Say Goodbye to Grease With the 12 Best Shampoos for Oily Hair
Backup for buildup.
If you buy something from the links on this page, we may earn a commission. Why Trust Us?
There’s nothing like greasy hair to ruin your day. And sometimes, there isn’t enough dry shampoo in the world that can tackle the shine. Whether your oily strands are the result of skipping wash day, an intense sweat session, or just good ol’ genetics, switching up your shampoo is an effective way to get zap oil-causing agents at the source — for healthier, stronger hair.
When shopping for shampoos for greasy hair, it’s essential to lock down a formula that contains more surfactants rather than conditioning agents, which is how most clarifying shampoos and balancing shampoos operate. They’re excellent choices for those struggling to tame their oily tresses since they detoxify and regulate moisture levels in the scalp. Remember, greasy strands can also be caused from over-shampooing, so make sure to scale back on the suds if you suspect that your frequent washes might be to blame.
Read on to find our picks for the best shampoos for oily hair that will help cut down on grease and give your hair a squeaky-clean start.
With this Neutrogena shampoo, it only takes one use per week to clear out up to 90% of residue and build up, and the best part is that you don't have to give up your go-to daily shampoo and conditioner.
L'Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Clay Rebalancing Shampoo
For those who have oily roots and an affinity for hot tools (we can relate), this L'Oréal shampoo seeks to treat dry ends and rebalance your scalp with a formula that includes three refined clays. Even better is the budget-friendly price tag!
On the Rocks Clarifying Charcoal Shampoo
Straight from the salon to your shower shelf, this Drybar clarifying shampoo is a great choice when you need a deep clean. It uses activated charcoal to remove impurities without stripping or drying out hair.
Christophe Robin Purifying Shampoo
Stop the problem at the scalp with this rebalancing shampoo. Along with absorbing excess sebum, it can help ease itchiness and irritation, and remove dandruff.
For a truly deep clean, this OGX shampoo gets deep into the follicles to zap up oil and buildup for a squeaky-clean feeling, regardless of your hair thickness and texture.
Featuring a hair-healthy blend of tea tree oil and peppermint oil, this formula also adds moisture back into your tresses to help eliminate frizz.
Also a balancing shampoo, this Kerastase product uses glycine to take care of an oily scalp and dry ends. Users love that it gives them an extra day between washes.
Buildup, be gone! Frederic Fekkai's clarifying shampoo uses apple cider vinegar to clear out product residue and give your hair a fresh start. The Fekkai salon suggests using it once a week.
Free of sulfates and parabens, this clarifying shampoo is perfect for those with a long list of styling products in their daily rotation as it helps remove buildup and other oil-causing agents with scalp-detoxifying ingredients like charcoal, lemon, and grapefruit.
Product buildup can be even tougher to avoid when you have thick hair, but Living Proof's Perfect Hair Day is our longtime go-to for a shampoo that leaves hair feeling cleaner, longer.
Take a totally different approach with Ethique's shampoo bar! The plastic-free, eco-friendly option uses rosemary, juniper, lime, lemon, and orange extracts to balance oil production. Although it looks small, this bar is actually equivalent to three shampoo bottles.
Maple Holistics uses natural ingredients like lemon essential oil, jojoba, and rosemary to solve several hair issues. It reduces excess sebum, balances the pH of your scalp, stops itchiness, and removes current oil and grease buildup, so hair feels fresh and clean again.
This clarifying shampoo is powered by apple cider vinegar to deeply cleanse away dirt and oil from the strands, all while keratin helps strengthen your strands and gives it a healthy shine.
Ashley is the beauty and style editor at BestProducts.com, and her work has been featured on Cosmopolitan and Town and Country. She has an obsession with designer handbags, Liberty prints, 1960s fashion, and owns more shoes than she’s willing to admit. She's been using her learnings from owning a boutique and her shopping addiction for good since 2015. She’ll never accept that black isn’t a color. Away from the computer, you’ll likely find the Texas native binging on a British period drama or theorizing over Game of Thrones. She has yet to find a real cup of queso in NYC.
Emily is a contributor for BestProducts.com, where she’s searching the web for the greatest finds in fashion, beauty, and wellness. Her work has been featured in Allure, Byrdie, E! News, and more.
Watch Next
The Best Hair Color Removers for $20 and Under
The Best Conditioners for Dry Hair of All Time
How to Shop for the Best Hair Serums like a Pro
How to Cover Your Gray Hair at Home
