The Best Shampoo Bars For Oily Hair (And How To Avoid A Greasy Residue!)
Say goodbye to greasy hair! Our guide reveals how to use shampoo bars for oily hair, to avoid a greasy residue.
Estimated Read Time: 7 minutes
Have you tried to switch to a shampoo bar, only to be left with hair greasier than the bottom of a fast food fryer?
We’re sorry to hear that. It’s a common problem, but don’t let one bad experience put you off bars for good! This could be due to the transition period from chemical shampoos to a natural alternative, and it should balance out with time. Alternatively, it could be that you’re not using the best bar for your hair type - which is easy to fix!
At ZeroWasteStore, we’re busting bar myths one sudsy shampoo at a time, and in this haircare guide, we’re out to prove that shampoo bars don’t always leave your hair greasy.
We’ll show you that shampoo bars can be perfect even for oily hair types, you just need to find the right ones and know how to use them effectively.
So how do you use a shampoo bar without the ‘waxy’ residue? And what shampoo bars are best for oily hair? Read on to find out!
Why Switch to Shampoo Bars?
If you’ve gotten as far as reading our shampoo bar guides, you probably already know why! But just to make you feel a little extra smug about making the switch, here are some more benefits:
- They’re zero waste, reducing the 550 million plastic shampoo bottles thrown out in the US every year.
- They’re long-lasting - the concentrated formulas can last up to 3 times as long as shampoo bottles!
- They’re cost-effective as they last longer, saving you money in the long run.
- They’re travel-friendly due to being compact, leak-proof, and cabin-bag-friendly.
- They’re (usually) chemical-free and made with plant-based ingredients.
- They’re suitable for all hair types! Yes, even oily hair.
Read More: 5 Reasons To Switch To Shampoo Bars
So What's Holding You Back?
Maybe you’ve tried a shampoo bar before, and it left your hair feeling greasy. Or perhaps you’ve heard those ‘waxy residue’ stories and worry they won’t work for your oily hair. Either way, we’re here to help! With the right bar and a few tips, anyone can make the switch successfully.
Why Is My Hair Greasy After Washing With A Shampoo Bar?
It’s pretty common for your hair to feel a little greasy after washing with a shampoo bar for the first few times. There are a few reasons it might be happening:
Your hair is getting used to the transition
Your scalp might need some time to adjust to the natural ingredients in shampoo bars, especially if you’ve been using liquid shampoos with harsh chemicals and silicones before. It’s like your hair is detoxing, so a little greasiness at first is totally normal.
You haven't rinsed off all of the product
Shampoo bars are more concentrated than liquid shampoos, so you only need to use a small lather and it needs to be rinsed out thoroughly. Any residue can leave that ‘waxy’ feeling.
The bar isn't lathering properly
Sometimes, a residue can build up if the bar isn’t lathering properly. This could be a bar problem, not a you problem, so maybe it’s time to try a different option.
How To Use A Shampoo Bar To Avoid An Oily Mess
Just like dating, every bad date teaches you a lesson for the next. So what can you learn from the oily first encounter with your shampoo bar?
1. Be patient in the transition period!
Give it at least 2-3 weeks so your hair can detox and adjust.
2. Lather properly!
Make sure you’re getting a good lather by wetting your hair and the bar thoroughly. Rub the bar between your hands then work the lather through your hair. Remember, a little goes a long way!
3. Rinse rinse RINSE
Most importantly, after shampooing, rinse your hair completely to ensure no residue is left behind. You might need to rinse longer than you would with liquid shampoo (singing a song while you do it helps!)
4. Consider a DIY treatment
If you’re still noticing buildup, try using a DIY clarifying rinse like apple cider vinegar once a week to help remove any lingering residue.
Watch our video for more tips on using shampoo bars!
… Or Maybe The Bar Just Wasn’t The One For You?
If your hair is still greasy after the transition period and lots of rinsing, it could be that the bar you’re using isn’t the best match for your hair type.
So in the words of Arianna Grande: Thank You, Next. It’s time to opt for a shampoo bar for oily hair.
What Shampoo Should You Use If You Have Greasy Hair?
