The Biggest Haircare Mistakes That Make Your Scalp Oilier (Without You Realising It)

For years, I couldn’t understand why my scalp got oily so fast. I used to think it was just “my hair type,” or something I had to live with forever. But when I started learning more about scalp health, I realised I was making a few small mistakes without even realising it.

These mistakes seem harmless… but they were actually triggering more oil production, more itchiness, and more discomfort.

If you’ve been struggling with the same thing, these are the habits you might want to check.

1. Applying Conditioner Too Close to the Scalp

This is the most common one.

Conditioner is meant for the mids and ends, not the scalp.
When conditioner touches your scalp, it can:

• make your hair greasy faster

• weigh down the roots

• trap oil and sweat

This one change — avoiding the scalp completely — made a huge difference for me.

2. Not Shampooing Properly (Or Not Shampooing Enough)

I used to wash my hair quickly, thinking it didn’t matter.
But how you shampoo is everything.

Here’s what many people get wrong:

Only shampooing once

The first wash removes surface oil.
The second wash actually cleans the scalp.

Not massaging the scalp

Using your fingertips helps loosen oil, dirt, and buildup.

Not rinsing thoroughly

Leftover shampoo can irritate the scalp, making it produce more oil.

Waiting too long between washes

If your scalp is already oily, don’t force yourself to wait.
Wash when it feels greasy — this prevents fungal growth and bad smell.A clean scalp is a balanced scalp.

3. Overusing Heavy Products on Fine or Low Porosity Hair

If you have fine hair or low porosity hair, your hair can get weighed down easily.
Heavy creams, thick oils, or butters sit on top of the hair instead of absorbing.

This leads to:

• flat roots

• greasy appearance

• faster oil buildup

Using lightweight products is key.

If you’re unsure which formula fits you, this is exactly what I break down in my e-book — based on your texture and porosity.

4. Using Scalp Oils When You Already Have an Oily Scalp

I know scalp oils are popular.
But if you already struggle with oily scalp, applying oil directly to the roots can make things worse.

It can:

• clog follicles

• trap heat

• increase oil production

• encourage dandruff-like flakes

Hair oils are great but only for the ends.

5. Touching Your Hair Too Much

This seems small, but it adds up.

Our hands carry natural oils and dirt.
When you touch your hair constantly, all of that transfers to your roots.

This leads to grease much faster.

If you tend to play with your hair, try being mindful of this habit. It helps more than you expect.

6. Not Cleaning Your Hairbrush Regularly

This was a big one for me.

Your hairbrush collects:

• oils

• dirt

• old product

• dust

If you never clean it, all that residue transfers back to your clean hair.
It makes your scalp feel oily even right after washing.

Cleaning your brush once a week keeps your hair fresher for longer.

7. Sleeping With Wet Hair

Wet hair + pillow friction = trouble.

Sleeping with damp hair can cause:

• oiliness

• fungal growth

• scalp itchiness

• bad smell

• frizz and breakage

Make sure your hair is fully dry before bed — whether by air drying or blow drying.

8. Skipping Weekly Clarifying

Regular shampoo cleans well, but it doesn’t remove:

• product buildup

• silicone buildup

• sweat buildup

• minerals from hard water

This buildup can suffocate the scalp and make it greasy faster.

Using a clarifying shampoo once a week resets the scalp completely.

Why These Small Changes Matter

Most people think oily scalp is something they just have to “accept.”
But for many of us, it’s simply a reaction to:

• buildup

• product choices

• habits

• improper washing

When you correct these small things, your scalp slowly returns to its normal rhythm.

This is exactly why I created my e-book — to guide you through the steps that actually matter, instead of overwhelming you with complicated routines.

Alia AS