The day has finally come: you’re right in the middle of a grueling tournament week and notice your hair is looking a tad bit greasy. Just one day away from wash day, you don’t want to overload your scalp with heavy products before hitting the court, so you decide to just sweat it out.
But can you really train your hair to need less shampoo over time? And how should we style oily hair when we’re in the zone?
The Science of the Scalp: Going into Overdrive
“With the fast-paced, high-intensity lifestyle of an athlete, maintaining longevity between hair washes feels like winning a baseline rally,” says Jake Unger, stylist at Larry King Marylebone. “The scalp needs natural oils to keep it moisturized and protected. If you constantly strip those away with daily post-workout showers, your scalp goes into overdrive and overproduces oil, making your hair look greasy much faster.”
Elliot Bute, stylist at Hershesons Fitzrovia, agrees, noting that your daily grind dictates your hair health. “It’s completely normal for hair to look greasy, especially when factors like hair type, intense training schedules, and lifestyle affect how oily your scalp appears. Finding a balance in your haircare routine is just like perfecting your swing – it takes management and technique.”
Can You “Train” Your Hair? The Coach’s Verdict
The idea of “training your hair” to be less prone to grease has become a popular locker-room obsession. It involves skipping washes for a few extra days in the hope that your scalp simply adapts to the routine. However, the pros aren’t convinced this strategy wins the match.
“As with anything in training, it is all about moderation,” shares Unger. “Going too long between shampoos will clog the follicles, trap sweat, and lead to unhealthy hair growth. I would suggest shampooing twice a week as a solid baseline for maintaining a healthy scalp.”
Bute agrees, warning that skipping the shower entirely after a heavy training session can backfire. “Over-washing can disrupt the balance of natural bacteria and fungi on your scalp, potentially leading to irritation or dandruff. On the flip side, washing a moderate amount reduces the need for constant heat styling after practice, helping prevent breakage and split ends.”
Game-Ready Styling: How to Mask the Grease
If you need to step onto the court or head to a post-match press conference and your hair is looking oily, the best play is to throw it into a high-performance hairstyle that conceals the extra moisture while looking sharp.
- The High-Fashion Wet Look: “Wet-look hair is certainly still trending. Think of it as an editorial, high-sweat aesthetic,” says Unger.
- The Sleek Top Knot or High Ponytail: Bute recommends practical, locked-in up-dos. A sleek top knot or a slicked-back ponytail keeps the hair completely out of your face during match point while hiding oily roots.
- Braids and Messy Buns: If you’re heading to the gym or running drills, braids or a secure messy bun offer a casual, undone look that thrives on a bit of natural texture.
“Avoid heavy products when styling greasy hair,” Bute adds. “Instead, opt for lightweight sprays or a reliable dry shampoo to refresh your look, and try to keep your hands off your hair during changeovers.”
alcohol anxiety beauty beauty trends coffee diet exercise fashion trends fitness food hailey bieber hair health hair trends health how to lose weight jewelry meditation mental health mindfulness nutrition pilates recipes roger federer royal family self-care Serena Williams skincare sleep sober curious sports street style stress tennis tennis fashion travel US Open vacation vegan weight loss well-being wellbeing wellness wimbledon workout yoga
