Best shampoos and conditioners for oily hair-1
Design by Jackie Cruz.

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.

Shopping for a good hair wash can be difficult. Many hair care products make your hair look heavier and less clean than it really is, by adding extra oils and silicones.

Everyone’s hair has a natural amount of oil, also called sebum, produced in the scalp that coats the strands. Hair that looks greasy or wet, even shortly after washing it, is what many consider to be of the oily type.

If your hair feels limp or has a wet appearance when dry, you are most likely an oily person.

“If you feel like your hair is dirty or slick even though you wash it daily, that’s a sign of oily hair.”

Excess sputum is distributed throughout your hair through your hair shaft. Excess oil can have several underlying causes. These may include:

  • “It’s too often that you wash your hair.”
  • Not washing your hair
  • It is recommended that you use products that are right for your hair type.
  • Genetics

All shampoo is made with the goal of cleansing dirt and oil from your scalp and hair. Some shampoos have “clarifying” ingredients, which claim to dissolve oil. That means that these hair care products go a step beyond a basic cleansing of the hair follicle and scalp. They actually aim to dissolve oily buildup to give you a clean slate.

Regular shampoos are often made with creamy moisturizers meant to soften and condition your hair. However, these ingredients may not work well for oily hair since they can leave behind a creamy residue or film. Shampoos that are specifically formulated for oily hair shouldn’t leave behind any residue.

Even though using too much of a product can help cut down on excess oil, it can actually have a reverse effect. Product can cause your hair to grow out.

If you have oily hair, you may actually need to wash your hair less often than people with other hair types. But, the amount and frequency of shampoo your hair needs depends on a variety of factors and preferences. It will take some experimentation to figure out a routine that works for you.

We looked at reviews and ingredient lists to find the best shampoos. Consumer experiences and suggestions from hair care experts are what lead to the recommendations.

Pricing guide

  • $ = under $10
  • $$ = $10–$20
  • $$$ = over $20

Most affordable shampoo for oily hair

Aveeno Apple Cider Vinegar Blend Shampoo

Aveeno Apple Cider Vinegar Blend Shampoo
  • Price: $
  • Who it’s best for: budget shoppers
  • Scent: apple, pear, saffron

Details: This affordable shampoo may be a solid option for daily or every-other-day use. The formula is infused with apple cider vinegar, which is a good source of acetic acid.

Acetic acid can help balance the pH levels in your hair. According to research, acetic acid is especially helpful if you’ve used many products that have high alkalinity (or the opposite of acidic), which can result in a change in the natural texture and shine of your hair.

The company says that this cleanser can remove excess oil from your hair.

What to know: According to the company, this shampoo is gentle enough to use on your roots and the damage-prone ends of your hair. It’s also sulfate-free.

Pros

  • It is designed to help eliminate oil in hair.
  • The hair should not be weighed down by the lather of the cleanser.
  • It contains apple cider vinegar to help soothe itching.

Cons

  • Reviewers are turned off by the scent.
  • It may take trial and error to figure out how often to use the cleanser since it varies according to how oily your hair is.
SHOP NOW AT AMAZON SHOP NOW AT WALMART

Best dry shampoo for oily hair

Klorane Dry Shampoo with Nettle

Klorane Dry Shampoo with Nettle
  • Price: $$
  • Who it’s best for: those looking to use something in between washes
  • Scent: light perfume

Details: This paraben-free formula is designed to regulate oil in your hair. The nettle soaks up oil on your scalp, while the rest of the ingredients work to preserve hair’s shape and texture between washes, according to the company. This shampoo claims to control oil and shine in between washes.

What to know: This formula also claims to regulate oil production to change the amount of oil your scalp produces. Although the company doesn’t provide specific evidence for this claim, most reviewers who used the product to control an oily scalp didn’t seem to mind.

Pros

  • “Reviewers say it isn’t perfumed.”
  • “It shouldn’t leave oily gunk behind.”
  • It is intended to help extend the time between hair washes.

