Stump-the-mind #1: greasy hair problems

[Ms. Riding Hood]

Dd has entered that phase of life we all know and love as the "greasy hair days". Here is the problem: her hair will not come clean. Even after washing it still looks greasy. Her hair is very fine, but also thick--she cannot use any conditioner or she has the greasies in the worst way (always had this problem). Also, we have hard water and use water softener. Could this be the problem?? Do I need a different shampoo? Is she just not washing well? (Actually, I've insisted on rewashing her hair a couple of times with no better results.) This is driving me crazy because she always looks like a greaseball. Ugh. Help?!

[Lucy in Australia]

All I can tell you is what worked for me: I tried about a million shampoos till I found one that was good for me (Pantene Classic Clean). I never put conditioner on anything but the ends of my hair (to help with tangles). Soft water definitely made the oiliness worse (I've lived in different states of Oz where the water quality varies wildly from state to state). I also occasionally rinse my hair with diluted vinegar or lemon juice. I also found (as a teenager) when I reduced the amount of greasy food I ate, my hair improved dramatically within a week. Good luck!

[Chris in VA]

Hi Lynn,
I second the vinegar rinse, and also wash her brush and comb everytime she shampoos. She might be just brushing the oil back into her hair. Soft water makes rinsing very difficult, so you may be seeing some shampoo left the hair, and vinegar will help cut it. Also, too hot a hair dryer can make the scalp produce more oil. Check and see if her shampoo contains any wax (look for paraben and other wax names). And, as Lucy also said, take a little of the fat out of her diet and see if that helps. Not too much--she needs it, of course, but just cut out chips and butter and any fast foods for a while to see if that helps. It'll help with her figure, too! lol (need to follow my own advice on that one!)

[JFS in IL]

I flip mine, so can get two days from a pillowcase. Also if she has any headbands, hats - wash 'em, too. I second the washing combs and brushes, too.

[Ms. Riding Hood]

Interesting, because the one conditioner she's ever been able to use is a Pantene product. I'll be looking for this shampoo and maybe resorting to the vinegar. But doesn't that leave your hair smelling oh-so-like-a-pickle? :)

[Ms. Riding Hood]

I had wondered about her brush contributing to the problem, but hadn't considered the pillowcase. Well, I'm feeling more hopeful already! Yea!

Reason # 432 why I love these boards. Thank you!

[BeachGirl]

You may also want to jump start the cleaning process by washing her hair in Dawn dishwashing liquid. Don't do it too often or it will seriously dry out the scalp. I have to have a bottle in the shower even now in my 40's because in winter, the oil accumulates and doesn't come off with regular shampoo. Use it until the hair is squeaky clean and then condition only the ends of the hair with a good moisturizing conditioner.

I too have been blessed with a child with lots of hair. My dd15 has curly ringlets and is a nightmare to get clean and brushed. Good luck.

[j.griff]

Try adding some baking soda to her shampoo- just a bit of baking soda mixed in with the bit of shampoo she is about to use on her hair- and maybe rinse with a mild vinegar/water solution.
Or go to a salon/beauty supply store and ask about clarifying shampoos.

[Karen sn]

Ms. Riding Hood - your picture - who is the artist?
I once bought an old small framed print and hung it by my dd's bed. She was Mother Mary and also represented every mother to me. The frame fell apart but the print is taped inside one of the journals I have written to my daughter.

Methylparaben and propylparapen are to be avoided - it's just wax and she needs none of that. Aubrey Organics makes the only TRULY natural hair care products I have ever seen. Read the ingredient list. Maybe search their website for an oily hair product. You can buy their stuff at www.vitaminshoppe.com for less than in a store.

[Ms. Riding Hood]

Ms. Riding Hood - your picture - who is the artist?



That information appears at the bottom of this post. :) I've always loved this picture, moreso than most of the other "maddonna" type pictures around. Read the info at the link; very interesting.

I'll watch for the "parabens". Thanks!

[Ms. Riding Hood]

My grandma always washed her hair with Palmolive. Could this be why? I always thought it was because Grandma was cheap and could find Palmolive at the Dollar Store. But maybe she knew something I didn't! I want to "jump start" the clean right now! Thanks.

[Carol in Cal.]

Neutragena shampoo is the only one that really gets DD's hair clean.