The 13 Best Shampoos for Oily Hair, According to Hair Experts
Discover expert-recommended shampoos for oily hair to remove excess oil, clarify your scalp, and achieve a balanced, refreshed look.
Having oily hair can be a persistent struggle, leaving your strands looking flat, limp, or greasy soon after washing. The right shampoo can make all the difference in removing excess oil and keeping your scalp feeling fresh. Drawing on recommendations from top dermatologists and hairstylists, this guide will help you select the best shampoos for oily hair, highlight key ingredients to look for, and offer tips for achieving balanced, beautiful locks.
Why Does Hair Get Oily?
Oily hair is primarily caused by the overproduction of sebum — a natural oil secreted by the scalp’s sebaceous glands. While sebum is essential for keeping hair moisturized and protected, too much can leave both roots and scalp looking slick and feeling heavy. Factors affecting oiliness include:
- Genetics: Some individuals naturally produce more sebum due to hereditary traits.
- Hormonal fluctuations: Hormones, particularly during puberty, pregnancy, or menstrual cycles, can boost oil production.
- Scalp sensitivity: Scalp conditions like seborrheic dermatitis may increase oiliness.
- Improper hair care: Over-washing or harsh ingredients may dry out the scalp, prompting even more oil production as a response.
How to Choose the Best Shampoo for Oily Hair
Choosing the optimal shampoo for oily hair involves a careful look at both your hair type and a shampoo’s ingredient list. The following tips can help you zero in on products that degrease your roots without stripping or dehydrating your strands:
- Look for clarifying ingredients, such as tea tree oil, black charcoal, apple cider vinegar, or salicylic acid, to break down buildup and excess oils.
- Opt for sulfate-free formulas if you’re concerned about stripping too much oil — sulfates can prompt compensatory oil production in some people.
- Avoid heavy moisturizing agents or rich oils unless your ends are especially dry, as these can weigh hair down and worsen greasiness.
- Choose products with pH-balancing or astringent botanicals like witch hazel or citrus, which may help balance the scalp.
- Select a strength suited for your frequency of washing. Clarifying shampoos are typically best used 1–2 times a week, with gentle shampoos for more frequent use.
Expert-Recommended Shampoos for Oily Hair
After careful evaluation by hair experts and dermatologists, here are the top picks for oily hair:
1. Neutrogena Healthy Scalp Clarify & Shine Shampoo
- Best for: Oil and product buildup removal
- Key ingredients: Grapefruit extract, glycerin, citric acid
- Size: 12 fl. oz.
- Sulfate-free: Yes
- Review highlight: “Particularly effective for those with oily hair and scalp — hair feels incredibly clean and refreshed after each wash.”
This affordable, clarifying shampoo combines cleansing citrus with scalp-balancing ingredients to combat flat, greasy hair. Its formula dissolves excess oil without stripping needed moisture, leaving hair bouncy and fullness-restored.
2. OUAI Detox Shampoo
- Best for: Removing excess sebum and strengthening hair
- Key ingredients: Apple cider vinegar, keratin, chelating agents
- Size: 10 fl. oz.
- Sulfate-free: Yes
- Review highlight: “Helps with itchy scalp and build-up, noticeably reduces pimples along the hairline, and keeps hair feeling clean for longer.”
What others are reading
The OUAI Detox Shampoo is a favorite among stylists for tackling scalp buildup. Apple cider vinegar clarifies, while keratin fortifies strands—ideal for oily hair that needs both deep cleaning and strengthening.
3. K18 Hair Peptide Prep Detox Shampoo
- Best for: All hair types, especially color-treated or damaged hair needing gentle detox
- Key ingredients: Activated charcoal, salicylic acid, patented K18 peptide
- Size: 8.5 fl. oz.
- Sulfate-free: Yes
- Review highlight: “Revives strands without stripping the scalp, feels deeply cleansing even with monthly use.”
K18’s formula provides a clarifying wash that supports hair’s internal strength and moisture levels. Its potent, peptide-rich blend is especially good for damaged or color-processed hair that still gets oily at the roots.
4. L’Oréal Paris EverPure Moisture Shampoo
- Best for: Color-treated and fine, oily hair
- Key ingredients: Glycerin, citric acid, rosemary leaf oil
- Size: 8.5 fl. oz.
- Sulfate-free: Yes
- Review highlight: “Hydrating yet lightweight — hair is softer and not weighed down.”
This drugstore favorite offers gentle cleansing for sensitive scalps and color-treated hair prone to oil, providing hydration without heavy buildup.