Cons

  • It is expensive for the amount of product included.
  • The product can be seen in darker hair.
  • Reviewers reported irritation to their hair.
SHOP NOW AT AMAZON SHOP NOW AT ULTA

Best natural shampoo for oily hair

Desert Essence Lemon Tea Tree Shampoo

Desert Essence Lemon Tea Tree Shampoo
  • Price: $
  • Who it’s best for: people who prefer a cruelty-free and organic shampoo
  • Scent: lemon

Details: Desert Essence is a favorite of those looking for cruelty-free and natural products. This shampoo is certified organic, and the ingredient list is low in chemicals. The lemon peel extract dissolves dirt and oil on your hair strands and scalp, according to the company.

What to know: Keep in mind that while this shampoo is free of many toxic ingredients, it’s not sulfate-free.

Pros

  • It is designed to add shine.
  • It is certified organic.
  • A little goes a long way, so you can make the bottle last a long time.

Cons

  • Some reviewers say it causes knots.
  • It may not be good for sensitive skin.
SHOP NOW AT AMAZON SHOP NOW AT DESERT ESSENCE

Best shampoo for oily hair and dandruff

Maple Holistics Degrease Shampoo

Maple Holistics Degrease Shampoo
  • Price: $$
  • Who it’s best for: people with dandruff
  • Scent: lemon, herbal

Details: A sulfate-free choice, this simple shampoo uses lemon oil to try and reduce excess oil. Jojoba oil is added to help moisturize, while rosemary oil may help soothe dandruff and prevent hair loss.

What to know: Peach and basil round out the botanical ingredients included in this shampoo, so beware that your hair may have a strong scent after rinsing with this clarifying shampoo.

Pros

  • It is sulfate-free.
  • It is designed to be safe on color-treated hair.
  • A little bit can go a long way.

Cons

  • It is strongly scented.
  • It could be drying.
SHOP NOW AT AMAZON SHOP NOW AT MAPLE HOLISTICS

Best paraben-free shampoo for oily hair

Brocato Peppermint Scrub Purifying Shampoo

Brocato Peppermint Scrub Purifying Shampoo
  • Price: $$$
  • Who it’s best for: people who prefer a paraben-free shampoo
  • Scent: peppermint

Details: This shampoo is free of parabens, relying on pure peppermint oil to help dissolve oils and invigorate your scalp. The pump dispenser on the bottle squeezes out smaller amounts. This can help you better control the amount of product on your scalp and reduce residue.

What to know: This shampoo is meant as a once-a-week clarifying treatment, but it can also be used as a body scrub. The formula even claims to work for all hair types, no matter the texture.

Pros

  • It should remove oil from your skin.
  • The cooling sensation to the scalp may be offered by the extract of peppermint.
  • The product is very concentrated so a small amount goes a long way.

Cons

SHOP NOW AT AMAZON SHOP NOW AT WALMART

Best shampoo for oily scalp with dry hair

Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo

Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo
  • Price: $$
  • Who it’s best for: people with oily and dry hair
  • Scent: tea tree, peppermint, lavender

Details: With over 37,000 customer reviews, this shampoo is one of the most well-rated on Amazon. Tea tree oil, peppermint oil, and lavender are just some ingredients in this shampoo that aim to cleanse and clarify your scalp. Reviewers mention it works well on dandruff and it comes highly recommended by professional stylists.

What to know: This product is worth consideration if you’re concerned about oil buildup specifically on your scalp, but aren’t looking to compromise on fullness and shine. However, it may be too drying to use daily. Many reviewers say they use it once a week to prevent drying out their hair and scalp.

Pros

  • It claims to leave your hair undamaged.
  • Fresh scent is provided by botanical ingredients.
  • Reviewers say it helps with the skin condition.

Cons

  • It may not work for daily use.
  • It contains essential oils that can be used to suck up odors.
SHOP NOW AT AMAZON SHOP NOW AT ULTA

Biolage Cooling Mint Scalp Sync Shampoo

Biolage Cooling Mint Scalp Sync Shampoo
  • Price: $$$
  • Who it’s best for: people with scalp irritation
  • Scent: mint

Details: Biolage is beloved by salon specialists and dermatologists alike, and for good reason. This shampoo is formulated specifically for oily scalps. Cooling mint aims to strip extra oils and buildup from your scalp without drying out the rest of your hair.

