It’s nothing more frustrating than washing your hair in the morning only to see it looking greasy and flat by midday. People with oily hair often battle excess scalp oil, limp roots, and styles that never hold. In search of a solution, many try multiple shampoo samples, only to experience dryness, irritation, or oil returning even faster.
This constant trial-and-error leads to confusion and disappointment. This makes it hard to know what truly works. Oily hair requires balance, not harsh cleansing or guesswork. The right shampoo can control oil, improve volume, and keep the scalp feeling fresh longer.
This article provides you with details about the top 8 best shampoo for oily hair, helping you choose with confidence and clarity.
If you also color your hair, read Adore Hair Color: Top 7 Long-Lasting Semi-Permanent Dye for Healthy Hair to keep your hair healthy and shiny.
Why Oily Hair Needs a Different Kind of Shampoo?
Oily hair is caused by overactive sebaceous glands that produce excess sebum on the scalp. Regular shampoos are often too heavy or moisturizing, which can worsen grease and buildup. A shampoo designed for oily hair focuses on cleansing the scalp without stripping it completely.
It removes excess oil, unclogs follicles, and helps regulate sebum production over time. Using the wrong shampoo can trigger oil rebound, irritation, and flat roots. The right formula keeps the scalp balanced, hair lighter, and styles fresher for longer without causing dryness.
Now that you understand why oily hair needs targeted care, it’s time to explore shampoos that actually deliver results.
Best Shampoo for Oily Hair: Top 8 Picks for Men and Women
The following selections are designed to control excess oil, cleanse the scalp effectively, and keep hair feeling fresh without over-drying. Each option suits different scalp needs, making it easier to find the right match for both men and women.
Sebastian Dark Oil Shampoo
Sebastian dark oil lightweight shampoo is designed for people who struggle with oily roots but still want soft, manageable hair. This shampoo gently cleanses the scalp to remove excess oil and buildup without stripping natural moisture.
Infused with jojoba and argan oils, it nourishes hair lightly, preventing dryness while keeping the scalp balanced. The formula helps reduce greasiness at the roots while maintaining smoothness through the lengths.
Its lightweight texture rinses clean and leaves no heavy residue, making hair feel fresh, airy, and full of movement. With regular use, hair looks healthier, shinier, and less weighed down. This shampoo is ideal for oily hair that needs cleansing without sacrificing softness or volume.
Pros
- Removes excess oil without stripping scalp moisture
- Lightweight formula keeps hair soft, fresh, and airy
- Controls greasy roots while adding natural shine
- Rinses clean with no heavy or sticky residue
Cons
- Not strong enough for extremely oily scalp buildup
Matrix Biolage Normalizing Clean Reset Shampoo
Matrix biolage cool mint normalizing clean reset shampoo is formulated to refresh oily scalps while gently cleansing away excess oil and buildup. Infused with cooling mint, it invigorates the scalp, leaving hair feeling clean, cool, and lightweight.
The paraben-free formula restores balance without harsh detergents, making it suitable for frequent use. It helps reduce greasy roots and supports a fresh-feeling scalp throughout the day. Hair looks fuller and more manageable without stripping natural moisture.
This shampoo works well for both men and women who want a deeply refreshing cleanse that balances oil production while maintaining soft, healthy-looking hair.
Pros
- Gently removes excess oil and buildup from scalp
- Cooling mint refreshes and soothes oily scalp fast
- Paraben-free, safe for regular use on oily hair
Leaves hair light, clean, and easier to style
Cons
- May feel less intense for very heavy oiliness
L’Oreal Paris EverPure Volume Shampoo
L’Oréal Paris EverPure Volume Shampoo is crafted to gently cleanse oily hair while adding lightweight body and shine. Its sulfate-free, plant-based formula removes excess oil without stripping natural moisture, making it safe for frequent use.
Infused with nourishing botanicals, it helps lift roots for fuller-looking hair while maintaining softness and manageability. This shampoo works well for both men and women who want a refreshing cleanse that controls oil and enhances natural volume.
Hair feels cleaner, lighter, and more vibrant from root to tip, without the weighed-down feeling common with heavy formulas.
Pros
- Removes excess oil without harsh stripping agents.
- Adds natural volume and lift to oily hair.
- Sulfate-free formula safe for frequent washing.
- Leaves hair soft, shiny, and manageable.
Cons
- Volume effect may be subtle for very oily hair.
Bumble And Bumble Surf Foam Wash Shampoo
Surf Foam Shampoo by Bumble and bumble is a refreshing option for oily hair that needs gentle yet effective cleansing. Its airy foam formula lifts excess oil and impurities from the scalp without stripping essential moisture.
The lightweight texture leaves hair feeling clean and buoyant, making it ideal for both men and women who want a fresh, non‑greasy finish. This shampoo also enhances natural movement and body, so hair looks fuller and more manageable.
With regular use, it helps balance scalp oil and prevents hair from appearing weighed down, while delivering that clean‑just‑washed feeling you crave.
Pros
- Lifts excess oil without harsh stripping agents
- Foam texture delivers airy, lightweight cleansing
- Enhances natural body and movement of hair
- Leaves hair clean, fresh, and non‑greasy
Cons
- Foam may feel light for very heavy oil buildup
Amika Sexture Texturizing Shampoo
amika Sexture Beach Look Shampoo is specially formulated for oily hair that needs a deep yet gentle cleanse. Infused with sea buckthorn and superfood oils, it effectively removes excess oil, dirt, and product buildup while preserving essential moisture.
Its sulfate-free, lightweight formula ensures hair feels clean and refreshed without the heavy, weighed-down feeling that many oily-hair shampoos leave behind. Ideal for both men and women, this shampoo enhances natural texture and adds a soft, beachy movement to hair.