If you have naturally oily scalp and hair, here are some things to look for in a shampoo (liquid OR bar) and some to avoid.
Look For
Clarifying ingredients
Shampoos with ingredients like lemon juice or witch hazel help remove excess oil and buildup, or Charcoal which has natural absorbent properties.
SCS (Sodium Coco-Sulfate)
Found in some shampoo bars, SCS is derived from coconuts and is great for deep-cleaning the scalp without stripping it of its natural oils.
Gentle, natural formulas
These shampoos clean the hair without harsh chemicals that can irritate the scalp and exacerbate oiliness.
Avoid
Deeply moisturizing formulas
These are designed for dry hair and can add unnecessary moisture to an already oily scalp, worsening greasiness.
Heavy, cream-based shampoos
Creamy liquid shampoos can weigh down your hair and contribute to a greasy feel.
Shampoos with silicones
Silicones can build up on your scalp, leading to more oil and residue. Opt for silicone-free products.
Harsh sulfates
While effective at cleaning, harsh sulfates can strip the scalp of its natural oils, causing it to produce even more oil to compensate.
If you’re ready to ditch the bottle, look for shampoo bars for oily hair that are designed specifically to remove excess oil and buildup.
Why Suds & Eco Shampoo Bars Are Perfect For Oily Hair
If you’ve struggled with greasy hair from shampoo bars before, Suds & Eco shampoo bars might be just what you need.
"I was fed up with shampoo bars that didn’t lather well and left my hair feeling even greasier—no wonder so many people hesitate to switch from bottles to bars! That’s why we created our bars to provide a rich lather, a truly fresh clean, and a touch of fun with vibrant colors and delightful scents. Plus, they’re specially formulated to suit all hair types, including oily hair!"
They’re crafted with lemon juice and lemon peel to remove all product residue and tackle environmental buildup, ensuring your hair stays fresh and light. Featuring Sodium Coco-Sulfate (SCS), derived from coconuts, they allow for a deep clean without the harshness of traditional sulfates.
Plus, the bars are:
- 100% natural
- Zero-waste and plastic-free
- Made in the U.S.
- Vegan and cruelty-free
So you don’t have to compromise your values to achieve a clean, fresh scalp!
The Best Shampoo Bars For Oily Hair
The best bit about Suds & Eco shampoo bars is that they’re designed with different hair types in mind, so you can find your exact match.
Here are our top 3 shampoo bars for oily hair:
Peppermint Breeze Shampoo Bar
Tea Tree, Bergamot, Patchouli, Orange, Lavender
We say: This refreshing option leaves your hair squeaky clean, with a scent as fresh as it feels.
You say: "I struggle with [my hair] getting greasy or looking flat and dull a day after regular shampoo use. Switching to shampoo bars has changed my game! and this one by ZWS has been great. The peppermint smells so nice and refreshing...It doesn’t get greasy fast, and my hair stays nice longer." (Emily Pumphrey, Verified Customer)
Driftwood Shampoo Bar
Sandalwood, Lavender, Peppermint
We say: Both stimulating and soothing, this bar is ideal for oily hair with dandruff or psoriasis.
You say: "Smells amazing! Suds great! Doesn’t leave my hair feeling oily. Love these bars!" (Ashleigh Hunter, Verified Customer)
Lotus Shampoo Bar
Pomegranate, Angelica
We say: This floral bar is our go-to option for oily hair, leaving your hair soft, light, and clean.
You say: "Love this shampoo for my hair. Decided to let the gray grow out. It keeps my hair soft and mostly frizz-free!" (Christina Loeliger, verified Customer)
…don’t forget to follow with their matching conditioner bars for oily hair!
Final Thoughts: Shampoo Bars For Oily Hair
We get it. You got off to a bad start with your shampoo bars, resulting in hair that crossed that narrow shiny-to-greasy threshold. But hopefully, this post has encouraged you to give them another go.
From shampooing tips to finding the best bar for you, we’ve reassured you that shampoo bars can be used on oily hair without leaving a greasy residue!
Be sure to follow along for more zero-waste haircare guides to help you find the perfect fit for friends, family, and whoever else you wish to treat. Get ready to ditch the bottles and find the perfect shampoo bar for your hair type!
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