What to know: This product is pricey. You may be able to get a sample from a beauty supply store or salon before spending money on a full-size container.

Pros

  • Some people experience with a product that removes excess oil from their hair.
  • It is possible to soothe the hair without weighing it down.

Cons

  • It is expensive.
  • It may not work for everyone.
SHOP NOW AT AMAZON SHOP NOW AT ULTA

Best eco-friendly choice for oily hair

Ethique St Clements Shampoo Bar

Ethique St Clements Shampoo Bar
  • Price: $$
  • Who it’s best for: eco-minded shoppers
  • Scent: citrus

Details: This shampoo bar offers something just a little bit different. Instead of liquid coming in a plastic container, it’s a bar that comes wrapped in eco-friendly, compostable paper. You can use the bar to build a lather on your scalp and hair just like you would shampoo.

What to know: Ethique gets rave reviews for its citrus-fresh scent and is a great bang for your buck (one bar = three bottles of shampoo). However, transitioning to a new kind of hair wash can be a bit tricky, and it might take a couple of weeks to get used to shampooing with a bar.

Pros

  • It has a good packaging.
  • It is a better value than traditional hair removal products.
  • It has all natural ingredients.

Cons

  • It may be difficult to transition from traditional hair care products.
  • Some people may be irritated by the botanical ingredients.
  • “It’s not often that customer reviews mention its ability to reduce oil waste.”
SHOP NOW AT ETHIQUE SHOP NOW AT WALMART

Best exfoliating shampoo for oily scalp

Playa California Salt Shampoo

  • Price: $$$
  • Who it’s best for: people with oily, irritated scalps and product build-up
  • Scent: tea tree

Details: This weekly cleanser is made with California sea salt and tea tree oil to hopefully deliver a gently exfoliating scalp treatment. The salt helps remove impurities and build up on your hair, while the tea tree oil treats the scalp, according to the company.

Customers rave about how gentle this weekly hair removal works and how refreshing the signature scent is.

What to know: The texture of this cleanser is gritty, and a little goes a long way. You only need to work a small amount gently into the scalp before rinsing clean.

Pros

  • Salt and tea tree oil are used in this treatment.
  • Reviewers rave about the scent.

Cons

  • It is expensive.
  • The texture can be hard to get used to.
SHOP NOW AT PLAYA

Best gentle shampoo for oily hair

Amika Reset Exfoliating Jelly Shampoo

  • Price: $$$
  • Who it’s best for: people looking for an ultra-gentle formula
  • Scent: citrus

Details: This exfoliating shampoo has a jelly consistency and a needle application tip to make it easier to apply it directly to the scalp. It’s made with pink clay, sea salt, salicylic acid, and charcoal to help soothe and gently clean oily scalps. Sea buckthorn berry oil is also on the list, and there is research that it can help treat dry, irritated, flaky, itchy skin.

The Amika website has close to 500 customers who rave about how well the jelly exfoliating shampoo cleans their oily strands. It is certified vegan and is cruelty-free.

What to know: This is a gentle shampoo, but it’s not recommended for use on color-treated hair. Because of its salt content, it could fade your color.

Pros

  • “The treatment claims to clean the hair’s surface.”
  • It is made without sulfates, parabens, and other harmful substances.
  • It has over 400 reviews.

Cons

  • “It shouldn’t be used on hair that is colored.”
SHOP NOW AT SEPHORA SHOP NOW AT AMIKA

Best moisturizing shampoo for oily hair

Olaplex No. 4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo

  • Price: $$$
  • Who it’s best for: people with oily scalps and dry hair
  • Scent: citrus

Details: Olaplex is one of the biggest independent hair care brands in the world and the force behind “bond building,” a patented approach to stronger, healthier hair. The No. 4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo is a newer offering designed to gently clarify without stripping moisture.

The formula is sulfate-free and pH balanced. That’s a big deal, according to celebrity hairstylist Christin Brown.

Brown says that the No.4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo is sulfate free, and it is also super hydrating.

The company says this cleanser removes chlorine, metals, and hard water.

What to know: It’s a new product, so reviews are still limited.

Pros

  • The formula hopes to cleanse the hair without stripping it of its hydration.
  • It claims to remove build-up for healthier strands.
  • It is vegan and cruelty-free.

