1. Don’t wash with really hot water
Sam Burnett, founder of London-based salon Hare and Bone says, “If you have oily hair a common mistake is washing with hot water and scrubbing the scalp too vigororusly. Doing this will actually increase oil production. I recommend using warm water and doing a gentle scalp massage with a cleansing shampoo that’ll target oily roots.”
2. Try a wet-look ponytail
Sam also suggests trying an on-trend, wet look ponytail. “They can be a great way to actually disguise oily roots, or you could try braids from the root and around the hair line, so they frame the face either side of your parting,” he says.
3. Let your dry shampoo work overnight
Yep, sounds crazy but it’s a tip that we know works. When your hair is at that not-quite-greasy-but-probably-will-be-in-the-morning stage, whack some dry shampoo on before you go to sleep and let it work its magic overnight. Blow-dry it out in the morning (going through that motion also kinda makes it feel like you’ve washed it too) and your hair’ll be good for another day. KMS California HairPlay Makeover Spray, £15.50 is a good one to try.
4. Get Creative
Lotte O’Shea, stylist at George Northwood, says changing up your parting is a good way to disguise second or third day hair. Or try experimenting with hair accessories, or even a summer hat now the sun is starting to make an appearance.
5. Refresh hair with hairspray
Mark Coates, Bumble and bumble National Education Manager says refresh tired or lank hair with hairspray. “Generously spritz hair with Bumble and bumble Thickening Hairspray, £21.50 and blow-dry in place. By layering this product up in roots and fringes it allows hair to be re-styled as well as adding volume and shine. If your hair doesn’t need much root lift, use a suitable hairspray for your hair type and follow the same method.”
6. Just wash your bangs
“If you’ve got a fringe or shorter layers around your face you could just shampoo those over your bathroom sink,” says Jordan Garrett, stylist at Hershesons, “it’s usually the front part of the hair that tend to greasy the easiest because of touching.”
7. Take extra time
Celebrity hairstylist Ben Cooke says, “If you take a bit of extra time with your initial blow-dry when you’ve just washed your hair it should last a few days anyway.”
8. Try a blow dry cream
The one product we swear by on the beauty desk is Bumble and bumble All Style Blow Dry, £23. Apply a pea-sized amount to your roots after washing and blow-dry in. It’s packed with oil-absorbing powders and really does help hair last that all important extra day.
9. Grin and bear it
Because chances are nobody else will notice as much as you do anyway!
