Oily hair and a greasy scalp can be frustrating to deal with. The scalp overproduces sebum, leading to limp, greasy hair that easily looks dirty and lifeless. Finding the right shampoo is crucial for keeping oily hair fresh, clean, and voluminous. The best shampoos for oily hair contain ingredients that remove excess oil without over-drying. They also clarify and purify the scalp while balancing pH.
I reviewed 15 top-rated shampoos formulated specifically for oily hair. These shampoos deeply cleanse while also caring for the hair and scalp. Many contain botanical ingredients that absorb oil, stimulate the scalp, and add shine. Read on for reviews of the 15 best shampoos for oily hair that can be used daily.
This shampoo from Neutrogena helps exfoliate and purify the scalp while clarifying oily hair. It contains pink grapefruit extract to absorb excess oil and provide antioxidant benefits. The formula is pH-balanced and free of harsh sulfates.
Neutrogena’s healthy scalp shampoo tackles oily hair at the roots. By exfoliating and purifying the scalp, it helps prevent excess oil production. This keeps hair clean and refreshed between washes. The grapefruit extract offers a refreshing citrus scent while absorbing oil. And the formula is gentle enough for daily use on all hair types. If you want a scalp-focused shampoo to reduce oil and add shine, this quality drugstore option gets top marks.
MONDAY Haircare’s clarifying shampoo and conditioner set works to refresh and rebalance oily locks. The formulas contain grapefruit extract to absorb excess oil along with nourishing coconut oil, shea butter, and vitamins.
This set offers a complete solution for oily hair that needs clarifying but can get easily dried out. While the shampoo deep cleanses and removes oil and product buildup, the conditioner provides moisture. Together they help restore hair’s natural balance and shine. I like how these plant-based formulas use grapefruit extract instead of harsh detergents to absorb oil while still caring for hair. And they have a light citrus coconut scent that smells clean, not heavy. For a brand that stands out on ethics and hair health, MONDAY is a winner.
This tea tree oil shampoo from Paul Mitchell invigorates the scalp and removes impurities while deeply cleaning oily hair. The formula contains tea tree oil and peppermint known for cleansing, cooling, and purifying properties.
Paul Mitchell’s Tea Tree Special Shampoo harnesses the clarifying powers of tea tree oil to tackle oily hair. As it deeply cleanses impurities and buildup, it leaves hair and scalp feeling refreshed. I like the cooling, tingling sensation from the menthol and peppermint too. This shampoo won’t strip or dry out hair thanks to moisture-balancing ingredients like lavender and aloe. Just a small amount lathers well and a little goes a long way, making the value solid. Overall this is a great pick if you want an invigorating, aromatic shampoo for oily hair.
Degrease shampoo aims to give oily hair a deep cleansing and detox. Its formula contains lemon and orange fruit extracts along with purifying tea tree and peppermint oils to remove buildup, absorb excess oil, and balance the scalp.
True to its name, Degrease shampoo lives up to the task of tackling excess oil and residue on the scalp and hair. The combination of citrus fruit extracts and clarifying essential oils cuts through grease and purifies. What sets this formula apart is how it goes beyond just removing oil to actually balance and soothe the scalp to prevent overproduction. The result is fresh, clean hair that doesn’t get quickly weighed down. It has a pleasant, spa-like scent too. If you have persistently oily hair and scalp issues, Degrease helps hit the reset button.
Aveeno’s apple cider vinegar shampoo harnesses the clarifying properties of vinegar to remove oil buildup and residue from oily hair. It also contains soothing oat extract to balance the scalp for healthy shine. The formula is gentle enough for daily use.
As a longtime fan of Aveeno’s skin care products, I was eager to try their take on oily hair shampoo. This formula delivers that same soothing, sensitive skin-inspired approach. The apple cider vinegar provides a gentle yet effective clarifying cleanse that removes oil and gunk without irritation. And the added oat extract actually calms and balances the scalp to prevent over-oiliness. It leaves all hair types fresh and shiny without tight dryness. For a fuss-free, fragrance-free shampoo to use daily on oily hair, Aveeno checks all the boxes.