5. Odele Moisture Repair Shampoo
- Best for: Repairing dry ends without heavy oil at the scalp
- Key ingredients: Hydrolyzed rice protein, glycerin
- Size: 13 fl. oz.
- Vegan: Yes; Free from sulfates and silicones
- Review highlight: “Rich and creamy, but creates a deep clean without dryness.”
Ideal for those with hair that gets oily at the roots but dry at the ends, Odele’s balanced shampoo merges hydration and gentle cleansing for all hair types.
Table: Overview of Top Shampoos for Oily Hair
| Shampoo | Main Ingredients | Sulfate-Free | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Neutrogena Healthy Scalp Clarify & Shine | Grapefruit extract, glycerin, citric acid | Yes | Oily, fine hair |
| OUAI Detox | Apple cider vinegar, keratin | Yes | Removing buildup, itchy scalp |
| K18 Hair Peptide Prep Detox | Activated charcoal, salicylic acid, peptide | Yes | All types, color-treated/damaged hair |
| L’Oréal EverPure Moisture | Glycerin, citric acid, rosemary oil | Yes | Color-treated, fine hair |
| Odele Moisture Repair | Rice protein, glycerin | Yes | Repairing/conditioning ends |
What Ingredients Should You Look For?
Experts recommend the following ingredients for effective oil removal and scalp refreshment:
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Breaks down residue, balances scalp pH.
- Charcoal: Draws out toxins and absorbs oil.
- Salicylic Acid: Exfoliates scalp, removes oil and flakes.
- Tea Tree Oil: Naturally antimicrobial and clarifying.
- Witch Hazel: Astringent; helps tighten pores and diminish oiliness.
- Lemon or Grapefruit Extract: Citrus cleansers that refresh and add shine.
Avoid heavy silicones, paraffin, or rich oils near the roots unless you have coarse hair that needs extra moisture at the ends only.
Tips for Managing Oily Hair
- Stick to a consistent wash schedule: Generally 2–3 times a week with clarifying shampoo, or as often as needed for your scalp.
- Rinse thoroughly after each wash to remove all residues.
- Avoid over-conditioning the scalp—apply conditioner only from mid-lengths to ends.
- Change pillowcases regularly to minimize oil transfer overnight.
- Supplement with dry shampoo between washes for instant refreshment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What causes oily hair?
Oily hair is usually the result of overactive sebaceous glands producing excess sebum. Genetics, hormones, stress, and haircare habits can all play a role.
Is it okay to wash oily hair every day?
While frequent washing can help control oil, daily use of harsh shampoos may strip natural oils, prompting your scalp to produce more. Use gentle, sulfate-free shampoos if daily washing is needed, or try to extend time between washes using dry shampoo.
Can diet and lifestyle affect scalp oiliness?
Yes, factors such as diet (high in greasy or fried foods), stress, and hormonal shifts can intensify oil production on the scalp. Hydration and a balanced diet may help regulate sebum levels.
Should I avoid conditioner if I have oily hair?
No—conditioner is important for maintaining hair health, but should be applied only to the mid-lengths and ends, not directly to the scalp.
How do I know if I need a clarifying shampoo?
If your hair feels greasy hours after washing, looks limp, or you notice heavy product buildup, it’s time to use a clarifying shampoo. Limit use to once or twice a week to avoid over-drying.
A Shopping Guide for Oily Hair
- Decide how often you want to deep-clean: Clarifying shampoos are great as occasional treatments, while gentle cleansers suit daily washes.
- If you color or bleach your hair, seek clarifying shampoos with bond-building, hydrating, or sulfate-free formulas.
- Look for products with positive dermatologist and stylist reviews — especially if you have scalp sensitivities.
- Don’t be swayed by price alone. Drugstore finds can be just as effective as luxury treatments.
Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Shampoo for Oily Hair
Managing oily hair comes down to using the right products and understanding your unique scalp needs. From clarifying standouts like Neutrogena and OUAI to gentle formulas by L’Oréal and Odele, the expert-approved shampoos in this guide target oil and buildup without over-drying. Select your match based on ingredients, hair type, and personal preferences, and bring balance, shine, and body back to your hair care routine.
References
- https://www.prevention.com/beauty/hair/g63655512/best-hard-water-shampoos/
- https://www.prevention.com/beauty/hair/g63902206/best-drugstore-shampoos/
- https://viori.com/blogs/updates/the-ultimate-guide-to-choosing-the-best-shampoo-for-oily-hair
- https://www.prevention.com/health/a20428078/15-home-remedies-for-oily-hair/
- https://us.davines.com/collections/oily-hair
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