Hair Care Tips for Men with Oily Hair

For men with oily hair, even the most polished appearance can be quickly undone by greasy roots, limp strands, and a constant battle to keep things clean.

But oily hair isn’t simply a matter of hygiene. It’s the result of biology, lifestyle choices, and often, misguided grooming habits. Left unchecked, it doesn’t just affect how your hair looks—it changes how it behaves: resisting style, attracting buildup, and dulling your overall appearance.

This guide delivers clear, targeted advice for men with oily hair. From understanding the root causes to selecting the right products and routines, these tips will help you regain control—without stripping your hair of the essentials it truly needs.

What Causes Oily Hair in Men?

It starts at the scalp. Sebaceous glands on the scalp produce sebum, an oil that hydrates and protects. When they overproduce, it leads to buildup, limp roots, and a greasy finish that refuses to hold shape.

Hormonal activity, particularly testosterone and DHT, increases oil production. Men with higher levels of these hormones are more prone to imbalance.

Genetics also play a role. If oily hair runs in your family, you’re more likely to experience it yourself.

Habits matter, too. Washing too often, using harsh shampoos, or not properly rinsing can disrupt the scalp’s oil balance—triggering even more sebum in response.

Environmental stressors—humidity, sweat, pollution—only intensify the issue. Combine that with heavy styling products, and even freshly washed hair can appear unclean within hours.

The Biggest Mistakes Men Make with Oily Hair

Oily hair often lingers because of well-intentioned but counterproductive habits. These common mistakes can quietly worsen the problem.

• Frequent washing strips the scalp, prompting it to replace lost oils even faster. It’s a cycle that leaves hair greasy within hours of cleansing.
• Using the wrong shampoo—especially rich or silicone-heavy formulas—adds residue that clings to hair and scalp, weighing everything down.
• Skipping conditioner is another misstep. A lightweight, balancing formula helps calm the scalp and reduce oil overproduction.
• Touching or brushing too much spreads oil from root to tip, making hair look flat and unwashed far sooner than it should.
• Heavy styling products—like waxes or pomades—cling to the scalp, trap oil, and create buildup that resists washing.

Avoid these pitfalls, and you’ll notice a sharper, cleaner look—one that lasts longer and styles more easily.

Daily Hair Care Routine for Oily Hair

A sharp, consistent look begins with routine—not reaction. A structured approach to washing, conditioning, and styling helps keep oil in check without going to extremes.

Morning Routine

Cleanse (if needed)

Use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo with balancing ingredients like zinc PCA, tea tree oil, or charcoal. These cleanse without over-stripping.

✓ Ideal for: Light daily cleanses or post-workout wash days.

Condition the ends only

Choose a lightweight, silicone-free conditioner. Look for labels like “volumizing” or “oil-free,” and avoid anything with heavy oils or butters.

✓ Apply from mid-length to ends. Never at the scalp.

Rinse thoroughly with cool water

Cool water helps close the cuticle and reduce excess oil stimulation. Warm water is fine—just avoid hot.

Dry gently

Pat your hair dry with a clean towel. If you must use a hairdryer, go low heat or cool air only—particularly at the roots.

Apply the right styling products

Stick to matte-finish clays, lightweight styling powders, or water-based pastes.

✓ Top picks: Bentonite clay-based pastes, dry texture sprays, or styling powders.

Midday Refresh (Optional)

• Use a dry shampoo with rice starch or kaolin clay to absorb visible oil at the roots.

• Comb through with fingers or a wide-tooth comb to reset volume.

• Avoid touching your hair unnecessarily—it spreads oil and flattens texture.

Evening Care

• If you didn’t wash in the morning and your scalp feels congested, rinse with cool water only.

• Apply a lightweight scalp tonic 1–2x per week—look for niacinamide, witch hazel, or tea tree extract to soothe and rebalance.

• Use a clean pillowcase and avoid sleeping with heavy product still in your hair.

Weekly Routine Overlay

Structure helps regulate oil production while preserving scalp health.

A weekly structure like this trains your scalp to self-regulate—without aggressive cleansing or guesswork. Stick to it, and you'll move from managing oil to mastering it.

Best Hair Products for Oily Hair

The right products won’t mask oil—they’ll rebalance your scalp and restore structure to hair that falls flat.

Clarifying Shampoo (1–2x per week)

Use a clarifying shampoo weekly to deep-clean buildup and excess oil. Ingredients like salicylic acid, charcoal, or tea tree oil help reset the scalp without over-drying. Once a week is enough. Any more, and you risk triggering rebound oil production.

Daily Shampoo (Sulfate-Free, Lightweight)

Choose a sulfate-free shampoo designed for oil control. Avoid formulas labeled “hydrating” or “moisturizing”—they often leave residue. Instead, go for ones marked “balancing,” “volumizing,” or “oil-regulating.”

Lightweight Conditioner (Ends Only)

Skipping conditioner can backfire. Use a silicone-free, lightweight formula and apply it only from mid-length to ends. This maintains softness without contributing to scalp buildup.

Dry Shampoo (Non-Wash Days)

Ideal for midday refreshes, dry shampoo absorbs oil and restores texture at the roots without adding weight. Choose a rice starch or clay-based formula with a matte finish and no added shine.

Scalp Tonic (1–2x per week)

A lightweight alcohol-free tonic helps regulate oil at the source. Look for ingredients like witch hazel, niacinamide, or tea tree extract. Apply on clean, dry scalp—never over product.

Matte Styling Products (Daily Finish)

Oily hair pairs best with matte-finish, water-based stylers like our Matte Clay—designed to deliver hold without shine. Avoid waxes, pomades, or anything labeled “high hold” or “gloss”—they weigh down and amplify grease.

Styling Tips for Oily Hair

Oily hair is challenging, but not unmanageable. The key isn’t overcompensation—it’s control. The goal is to maintain shape and volume without adding unnecessary weight or shine. These techniques help you do just that.

Start with Clean, Dry Hair

Styling begins at the foundation. Applying product to damp or slightly oily hair only amplifies flatness and reduces hold. Always start with freshly dried hair—ideally towel-dried or gently blow-dried on a cool setting.

Use a Matte-Texture Base

Products that provide structure without sheen are your best asset. Styling powders, clay pastes, and matte creams help lift the roots and control separation without making the scalp feel heavy. For finer hair types, a volumizing pre-styler can also boost body before applying your main product.

Avoid Layering Too Much Product

More isn’t better. Oily hair holds product more aggressively, so keep application minimal. Rub a small amount between your hands, emulsify thoroughly, and apply evenly, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends—not the scalp.

Opt for Styles That Work With Volume, Not Against It

High-volume styles like the textured crop, messy fringe, or short quiff pair well with oil-prone hair. They create lift and visual separation, helping mask any loss of freshness. Avoid heavy side parts or slicked-down styles—they flatten quickly and highlight oil buildup.

Refresh Strategically

If your style begins to collapse mid-day, don’t reapply product. Instead, use a dry shampoo or styling powder to reactivate lift at the roots. A wide-tooth comb or even your fingers can help redistribute product and create separation without adding weight.

Final Thoughts: Hair Care That Puts You Back in Control

For men with oily hair, success lies in structure—not overcorrection. A targeted routine, the right products, and a disciplined approach to styling can turn a frustrating issue into a manageable part of daily grooming.

With consistent care and smarter choices, men with oily hair can maintain a clean, sharp look—no harsh solutions, no shortcuts. This isn’t about masking oil; it’s about mastering it.

At Beard Beasts, we believe that grooming is a reflection of intent. With consistent care and a clear strategy, oily hair becomes just another detail you’ve mastered.