Paul Mitchell’s Shampoo Two offers a deep cleansing, oil-eliminating shampoo ideal for oily hair prone to buildup. Key ingredients like lemon, orange, and tea tree extracts help absorb oil and clarify while balancing the scalp.
As one of Paul Mitchell’s most popular products, Shampoo Two proves this salon-quality brand knows how to handle oily locks. It tackles everything from excess oil and stubborn buildup to out-of-whack scalp pH without giving that squeaky clean feeling. Vitamin- and antioxidant-rich ingredients even protect hair health. While gentle enough or daily washing, it leaves hair supremely clean. And a little goes a very long way, making the value impressive for the price. It’s no wonder this stuff is a staple in so many professional salons for oily manes.
OUAI’s Detox shampoo harnesses apple cider vinegar, keratin proteins, and nourishing oils to clarify and cleanse oily, product-laden hair. The formula removes buildup without sulfates or stripping oils so hair stays smooth and hydrated.
This may be one of my all-time favorite clarifying shampoos for oily hair. It manages to deep clean even the most oil-prone scalps without causing irritation or dryness. Hair emerges utterly clean yet touchably soft and smooth. Credit goes to the apple cider vinegar for removing gunk along with moisturizing oils and proteins that get deposited into the hair. And I love the light, refreshing scent with citrusy and floral notes. Yes, it’s a splurge. But for salon-gorgeous hair whenever you wash, OUAI Detox is worth every penny for oily manes.
Head & Shoulders Clinical Strength Dandruff Shampoo relieves flaky scalp while controlling excess oil thanks to ingredients like pyrithione zinc and energizing citrus extracts. The dermatologist-recommended formula is safe for color-treated hair.
When you have an itchy, flaky scalp along with oily hair, finding a shampoo that treats both can feel impossible. But Head & Shoulders Clinical does the trick. This powerhouse formula harnesses the anti-dandruff and clarifying abilities of pyrithione zinc to stop flakes and absorb oil. The addition of citrus extracts boosts the energizing scent and cleansing effects. Don’t let the low price fool you ??? this stuff works overtime on oily scalps. Just a small amount on wet hair makes mounds of rich, cleansing lather. If you battle both dandruff and oil overload, this trusted drugstore shampoo is a wallet-friendly lifesaver.
Nexxus Hydra-Light shampoo offers intense hydration for oily hair prone to dryness. The sulfate-free, silicone-free formula removes oil at the roots while replenishing moisture along the lengths with aloe, green tea, and nourishing oils.
Don’t let the name fool you ??? while Hydra-Light shampoo works to replenish moisture, it also combats greasiness extremely well. The lightweight formula helps rebalance oil production for hair that doesn’t get quickly weighed down. Yet it still provides hydration even for fine hair that can skew oily yet turn dry mid-lengths and ends. With its spa-like aloe and green tea scent, this shampoo leaves hair incredibly clean but soft and silky smooth. Those with color-treated styles will love how vibrant it keeps color too. I’d rank this the best anti-oil shampoo for moisture-deprived manes.
Aveeno’s apple cider vinegar shampoo and conditioner set harnesses the oil-absorbing benefits of vinegar while adding shine and soothing the scalp. The balanced formulas cleanse hair without stripping or weighing it down.
I love a good shampoo/conditioner combo designed to work together, especially for temperamental oily hair. This set from Aveeno fits the bill beautifully. The shampoo deep cleans and clarifies just enough without causing dryness or irritation. Then the matching conditioner adds the perfect level of hydration and protection. My hair looks especially smooth, healthy, and voluminous after using these two. And I appreciate that Aveeno uses thoughtful, good-for-you ingredients like antioxidants from apple cider vinegar instead of harsh detergents to remove oil and buildup. For an affordable drugstore duo that brings out the best in oily hair, this gentle yet effective set deserves applause.
Bizy Beauty’s men’s shampoo for oily hair uses a blend of natural extracts like green tea, lemon peel oil, witch hazel, and vitamins to cleanse hair, prevent oil production, and soothe the scalp without harsh detergents. The two-pack offers a supply formulated just for men.