Regular use helps maintain a balanced scalp, prevents greasiness, and leaves hair feeling soft, vibrant, and full of life.
Pros
- Gently removes oil while preserving moisture balance
- Lightweight formula enhances natural hair texture
- Refreshes scalp with a clean, airy feel
- Leaves hair soft, vibrant, and easy to style
Cons
- Slightly more expensive than standard clarifying shampoos
Ag Care Balanced Shampoo
AG Care Balance Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo is an excellent choice for oily hair that needs deep cleansing and scalp balance without harsh ingredients. Formulated with apple cider vinegar, it helps dissolve excess oil, buildup, and residue while restoring the scalp’s natural pH balance.
This sulfate‑free shampoo gently clarifies hair, leaving it feeling refreshed, light, and healthy. Ideal for both men and women, its formula also supports improved manageability, making hair look cleaner and less weighed down throughout the day.
Regular use encourages a balanced scalp environment, which can reduce greasiness and enhance overall hair texture without dryness or irritation.
Pros
- Apple cider vinegar deeply cleans scalp oil
- Sulfate‑free formula prevents over‑drying
- Balances scalp pH for healthier hair growth
- Leaves hair light, refreshed, and manageable
Cons
- Vinegar scent may not suit everyone
Biolage Cooling Mint Scalpsync Shampoo
Biolage Clarifying Shampoo is a powerful yet gentle option for oily hair that needs a deep reset. Designed to remove buildup, silicone residue, and excess oil, this shampoo restores scalp balance and instantly refreshes hair.
Its clarifying formula penetrates through product layers and daily grime without over‑drying, making hair lighter and more manageable. Ideal for both men and women, it helps oily roots feel clean longer while improving natural shine and texture. Use it weekly or as needed to reset your scalp and let your regular shampoo work more effectively.
This makes it perfect for anyone experiencing persistent greasiness or buildup from styling products.
Pros
- Deeply cleans excess oil and product buildup
- Removes silicone residue from hair strands
- Leaves hair lighter and easier to manage
- Ideal weekly reset for heavy oiliness
Cons
- Strong cleanse may be too intense daily
GK Hair Balancing Shampoo
GK Hair Balancing Shampoo is formulated to cleanse oily hair while restoring scalp balance and removing excess oil, impurities, and buildup. Its sulfate‑ and paraben‑free formula gently lifts away grease without stripping natural moisture, making hair feel fresher and lighter.
Designed for both men and women, this shampoo helps create a healthy scalp environment that reduces greasiness and improves overall hair texture. Regular use enhances manageability and leaves hair feeling clean, soft, and more responsive to styling.
Whether your scalp produces too much oil or your hair struggles with buildup from products, this shampoo delivers a balanced cleanse without harsh chemicals.
Pros
- Cleans excess oil without harsh sulfates
- Paraben‑free formula is gentle on scalp
- Leaves hair feeling light and refreshed
- Improves manageability and scalp balance
Cons
- May not deeply clarify heavy buildup
How to Properly Use Shampoo for Oily Hair (Most People Get This Wrong)
Many people with oily hair struggle because they either over-wash, apply too much shampoo, or don’t focus on the scalp properly. Using shampoo incorrectly can worsen oiliness, flatten hair, or leave buildup that makes the scalp feel greasy faster. By following a proper technique, you can control excess oil. Here are three steps to get it right every time:
Step 1: Wet Hair Thoroughly Before Shampoo
Start by rinsing your hair completely with lukewarm water. This loosens oil, dirt, and product buildup, allowing the shampoo to penetrate evenly. Avoid hot water, as it can stimulate more oil production.
Step 2: Apply a Small, Scalp-Focused Amount
Use a quarter-sized amount of shampoo and focus on massaging it into the scalp, not the hair ends. Gentle circular motions help break down excess oil and improve blood circulation without damaging hair follicles.
Step 3: Rinse and Repeat if Necessary
Rinse thoroughly to remove all shampoo residue. If hair is very oily or has heavy product buildup, repeat the shampooing process once. Always finish with a light, oil-free conditioner on hair ends, avoiding the scalp.
Hard water can make oily hair worse, so check Natural Remedies and Best Shampoos for Hard Water Hair Damage for better hair care.
Disclaimers: These are affiliate links, and we may earn a commission if you make a purchase through them. Rest assured, our recommendations are based on thorough research and personal experience to bring you the best products.
FAQs
How to reduce oily hair?
Wash scalp regularly with gentle shampoo, avoid overwashing, rinse thoroughly, limit heavy conditioners, keep styling products minimal, eat balanced diet, manage stress, and clean brushes often to prevent excess oil.
How to check shampoo quality?
Check ingredient list, avoid harsh sulfates, note pH balance, review brand transparency, test lather and rinse feel, observe scalp reaction after use, and monitor hair softness over time carefully consistently.
What are signs of unhealthy oily hair?
Persistent greasiness, itchy scalp, frequent dandruff, limp texture, excessive shedding, clogged follicles, dull appearance, and breakouts near hairline indicate unhealthy oily hair needing proper care, attention, routine balance, products, consistency.
Final Thoughts
To sum up, finding the best shampoo for oily hair is not just about picking a popular brand. It’s about choosing a formula that suits your scalp, lifestyle, and hair type. Consistency in using the right shampoo is key to controlling excess oil, maintaining volume, and keeping hair looking fresh longer.
Consider factors like ingredients, scalp sensitivity, and your daily routine to select a shampoo that cleans effectively without stripping moisture. The right choice restores balance, prevents buildup, and makes hair more manageable, soft, and vibrant.
By understanding your hair’s specific needs and sticking with a suitable product, you can transform oily hair into beautifully styled locks every day.
