Having excessively greasy hair can have a toll on our confidence and make us dread going out. How many times have you gone to bed with recently washed hair only to get up in the morning and realize it is oily again? Arghh, the horror! So, you find yourself using all kinds of products so that you don’t look like you haven’t bathed for days. You spend tons of money and time on dry shampoos that are just short-term solutions to only wash your hair again in a couple of hours. But frequently washing your hair does more damage than good. It has been found to strip your hair from its needed natural oils. Drying out the scalp can cause it to overproduce oil, and then the problem is exacerbated.
To remedy your situation, you have probably been advised to use a shampoo for oily air. But what about a conditioner? Your hair also needs proper nourishment and hydration. For a soft and hydrated hair, add a conditioner for oily hair to your hair care routine. But you can’t make do with just any conditioner. Some products on the market have ingredients which will only make matters worse. Here are some tips on picking the best conditioner for oily hair.
Ingredients to Look for
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is widely popular when it comes to hair and skincare products. The reason for this is that it is perfect for moisturizing the skin and hair. This is perfect as even if you are battling with greasy hair, you still don’t want to dry out your scalp. Jojoba oil is also rich with vitamins such as vitamin E, B and C which can nourish your scalp and hair. These nutrients can help strengthen your hair and, in turn, prevent breakage and split ends.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is another natural ingredient you should look for when buying oily hair conditioners. Much like jojoba oil, it moisturizes and nourishes your skin. But what interests you most is the effect it has on oily hair. Well, applying aloe vera to your scalp can remove the excess oil. And the best part is that it is not harsh on the skin. In fact, aloe vera is widely used to treat sunburnt skin. This plant provides your hair with all the nutrients needed, so your hair grows out stronger. Some even say that it promotes hair growth, though further research is needed on the matter.
Moringa
Yet another plant-based ingredient that makes your hair soft and frizz-free. Moringa is rich with vitamin A, which promotes hair growth. It is also rich with vitamin E and C, which are considered powerful antioxidants. The perfect conditioner for oily hair should include ingredients which not only moisturize your scalp and remove excess oil but also nourish your hair and promote healthy growth. The end result is smooth and frizz-free hair!
Ingredients to Avoid
Sulphates
Sulphates are used in a variety of hygienic products as they help create the lather needed to remove dirt. So, if they are included in your shampoo or conditioner, they will create soapy bubbles and you will then need to wash that away. However, the reason why you should avoid sulphates in shampoos and conditioners is that they also remove the natural oils produced by your scalp. Overusing products with sulphates can create a dry and itchy scalp. And while your goal is to remove all excess oil, you shouldn’t also get rid of the sebum your scalp produces to nourish your hair.
Silicone
Silicone in hair products has a short-term effect only. Yes, it will make your hair look smooth and well-styled but only while you are using it. When you add silicone to your hair you are basically adding a layer which prevents moisturizing. Not only that but dirt sticks to it as well. The end result is hair that looks perfectly styled for a few days, but is, in turn, dry and damaged afterwards. Another downside is that silicone is heavy for your hair and weighs it down, which makes it even greasier.
Toxic Chemicals
Some hair care products have ingredients which are hard to pronounce. And if you aren’t knowledgeable on the matter, it is hard to tell which ones are harmful to your health and which aren’t. We already mentioned sulphates, but other chemicals to avoid having in your oily hair shampoos and conditioners are parabens. These have been linked to cancer, so it is in your best interest to avoid them. Some of the most commonly found ones are methylparaben and propylparaben.
How to Use Your Conditioner
After you have picked the conditioner that suits you most, there are some dos and don’ts in terms of caring for your hair. Firstly, the conditioner should always be applied after shampooing your hair. Avoid the scalp area, and focus on the middle area of your hair and the ends. Then, make sure that you have rinsed off both the shampoo and the conditioner completely. Having residue hair products might make your hair look oily. As I mentioned, you should also avoid over-washing your hair. At first, it might seem like you are just leaving your hair greasy for the day. But over time, your scalp will get used to the new routine and won’t produce as much oil as it did previously.