Every shampoo and conditioner I use seems to make my hair greasy at the top with dry ends, what am I doing wrong?

[used2bthin]

I was on holiday last week, just within the UK but I think the water must have made a difference because my hair was a bit better. It used to look ok but even the hairdressor commented on the build up in it, but recommended L'oreal Elvive (if I was going to "just" use something from Boots )which was just as bad.

Does anyone know of one which won't leave build up? I would try something more expensive but it doesn't seem worth it as they all seem to do the same. TIA.

I used to use this Neutrogena one but haven't seen it anywhere for years.

I loved that Neutrogena one but yes, it disappeared.

Pantene did a good one, a Clarifying one that removed build up, bjut it;s hard to find. Sainsbury's sometimes have it. it's clear, but not the Ice Shine one which is, confoozlingly, also clear.

Most high street soaps, shampoos, body washes etc contain sulfar lauryl sulfate or sls. It is an industrial chemical used for cleaning industrial oils. Imagine what that does to your skin/hair. But hey, it makes a nice foam.

There are brands which don't contain it and it might be worth giving them ago. Waitrose or you local Health shop will sell a good range.

Yes the Pantene one is good (Tesco's here have it).

Personally I find that changing conditioner every time I buy a new bottle makes a differnce (I cycle between Pantene, Dove, Herbal essences and fructis). I hate VO5 products they make my hair really greasy.

Personally I think that youhave to find a product that works for you...as what is good for one isn't necessarily good for another.

Other thing is not to overwash or over brush your hair as that will stimulate natural oils to be produced.

I have this problem. I have to wash it every day. THe only shampoos I have had that noticeably improved it for a while were the 'Hairomatherapy' range from Nicky Clarke, but then he stopped doing it or changed the formula and it was never the same.

One article I read recommended baby shampoo which is apparently very mild, and I do use that every so often. It doesn't seem to help.

I don't ever use a wash out conditioner, because they just make the hair greasy at the roots no matter how little I use. Instead I put a tiny bit of leave-in conditioner before blow drying, or leave it to dry naturally without.

Thanks for everyone's tips, which I will give a go. I agree that the vinegar rinse works well.

Cloudspotter.

Don't wash it every day.
Don't use baby shampoo - it is mild but not in the right way for oily hair. It will do nothing to help oily hair.
Don't apply conditioner to your roots!
Don't use leave in conditioner if you have oily hair.

Stands firmly behind DSMary's messages.

Crikey DSMM - no wonder I am having no success. I have to agree about the baby shampoo - it is crap.

This thread has inspired me to take the unusual step of buying an expensive one at the hairdressers, to see if it does work better.

Furball I think that was what the hairdressor was warning against, maybe it is worth getting a moe expensive one. I had a really nice one from neals yard that was for dark hair but it was a bit pricey, althogh not compared to salon brands.

I tried using DDs shampoo and it made my hair fluffy so probably not heavy enough or something. The hair colour thing has happened to me with head and shoulders atually too it just seems to take the colour out. I will look out for clarifying shampoos though as have never tried one.

Your dd's shampoo may well have the harsh chemicals in too.

I would never go back to 'normal' or even 'salon' shampoos. After a day of having my hair washed at the hairdressers my scalp knows it.

I feel that using a shampoo with SLS to make it clean strips your hair of essential oils etc and will therefore send your scalp into overdrive to make more.

Thanks Furball, I might have a look in waitrose actually next time I am near one, do they do thier own brand without SLS?

not sure on their own brand but they certainly have a good range that don't contain it.

Hi all,
I am a Body Shop consultant so may be a bit bias but I do love their shampoos and conditioners - they make my hair feel really clean and conditioned and I love the smell on my hair afterwards
Jenny x

Try Original Source Mint and Teetree shanpoo and conditioner.

Ooh I just came on to suggest Aussie and it's already been mentioned!

I was having this exact problem and tried it just because I'd tried everything else. It seemed to sort me out though.

I'd always avoided it - the packaging isn't very inspiring but I thought it probably wouldn't be much cop; but it's v good

I just use the normal one, with the normal conditioner.

When my hair gets like this I stop washing it so frequently for about a fortnight. Maybe once or maximum twice a week rather than every other day. It seems to 'refresh' my hair, and I can start shampooing it again.

why never a two in one ladytrimmer?

I never use a 2 in 1 as it doesn't actually condition the hair. they tend to coat the hair in a very fine layer of "plastic" whcih builds up over time. That buildup can make your hair heavy and lank.

That's what I was told by a tricologist (medically hair person) once.

Have you tried dry shampoo?
Its called batiste, comes in a can and you just spray it on your roots and brush out.
I can go to bed and my hair is fine, wake up looking like Ive slept in the chip pan!!
Great for when you havent got time to wash your hair/ not want to wash it too often.