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There’s no day off for oily hair. If you have oily roots, you know how difficult it can be to maintain your hair. No matter how good your hair looks in the morning, by the end of the day it’s greasy and flat at the roots, while the lengths and ends are dry and straw-like. So you may feel the need to wash your hair every day to keep it looking fresh. “Oily hair is primarily caused by excess sebum production by the sebaceous glands on your scalp,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Margarita Lolis. “Sebum is a natural oil that moisturizes and protects your hair, but some people have a genetic predisposition for their scalp to produce more sebum.” She also says there are other factors that can lead to excess sebum production, including hormonal changes, diet, medications, and stress.
It may seem counterintuitive, but washing your hair too often can actually make it more oily. Cleansing with the right hair products can help remove oil, dirt, dust, and styling product buildup, but over-cleansing can strip your scalp of its natural oils, leaving it feeling congested. People with fine hair are more likely to suffer from oily hair because they have more hair on their head, which means more oil glands. The scalp is capable of regulating oil production, but sometimes it needs a little help to restore balance. The right cleanser can help balance your scalp’s microbiome and prevent excess oil production that can ruin your style. The best shampoos for oily hair gently cleanse your hair without drying it out or weighing it down. If you suffer from oily hair that requires daily washing, the right shampoo can help you get rid of oil at the roots while also improving the health of your scalp and hair.
When shopping for a new shampoo specifically for oily hair, there are a few keywords to look for, says Dr. Lawless.
“Look for shampoos labeled ‘balancing,’ ‘clarifying,’ ‘volumizing,’ or ‘strengthening,’ as these tend to be less moisturizing but more effective at removing excess oil,” she says.
You can also look for shampoo ingredients that are specifically formulated for oily hair, such as sulfates, which are effective at removing oil but can irritate sensitive scalps, and clay, which helps absorb oil and impurities. Another helpful ingredient is salicylic acid, which is known for its ability to remove buildup on the scalp. Also consider using products that contain tea tree oil, which is known for its oil-reducing properties in both skin and hair care.
Over the past few months, Women’s Health editors, including our associate editor Addison Aloyan, have been researching the best-selling, most popular, and most-rated shampoos for oily hair. Our team consulted with dermatologist Dr. Margarita Lolis and hairstylist Mitchell Ramazon, as well as several Women’s Health editors who suffer from oily hair. The team also evaluated thousands of customer reviews and ratings to narrow down the best shampoos for a variety of needs and preferences.
We know the struggles of oily hair and have tried hundreds of shampoos in hopes of completely removing oil from the roots. Below, we have rounded up the best shampoos for oily hair that are proven to reduce excess oil buildup and keep hair healthy.
Don’t let the word “detox” scare you off—this shampoo gently but effectively removes all the dirt and product residue that can build up in your hair and cause an oily scalp. If you use a lot of hair products, your regular shampoo may not be strong enough to completely rinse them out every time you shower. It’s formulated with a powerful combination of apple cider vinegar and hydrolyzed keratin to help lift product residue from your hair follicles and flush it down the drain. The strong smell may be a turnoff for some people who don’t like apple cider vinegar, but it’s also a good way to tell it’s working.
This detox shampoo lathers up richly and rinses out easily, so you won’t have to worry about a strong apple cider vinegar smell lingering. After washing, we immediately felt a change in the texture of our hair, which felt incredibly soft and clean throughout the lengths and ends. We found that using this twice a week really helped reduce scalp oiliness. Once the roots have been rebalanced, we recommend using the product once a week to maintain results and control excess oiliness and dandruff.
This oil control shampoo has a rich texture but is not too heavy, unlike most shampoos for oily hair that are light and lather up richly. It contains green algae and sugar-derived prebiotics that combat scalp oiliness by rebalancing the scalp microbiome, helping hair return to its natural state and produce enough oil to nourish hair without weighing it down.
