Sunday Edit
  • Beauty
    • Skin
    • Hair
    • Makeup
    • Nails
  • Wellness
    • Mental Health
    • Health
    • Holistic & Spiritual
    • Love
    • Sex
  • Lifestyle
    • Home
    • Sustainability
    • Culture
    • Fashion
    • Travel
    • Gifts
  • Shop
  • About Us
x
Subscribe
collage of woman wearing hooded knit sweater on abstract gradient background
Chainarong Prasertthai/Getty Images; Lambada/Getty Images (2)

Beauty » Hair » Hair Care

Here’s Why Your Hair Gets So Greasy During The Winter

Authored by Brittany Natale
Brittany Natale
February 8, 2022

When we think of wintertime beauty woes the first ones to come to mind usually are chapped lips and dry skin —but did you know that greasy winter hair is also a thing? As it turns out, the combination of cold temperatures, dry air, and seasonal stress can wreak havoc on our hair.

To help you better understand why your hair gets greasy in the winter, and what you can do about it, read ahead: 

What causes greasy winter hair?

woman wearing beige knitted hood

Getting down to what causes greasy hair can, in general, be frustrating (Was it the shampoo I used? Am I washing my hair too much? Too little?) In the winter, however, there are specific elements that work together to create the perfect breeding ground for greasy hair: 

Cold, Dry Air

Perhaps surprisingly, the main reason why your strands may get greasy during the winter months is because of the season’s dry, cold air. “When the air is dry, your scalp’s natural sebum (oil) production increases in order to compensate,” explains Dr. Paula Morgan, MD, Ph.D., FRCPC, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist and medical advisor for BetterGoods, “This can lead to an oily scalp and hair, as well as dandruff and flaking.” Dr. Morgan points out that people tend to touch and scratch dry scalps, which can further exacerbate the issue.   

Seasonal Stress 

If you noticed that your hair was greasier during and after the winter holidays, then you are not alone. Stress, caused by the holidays or the start of a new year, can seriously mess with your scalp’s oil production. This is because more stress equals higher levels of cortisol, the body’s main stress hormone. When cortisol rises in the body oil production kicks into overdrive, creating oily skin and a greasy scalp. “Stress can cause your scalp, and any skin for that matter, to produce more oil,” Anabel Kingsley, trichologist and Brand President of Philip Kingsley, says, “While not always the case, a lot of people find the holiday season a particularly stressful time.” 

Bundling Up

Sure, fluffy hats and cozy beanies help complete the perfect winter outfit, but did you know that they can also cause greasy hair? “Sweating can contribute to greasier hair in the winter due to the hats and other headwear we use to keep warmer,” adds Dr. Morgan.  

woman outside in winter clothing

How to cut the grease

Greasy hair is never any fun and can be frustrating no matter the time of year you may experience it. Thankfully there are easy-to-apply tips out there that can help you in getting your hair balanced and back into tip-top shape:

Add Some Humidity Into Your Home

If you are someone who likes to crank the heat up in your home, then you may also know just how dry the indoors can get. Even though a warm room is an ideal place to spend cold winter nights, it is important that you make sure your home always has the right amount of humidity. Having a good balance of humidity will not only help keep your skin healthy but also can help you avoid greasy hair. “In many homes, the air is overly dry, and running a humidifier will help balance the humidity levels,” explains Dr. Morgan, “[this] in turn [has] a positive impact on the skin, and your hair.”

Opt for Breathable Headwear Fabrics

The next time you go shopping for winter accessories, such as hats, make sure you pick those that are made from breathable fabrics. This will help cut back on scalp sweating which can cause greasy, oily hair. “If you’re prone to sweating, try using a hat that is made from natural fibers like wool or cotton which allow the scalp to breathe,” shares Dr. Morgan.

Be Selective with Your Shampoo and a Scalp Treatment

Woman washing her hair in shower

You may be tempted to wash your hair more often when it is greasy, but Dr. Morgan shares that this may be counterproductive. “Washing the hair excessively in the winter can dry out the scalp even more, in turn causing the production of more sebum,” she says. Instead, she recommends that you wash your hair every 2 to 3 days with a moisturizing shampoo that is free of harsh sulfates such as sodium lauryl sulfate, also known as SLS. “SLS, which although strips oil from the hair, will make the problem worse in the long run,” she explains. Dr. Morgan also advises using a scalp treatment weekly to help manage both sebum production and scalp health.  

Shop

Clean Rinse

Clarifying Scalp Serum
$48.00

Make Stress Management a Priority

In order to control high cortisol levels that are linked to the skin’s excess oil production, Kingsley suggests incorporating stress management techniques into your routine. “For stress-related oiliness, stress management is a must,” advises Kingsley. She suggests options, such as yoga, pilates, meditation, walking and mindfulness, to help keep stress at bay. 

When to see a doctor

Although greasy hair can be managed by making a few changes to your lifestyle or styling routine, it is important to know that if it is accompanied by any other symptoms a trip to your dermatologist may be necessary. “If you are experiencing any other symptoms such as itching, redness, or scaling, it is best to see a dermatologist for an evaluation,” says Dr. Morgan, “There may be another underlying cause for the scalp issues.” 


We only recommend products we have independently researched, tested, and loved. If you purchase a product found through our links, Sunday Edit may earn an affiliate commission.

Beauty Hair Hair Care

Sundays should be special.

Sign up for the Sunday Edit newsletter to stay in-the-know on all things skincare and beyond.

Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy

Most Popular

A woman with blue hair with comb stuck in it.

Hair Brushing: Experts Share How Often You Should Brush Your Hair (And Why)

Macrophotograph of bubbles on a bar of hand soap

Oil-Based Cleanser vs Water-Based Cleanser: Which is Right for You?

A dermaroller facial device on a wooden countertop.

Using a Derma Roller for Hair Loss: Expert Steps for The Best Results

Read More
A photo of a woman with colorful hair and glitter stars on her hairline.

Scalp Detox – How to Unclog Scalp Pores

By Macaela Mackenzie

How to Improve Your Scalp Care Routine with Acids

By Iman Balagam
Kaia Gerber walks the runway at tje Anna Sui fashion show during New York Fashion Week at Spring Studios in New York City, Sept. 10, 2018.

5 Tips From a Hairstylist with Over 1000 Magazine Covers

By Iman Balagam
Cara Delevingne at the Chanel Fall/Winter fashion show on March 5, 2019.

5 Tips for a Good Hair Day When It’s Hat Season

By Molly Shea
by
  • Beauty
  • Wellness
  • Lifestyle
  • Shop
  • About Us
  • Our Contributors
  • Terms + Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • California Privacy Notice
  • Contact Us
Make Sundays special! Stay in the loop on all things skincare (and beyond) with our weekly newsletter.
© 2022 Sunday Edit

We use cookies to ensure that you have the best experience on our site. By continuing to use our site, you accept the use of cookies. Learn more here

heart-envelope-email

No more Sunday scaries.

Make Sundays special again! Sign up for the Sunday Edit newsletter to stay in-the-know on topics that spark a conversation for everyone.
No Thank You!

Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy