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People assume I have thick hair.
I don't. I have fine hair, just lots and lots of it.
I'm lucky in that sense, but did you know fine hair tends to get oilier?
Watch: Leigh shares her brilliant hair 'savey' recommendation. Post continues below.
Each strand is thinner than those with thicker hair, which means the strand-to-oil ratio is different. Also, fine hair generally sits flatter against the scalp, so the oil can jump on board and make itself known more obviously and faster after a wash.
Thicker, or wavy or curly hair has a natural 'lift' from the scalp, meaning less contact with the scalp's natural sebum.
Plus, my skin type is oily (or combination) and a person's skin type extends to their scalp. Oily skin and fine hair? It's safe to assume I have used gallons of shampoo and conditioner in my life.
All of this to say, I've been on quite the hair washing journey in my two decades as a beauty expert. If anyone could uncover how to stretch out a hairstyle between washes, I had the means.
I interviewed hair stylists.
I consulted with trichologists.
I researched hair training like I was doing a PhD.
I put said research to the test in various ways, trying any and every method I could find.
I even tried 'hair training' (which spoiler: does not work).
Side note, we dove deep into hair training on an episode of the You Beauty podcast recently. You can listen below.
My summary after basically completing the thesis on hair washing?
Wash your hair as often as you want.
If that's daily, great. Weekly? Wonderful.
It essentially all comes down to your hair and scalp type, lifestyle, and how much time you have… and of course, how you like your hair to feel.
I prefer a clean feeling, but sometimes I CBF, so I skip a wash and just rock out with my oily hair.
Best supermarket products for oily hair.
Screenshot this for your next supermarket/chemist beauty haul! Images: Woolworths, Chemist Warehouse.
As for the products I've finally found that actually help oil stay away for longer?
Here's my edit of supermarket and chemist haircare buys that are some of the best products for oily hair I've used in my years as a beauty editor.
Products pictured L-R:
My Soda Australia Balanced Shampoo (for oily-prone hair), $10.
My Soda Australia Balanced Conditioner (for oily-prone hair), $10.
Batiste Dry Shampoo, $10.
Garnier Fructis Coconut Water Shampoo for Oily Roots and Dry Ends, $16.99.
John Frieda Profiller Thickening Shampoo, $20.99.
John Frieda Profiller Thickening Conditioner , 20.99.
Feature Image: Supplied.
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