Finding a good drugstore shampoo designed specifically for guys can feel impossible. But Bizy Beauty checks that box while also tackling oily hair and itchy scalps. This men’s formula relies on green tea, botanical extracts, and vitamins instead of aggressive sulfates to remove dirt and oil while calming inflammation. It actually helps rebalance the scalp to prevent over-oiliness rather than just temporarily removing grease. Better yet, it leaves hair looking healthy, full, and dandruff-free. Guys will appreciate how a little bit lathers well to thoroughly clean. And the light, masculine scent smells subtly crisp instead of overly perfumed. For an affordable, fuss-free men’s shampoo pick that saves oily scalps, Bizy Beauty is a winner.
Peach Not Plastic offers an eco-friendly shampoo bar specifically formulated to clarify and purify oily hair. The plant-derived, plastic-free bar is comprised of detoxifying ingredients like apple cider vinegar, witch hazel, and nourishing oils to clean hair without stripping.
Trying to reduce waste from plastic shampoo bottles? This innovative, clarifying shampoo bar from Peach Not Plastic presents an eco-smart solution for oily manes. It consists of just enough cleansing ingredients like apple cider vinegar and witch hazel ??? sans the liquid ??? to break up oil and gunk without causing dryness. Skin-loving oils add just the right amount of conditioning. The bar itself has an earthy, herbal scent. And a little goes a long way toward working up a nice lather to wash hair squeaky clean. While combating oil and buildup, it actually leaves hair feeling healthier. For green beauty that cuts out plastic while caring for oily hair, this clever bar is a great natural pick.
Botanic Hearth’s oily hair shampoo and conditioner set works to deeply cleanse hair while combating scalp irritation and adding strength with proteins. The formulas rely on botanical ingredients like tea tree, lemon essential oils, aloe vera, and coconut derivatives to clarify without causing dryness.
This shampoo-conditioner combo makes caring for oily, irritated scalps simple. While the clarifying shampoo removes residue and excess oils with botanical extracts, the conditioner nourishes strands to prevent damage and dryness. Used together, hair looks super healthy ??? clean yet soft, bouncy yet smoothed. The set lasts a while too thanks to the rich lather and lightweight hydration that distributes evenly without weighing hair down. I also like the subtle botanical scent with hints of invigorating citrus and mint. For an affordable duo that leaves oily hair refreshed and voluminous, Botanic Hearth delivers salon-worthy results.
MONDAY Haircare Volume Shampoo hydrates fine, flat hair while invigorating the scalp. It relies on volumizing ingredients like ginger root, coconut oil, and vitamin E to gently cleanse and add body without weighing hair down. The formula works for oilier fine hair too.
As someone constantly battling limp, flat hair, I’m always wary of volumizing products that end up weighing my hair down. So I was thrilled to find this formula from clean-beauty favorite MONDAY Haircare actually gives fine, oily hair lofty lift. Credit goes to the ginger root extract for stimulating circulation at the roots to boost volume along with coconut oil that lightly conditions without residue. Hair looks bouncier and feels freshly cleaned with extra oomph. And I love how MONDAY uses thoughtful, good-for-hair ingredients like vitamins and antioxidants instead of problematic fillers. For effortless fullness minus the oil slick, this gentle volumizing shampoo is perfection.
Suisuaie’s clarifying shampoo aims to soak up oil and build-up with apple cider vinegar, natural clay, and antioxidants. The lightweight formula gently cleanses to control oil and boost shine.
Don’t let this lesser-known brand fool you ??? Suisuaie’s clarify shampoo for oily manes checks all the right boxes at an extremely wallet-friendly price point. It uses just the right combination of apple cider vinegar, purifying clay, and shine-enhancing antioxidants to soak up excess oil and residue without aggressive sulfates or drying alcohols. This leaves all hair types with manageable texture, healthier looking shine, and extra volume at the roots. While thoroughly removing oil and product buildup, it’s still gentle for daily use. For budget-conscious buyers seeking serious oil and dirt removal minus the damage, this finds the sweet spot for clarifying oily hair.
