Many of us think that greasy hair is a given in the summer. You’re more active and doing much more outdoors, but this can mean sticky skin and greasy hair. After a long, sweaty day, your natural instinct is probably to jump in the shower and rinse it all off, but doing so will only make the grease worse, since hot water and frequent shampooing encourage oil production.

So how do you really cut the grease?

Our plan of attack to de-grease hair may seem counterintuitive at times and involves rethinking habitual actions (for instance, don’t comb through your hair with your fingers), but follow the 6 steps listed and you’ll be on your way to healthy, oil-free hair.

Shampoo less often

The more you shampoo your strands, they greasier they will become. This is because your scalp overcompensates for the lack of oils in your hair. So reduce how often you shampoo. At first your hair may feel greasier than normal, but give your follicles time to adjust to less frequent cleaning and soon your hair will return to an oil-free state.

Be patient – it may take your scalp a few weeks to adjust to less shampooing. If things get greasy in the meantime, throw on a hat.

To ensure any grease and product build-up is out of your hair, use a clarifying shampoo once or twice a month. These shampoos are designed to deep clean – just don’t use them too often, because they will strip your hair of natural oils.

We like dpHue Clarifying Shampoo, which removes build-up while replenishing hair with antioxidants.

Say no to hot water and hot tools

Hot water obliterates natural oils, forcing your scalp to produce them immediately. Hot tools like blow dryers have the same effect.

Steer clear of products that add shine

If you’re reading this blog, you’re probably a pomade lover – maybe even a collector. But if grease is your problem, it’s best to avoid any pomade designed to add sheen, gloss, or shine to your hair. It will just increase grease levels.

And luckily for you, matte hair products are in right now. Whether you opt for a styling clay like Blind Barber 60 Proof Hair Wax or a matte pomade like Byrd Matte Pomade, hair products with a matte finish increase the friction between strands, creating beachy texture that’s perfect for summer. Plus, these products will disguise any excess oil.

Don’t touch your hair

We all run our hands through our hair, but doing so too often can transfer oils and dirt from your fingers to your hair, thereby adding to the oil pool. Keep this in mind particularly when you’re preparing food and after you’ve eaten.

Tip: If your hair is getting tangled, use a comb to undo the knot, not your fingers. Also, hair brushing is about balance – if you don’t brush enough, oils will build up on your scalp, and if you over-brush, it will stimulate oil production.

Only condition the ends

If you’re a dude with medium-to-long hair, avoid putting conditioner on your roots, since it’ll only increase greasiness. Instead, only apply conditioner to your ends, which tend to be drier.

Try Baxter of California Daily Moisturizing Conditioner, which nourishes hair without weighing it down.

Try dry shampoo

We’ve written a post on the magical, oil-zapping powers of dry shampoo/hair powder before, but to sum it up, dry shampoo is a quick fix for those days when you need to get rid of grease, fast. Sprinkle or spray some on to mattify. You can also use dry shampoo to reduce the frequency with which you wash your hair (useful if you’re training your hair not to need a daily dose of shampoo).

We like Alder Natural Hair Powder, which absorbs moisture and oil while adding a fresh scent.

Tip: If you’re in a pinch and don’t have hair powder, substitute baby powder. But only use a pinch of baby powder or you’ll end up with powdery white roots. Hair powder is designed to blend into hair; baby powder is not.

Our product recommendations:

Shop: 1. dpHue Clarifying Shampoo, 2. Alder Natural Hair Powder, 3. Byrd Matte Pomade, 4. Blind Barber 60 Proof Hair Wax, 5. Baxter of California Daily Moisturizing Conditioner.