13 Best Shampoos for Oily Hair 2024, According to Experts
GQ RecommendsSlough away dirt and grime from your precious locks.By Brittany LogginsDecember 18, 2024Save this storySaveSave this storySaveAll products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.Sick of having oily or greasy hair? Focusing on the type of shampoo you’re using on a regular basis is a great place to start. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick explains the importance of prioritizing the right shampoos: ones formulated with clarifying ingredients specifically formulated for washing away dirts and oils. She also emphasizes the importance of ingredients like salicylic acid, which can help curb oil production before it starts.“It's important to wash your hair and scalp regularly to prevent buildup of excess oil,” says Dr. Garshick. “That said, it's also important to avoid over-drying the scalp and avoid using too many products that can strip the scalp of its natural oils.”We asked experts to recommend the best shampoos for oily hair, with options pulled from the drugstore to Sephora and everything in between.The Best Shampoos for Oily Hair, According to GQBest Shampoo for Oily Hair Overall: Olaplex No. 4C Bond Maintenance Deep Clean Clarifying Shampoo, $30Best Affordable Shampoo for Oily Hair: OGX Extra Strength Refreshing Scalp + Teatree Mint Shampoo, $16Best Volumizing Shampoo for Oily Hair: Kérastase Specifique Divalent Balancing Shampoo for Oily Scalp & Hair, $42Best Thickening Shampoo for Oily Hair: R+Co Dallas Biotin Thickening Shampoo, $38Best Shampoo for Oily Fine Hair: IGK Extra Love Volume Shampoo, $32Best Moisturizing Shampoo for Oily Hair: Davines Nounou Repair Shampoo, $34Best Shampoo for Curly Oily Hair: Cécred Hydrating Shampoo, $30Best for Shampoo for Irritated Scalps: L’Oreal Elvive Hyaluron Pure Moisturizing Shampoo for Oily Hair, $10Best Clarifying Shampoo for Oily Hair: Neutrogena Exfoliating Healthy Scalp Clarify & Shine Shampoo, $10Best Scalp Scrub for Oily Hair: R+Co Crystal Halo Balancing Scalp Scrub + Shampoo, $38Looking for Something Specific?AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronFAQBest Shampoo for Oily Hair Overall: Olaplex No. 4C Bond Maintenance Deep Clean Clarifying ShampooOlaplexNo. 4C Bond Maintenance Deep Clean Clarifying Shampoo$30 NordstromPros & ConsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronProsSulfate and paraben-freeLightweightConsSome ingredients can be strippingKey ingredients: Cocamidopropyl betaine, bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleatePrice per ounce: $3.50Clarifying shampoos are a generally great choice for those with oily hair because they contain surfactants, which remove excess buildup and oil. Dr. Garshick explains that “the surfactants used in clarifying shampoos tend to offer a deeper cleanse than regular shampoos, making them especially good for those with oily scalps.”Cocamidopropyl betaine is the main surfactant in this formula, but it’s also mixed with the brand’s proprietary ingredient bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate. (This is what Olaplex is referring to when they hype-up their bond-repairing abilities, since it’s been found to repair breakage without weighing the hair down.) In general, this is a great formula that makes your hair feel stronger and more manageable, and it gets bonus points for working into a rich lather.Best Affordable Shampoo for Oily Hair: OGX Extra Strength Refreshing Scalp + Teatree Mint ShampooOGXExtra Strength Refreshing Scalp + Teatree Mint Shampoo And Conditioner$31 AmazonPros & ConsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronProsSulfate and paraben-freeLightweightConsSome ingredients can be strippingKey ingredients: Peppermint, tea tree oil, witch hazelPrice per ounce: $0.61This shampoo uses natural astringents including witch hazel and peppermint to strip dirt and oils away from the scalp. Along with tea tree oil, these ingredients are all key players when it comes to oily hair, Julia Tissot-Gaillard, CEO of Altesse Studio, explains.“Peppermint oil has cooling and invigorating properties that help balance scalp oil production and stimulate blood circulation to the scalp,” Tissot-Gaillard says. Tea tree oil acts as a natural antiseptic that can kill oil-causing bacteria, she adds. These ingredients are also calming, which prevents the scalp from feeling irritated and itchy and provides a fun tingling sensation that many users find really refreshing. Pro Tip: You’ll definitely want to use conditioner due to the cleansing (but potentially stripping) formula of the shampoo.Best Volumizing Shampoo for Oily Hair: Kérastase Specifique Divalent Balancing Shampoo for Oily Scalp & HairKérastaseSpecifique Divalent Balancing Shampoo for Oily Scalp & Hair$42 AmazonPros & ConsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronProsScentVolumizingNourishing ingredientsConsPriceKey ingredients: B6, amino acidPrice per ounce: $4.90In addition to combining notes of basil and freesia sandalwood, this shampoo works against oil by adding a boost of volume. This makes it a great cho
All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Sick of having oily or greasy hair? Focusing on the type of shampoo you’re using on a regular basis is a great place to start. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick explains the importance of prioritizing the right shampoos: ones formulated with clarifying ingredients specifically formulated for washing away dirts and oils. She also emphasizes the importance of ingredients like salicylic acid, which can help curb oil production before it starts.
