The roots need washing by the second day and the ends feel rough. It is not a contradiction: they are two areas of the hair with different needs, and they are cared for separately.
Short answer: Care for each area separately. Shampoo goes only on the scalp, to clean the roots; conditioner or mask goes only from mid-lengths to ends, to hydrate the lengths. Do not rub the lengths with shampoo or put conditioner on the roots. That way one area does not make the other worse.
In short
- Shampoo on the roots; conditioner from mid-lengths to ends.
- The roots get greasy because of sebum from the scalp; the ends dry out because that sebum does not reach them.
- A hydrating conditioner at every wash improves the ends without touching the roots.
The routine, step by step
- Shampoo only on the scalp, with one minute of massage. The lather that runs down cleans the lengths.
- Squeeze out the water and apply hydrating conditioner from mid-lengths to ends, for two to five minutes.
- Rinse well.
- Once a week, swap the conditioner for a mask.
For the roots, there is the guide to greasy hair; for where conditioner goes, this one.
What to avoid
- Very hot water: it dries out the ends.
- Conditioner near the roots.
- Straighteners or a hairdryer without protection on ends that are already dry.
Which shampoo to use for greasy roots and dry ends
Shampoo is for the roots, so choose it with them in mind: a gentle one, free from SLS and SLES, that removes sebum without drying out the scalp. Very rich or ‘for dry hair’ shampoos often contain oils that make the roots greasy sooner. The ends are cared for afterwards, with conditioner.
- Daily or almost: a gentle shampoo for frequent use.
- Once a week: a clarifying shampoo on the roots to remove product build-up and limescale.
- On the lengths: hydrating conditioner at every wash and a mask once a week.
A typical week
| When | Roots | Mid-lengths and ends |
|---|---|---|
| Wash day | Gentle shampoo, one minute of massage | Hydrating conditioner, two to five minutes |
| Once a week | Clarifying shampoo | Mask instead of conditioner |
| Between washes | Dry shampoo, only if needed | A drop of oil or a leave-in mist |
Which Nitiel product fits
DEEP HYDRATION is Nitiel’s hydrating conditioner, with argan oil, coconut oil and wheat protein. It nourishes dry ends and makes styling easier, from mid-lengths to ends. It is vegan, ECOCERT COSMOS Natural certified and 98 % of the formula is of natural origin.
Sources and references
- Tips for healthy hair. American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). Dermatologists’ guidance on how often to wash depending on the scalp and where to apply shampoo and conditioner.
- Hair Cosmetics: An Overview. M. F. R. Gavazzoni Dias, International Journal of Trichology (2015). Scientific review of surfactants, silicones, conditioners and protein hydrolysates in hair care.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to cut off split ends?
Yes. No product can close a split end; conditioner stops them from splitting further.
Can I use oil on the ends?
Yes, one drop on dry hair. Away from the roots.
Why do I have greasy roots and dry ends?
Because the sebum your scalp produces stays near the roots and does not reach the ends, which are also the oldest part of the hair and have taken the most heat, colour and sun. It is more common in long hair and in wavy or curly hair.
Can I use dry shampoo if I have greasy roots and dry ends?
Yes, between washes and only on the roots, never on the lengths. Use it for one or two days, then wash with shampoo.