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The 12 Best Shampoos for Oily Hair That Cleanse Grease Without Over-Drying
If your roots look greasy soon after washing, choosing the right shampoo can make a noticeable difference. The best shampoos for oily hair are designed to remove excess sebum, sweat, styling residue, and buildup while helping the rest of your hair stay comfortable and manageable.
A good formula should leave your scalp feeling clean without making your lengths feel excessively dry. Some shampoos are designed for deep cleansing, while others are better suited to fine hair, dry ends, curls, sensitive scalps, or hard-water buildup.
Below, we’ve rounded up 12 options for different oily-hair needs, from affordable drugstore formulas to more specialized clarifying shampoos.
Quick answer: For an oily scalp, look for a shampoo with effective cleansing or clarifying properties. If your lengths are dry, choose a balancing formula rather than an extremely strong cleanser. You may also benefit from alternating a regular shampoo with a clarifying shampoo when buildup becomes noticeable.
Our Top Picks for Oily Hair
| Best For | Shampoo |
|---|---|
| Best Overall | Biolage Scalp Sync Clarifying Shampoo |
| Best Drugstore | L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron + Pure Purifying Shampoo |
| Best Clarifying | Ouai Detox Shampoo |
| Oily Scalp + Dry Ends | Kérastase Specifique Bain Divalent Balancing Shampoo |
| Fine Hair | Kristin Ess Clarifying Shampoo |
| Best Gentle Option | Aveeno Apple Cider Vinegar Blend Shampoo |
| Best Sulfate-Free | Crown Affair The Volumizing Shampoo |
| Anti-Dandruff | Head & Shoulders Oil Control Shampoo |
| Greasy Hair | Head & Shoulders Oil Control Shampoo |
| Fragrance-Free | Nécessaire The Shampoo |
| Hard Water | Redken Hair Cleansing Cream Clarifying Shampoo |
| Curly Hair | Shaz & Kiks Clay Hair Cleanser |
1. Biolage Scalp Sync Clarifying Shampoo
Best Overall
Best for: Regular cleansing, oily scalps, and buildup
Biolage Scalp Sync Clarifying Shampoo is a strong all-around choice for people who want to manage excess oil without leaving their hair feeling overly stripped.
The formula is designed to cleanse away oil, sweat, styling residue, and other buildup while providing a fresh scalp feel. It can be especially useful if your hair becomes greasy after workouts or if you regularly use dry shampoo and styling products.
Why we like it
- Effective against excess oil and buildup
- Lightweight feel
- Doesn’t leave hair feeling excessively dry
- Suitable for different hair textures
- Can provide a cleaner, more refreshed scalp
Best for: Anyone who wants an everyday-friendly shampoo that balances cleansing power with comfort.
2. L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron + Pure Purifying Shampoo
Best Drugstore
Best for: Affordable oily-hair care
If you want an inexpensive shampoo that tackles oily roots, L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron + Pure Purifying Shampoo is worth considering.
Its formula combines cleansing ingredients with hyaluronic acid. The goal is to remove excess oil and impurities while helping hair maintain a softer feel.
This can be particularly appealing if your scalp becomes oily but you don’t want to spend a lot on your shampoo.
Why we like it
- Budget-friendly
- Easy to find
- Cleanses oily roots effectively
- Contains hyaluronic acid
- Suitable for straight and fine hair
Potential drawback: The cleansing action may leave some hair types wanting more moisture, so pair it with a suitable conditioner if your lengths feel dry.
3. Ouai Detox Shampoo
Best Clarifying Shampoo
Best for: Heavy buildup, oily roots, and product residue
When regular shampoo isn’t enough, a clarifying formula can help remove accumulated oil and styling-product residue.
Ouai Detox Shampoo is designed for a deeper cleanse. It can be useful if you frequently use dry shampoo, hairspray, oils, or other styling products.
Apple cider vinegar is included as part of its cleansing-focused formula.
Why we like it
- Deep-cleansing formula
- Helps remove product buildup
- Creates a rich lather
- Available in multiple sizes
- Useful for occasional clarification
Potential drawback: It may feel drying on the lengths, particularly if your hair is already dry.
