooing, concentrate on your scalp where the oil is produced. The ends don't need as much cleansing.

Step 2: Condition with Care.

  • Ultra Hydrating Conditioner, But Only on the Ends: Yes, hydration is key, but oily scalps need to be strategic. Apply Ultra Hydrating Conditioner from mid-lengths to ends only, avoiding the scalp area. Mango Seed Butter, Cocoa Seed Butter, and Shea Butter? Hello, soft, detangled, and defined waves and curls without the grease overload.

Step 3: Styling Savvy for Slick Days.

  • Lightweight Styling is Your Mantra: Heavy creams and gels can be oily hair’s nemesis. Reach for lighter formulas. Our Flexi Styling Serum Gel is a dream for waves and curls. Chai seed, brown seaweed extract, and linseed create a humidity shield, lock in moisture, and boost shine without any crunch. Soft, shiny, bouncy – yes, please!
  • Slick It Back, Baby! Embrace the slicked-back trend! It’s chic, it’s celeb-approved, and guess what? It works perfectly for oily hair days. Enter The Headliner and Finisher Duo. The Headliner Hair Wax Stick lays down shine and control (apricot oil, carnauba plant wax, coconut oil – yum!), and the soft-bristled Hair Finisher Brush keeps everything sleek and in line. Slick, smooth, all-day hold, no white cast drama. This is the moment for hair wax sticks, and Moxie’s is next level.
  • On The Fly Hair Finishing Stick for Flyaways: Frizz still trying to crash your party? On The Fly Hair Finishing Stick is your secret weapon for taming flyaways and polishing your look. Aloe vera, banana, cica – all-natural goodness, zero sticky or crunchy vibes.

Step 4: Treat Your Scalp Like Skincare.

  • Frizz Fighting Hair Serum (With SPF35) - Scalp Edition: Think of your scalp as an extension of your face. It needs love too! Our Frizz Fighting Hair Serum isn’t just for frizz; it’s skincare for your hair. Shea butter, Yacón root, and brown seaweed extract deeply hydrate and nourish. And SPF 35? Scalp sun protection – genius! Use it sparingly on the scalp if you're oily, focusing on the lengths.
  • Weekend Champi Ritual with Cocoa, Hemp & Almond Hair Oil: Don’t underestimate the power of a good hair oil, even for oily hair! Our Cocoa, Hemp & Almond Hair Oil enhances your scalp microbiome for better scalp health and strengthens hair. Use it as a pre-wash treatment on your scalp and lengths, focusing on the scalp to balance oil production. Hello, healthy scalp, hello gorgeous hair.

Step 5: Heat Styling? Protect, Protect, Protect!

  • Firefighter - Heat Protection Spray is Non-Negotiable: Heat can dry out your hair and scalp, which can ironically trigger more oil production. Firefighter Heat Protection Spray shields up to 450°F, reduces dryness and frizz, and leaves hair soft and shiny with argan oil and olive oil. A few pumps before heat styling is your insurance policy against heat damage and oil imbalances.

The beauty of Moxie is that you can create a routine that’s perfect for you. Oily hair doesn't mean you can't have fun with styling or treat your hair right. It just means being a little smarter about it.

And remember, Moxie is for everyone! Men, women, wavy, curly, straight – these products love all hair types. Guys, weekend champi ritual? Yes, please. Wavy-haired wonders, curl cream and shampoo routine? We got you.

Because We Know You Have Questions!

Q: Will using hair oil actually make my hair more oily?

A: Not necessarily! Scalp oils like our Cocoa, Hemp & Almond Hair Oil can actually help balance oil production when used as a pre-wash treatment. It’s about scalp health, not just stripping away oil.

Q: Can I use conditioner if I have oily hair?

A: Absolutely! Just focus conditioner on the mid-lengths and ends, away from your scalp, like our Ultra Hydrating Conditioner. Hydrated ends are happy ends!

Q: How often should I use dry shampoo?

A: Listen to your hair! Cheat Day Dry Shampoo is your in-between wash savior. Use it as needed to refresh roots and boost volume. Just don’t rely on it to replace washing forever.

Q: Will heat protectant make my hair oily?

A: Not our Firefighter Heat Protection Spray! It’s an oil-based formula, yes, but it’s lightweight and absorbs beautifully, leaving a natural shine, not a greasy mess. Protection is key!

Q: What if I’m still struggling with oily hair?

A: Patience, darling! It can take a little time for your scalp to adjust to a new routine. Be consistent, and if you’re still concerned, chat with a dermatologist or trichologist. And hey, we’re always here at Moxie HQ to help you find your perfect product match!

Your Best Hair Day, Every Day – That’s the Moxie Promise.

Oily hair? Consider it handled. With the right routine and the right products (ahem, Moxie!), you can conquer the grease and unleash your hair’s full potential. Remember, it’s all about balance, gentle cleansing, smart styling, and a little Moxie magic.

Ready to say buh-bye to bad hair days and hello to your most confident, gorgeous self? Explore the Moxie collection and find your oily hair heroes today! And trust me, that Headliner and Finisher Duo? You need it in your life. Just saying. 😉

Stay fabulous, Moxie Mavens!

(P.S. Travel sizes and sampler sets? Yep, we got those too! Perfect for trying Moxie for the first time or for your next adventure. And scrunchies? Because cute hair accessories are always a good idea. Scalp massager? Treat yourself, you deserve it.)