Air-Drying Makes Hair Greasy Faster: Trichologist Abbey Yung Recommends a Hairdryer for the Roots, and Autumn Shedding Passes in Six to Eight Weeks

Autumn is hair-shedding season, and that is not a myth. Dermatologist Cristina de Hoyos explains that seasonal shedding usually settles on its own within six to eight weeks, without any major loss of density. But while it lasts, many people notice something else: their hair gets greasy faster than usual.

The explanation is simpler than shampoo ads suggest. When hair looks thinner, we constantly touch it, comb it and fix it. Hairdresser Nuria Aluart, founder of the Mumona salon, says that is exactly what spreads sebum from the scalp down the length of the hair. The more we try to "rescue" it, the faster it looks greasy.

Trichologist Abbey Yung suggests four changes to your routine. First, wash it more often, because built-up oil is harder to remove later. Second, use a deep-cleansing shampoo, every day if you need to. Third, exfoliate the scalp with salicylic or mandelic acid, to remove dead cells and keep excess sebum under control.

The fourth change will surprise anyone who thinks natural drying is the gentlest option: dry the roots with a hairdryer, not in the air. Hair left to dry on its own looks greasy faster, while a hairdryer lifts the roots and adds volume. Hairdresser David Lesur adds one more habit - massaging the scalp with your fingertips while washing your hair, for better circulation.

None of this requires an expensive salon treatment. It only requires you to stop touching your hair every five minutes - which, admit it, is the hardest part.