Tip: Follow a clarifying wash with conditioner, especially on the mid-lengths and ends.
4. Kérastase Specifique Bain Divalent Balancing Shampoo
Best for Oily Scalp and Dry Ends
Best for: Oily roots with dry lengths
One of the most frustrating oily-hair combinations is a greasy scalp paired with dry ends. Using an extremely strong shampoo over the entire head can make the ends even more uncomfortable.
Kérastase Specifique Bain Divalent is designed with this imbalance in mind. It cleanses the scalp while helping the lengths maintain a more conditioned feel.
The lightweight lather also gives the roots a little lift, which can be useful for hair that becomes flat as oil builds up.
Why we like it
- Targets oily roots
- More suitable for dry lengths
- Lightweight lather
- Helps hair feel fresh
- Can add some root volume
Potential drawback: It may not be powerful enough for significant product buildup.
5. Kristin Ess Clarifying Shampoo
Best for Fine Hair
Best for: Fine, oily hair
Fine hair can become greasy quickly because excess oil is more noticeable when strands lack volume. Kristin Ess Clarifying Shampoo provides a lightweight cleansing option without feeling excessively heavy.
Its texture makes it easy to distribute through the hair, while its cleansing action helps remove excess oil and buildup.
Why we like it
- Lightweight formula
- Helps remove excess oil
- Affordable
- Doesn’t feel overly heavy
- Suitable for fine hair
If your hair has significant buildup, you may find that a second shampoo is useful.
6. Aveeno Apple Cider Vinegar Blend Shampoo
Best Gentle Option
Best for: People who want a gentler cleansing experience
Best for: People who want a gentler cleansing experience
If your scalp becomes oily but also feels dry or uncomfortable, a very aggressive clarifying shampoo may not be the best everyday choice.
Aveeno Apple Cider Vinegar Blend Shampoo combines apple cider vinegar with colloidal oatmeal. The formula is designed to cleanse while providing a gentler overall experience.
Why we like it
- Gentle cleansing
- Contains colloidal oatmeal
- Helps remove oil and sweat
- Leaves hair looking shiny
- Pleasant apple scent
Keep in mind: It contains fragrance, so people who prefer fragrance-free hair products may want another option.
7. Crown Affair The Volumizing Shampoo
Best Sulfate-Free
Best for: Oily hair that needs lightweight volume
Finding a sulfate-free shampoo that still gives oily roots a thorough cleanse can be challenging. Crown Affair The Volumizing Shampoo offers a gentler-feeling alternative while still helping remove excess oil.
It’s particularly appealing for fine or flat hair because it can provide a little more body after washing.
Why we like it
- Sulfate-free
- Lightweight
- Suitable for regular washing
- Helps hair feel clean without excessive dryness
- Can improve the appearance of volume
With consistent use, it may also help some people extend the time between washes.
8. Head & Shoulders Oil Control Shampoo
Best for Oily Scalp With Dandruff
Best for: Oily scalp and dandruff concerns
If excess oil is accompanied by visible dandruff or scalp flaking, an oil-control dandruff shampoo may be more appropriate than a standard clarifying formula.
Head & Shoulders Oil Control Shampoo is formulated with selenium sulfide to address dandruff while cleansing away oil and buildup.
Why we like it
- Designed for dandruff
- Helps manage oily scalp
- Removes buildup
- Budget-friendly
- Leaves the scalp feeling refreshed
If you have persistent dandruff, itching, redness, or other scalp concerns, consider asking a dermatologist which shampoo is appropriate for you.
9. CeraVe Oil Control Balancing Shampoo + Conditioner Bundle
Best for Greasy Hair
Best for: Hair that gets oily or greasy between washes
CeraVe Oil Control Balancing Shampoo + Oil Control Balancing Conditioner Bundle is designed for people who want to manage excess oil while keeping their hair feeling clean and conditioned.
The bundle includes both a shampoo and conditioner, making it a convenient choice for a simple routine when greasy roots are the main concern. The conditioner can also help keep the lengths and ends from feeling overly dry after cleansing.
