Everyone knows that combination skin is a thing. Many of us have been born with skin that’s both dry and oily, which can be tricky to manage (although multi-masking can help). Combination hair, however, also exists, and takes the root of common skin woes (oil and dryness) and flips it on its head. Similar to combination skin, different parts of the hair experience dryness and oiliness, so it’s difficult to find a one-size-fits-all solution. We tapped L’Oréal Paris consulting hairstylist Mara Roszak to solve all your combo hair woes, including the surprising ingredient to look for.
What’s the secret to treating combination hair? As with solving skin problems, sticking to a routine can be beneficial. “Not over washing is the first step, but following up with a consistent regime is key,” Roszak tells Brit + Co. “Within a couple weeks, you’ll notice a difference in the look and feel of your hair.”
Are there any ingredients that I should look for? Be prepared to get dirty. “Clay is a great ingredient for targeting and absorbing oil, especially at the roots,” the hair pro, who works with Emma Stone, says.
Should I wash my hair in a specific way to really target oiliness? Your hair will benefit from an intensive cleansing every other week with a clarifying shampoo like Christophe Robin Clarifying Shampoo ($34), according to Roszak. To really reset your hair, she recommends adding a step before you wash. “Apply L’Oreal Paris Hair Expert Extraordinary Clay Mask Pre-Shampoo Treatment ($6) to the scalp and mid-lengths to rebalance oily roots,” Roszak says.
In terms of day-to-day cleansing, apply only lightweight products to roots so they don’t weigh down your hair. “Intense moisture shampoos will most likely be too heavy for the roots of people with combination hair,” Roszak explains. “Moisturizing conditioners, however, are great for mid-lengths and ends.” To seal in moisture at the ends of your hair, give a hydrating oil like OGX Coconut Miracle Oil Penetrating Oil ($9) a try. If you want to go for a more natural option, add a bit of olive or coconut oil to the ends of your locks, a DIY option Roszak recommends.
Follow us on Pinterest for more beauty inspo and info.
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.