The results are immediate and long lasting; we found that after a few uses of this shampoo, we could easily get into the habit of washing our hair every other day. We love the feeling of clean roots after washing. This shampoo is definitely a good choice for those with fine hair and feel like you’ll never be able to fully clean your roots. Given the amount of product you get for the price, this shampoo won’t be popular with those with thick hair, but if it allows you to go a few extra days without washing your hair, it may be worth it. Plus, your hair retains a great shine all day long, meaning you can use fewer follicle-clogging styling products (like gel or spray).
If you’ve ever been to an Aveda salon, you’re probably familiar with this clarifying shampoo. It contains micelles to gently remove product buildup and white vinegar to cleanse oily strands. The vinegar is non-irritating and non-damaging, and is especially effective at removing waxy products.
This lightweight, perfecting shampoo is suitable for all hair types, from very fine to very coarse. If you have fine hair that tangles easily when wet, this shampoo will provide enough slip to allow you to easily detangle any tangles while really moisturising your roots. The refreshing rosemary scent will add an element of aromatherapy to your daily bath, making it a sensory indulgence that will make you want to take the time to apply the product to your lengths and ends. Even if you don’t usually like scented shampoos, this one is light and refreshing enough to change your mind. We love the lightweight texture, and although it’s a little watery, it lathers surprisingly well. It’s one of the few hair products that has truly stood the test of time. We’ve been using this shampoo off and on for years now and it’s never let us down.
Revive oily hair with this salon-quality shampoo from Paul Mitchell. Known for its unique tingle, this best-selling shampoo contains nourishing natural ingredients like tea tree, peppermint and lavender oils to help wash away dirt and oil, leaving your scalp feeling clean and refreshed. The lightweight, gel-like formula lathers richly and spreads evenly, easily massaging the foam into your scalp and ends.
Unlike other shampoos, you can actually feel this shampoo clean your hair, which is especially important if you have oily roots. The clean feeling will last for days, extending the life of your style and saving you time in the morning. It’s gentle enough to use every time you wash your hair, but powerful enough to provide a really deep clean when you need it. Plus, it’s safe for color-treated hair. During our testing, we loved the lightweight volume it gave our hair. We also like the pump design, which makes it easy to apply just the right amount. For short, fine hair, one pump is enough. For thick, medium-length hair, two pumps are enough. While this refreshing formula isn’t for everyone, if you love it, you’ll miss it when using other shampoos.
Nothing ruins beautiful hair faster than greasy roots. This smoothing shampoo removes oily roots, giving you the shiny, healthy look you’ve always wanted. The secret is juniper berry extract, which helps balance scalp oils (some of which are good for your hair!) and prevents oil buildup. Glycerin, a natural humectant, helps maintain hair’s moisture balance. We love how this shampoo improves the condition of all hair types: if you have straight hair, it adds shine and volume, and if you have curly hair, it leaves your locks smooth and bouncy.
WH editorial assistant Addison Aloyan raved about this shampoo after getting a recommendation from her colorist. “It didn’t dry out my hair at all, even though I washed my hair with it every other day,” she said during her test. “The only downside is that my hair gets a little tangled after washing, and it’s expensive.”
We recommend this shampoo if your hair needs some TLC. It transforms limp, lifeless locks into something soft, shiny, and strong enough to stand on its own. “Everyone is susceptible to the buildup of pollutants and heavy metals from hard water, so Triple Detox Shampoo safely cleanses hair without damaging it,” says hairstylist Mitchell Ramazon. “It’s enriched with magnetic polymers that act like a magnet to remove product and pollutant buildup, excess oil, and heavy metals found in hard water.” Ramazon recommends using Triple Detox Shampoo once a week, leaving it in for two minutes before rinsing. Follow with a hydrating hair mask or deep conditioner to smooth the hair cuticle and hydrate dehydrated hair. The “perfect” in this product’s name is well-deserved: When we tried Triple Detox Shampoo, we found that our hair looked its best on days two and three, when the oils typically start to sink in. After using this shampoo consistently for several months, we noticed a noticeable reduction in excess sebum production, so we confidently recommend this product to anyone with oily hair.