Why We Like It
- Designed for oily hair
- Helps cleanse excess oil
- Includes both shampoo and conditioner
- Convenient two-product bundle
- Suitable for a routine focused on balancing oily roots with conditioned lengths
Our Take
This bundle is a good choice if your hair tends to look greasy between washes and you want a straightforward shampoo-and-conditioner routine. If your main concern is heavy mineral buildup caused by hard water, however, a dedicated clarifying or chelating shampoo may be more targeted.
10. Nécessaire The Shampoo
Best Fragrance-Free
Best for: People who prefer fragrance-free hair care
Strong fragrance isn’t for everyone. If you prefer your hair products without added fragrance, Nécessaire The Shampoo is a useful option to consider.
The formula is designed to remove oil, sweat, dry shampoo, hair oils, and styling residue while maintaining a comfortable feel.
Why we like it
- Made without artificial fragrance
- Cleanses oil and buildup
- Creates a rich lather
- Leaves hair soft
- Suitable for color- and keratin-treated hair according to the supplied source
This is a good choice if you want a deeper cleanse without choosing a heavily fragranced formula.
11. Redken Hair Cleansing Cream Clarifying Shampoo
Best for Hard Water
Best for: Oily hair affected by mineral buildup
Hard water can leave behind minerals such as calcium, magnesium, copper, and iron. Over time, this buildup can make hair feel dull, heavy, or difficult to manage.
Redken Hair Cleansing Cream Clarifying Shampoo is designed to help remove mineral deposits while also cleansing excess oil and product buildup.
Why we like it
- Targets hard-water mineral buildup
- Cleanses excess oil
- Helps remove styling residue
- Creates a manageable lather
- Can help extend time between washes
Potential drawback: Clarifying formulas can affect color-treated hair, so be cautious if maintaining hair color is a priority.
12. Shaz & Kiks Clay Hair Cleanser
Best for Curly Hair
Best for: Curly and textured hair
Curly hair needs a slightly different approach to cleansing because the lengths can become dry even when the scalp is oily.
Shaz & Kiks Clay Hair Cleanser uses Indian clay to help absorb excess oil and includes hibiscus and blackberry-derived ingredients as part of its formula.
Its creamy, clay-like texture provides a different experience from conventional liquid shampoos.
Why we like it
- Suitable for curly hair
- Helps remove excess oil
- Doesn’t feel excessively stripping
- Can enhance curl shape
- Provides a thorough cleanse
Some users may find the exfoliating particles a little difficult to rinse completely, so take your time when washing it out.
How to Choose the Best Shampoo for Oily Hair
Not every oily scalp needs the strongest clarifying shampoo. Your ideal formula depends on your hair texture, scalp condition, styling routine, and how frequently you wash.
Look for Clarifying Ingredients
If your primary concern is excess oil and buildup, look for products described as clarifying, purifying, detoxifying, or oil-control shampoos.
These formulas are generally designed to provide a more thorough cleanse than moisturizing shampoos.
Consider Your Hair Lengths
An oily scalp doesn’t necessarily mean your entire head of hair is oily.
If your roots are greasy but your ends are dry, look for a balancing shampoo rather than using an aggressive clarifier every time you wash.
You can also concentrate shampoo primarily on the scalp and allow the suds to rinse through the lengths.
Don’t Automatically Avoid Sulfates
Sulfate-free shampoo is popular, but it isn’t automatically the best choice for every oily scalp.
Some sulfate-containing formulas can provide the stronger cleansing action that oily hair needs. If you prefer sulfate-free products, there are still effective options available.
The important thing is how your hair and scalp respond to the formula.
Pay Attention to Fragrance
If fragrance tends to bother your scalp or you simply prefer unscented products, choose a fragrance-free formula such as Nécessaire The Shampoo.
Always check the current ingredient list because formulations can change.
How Often Should You Shampoo Oily Hair?
There isn’t one perfect washing schedule for everyone.
Some people with oily scalps may prefer washing daily, while others can comfortably go longer between washes.
Instead of forcing yourself to follow a specific schedule, pay attention to how your scalp feels and how quickly oil and buildup appear.
