Greasy Hair and Volume

Short hair with layers for volume
Photo: ShotPrime Studio/Shutterstock
Q: I’ve been struggling with greasy roots, but I noticed something interesting. When my hair has more volume, it looks and feels less oily. I think this happens because voluminous hair doesn’t lie flat against my scalp, which means it doesn’t absorb as much oil throughout the day. The issue is, I usually need a hairstylist to give me that kind of lift, and I’d love to learn how to do it myself.
 
Would cutting my hair shorter make it easier to add volume? I’ve heard that shorter hair is lighter, so it might naturally hold more bounce. Also, I’m curious if certain haircuts - like layers, razored ends, or texturized styles - could help boost volume even more. Are there any specific techniques that work best for fine or straight hair, which tends to fall flat easily?
 
A: You’re on the right track! Shorter hair is indeed easier to volumize because there’s less weight pulling it down, allowing the roots to stay lifted. However, you don’t necessarily have to chop off your length to get that full, bouncy effect. There are plenty of styling tricks and cutting techniques that can help.
 
If you’re open to a trim, layers are one of the best ways to distribute volume evenly. Long, blended layers remove bulk while still giving movement, while shorter, face-framing layers can create the illusion of thicker hair. For straight or fine hair, razor cutting adds subtle texture, making styles look more lived-in and voluminous. Another option is point cutting, where the stylist snips vertically into the ends to soften them, reducing drag and encouraging lift.
 
If you’d rather keep your length, here are some ways to boost volume and reduce greasiness:
 
1. Clarify with a Vinegar Rinse - Over time, product buildup and excess oil can weigh hair down. A simple apple cider vinegar rinse (1 part vinegar to 2 parts water) helps dissolve residue, leaving hair lighter and easier to style. Use it once a week as a final rinse after shampooing. It balances your scalp’s pH and cuts through grease without stripping moisture.
 
2. Blow-Dry Upside Down for Instant Lift - The classic "flip and dry" method works wonders for volume. After washing, flip your head upside down and blow-dry your roots on medium heat until they’re about 80% dry. This stretches the hair away from the scalp, creating natural lift. Once you flip back, use a round brush to smooth the hair lengths while keeping the roots voluminous.
 
3. Roller Sets for Long-Lasting Body - Even if you don’t love curls, jumbo rollers can give serious volume without tight spirals. For maximum lift, wrap sections "on base" (placing the roller directly on top of the section it’s wrapped around). Let your hair air-dry or use a hooded dryer, then remove the rollers and gently tousle for soft, bouncy hair.
 
4. Dry Shampoo as a Pre-Styling Tool - Most people use dry shampoo after their hair gets greasy, but applying it to clean, dry roots before styling can add grip and texture, making volume easier to maintain. Spray it at the roots, then lightly massage it in before blow-drying or curling.
 
The most effective volumizing routines often mix multiple methods. For example: Start with a clarifying wash (or vinegar rinse). Apply a lightweight mousse at the roots before blow-drying upside down. Finish with a light hairspray to lock in lift.
 
Experiment to see what works best for your hair type. Fine hair might need more texture (like from a salt spray), while thick hair might hold volume better with layered cuts and thermal tools.
 
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See also:
 
Roller set styling methods
 
Causes and solutions for oily hair
 
Why does my hair always get oily when I straighten it?