Cons

  • It is expensive.
  • It is still new and reviews are limited.
SHOP NOW AT SEPHORA SHOP NOW AT OLAPLEX

Best volume-boosting shampoo for oily hair

Luxy Hair Charcoal Detox Shampoo

  • Price: $$
  • Who it’s best for: people looking to add more volume
  • Scent: Moroccan argan

The key ingredients in this cleanser help cleanse the hair and the scalp. The combination of baobab oil, activated charcoal, apple cider vinegar, grape seed oil, and vitamins B-5 and B6 is meant to help clean and nourish hair. It is vegan, cruelty-free, and Leaping Bunny certified.

What to know: This may be a solid option for people with hair extensions or color-treated hair. According to the company, it was specifically formulated for use on any hair type.

Pros

  • It may restore the pH balance for healthier hair.
  • It should be safe to use on hair that has been colored.
  • It is Leaping Bunny certified.

Cons

  • There are limited reviews.
SHOP NOW AT LUXY

Best daily shampoo for oily hair

Pacifica Rosemary Purify Invigorating Shampoo

  • Price: $
  • Who it’s best for: people looking for a daily shampoo to control oil
  • Scent: fresh mint

This invigorating shampoo is designed to deeply clean the scalp and hair to minimize oil production. Mint and rosemary should give it a minty fresh feel on the scalp and a pleasing scent. It’s free of sulfates and silicones and it’s vegan and cruelty-free. Plus, you can’t beat the price.

It has a 4.5 star rating on Amazon. Customers rave about how well it works to combat greasy locks.

What to know: While this is billed as a daily clarifying shampoo, some reviewers found it works better if it’s used less frequently. Most reviews are very positive, but there are a handful of customers who found this budget-friendly shampoo too drying.

Pros

  • It has a good price point.
  • It is made without sulfates, SLS, parabens, and mineral oil.

Cons

  • Reviewers found it too wet.
SHOP NOW AT ULTA SHOP NOW AT PACIFICA BEAUTY

Best strengthening shampoo for oily hair

OUAI Detox Shampoo

  • Price: $$$
  • Who it’s best for: people looking to strengthen weak strands
  • Scent: floral

This clarifying shampoo is made with apple cider vinegar to help gently cleanse oily scalps, and it’s designed for use on all hair types. But it’s the addition of hydrolyzed keratin that may strengthen weak strands while also adding shine and smoothing frizz.

The overall rating for this hair product is 4.5 stars. It is recommended by almost all people for fighting oiliness.

What to know: The scent, dubbed “Melrose Place,” appears to be an intoxicating rose fragrance that’s so popular, the company uses it in body cleansers and lotions.

Pros

  • Apple cider vinegar should be used to cleanse and strengthen.
  • It was well reviewed and had over 1,000 happy customers.
  • It can be used as often as needed.

Cons

  • It is expensive.
SHOP NOW AT SEPHORA SHOP NOW AT ULTA

Best shine-boosting shampoo for oily hair

Virtue Purifying Shampoo

  • Price: $$$
  • Who it’s best for: people looking for more shine
  • Scent: fresh

The deeply cleansing shampoo is designed to remove oil, toxins, and product build up from hair. It claims it can be used on all hair types. It is made with a patented protein that is similar to keratin. The company says that this can help repair hair.

You can use this for a deep clean or to remove any leftover hair, and keep oil out.

What to know: Reviewers call it a great formula for keeping their scalp clean and their hair soft and shiny. Plus, they say a little goes a long way. That’s good, because this is a pricey shampoo!

Pros

  • It should work on all hair types.
  • It is vegan and cruelty-free.
  • It is made with a patented protein that is similar to the one in keratin.