If you use a lot of styling products or dry shampoo, occasional clarification may also be helpful.
Should You Shampoo Twice?
Double shampooing can be useful when your hair has significant oil or product buildup.
For the first wash, massage the shampoo into the scalp to break down oil and residue. Rinse thoroughly, then use a smaller amount for the second cleanse if needed.
You don’t necessarily need to double shampoo every time.
How to Shampoo Oily Hair Correctly
Your technique can make as much difference as the product you choose.
Step 1: Thoroughly Wet Your Hair
Make sure your scalp and hair are completely saturated before applying shampoo.
Step 2: Focus Shampoo on the Scalp
Apply shampoo primarily around the roots and scalp, where most of the oil accumulates.
Step 3: Massage Gently
Use your fingertips rather than scratching with your nails. Work the shampoo through the scalp and allow the lather to travel down the lengths during rinsing.
Step 4: Rinse Thoroughly
Leftover shampoo or loosened buildup can make hair feel heavy, so rinse carefully.
Step 5: Condition the Lengths
Apply conditioner mainly to the mid-lengths and ends if those areas tend to become dry.
Oily Hair Shampoo: What to Avoid
An oily scalp doesn’t mean you need to remove every trace of natural oil.
Over-cleansing can leave the hair feeling dry or uncomfortable. If your scalp feels tight or your lengths become brittle after washing, consider reducing the strength or frequency of clarifying treatments.
Also avoid choosing a shampoo solely because it says “oil-free” or “deep clean.” Your hair type and overall scalp condition matter just as much.
FAQ: Best Shampoos for Oily Hair
What is the best shampoo for very oily hair?
A clarifying or purifying shampoo can be a good choice for very oily hair because these formulas are designed to remove excess sebum and buildup. Biolage Scalp Sync and Ouai Detox are two options from this list that focus strongly on cleansing.
Can I wash oily hair every day?
Some people with oily scalps may need or prefer frequent washing. There is no universal schedule. Choose a shampoo that cleans effectively without leaving your scalp and hair excessively dry.
Is clarifying shampoo good for oily hair?
Yes. Clarifying shampoos are specifically useful when oil, dry shampoo, styling products, sweat, or other buildup accumulates. However, stronger clarifying formulas may not be ideal for every wash.
What shampoo is best for oily roots and dry ends?
Look for a balancing shampoo that cleanses the scalp without aggressively drying the lengths. Kérastase Specifique Bain Divalent is one option on this list designed for this type of combination.
Does oily hair need a moisturizing shampoo?
Yes, but the type and amount of moisture matter. Oily hair can still have dry lengths. A lightweight or balancing formula may be more suitable than a very rich shampoo.
Is sulfate-free shampoo better for oily hair?
Not necessarily. Sulfate-free shampoos can work well, but some oily scalps benefit from the stronger cleansing action offered by sulfate-containing formulas. Choose based on how your scalp and hair respond.
How much shampoo should I use?
Start with a modest amount and adjust according to your hair length and density. You want enough shampoo to thoroughly cleanse the scalp without using excessive product.
Can oily hair also have dandruff?
Yes. Excess oil and dandruff can occur together. If you have persistent flakes, itching, redness, or irritation, a dandruff-focused shampoo may be more appropriate than a standard clarifying shampoo.
Final Thoughts
The best shampoo for oily hair isn’t necessarily the strongest cleanser. The right choice depends on how oily your scalp is, whether your ends are dry, your hair texture, your styling routine, and whether you have issues such as dandruff or hard-water buildup.
For an all-around option, Biolage Scalp Sync Clarifying Shampoo is a strong place to start. For an affordable choice, L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron + Pure Purifying Shampoo offers a budget-friendly alternative. If buildup is your main concern, Ouai Detox Shampoo is better suited to occasional deep cleansing.
For oily roots with dry ends, consider a balancing formula such as Kérastase Specifique Bain Divalent, while curly-haired readers may prefer Shaz & Kiks Clay Hair Cleanser.
Ultimately, pay attention to how your scalp and hair feel after washing. A successful oily-hair routine should leave your scalp clean and refreshed while keeping your lengths comfortable and manageable.
