Combination hair is like combination skin – tricky to manage, confusing to treat, and frustrating when it feels like nothing works. One day, your roots are greasy by lunchtime, and the next, your ends are crying out for moisture. If that sounds familiar, you're not alone. Combination hair is incredibly common, and with the right routine (and a few key HASK favourites), you can get your hair back to feeling balanced, fresh, and fabulous.
Let’s break down what’s really going on – and how to treat it like a pro.
What causes combination hair?
Combination hair refers to having two different hair concerns at once – typically oily roots and dry, damaged ends. It’s a bit of a paradox: your scalp feels greasy by day two (or earlier), but your lengths and tips are frizzy, brittle, or prone to split ends.
So, what’s the deal?
The oily roots usually stem from overactive sebaceous glands on the scalp, which produce excess sebum (oil). This can be influenced by genetics, hormonal changes, weather, or even overwashing your hair, which can trigger your scalp to produce more oil in response.
Meanwhile, the dry ends are often the result of environmental exposure, heat styling, and chemical treatments like colouring or bleaching. Since your scalp’s natural oils don’t always make it down the hair shaft, especially if you have long or curly hair, the ends tend to dry out faster.
Together, this creates a frustrating balancing act.
How to treat combination hair
The key to treating combination hair is customisation. That means using different products and techniques for different parts of your hair. Think of it like multi-masking your face: what works for your oily roots won’t necessarily be right for your thirsty ends.
1. Use a lightweight, clarifying shampoo
Start with a shampoo that’s strong enough to remove oil and product buildup but gentle enough not to strip your scalp. A clarifying shampoo is great for oily roots, especially if you use styling products regularly or go several days between washes.
HASK’s Tea Tree Oil & Rosemary Shampoo is a perfect pick. It gently removes excess oil and refreshes the scalp with a cool, invigorating feel, without over-drying. It’s especially helpful if you struggle with buildup, irritation or scalp congestion.
Just make sure to concentrate the shampoo at the roots, massaging your scalp with your fingertips. Let the suds rinse down the rest of your hair without scrubbing the ends.
2. Condition strategically
This step is crucial: only apply conditioner to your mid-lengths and ends. Avoid the scalp area completely to prevent excess oiliness.
For deep hydration, choose a targeted mask once a week. HASK’s Argan Oil Repairing Deep Conditioner is ideal for dry, damaged ends. It strengthens the hair shaft and restores moisture without weighing the hair down. If frizz is your main concern, the Keratin Smooth Deep Conditioner smooths flyaways and makes hair more manageable, especially during humid or dry months.
Apply the mask from the mid-lengths down, concentrating on your ends, and let it sit for 10 minutes before rinsing.
3. Treat the scalp, too
Many people forget that scalp care is hair care. If you’re dealing with oiliness at the root, incorporating a scalp treatment can help regulate oil production and reduce irritation.
Try the new HASK Repair Series Scalp & Hair Serum, which nourishes the scalp without leaving behind heavy residue. It’s designed to promote scalp health while fortifying the hair strands at the same time – perfect for combination hair types that need a dual-action solution.
Apply a few drops directly to the scalp after washing and gently massage in with your fingertips.
Styling tips for balance
Treating combination hair doesn’t stop at the wash. The right styling techniques can help extend the life of your clean hair and keep oiliness and dryness in check.
Go light on styling products
Heavy products like creams, waxes, and thick mousses can weigh down the hair and make oily roots look even greasier. Stick to lightweight styling sprays or mists and avoid applying anything directly to the scalp.
If you need volume at the roots, a texturising spray or dry shampoo can give your hair lift without oiliness. For your ends, a pea-sized amount of HASK Argan Oil Repairing Hair Oil will add shine and hydration – just focus it below the ears to keep oil away from your roots.
Dry shampoo is your best friend
On non-wash days, use dry shampoo at the roots to soak up excess oil and keep your style fresh. Look for a formula that’s light, non-chalky, and blends easily into your hair. Our pick? HASK’s Charcoal Purifying Dry Shampoo.
Spray it in before bed to get ahead of the oil overnight – it’ll absorb as you sleep, and you’ll wake up with fresher-feeling hair.
Don’t let your hair confuse you
Combination hair may be a little high maintenance, but it’s totally manageable with the right approach. By giving your scalp and ends the individual attention they need, you’ll find your balance – and your best hair ever.
Whether you’re using a clarifying shampoo to reset your roots or sealing your ends with nourishing oil, HASK has your combination hair covered with targeted products that work in harmony (not overload).
Balance your combination hair concerns with HASK’s much-loved haircare heroes – because your mane deserves a little extra love at both ends.
