Everyone wants smooth, shiny hair, but there’s a fine line between glossy and greasy. If your scalp is naturally oily, dry shampoo might not always cut it. And hats are cute, of course! But you shouldn’t have to wear one every day. Maybe you’ve tried what seems like every product on the market—with no luck at taming your mane. Oily or greasy hair is its own unique problem that requires specific products. Thankfully, we’ve got a list of the best shampoos for oily hair that can help zap grease and buildup that contribute to the, erm, root of the problem. 😉
Our Top Picks
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You’re likely better off picking a clear shampoo than a milky one, and you shouldn’t necessarily shy away from sulfates (unless you’re looking for a great shampoo for color-treated hair, that is). Sulfates can get a bad reputation, but they’re actually good for lifting oil and dirt from your roots. You’ll want a formula that removes buildup and leaves your hair looking and feeling healthy without weighing it down. And avoid products with labels like “anti-frizz”—they’re probably formulated with hydrating ingredients that could make your hair oilier.
Caring for greasy hair doesn’t end once you’re done shampooing: If you use leave-in conditioner, you should keep it to your ends, and you might consider investing in a boar bristle brush, which will help distribute natural oils throughout your hair so they don’t settle at your scalp. You may also want to invest in one of the best facial cleansers for oily skin—after all, your skin may share the same issue. Read on for the best shampoos for oily hair that will leave you with shiny (not greasy!) strands.
PROS
- Very moisturizing
- Color-safe
- Natural ingredients, cruelty-free, and vegan
CONS
- May not eliminate dandruff
- Can dry out scalp
It’s got “degrease” right there in the name, so you know you can depend on this shampoo to deep clean and work against buildup. Gentle, hydrating, but clarifying all at once, it’ll make you feel like you’ve practically got a new head of hair. It can also combat flaking and itchy scalp.
PROS
- Adds bounce and shine
- Color-safe
- Deep cleansing
CONS
- Using too often can strip hair
- Can cause dry hair
Here’s why folks rave about this pick: It’s a clarifying shampoo that removes buildup and residue while minimizing oil production with a moisturizing and shine blend. Bonus: The fresh lemon extracts will make your hair feel extra clean and add body to your locks!
PROS
- Provides texture and volume
- Color-safe
- Protects from heat
CONS
- Can leave hair feeling dry
- Expensive
Oil and dirt can seriously weigh down hair, leaving it lank and flat. That’s where this pick comes into play! Pureology is paragon-free and works wonderfully with fine hair types to maximize volume while cleansing the scalp. This one is also great for color-treated hair.
PROS
- Helps treat dandruff
- Promotes hair growth
- Refreshing and cooling feel
CONS
- Ingredients may irritate sensitive skin
- Might dry out hair
- Can sting eyes
Looking for a really deep cleanse? This invigorating shampoo is just the thing. It features a blend made to leave hair shiny, soft, and hydrated. Not only does it claim to “reset” your strands while remaining gentle, but it’ll also wake you up each morning with mint, iced vanilla, and tea tree aromas.
Head & Shoulders Clinical Strength Dandruff Shampoo
CREDIT: AMAZON
PROS
- Bang for your buck
- Fast results
- Reduces flakes, itchiness, and redness
CONS
- Smell can be strong
- May dry out hair
Head & Shoulders is the bestselling shampoo in the country for a reason, and this clinical-strength version takes the winning formula a step further: Selenium sulfide removes oil and flakes for squeaky-clean roots. It also works to hydrate—revealing beautiful, healthy hair. Note: This price is for a pack of two.
PROS
- Natural ingredients, cruelty-free, and vegan
- Minimizes frizz
- Helps with dandruff, flakes, and itchiness
CONS
- Expensive
- Mild lather
Specifically formulated for oily hair, this shampoo will also remove build-up, clean dirt, and generally make your locks feel so much cleaner. Get this—it also works to restore your scalp to its normal pH balance and nourishes hair for long-lasting results. Use this to help reduce hair loss and make hair less prone to breakage and split ends.
PROS
- Fast results
- Buildable lather
- Color-safe
CONS
- Works best with other Olaplex products
Olaplex is beloved by so many stylists, salons, and customers (including me)! Take it from the 62,000-plus ratings and 4.7 stars. It’s a must-have for damaged or color-treated oily hair because the formula helps strengthen the hair bonds without leaving product residue behind. Your hair will be clean, moisturized, shiny, and much easier to work with!
PROS
- Minimizes frizz
- Leaves curls bouncy and shiny
CONS
- Mild lather
- Can feel heavy
Made with hops and soothing chamomile, this shampoo offers a mild lather that helps to restore your hair’s natural bounce and shine. Curly hair needs moisture, which is why we love this hydrating formula. The hops help dissolve grease while the chamomile and castor oil replenishes moisture. You can’t go wrong with 4.5 stars and an under $20 price tag!
L’Oreal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Clay Rebalancing Shampoo
CREDIT: WALMART
PROS
- Nice fragrance
- Leaves hair soft and shiny
- Keeps hair bouncy and oil-free for days after use
CONS
- Might need to use larger quantity per wash than other products
- Can dry out hair
If you’ve ever used a clay mask for oily skin, you can probably guess how this shampoo works! The refined three-clay formula sops up oils at your roots but leaves your ends hydrated. It’ll purify your scalp and hydrate dry ends without a heavy feel. Just check out the 16,000-plus ratings and 4.4 star reviews.
PROS
- Color-safe
- Cruelty-free and vegan
- Deep clean that reaches all the way to your roots
- Removes buildup
CONS
- Best results with Biolage conditioner
- Can dry out hair over time
This shampoo will work wonders for all hair types, including color-treated—giving your locks a deep cleanse without drying them out. Since it’s clarifying, you’ll have a clean slate so that your luscious locks can shine brightly again. With over 6,900 ratings and 4.7 stars, the results are clear!
Headquarters Oil-Away Shampoo for Oily Scalp and Hair
CREDIT: WALMART
PROS
- Gets rid of buildup
- Color-safe
- Cruelty-free
CONS
- Mild lather
- Works best with other Headquarters products
This beloved and bestselling clarifying shampoo removes dirt, oil, and dead skin at the roots. Its lather will leave your hair feeling light and extra healthy and it can be used on a daily basis without stripping your nice locks. A refreshing grapefruit-basil scent ensures your hair smells as clean as it feels!
Aveeno Apple Cider Vinegar Blend Shampoo
CREDIT: AMAZON
PROS
- Soothes irritation
- Color-safe
- Removes residue for smoothness and shine
CONS
- May not work for those with sensitive skin
This popular shampoo has nearly 11,000 positive reviews thanks to its sulfate-free, paraben-free, and dye-free formula that’s ideal for fragile strands. Apple cider vinegar acts as a clarifying agent to leave your hair shiny, not greasy. It works to cleanse and beautify from root to tip.