Product | Features |
---|---|
Neutrogena Healthy Scalp Clarify & Shine | Exfoliates scalp, absorbs excess oil, pH balanced |
MONDAY HAIRCARE Clarify Set | Absorbs oil, nourishes hair, vegan |
Tea Tree Special Shampoo | Invigorates scalp, deep cleanses, refreshing |
Degrease Shampoo | Lemon & orange extracts, purifying oils |
Aveeno Scalp Soothing Shampoo | Apple cider vinegar, soothing oat extract |
Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two | Lemon, orange & tea tree extracts clarify |
OUAI Detox Shampoo | Apple cider vinegar, keratin, hydrating oils |
Head & Shoulders Clinical Strength | Fights dandruff & oil, refreshing citrus |
Nexxus Hydra-Light Shampoo | Gently cleanses oil, lightweight moisture |
Aveeno Shampoo + Conditioner | Apple cider vinegar, scalp soothing |
Men’s Bizy Beauty Shampoo | Natural ingredients cleanse hair |
Peach Not Plastic Shampoo Bar | Plant-based, vegan, eco-friendly |
Botanic Hearth Shampoo & Conditioner | Tea tree & lemon oils, soothing |
MONDAY Volume Shampoo | Gently cleanses & volumizes |
Suisuaie Clarifying Shampoo | Apple cider vinegar, bentonite clay |
When dealing with chronically oily hair, finding a shampoo that properly clarifies but still cares for hair can make a world of difference. Check out these pro tips for picking your perfect match:
Look for these key absorbing ingredients: Shampoos made specifically for oily hair contain oil-absorbing elements like apple cider vinegar, lemon extract, witch hazel, clay, charcoal, tea tree oil, and menthol. These natural clarifiers soak up excess grease without irritating.
Ensure it balances and soothes the scalp: The right shampoo won’t just temporarily strip oil ??? it should feature scalp-balancing and soothing ingredients like aloe, vitamins, proteins, and oat extract to promote a healthy oil production balance. This prevents over-greasiness between washes.
Consider a shampoo-conditioner combo: Conditioner helps seal in moisture so hair doesn’t overcompensate with oil. Using a hydrating conditioner made for oily scalps after clarifying keeps strands healthy. Look for lightweight, silicone-free hydrating formulas.
Check for harsh ingredients: Many clarifying shampoos rely on sulfates and alcohols to remove oil and buildup. But these can damage hair over time. Look for gentler formulas with options like plant oils and extracts instead.
Read reviews from those with oily hair: Check reviews to see what those with overactive oil glands say. Make sure a “clarifying” shampoo doesn’t just coat strands but actually helps normalize oil production.
There are a few main types of shampoos made specifically to combat excess oil:
Clarifying Shampoos: These deep cleaning formulas are designed to remove residue, hard water mineral buildup, styling product gunk, and excess oil that weighs hair down. They harness purifying ingredients like apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, bentonite clay masks, charcoal, and essential oils.
Scalp Balancing Shampoos: These shampoos focus specifically on restoring the scalp???s natural pH balance and sebum oil production levels. This helps minimize over-oiliness between washes. Look for scalp shampoos with soothing and regulating ingredients like oat extract, aloe vera, and peppermint oil.
Volumizing Shampoos for Oily Hair: Volumizing shampoos add lift at the roots specifically for those with flat, fine hair that still gets oily. They rely on ingredients like rice and wheat proteins, silk amino acids, citrus extracts, ginger root, and menthol to gently boost volume without weighing fine hair down.
Natural/Botanical Oily Hair Shampoos: These shampoos tackle oily hair with plant-derived cleansing ingredients like lemon peel oil, orange extracts, nettle leaf, saw palmetto, green tea extracts, and vitamins. They balance and nourish without harsh detergents like sulfates.
Anti-Dandruff Shampoos for Oily Scalps: These formulas fight flaky scalp and excess oil production simultaneously with antifungal ingredients like pyrithione zinc, salicylic acid, selenium sulfide, coal tar, or ketoconazole.
Caring for oily hair starts in the shower. Follow these tips on using the right shampoo and maintaining fresh, oil-free hair:
Shampoo hair twice: Apply shampoo just to the scalp and roots to target oil production, massaging to boost circulation. Rinse then repeat for thorough cleansing. Follow with a hydrating conditioner just on mid-length to ends to retain moisture without adding weight.