Cons

  • It is expensive.
  • It has a smell.
SHOP NOW AT SEPHORA SHOP NOW AT ULTA

Product Price Best for Frequency
Aveeno Apple Cider Vinegar Blend Shampoo $ budget shoppers 2-3 times/week
Klorane Dry Shampoo with Nettle $$$ using in between washes as needed
Desert Essence Lemon Tea Tree Shampoo $ people who prefer a cruelty-free and organic shampoo 2-3 times/week
Maple Holistics Degrease Shampoo $ people with dandruff 2-3 times/week
Brocato Peppermint Scrub Purifying Shampoo $$$ people who prefer a paraben-free shampoo weekly
Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo $$ people with oily and dry hair 2-3 times/week
Biolage Cooling Mint Scalp Sync Shampoo $$$ people with scalp irritation 2-3 times/week
Ethique St Clements Shampoo Bar $$ eco-minded shoppers daily
Playa California Salt Shampoo $$$ people with oily, irritated scalps and product build-up weekly
Amika Reset Exfoliating Jelly Shampoo $$$ people looking for an ultra-gentle formula weekly
Olaplex No. 4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo $$$ people with oily scalps and dry hair weekly
Luxy Hair Charcoal Detox Shampoo $$ people looking for more volume daily
Pacifica Rosemary Purify Invigorating Shampoo $ people looking for a daily shampoo to control oil daily
OUAI Detox Shampoo $$$ people looking to strengthen weak strands 1/week or as needed
Virtue Purifying Shampoo $$$ people looking for more shine 1-2 times/week

There are a number of hair care products on the market that claim to address oily hair. How can you know which products will work for your hair? There are a couple of factors that may be helpful.

Chemistry

Understand the chemistry of the products. People with oily hair and scalp might benefit from the more natural ingredients in the formulas.

The natural balance of sebum production on your hair follicles and scalp can be thrown off by using harsh soaps and sulfate ingredients.

Sulfate-free and paraben-free products are great for oily hair.

Ingredients

You should know the ingredients that clean the hair strand and the roots without damaging it.

“Tea tree oil, as well as the other ingredients of the tea tree, can clarify your hair’s texture.”

Be prepared for some trial and error. You might need to try a few before you find the right formula for your hair.

It’s also important to note that some essential oils and botanicals can cause contact dermatitis, so be sure to discontinue use of the product if you notice signs of irritation.

Figure out what’s important to you

You can ask yourself questions about the product you want to purchase if you know what chemicals you want to avoid.

The packaging, green manufacturing practices, and vegan or cruelty-free standards might all factor in when choosing a hair product.

Should you use conditioner with oily hair?

Yes. Your hair gets oily because of the sebum that your glands produce to keep it moist.

Some people claim that if you can balance out the skin on your head with a few Conditioners andWashes, you may be able to see a decrease in the amount of oily hair.

Should you shampoo every day if you have oily hair?

“If you have oily hair, you probably need to wash it every day. If you can avoid washing your hair daily, most hair care experts don’t recommend it.”

You might not need to wash your hair daily after you find a clarifying cleanser that works to remove oil. If you follow product instructions, you can still wash your hair. Some of the products are meant to be used weekly.

Which shampoo is best for greasy hair?

You should look for a product that will help remove excess oil from your hair. Tea tree, lemon, and Rosemary oil are some of the ingredients.

Shampoos that contain a high quantity of moisturizers probably aren’t a good option. But you shouldn’t completely strip your hair of all moisture (that can cause your hair to produce even more oil).

“If you want a conditioner that won’t leave your hair with an excess of product, look for one that contains natural, hydrating ingredients like Jojoba oil.”

Products that use gentler ingredients are more likely to be drying and irritating.

Should I stop using shampoo if I have oily hair?

No. Finding a clarifying shampoo that works well to remove oil from your hair without drying out your hair is the trick. You can experiment with how often you need to wash.

How often should you wash oily hair?

It depends. Most experts agree that shampooing is not necessary. You may find that every other day or every three days works if you find a clarifying shampoo or weekly treatment that works well for your hair.

Be prepared for a trial and error.

Is oily hair healthy?

Healthy hair does produce oil as a way to hydrate the scalp and protect the hair. But too much oil may give you the impression that your hair is dirty.

Your hair is not out of balance if you have oily roots. Fine and straight hair types are more prone to oil build up, and certain habits, products, and even climates can make your hair look oilier than usual.

There are many products that are designed to eliminate oil while preserving the shine of your hair. You might have to try a few before you find the right one.

Natural ingredients like apple cider and tea tree oil are great for products.