We’re guilty as charged.

We know that many of you struggle with having to wash your hair every day because the grease is unbearable, but getting to the root of the problem – quite literally – makes more sense than battling the beauty affliction. So here are 8 things to stop doing that could be the cause of your greasy hair.

1. TOUCHING YOUR HAIR TOO OFTEN

Like constantly touching your face, fiddling with your hair – flirtatiously or out of boredom – transfers oils from your fingertips to your strands.

2. OVER-WASHING

Yes, you wash it to cleanse the grease, but no, it doesn’t help. Unfortunately, daily shampooing can strip your scalp of its natural oils – so it produces more in a bid to replace them. Try cutting back on washing your hair to every other day at least, or 2/3 times a week. Your hair will thank you in the long run.

3. OVER-CONDITIONING

Be cautious with conditioner. You may be applying a conditioner that’s too heavy for your hair type, which can weigh it down. Or you may not be washing it out properly – another grease-giving culprit. And finally, avoid placing your conditioner all over your hair, focus on the ends to avoid causing oily roots and lank lengths.

4. OVER-BRUSHING

Brushing your hair too much can stimulate oil production, which at first looks glossy, but soon looks greasy. Again, stick to detangling the lengths and ends if you’ve got an obsessive hair brushing habit.

5. YOUR HAIRBRUSH IS DIRTY

Your hairbrush can harbor all sorts of nasties – build-up of stale styling products and dust are only the obvious ones! A clogged brush will transfer these onto the hair, making it feel dirty, so make sure yours is cleaned properly on a regular basis.

6. YOUR HAIRBRUSH IS FULL OF HAIR

A hairy brush might not seem like an offender, but if your hair is greasy (which it is otherwise you wouldn’t be reading this) by using a brush clogged with hairs you’ll only be transferring grease from old strands back onto your clean hair. Fail.

7. APPLYING THE WRONG PRODUCTS

You may be choosing styling products that aren’t compatible with your hair. Look for lightweight formulas and avoid ones that promise ‘shine’ and ‘moisture’ which would be better suited to dry or dull hair types.

8. PRODUCT BUILD-UP THAT NEEDS DETOXING

Styling products can cause the scalp and strands to become clogged up. If you’re a dry shampoo junkie (like most greasy hair sufferers), you might want to give your locks a detox by using a clarifying shampoo 2-4 times a month, or a product designed to exfoliate the scalp. It is the gateway to healthy hair, after all.

Written by Bridget March, cosmopolitan.com