Detoxifying and clarifying shampoos tend to be harsh on the scalp, which can deter those with sensitive skin from using them when washing their hair, even if their hair is oily. For a gentler option, we recommend Nécessaire’s fragrance-free shampoo. The gel formula has a thin, almost water-like texture, but it still lathers well. We found that it created a rich lather that was sufficient to remove dirt and grime from the surface of the scalp. It contains ingredients not typically found in clarifying shampoos, such as hyaluronic acid, aloe vera leaf juice, avocado oil, and glycerin, which work together beautifully to cleanse and nourish the hair without irritating the scalp.
One rave reviewer says this shampoo sets the standard for sensitive skin shampoos. “I have very sensitive skin and this is the best shampoo I’ve ever used,” they wrote. “It really cleans my scalp without drying it out.”
It’s hard to find effective fragrance-free products, but this shampoo gets the job done. It’s gentle enough to use every time you wash your hair, and it does its job gently, leaving your hair soft and shiny for days afterward.
A budget doesn’t mean you have to ignore oily hair. This clarifying shampoo from Kristen Ess is under $12 and does a great job of cleansing your hair while effectively removing stubborn product buildup that weighs it down. We love its creamy texture, and it lathers up richly when applied to your scalp to remove and rinse away dirt and oil.
These ingredients are specifically designed to not only address oily hair issues, but also to improve the overall health of your hair. Hydrolyzed pea protein improves the overall appearance of your hair, while avocado oil provides essential moisture without weighing it down. Together, these ingredients create a powerful cleansing formula that promotes healthy, shiny hair. Within just a few days of shampooing, our hair began to look fresher, feel lighter, and was noticeably less greasy at the roots. To get the most out of this formula, Dell recommends washing your hair twice in the shower. We use this shampoo every third wash to keep our scalp healthy, balanced, and oil-free.
Add a new ritual to your weekend with Bumble and Bumble’s Sunday Shampoo. This isn’t a shampoo you’ll use every day and should be saved for those days when you have time to indulge in some self-care. Designed to break down oil and product build-up, this deep cleanser instantly removes all impurities from your scalp, giving you a superior cleanse so you can start the week with a fresh face and hair. This is a great shampoo for those with fine hair that’s easily weighed down by heavier products. We found that we were able to go longer between washes using this product, and our hair felt softer throughout the week.
Perfect for swimmers and those who frequently squeeze their hair during the week, this shampoo is one of the strongest clarifying shampoos we’ve tried, but don’t let that scare you. If you use it once a week, you won’t have to worry about it drying out your hair. Be sure to use conditioner to restore moisture to your hair. A small amount is enough, so if you use it weekly as planned, it will last a long time.
This shampoo is both a scalp serum and a shampoo. It lathers like a shampoo but penetrates like a serum, toning your scalp and senses with ingredients like tea tree oil, betaine, and menthol, while also removing harmful buildup from your scalp and hair. The tea tree oil acts like a magnet, attracting excess oil, trapping it, and carrying it away before it’s rinsed down the drain. The pump bottle is just an added bonus.
We love the cooling action of this shampoo, which is especially good for dry or dandruff-prone hair. The rich lather easily coats each strand of hair from root to tip, removing product buildup.
While we love the fresh scent and stimulating action, we also understand that this shampoo may be too harsh for some people with fragrance sensitivities or allergies to essential oils. It provides a tingling sensation that can be felt even after a shower, which we really like. Unlike some shampoos for oily hair, this one can be used every day, but with regular use, you won’t feel the need to wash your hair every day. When we switch shampoos, we find that we miss that tingling and clean feeling.
When it comes to how often to wash oily hair, it varies depending on your individual hair quality and lifestyle. Some people may need to wash their hair every day, while others may be fine with washing every other day. It’s important to find the right balance for your hair: washing too often can strip your hair of its natural oils, leading to increased sebum production. Listen to your hair’s needs and adjust your routine accordingly.
Chlorine Free Shampoo | Hard Water Shampoo | Clarifying Shampoo for Curly Hair | Blue Shampoo for Brown Hair | Sulfate Free Shampoo | Shampoo for Fine Hair | Deep Conditioner
Christina Montemayor is a freelance writer and journalist based in Austin, Texas who covers beauty, grooming, style, and culture. Her work has appeared in Very Good Light, BRIDES, and Elite Daily.