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The 14 Best Shampoos for Oily Hair
Feeling slick? Lather up with these oil-reducing shampoos that won't overdry hair.
If you cannot entertain the idea of not washing your hair every day—we get it. Greasy hair can be a hassle—not to mention a time suck. But with the right shampoo, it's possible to keep the oil slicks and the wash days to a minimum.
"People with oily hair need a gentle cleanser that removes buildup and product," Joseph Maine, celebrity hairstylist and cofounder of Trademark Beauty, explains. But he also shares that the issue may not be excess oil after all. "Often, people think they have an oily hair type or oily scalp when in reality it's buildup from products or shampoo." There's also the all-too-common problem of over-shampooing; by washing too much, our scalps produce too much oil, which, in turn, makes us have to wash more. It's a vicious cycle, truly.
That's why it's important to wash thoroughly and with products that have soothing ingredients, such as tea tree oil. Read on for 14 shampoos for oily hair that'll cut the grease while also keeping your hair healthy and shiny.
Color Wow Color Security Shampoo
Color Wow Color Security Shampoo
Pros
- Protects color
- Doesn't leave behind residue
Cons
Maine recommends Color Wow's Color Security Shampoo, "because it removes oil and product buildup without all the unnecessary additives." Plus, the pro says, "in just three shampoos, it promises to remove anything other products have left behind, no clarifying necessary. It does this while being scientifically as gentle on your hair cuticle as water alone, which will help both your hair texture and hair color."
What the Reviewers Are Saying:
"Recommend by my stylist. I now use multiple products from this line. My hair is clean, shiny, and the color protected. Great volume!" —Gloria
| Size | 8.4 fl oz. |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Glycerin, Hydrolyzed Silk, Sodium PCA |
TPH by TARAJI Honey Fresh Clarifying Shampoo with Moisture
TPH by TARAJI Honey Fresh Clarifying Shampoo with Moisture
Pros
- Budget-friendly
Cons
From Taraji P. Henson's affordable line comes this shampoo, which helps lift away excess oil and hard-water residue without over-drying hair thanks to hydrating aloe and honey.
What the Reviewers Are Saying:
"This is an amazing shampoo, it’s cleansing without being stripping/too drying and that is perfect for my troublesome scalp. My hair also is able to be (somewhat) detangled with the shampoo in. The lather is amazing and when I rinse my hair isn’t a tangled mess."
| Size | 12 fl oz. |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Aloe, Honey and Willowbark Extract |
OUAI Fine Hair Shampoo
OUAI Fine Hair Shampoo
Pros
- Developed for fine hair
Cons
- Volumizing formula may not work for everyone
Oily and fine hair types often go hand in hand. This shampoo is developed specifically to deliver a good, clean scrub that'll wash away anything that weighs down your hair—yes, we're looking at you, oil.
What the Reviewers Are Saying:
"I have fine, thin hair and this shampoo is the best I've found! My hair feels clean and light with body. Highly recommend." —Katie
| Size | 10.0 fl oz |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Biotin, Chia Seed Oil, Hydrolyzed Kerati |
Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Scrub Shampoo
Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Scrub Shampoo
Pros
- Deeply exfoliating
Cons
- More of a treatment than a regular shampoo
Healthy hair starts at your scalp. That's why this shampoo focuses on exfoliating that oh-so-important area, leaving you with healthy, ultra-cleansed roots.
What the Reviewers Are Saying:
"Love this product, yes it's a bit pricey but has lasted me a long time and takes all the oil away from my scalp and feels so good. The lather is out of this world. Sometimes I wonder how products can be this good!" —Babyrayray
| Size | 8.0 oz |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Binchotan Charcoal, Coconut Oil, Peppermint, Spearmint, and Tea Tree Oil Complex |
Sunday Riley Clean Rinse Clarifying Scalp Treatment Serum
Sunday Riley Clean Rinse Clarifying Scalp Treatment Serum
Pros
- Exfoliates the scalp
Cons
Sunday Riley has the whole face thing figured out—so we trust them with the skin on our heads too. Although not technically a shampoo, this cleansing scalp serum uses glycolic and salicylic acids to wash away product buildup, excess oil, dandruff, and anything else that might be troubling your strands.
What the Reviewers Are Saying:
"I tried this for the first time today. My hair has been feeling a little greasy at the roots due to growing my color out and I have naturally fine hair. It's so clean and soft and voluminous now!" —Ariel
| Size | 4.0 oz |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Niacinamide, Rose Clay, Witch Hazel |
Klorane Shampoo with Nettle for Oily Hair and Scalp
Klorane Shampoo with Nettle for Oily Hair and Scalp
Pros
- Helps prolong time between shampoos
Cons
Shown to deliver a 96 percent reduction in sebum (fancy word for oil) immediately after use, this shampoo cuts—and controls—both the buildup and the appearance of too much grease.
What the Reviewers Are Saying:
"I have been an oily person since puberty (I'm now 30, and still oily), and all that time I have washed my hair every night to avoid looking and feeling sticky and gross. I've only used this shampoo only once, and I am blown away! On day two, my hair is still light and feels clean! There was a little bit of oil build-up near the scalp and hairline. I used the corresponding dry shampoo and it is as good as new." —Liz
| Size | 13.5 fl oz. |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Organic Nettle |
Tea Tree Special Shampoo
Pros
- Leaves hair and scalp feeling clean
Cons
If there's one thing tea tree oil is good at, it's cleansing whatever it comes in contact with. This shampoo, which is also packed with mint and lavender, will leave your strands way cleaner than it found them.