Shampoo every other day: Shampooing too often can signal the scalp to overproduce oil. Stick to a routine of cleansing every other day unless hair gets excessively oily. Rely on dry shampoo between washes to soak up oil at roots.
Use a small amount: A little clarifying shampoo goes a long way. Start with a dime-size dollop then add more as needed avoid stripping hair of healthy oils.
Let shampoo sit: Allow lathered clarifying shampoo to sit and soak for 1-2 minutes so ingredients can penetrate oily buildup and dissolve it away.
Rinse with cold water: After shampooing, finish rinsing hair using cool water to seal and smooth the cuticle so hair reflects more shine.
Blot hair dry: Gently blot hair with a towel after washing instead of rubbing the strands to prevent frizz and disturbance of the cuticle before styling.
Use heat protectant: Shield hair from heat damage by applying a heat protectant spray before hot tool use to keep moisture locked in. Limit use of hot tools overall to maintain shine.
Dry shampoos help absorb excess oil from the scalp and add volume between washes. Some top options for oily hair include Dove Refresh+Care Dry Shampoo, Batiste Dry Shampoo, Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk, and Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo. Look for oil-absorbing starches like rice and ingredients that refresh like citrus extracts. Apply dry shampoo right at the oily roots instead of all over for best results.
Some of the best shampoo and conditioner sets for oily hair include:
Look for combos that use fruit acids, clay or charcoal to purify oily scalps and roots while the matching conditioner retains just enough moisture for hair health without weighing it down. These balanced pairs bring out the best in oily hair.
Every day washing with even the gentlest shampoo can make oily hair worse by over-stripping natural oils. Stick to a routine of cleansing oily hair every other day, using dry shampoo between washes. Washing too often signals the scalp to overproduce oil.
It is possible to retrain an overactive scalp by slowly extending time between shampooing. Avoid daily washing, use a deeply clarifying shampoo when needed, rely on dry shampoo to soak up oil between washes, and get hydration from leave-in treatments. Eventually the scalp learns to produce less oil between washes.
Some home remedies can combat greasiness, such as: apple cider vinegar rinses, lemon juice solutions, egg masks, aloe vera, witch hazel, clay masks, honey treatments, herbal rinses with ingredients like rosemary, nettle, chamomile, and peppermint oils. Lifestyle approaches like staying hydrated, managing stress levels, avoiding touching hair often, and using a gentle shampoo also help regulate oil.
Yes. Anti-dandruff shampoos containing zinc pyrithione or selenium sulfide do double duty by fighting fungal infections on the scalp while removing excess oil and buildup. Their antifungal and keratolytic properties help balance flaky, oily scalps by softening and lifting debris while soothing inflammation and irritation.
Yes, it’s common for the scalp’s sebum oil production to slow down later in life due to hormonal changes, a natural part of aging. Oily hair types may then contend with unexpected dryness and damage. Look for a shampoo that gently hydrates while still being lightweight enough for finer hair. Deep conditioning treatments also help restore moisture.
Oily hair and a greasy scalp can really weigh down your look and confidence. But finding the right clarifying shampoo makes all the difference in keeping strands grease-free and voluminous. The best shampoos for oily hair offer a deep clean to remove residue while balancing the scalp’s oil production. This leaves hair fresh and vibrant instead of limp.
I hope these reviews of the top 15 shampoos for oily hair and greasy scalps offer helpful insight. Look for formulas with ingredients like apple cider vinegar, tea tree, charcoal, clay, essential citrus oils, and scalp-soothing extracts like aloe and oat. Check that the shampoo actually helps normalize oil production instead of just coating hair. And consider a coordinated shampoo-conditioner system to gently cleanse while retaining moisture so hair doesn’t get dried out.
Oily locks often feel like a losing battle. But using the right shampoo and paying attention to hair health makes achieving consistent shine, volume and freshness between washes totally possible. So take control of the grease and enjoy hair that looks as good as it feels with these top anti-oil picks!
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