Oily Bangs

Hairstyle with long bangs — Photo: Vectorfusionart/Shutterstock

Q: My bangs get oily easily, which is really frustrating. The strange thing is that it's only my bangs that have this problem. The rest of my hair stays perfectly fine and doesn't get greasy at all. I don't think I have any scalp issues since it's so localized.

Could it be that my bangs are getting oily simply because they're constantly touching my forehead throughout the day? I've tried washing my hair more frequently, but within hours my bangs look oily again. Do you have any advice for keeping my bangs looking clean all day long?

A: You've actually identified the likely culprit yourself! When your bangs constantly touch your forehead, they're essentially acting like blotting papers, absorbing the natural oils your skin produces throughout the day. This is extremely common and happens to many people with bangs, so you're definitely not alone in this struggle.

Our foreheads are part of what dermatologists call the T-zone, the area that runs across your forehead and down your nose to your chin. This region typically contains more active oil glands than other parts of the face, which is why it tends to appear shinier or more oily than your cheeks. When your bangs rest against this naturally oily area all day, they're continuously soaking up these sebum secretions.

Another contributing factor could be that the oiliness from your T-zone actually extends slightly past your hairline, affecting the roots where your bangs grow. This combination of skin-to-hair contact and potentially oilier roots creates the perfect storm for greasy bangs, even when the rest of your hair remains perfectly clean.

For managing this issue, you have several options.

Skin-focused solutions: Consider using oil-control products specifically on your forehead. If you wear makeup, look for oil-controlling primers or foundations designed for oily skin types. These create a barrier that prevents your skin's oils from transferring to your hair. Throughout the day, blotting papers can help remove excess oil from your forehead without disturbing makeup.

Gentle astringents can work wonders for controlling forehead oil. Witch hazel is particularly effective and gentle enough for daily use. Simply apply it to a cotton pad and sweep it across your forehead and slightly into the hairline. This natural astringent helps tighten pores and reduce oil production without irritating your skin.

Hair-focused solutions: Dry shampoo can be your best friend for maintaining fresh-looking bangs between washes. Keep a travel-size bottle in your bag for touch-ups during the day. For best results, spray it about 6 inches or 15 cm away from your hair roots, wait 30 seconds for it to absorb oils, then gently work it through with your fingertips.

You might also consider slightly adjusting your bangs style. Even minimal changes - like parting them differently or sweeping them slightly to the side- can reduce direct contact with your forehead and minimize oil transfer. Some people find that curtain bangs or side-swept styles stay cleaner longer than straight-across bangs.

You could try just rinsing or washing your bangs separately from the rest of your hair. This targeted approach lets you freshen up your bangs daily without over-washing the rest of your hair.

If you're finding that your bangs get oily particularly quickly during hot weather or workouts, carrying a small spritz bottle with a mixture of water and a drop of leave-in conditioner can help refresh them on the go. A quick spritz and gentle reshaping can revive limp, oily bangs in seconds.

Everyone's skin is different, so you might need to experiment with different approaches before finding your perfect solution. With some trial and error, you'll likely discover a routine that keeps your bangs looking fresh and clean all day long.

©Hairfinder.com

See also:

Causes and solutions for oily hair

Acne and greasy hair

Are people with long hair more prone to having oily hair?