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Greasy hair is not a lot of fun. For someone with a very dry face, my scalp is an oil slick — I guess I’m just #blessed. I’m a wash-my-hair-every-day if I’m going to be seen in public kind of girl. While lockdown provided a little reprieve, now we’re headed back to the office I’m back on my regular rotation of sebum controlling products.
I would never keep my secrets from POPSUGAR Australia’s readership, so here are the top five products that are getting me through the greasy hair grind.
For a Deep Cleanse:
R+Co, Crown Scalp Scrub, $56.00
While Beauty Editors make a lot of noise about the famous Christopher Robin Cleansing and Purifying Scrub ($69.00) my personal pick for sebum-blessed strands is from R+Co. A more recent addition to the scalp scrub family, they’ve nailed the “haircare as a skincare” trend. The ingredients list includes salicylic acid, for a light chemical exfoliation, along with kaolin to absorb excess oil. Glycerin boosts moisture (because just like skin, an oily scalp can still be dehydrated) while naturally derived surfactant disodium coco-glucoside sulfosuccinate provides a deep but gentle cleanse. I’ve sometimes referred to this as my “blowdry in a bottle” because it leaves my hair full of volume and my scalp totally refreshed after use.
For Daily Balance:
Goldwell Kerasilk Revitalize Detoxifying Serum, $44.95
Another quiet achiever I discovered Goldwell’s Revitalize Detoxifying Serum when I was #gifted it! I have since repurchased several times. Like R+Co’s scrub, Goldwell’s active ingredients mean business. The formula uses Hydrolyzed Silk and Keratin to nourish your roots while Zinc PCA, a proven dandruff and sebum controlling ingredient, balances the scalp. I love this serum because it works – but I also love it because unlike many serums, the nozzle allows you to spray directly on the scalp and through your roots, rather than working in with your fingers (which wastes product and results in patchy application). I’m running low on my fourth bottle and am patiently waiting for Afterpay Day to stock up.
For a Sensitive and Oily Scalp:
If your scalp is sensitive as well as oily, you might want to avoid products with a long ingredients list. I trialled The Ordinary‘s new haircare range and can confirm the products leave your scalp fresh but not stripped. Controversially, The Ordinary advertises 4% sulphate as their active ingredient for their Sulphate 4% Cleanser for Body and Hair ($12.80) shampoo. Sodium Laureth Sulphate-2 (SLES-2) is a biodegradable surfactant – used at 4% the concentration is gentle enough to not disturb the scalp while providing an effective deep cleanse. The benefit of using sulphates at this level is the product gets the job done quickly without the additional actives you’ll find in sulphate-free haircare products that risk irritating sensitive skin. Use the shampoo in combination with their super lightweight Behentrimonium Chloride 2% Conditioner ($12.80), together, the two will bring you to a $25.60 total!
For Everyday Styling:
Bumble and Bumble, Prêt-à-powder Très Invisible Nourishing Dry Shampoo, $43.00
Aside from reverse hair washing my pre, during, and occasionally post-event secret is from Bumble and Bumble. The “mist” iteration of their iconic powder product absorbs oil and manages not to leave my roots “greige” or dusty. I can’t stand the crunchy texture most dry shampoos have – with my new favourite ingredient panthenol and hibiscus, Prêt-à-powder leaves hair soft, silky and oil-free. I carry a mini in my handbag at all times.
For Very Special Events:
Oribe, Dry Texturizing Spray, $68.00
$68.00 for dry shampoo is ridiculous yes? If you’ve tried Oribe Gold Lust Dry Texturizing Spray you might reconsider. By far and away the sexiest grease-busting hair product on the market, and is also the best dry shampoo I’ve found. Gold Lust leaves your strands actively silky while making quick work of excess oil. Patented Zeolite Crystals that act like sponges, absorbing dirt, oil and yes, odour, in a flash. Then, mango and aloe extracts nourish and protect, ginger root softens and strengthen, and yes, Panthenol (Vitamin B5) thickens and conditions. Gold Lust is expensive, but it’s also a hair care routine in a bottle. The signature complex of watermelon, lychee and edelweiss leaves your blowdry with a kiss whisper of fragrance – like you’ve been soaking up the sun in a field of flowers all day. Sure, this product is not part of my daily rotation, but for special events, you cannot do better.