What the Reviewers Are Saying:
"Love this shampoo. The smell is great and makes your scalp tingle as you’re using it. I have very thick oily hair and this leaves it so clean and moisturized. Don’t even need to use very much to get a good lather going. Definitely sticking with this one!" —Tim
| Size | 16.9 fl oz. |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Natural Tea Tree Oil, Peppermint and Lavender |
Kérastase Specifique Divalent Balancing Shampoo for Oily Hair
Kérastase Specifique Divalent Balancing Shampoo for Oily Hair
Pros
- Extends time between shampoos
Cons
Ditching oil doesn't need to mean committing to dry hair. This shampoo magically strips roots of grease while hydrating your ends, so you never have to compromise.
What the Reviewers Are Saying:
"My hair usually gets oily the next day. After using this shampoo, i observed a difference on how fast it gets oily. Now it takes 2-3 days! And I only use a small amount of it for my long hair." —meeenica
| Size | 8.5 fl oz. |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Amino Acids, Vitamin B6 |
Kevin.Murphy Balancing.Wash
Kevin.Murphy Balancing.Wash
Pros
- Adds body and shine
- Great scent
Cons
If washing every day is a must, keep your strands and scalp balanced with this strengthening shampoo. Not only does this wash deliver amino acids and antioxidants for strength and hydration, but it also protects color from fading. Win-win.
What the Reviewers Are Saying:
"My scalp feels lighter and healthy. I used this for years and tried another brand and came back. Love this shampoo for scalp health." —Nadia
| Size | 250 ml |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Wheat Amino Acids, Sage Leaf Extract, Grapefruit Extract |
Dr. Barbara Sturm Balancing Shampoo
Dr. Barbara Sturm Balancing Shampoo
Pros
- Helps prevent dandruff
Cons
Dr. Barbara Sturm's products are adored by skincare fans, and so is her shampoo. Achieve a deep clean and a healthy, hydrated scalp thanks to hyaluronic acid.
What the Reviewers Are Saying:
"This is without a doubt the best shampoo and hair treatments I have ever used. My hair felt clean and looked amazing and lasted for over a week. My hair has never felt better. Great results and would highly recommend." —Katia
| Size | 8.5 fl oz. |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Japanese Camellia, Brown and Green Algae and Lavender |
L'Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Clay Rebalancing Shampoo
Pros
- Extends length between washes
Cons
Nearly 14,000 Amazon reviewers swear by this $4 shampoo for extending their time between washes.
What the Reviewers Are Saying:
"I can actually go a day or two without washing or looking like a grease pit. It's awesome."
| Size | 12.6 fl oz. |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Three Refined Clays |
Aveeno Apple Cider Vinegar Sulfate-Free Shampoo
Aveeno Apple Cider Vinegar Sulfate-Free Shampoo
Pros
- Good for daily washes
Cons
Free of parabens, sulfates, and dyes, this apple-cider-vinegar-spiked shampoo helps clarify oily hair and add shine.
What the Reviewers Are Saying:
"I got this because my hair is very thin. I deal with hair loss and because my hair is so thin it's gets oily quite fast. I've been loving it. I find my scalp is not irritated after showers. It smells good, doesn't really smell like vinegar. My husband told me he used it the other day and loved it." —Allie
| Size | 12 fl oz. |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Apple Cider Vinegar, Oat |
Maple Holistics Degrease Shampoo for Oily Hair Care
Maple Holistics Degrease Shampoo for Oily Hair Care
Pros
- Extremely clarifying
Cons
If you're in need of a major clarifying option, this shampoo does exactly what its name states: It degreases. Plus, the minty smell is so refreshing in the morning.
What the Reviewers Are Saying:
"My son tried every shampoo we could find for his oily hair and this one is the only one that works. We get compliments all the time about how pretty and healthy his hair is."
| Size | 8 fl oz. |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Lemon, Rosemary, Cypress Oils |
Christophe Robin Purifying Shampoo with Thermal Mud
Christophe Robin Purifying Shampoo with Thermal Mud
Pros
- Amazing scent
Cons
This mousse-to-foam cleanser purifies roots and smooths frizz, and some reviewers even boast that it improves the appearance of their hair color. Need we say more?
What the Reviewers Are Saying:
"Like the rest of the Purifying range this product smells super fresh and offers a deep clean which meant that I could go that extra day without washing!" —Zahrah
| Size | 250 ml |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Mineral-Rich Thermal Mud, Baltic Sea Red Algae |
Frequently Asked Questions
Should you condition your hair if it's oily?
Yes, but ... "Always keep conditioner away from your scalp," Maine explains. Apply conditioner from the middle to ends of your hair, and that's it. Any higher will just add to the greasy appearance.
Is it bad to wash your hair every day?
If you don't have to, it can be nice to give your hair a day or two in between washes. But if you must shampoo every day, stick with one of the gentle, balancing formulas above, like Kevin Murphy's.
Does my shampoo cause buildup?
"A lot of people experiencing excess oil are unaware that their shampoo can be contributing to this issue," Maine says. This includes moisturizing agents in the shampoo that build up over time and can make your hair appear greasy." If you've recently swapped shampoos and are suddenly seeing extra oil, or if you've been oily for a while and haven't changed up your shampoo, the fix might be as simple as making a switch.
Meet the Expert
Joseph Maine is a celebrity hairstylist and cofounder of Trademark Beauty.
Why trust Harper's BAZAAR?
For more than 150 years, Harper’s BAZAAR has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.
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