My hair is ridiculously temperamental, and I credit that to two things: One, It’s crazy thin; and two, I do a lot to it. I’m not a fan of my natural, somewhat poodle-ish look, so with all the handling and products, it can get oily real quick. Washing your hair less often is actually a lot better for your scalp, your strands, and your natural oils. But if that means I have to meet a friend for coffee looking like I haven’t showered in a week (when, really, it’s only been 24 hours), I’m just not going to do it. On the other hand, I’m also not going to give up my creams and styling sprays — because without them, hair looks brittle and limp (especially as I put a blow dryer to it daily).
Is there a happy middle ground? You bet there is, and for the most part, it comes in the form of all-natural hacks and tricks that nourish your hair, while still keeping oil production under control. While your typical shampoos, hairsprays, and creams are filled with chemicals like parabens, synthetic fragrances, and sodium lauryl sulfate (which strip all the natural oils and health-giving flora from your scalp), these natural hacks leave all the good stuff in place while keeping build-up and dirt at bay.
1. Wash Your Hair More Gently With Coconut Oil
Eden Bodyworks Cleansing Cowash, $9, Amazon
The first step to washing hair less is washing it correctly the first time around. I stopped using regular shampoo about four years ago, and my hair has never felt softer and cleaner long-term. Eden Bodyworks cleansing cowash uses all-natural ingredients like jojoba hair milk, coconut oil, and vitamin E to clean away build-up without stripping natural oils. While a regular shampoo-and-conditioning routine dries out your hair with sulfates and then adds moisture back (in the form of synthetic oils), this cleansing conditioner leaves the moisture there the whole time. That means your body doesn’t have to produce as many oils, and hair stays cleaner for longer. Reviewers say that it absorbs straight into the follicles, making hair look sleek, shiny, clean, and moisturized. It also smells great, and your wash can last for days.
2. Switch Out Your Hairspray For Sugar-Based Formula
Suncoat Sugar-Based Natural Styling Spray, $14, Amazon
Hairspray is super rough on your hair. Not only does it often contain alcohol, which makes hair brittle and in need of more oil, but it dirties hair with chemical build-up and weighs it down. This Suncoat natural styling spray is made with a lightweight and all-natural formula that uses multi-sugars to keep hair in place, but it also delivers antioxidants and essential oils to protect and moisturize hair. It’s a great replacement for your typical hairspray because hair stays clean and won’t stiffen up or get sticky, so you can get another day or two out of your style.
3. Go Light With Your Styling Lotion — Try Keratin & Jojoba, Instead
Opulent Thermal Blowout Spray, $13, Amazon
If you’re big into blow-drying, you probably use some kind of cream or oil to lessen the blow (pun fully intended) so that hair won’t dry out with the heat. However, ultra-greasy formulas soon backfire, leaving your hair oily in only a few hours. Opulent thermal blowout spray uses natural ingredients like argan oil, jojoba oil, and keratin to protect strands and lessen frizz. And because it’s lightweight and non-greasy, hair stays soft, voluminous, and clean. Reviewers say it’s the best solution for ultra-fine hair that gets oily quickly, and not only does it protect their hair, but they spend less time blow-drying it.
4. Smooth Better With Argan Oil
Poppy Austin 100 Percent Pure Argan Oil, $23, Amazon
While it may seem counterintuitive to add oil to hair so it stays clean, argan oil is picking up steam right now because it’s what’s considered a “dry oil.” It absorbs quickly without any residue, but hydrates and strengthens hair with proteins, vitamins, and fatty acids. Poppy Austin argan oil is 100 percent pure and contains absolutely nothing else, and because it’s cold-pressed, it preserves all the health-giving qualities of argan. It helps keep hair smooth and split end-free, but it does so without creating build-up. Plus, because it’s all natural, it won’t disturb your scalp’s natural balance.
5. Rinse With Apple Cider Vinegar
Natural First Organic Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse, $15, Amazon
When I first heard about this trick, I definitely raised an eyebrow, but it turns out it’s one of the best things for oily hair. This Natural First apple cider vinegar rinse is an all-organic way to keep hair cleaner longer because it resets the natural pH of your skin, especially when it’s been disrupted in the past by shampoos and conditioners. The vinegar leaves hair clean and smooth without stripping natural oils, while oolong tea adds shine and hydration. It’s also great to promote hair growth and strengthen follicles, and reviewers say they love the clean tingly feeling this rinse leaves after use.
6. Switch From A Gel To A Natural Pomade
Organic Botanicals Coconut Oil Pomade, $17, Amazon
If your go-to styling product is gel, it’s probably contributing to the greasy build-up, especially since most gels, when dry, irritate the scalp and cause flaking. This Organic Botanicals coconut oil pomade shapes hair without weighing it down or making it stiff, and it doesn’t use any parabens, sulfates, or chemicals, either. Even if you’ve got ultra-thin hair that’s hard to manage, this cream is a game-changer because it’s lightweight and clean-feeling. Reviewers say it holds well, adds volume, and smells great, all without clumps or build-up.
7. Invest In An All-Natural Kaolin Clay Dry Shampoo
Captain Blankenship Organic Mermaid Dry Shampoo, $29, Amazon
General dry shampoo isn’t always the best option because it can weaken hair follicles and absorb too many natural oils. But Captain Blankenship dry shampoo is an all-organic formula that can be used in a pinch — on days when you don’t have the time to wash and don’t have the patience for grease. It’s made with arrowroot powder, kaolin clay, and baking soda, which are known for their ultra-absorbent qualities, as well as organic essential oils to give hair a clean, fresh scent. Reviewers say that in addition to being all natural, it’s also one of the best dry shampoos they’ve ever used, as it’s long-lasting and won’t leave flakes or a powdery residue like other brands.
8. Control Oil Production With Jojoba Oil
Sky Organics Jojoba Oil, $12, Amazon
Jojoba oil is another one that’s great for your hair because it has properties that are similar to the oils that occur naturally to hydrate your hair. Sky Organics jojoba oil is 100 percent pure, organic, and cold-pressed, and it comes in an easy spray bottle for convenient use in your hair or on your face. It’s rich in vitamins and minerals to heal and hydrate hair, but it won’t leave it looking greasy, and it’ll actually help tame oil production in the future. Some reviewers even say they’ve replaced all of their hair/nail/skin care products with this one because it takes care of it all.
9. Distribute Oils With Boar’s Hair
Minalo Natural Boar’s Hair Brush, $10, Amazon
Plastic brushes aren’t just rough on split ends — they’re also not great at evenly distributing the oil in your hair (so roots look greasy, while tips look dry). This Minalo Natural boar’s hair brush is made with only boar’s hair bristles, which are awesome at spreading sebum from root to tip, easily and effortlessly. It also stimulates your scalp for better circulation, which helps hair to grow stronger and more efficiently. And, because the handle is made from polished wood, this brush is comfortable, durable, and makes it significantly easier to style your hair for long-term wear.
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Images: Fotolia; Amazon (9)
