5 simple ways to manage greasy summer hair naturally

Summer weather usually means more sweating. When it gets hot and humid, your scalp naturally produces more oil. This leaves your hair looking flat and greasy much faster than usual. You don't necessarily need expensive shampoos to fix this problem. Several common household items can actually help manage the extra oil. Here are five practical methods.

Vinegar is a common kitchen item that works surprisingly well for hair care. Because it contains acetic acid, apple cider vinegar helps balance the pH of your scalp. It breaks down leftover styling products and oil without drying your hair out completely. To use it, mix two or three tablespoons of the vinegar into a cup of water. Wash your hair normally, then pour this mixture over your head. Leave it alone for about two minutes before rinsing it out with cool water.

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People usually grab aloe vera for a sunburn, but it also acts as an astringent. This means it can help control how much oil your scalp makes while soothing the skin. The natural enzymes in aloe also remove dead skin cells. Try mixing two tablespoons of plain aloe vera gel with a few drops of lemon juice. Rub this blend directly into your scalp. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then wash it out with a gentle shampoo.

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Green tea isn't just for drinking. It has specific compounds, like polyphenols, that are known to help reduce oil production. It also feels very refreshing on a hot, sweaty scalp. Put two green tea bags in a cup of boiling water and let it sit until the liquid is completely cool. After you shampoo, pour the cooled tea over your head. Gently massage your scalp for a minute or two, then rinse it away with cold water.

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If you are dealing with summer dandruff along with the grease, tea tree oil might be useful. It has natural antimicrobial properties that clear out blocked pores and balance oil levels. Because essential oils are very strong, you always have to dilute them first. The easiest way to do this is to add two or three drops of the oil directly to the amount of shampoo you normally use in the shower. Lather your hair, let the suds sit for a minute, and then rinse it all out completely.

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There are days when your scalp just needs a good physical clean to get rid of the buildup. Baking soda is perfect for this—it gives you a mild scrub while literally soaking up the extra sweat and oil.. Mix a tablespoon or two of baking soda with just enough water to make a thick paste. Put this paste onto a wet scalp and rub it in using soft, circular motions. Wait three to five minutes before you rinse it away and wash your hair like normal.

A quick tip before you start: Always do a quick patch test on a small piece of skin before putting a new ingredient all over your scalp. This ensures you do not have an unexpected allergic reaction.

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