“It's important to wash your hair and scalp regularly to prevent buildup of excess oil,” says Dr. Garshick. “That said, it's also important to avoid over-drying the scalp and avoid using too many products that can strip the scalp of its natural oils.”
We asked experts to recommend the best shampoos for oily hair, with options pulled from the drugstore to Sephora and everything in between.
The Best Shampoos for Oily Hair, According to GQ
- Best Shampoo for Oily Hair Overall: Olaplex No. 4C Bond Maintenance Deep Clean Clarifying Shampoo, $30
- Best Affordable Shampoo for Oily Hair: OGX Extra Strength Refreshing Scalp + Teatree Mint Shampoo, $16
- Best Volumizing Shampoo for Oily Hair: Kérastase Specifique Divalent Balancing Shampoo for Oily Scalp & Hair, $42
- Best Thickening Shampoo for Oily Hair: R+Co Dallas Biotin Thickening Shampoo, $38
- Best Shampoo for Oily Fine Hair: IGK Extra Love Volume Shampoo, $32
- Best Moisturizing Shampoo for Oily Hair: Davines Nounou Repair Shampoo, $34
- Best Shampoo for Curly Oily Hair: Cécred Hydrating Shampoo, $30
- Best for Shampoo for Irritated Scalps: L’Oreal Elvive Hyaluron Pure Moisturizing Shampoo for Oily Hair, $10
- Best Clarifying Shampoo for Oily Hair: Neutrogena Exfoliating Healthy Scalp Clarify & Shine Shampoo, $10
- Best Scalp Scrub for Oily Hair: R+Co Crystal Halo Balancing Scalp Scrub + Shampoo, $38
Best Shampoo for Oily Hair Overall: Olaplex No. 4C Bond Maintenance Deep Clean Clarifying Shampoo
Clarifying shampoos are a generally great choice for those with oily hair because they contain surfactants, which remove excess buildup and oil. Dr. Garshick explains that “the surfactants used in clarifying shampoos tend to offer a deeper cleanse than regular shampoos, making them especially good for those with oily scalps.”
Cocamidopropyl betaine is the main surfactant in this formula, but it’s also mixed with the brand’s proprietary ingredient bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate. (This is what Olaplex is referring to when they hype-up their bond-repairing abilities, since it’s been found to repair breakage without weighing the hair down.) In general, this is a great formula that makes your hair feel stronger and more manageable, and it gets bonus points for working into a rich lather.
Best Affordable Shampoo for Oily Hair: OGX Extra Strength Refreshing Scalp + Teatree Mint Shampoo
This shampoo uses natural astringents including witch hazel and peppermint to strip dirt and oils away from the scalp. Along with tea tree oil, these ingredients are all key players when it comes to oily hair, Julia Tissot-Gaillard, CEO of Altesse Studio, explains.
“Peppermint oil has cooling and invigorating properties that help balance scalp oil production and stimulate blood circulation to the scalp,” Tissot-Gaillard says. Tea tree oil acts as a natural antiseptic that can kill oil-causing bacteria, she adds. These ingredients are also calming, which prevents the scalp from feeling irritated and itchy and provides a fun tingling sensation that many users find really refreshing. Pro Tip: You’ll definitely want to use conditioner due to the cleansing (but potentially stripping) formula of the shampoo.
Best Volumizing Shampoo for Oily Hair: Kérastase Specifique Divalent Balancing Shampoo for Oily Scalp & Hair
In addition to combining notes of basil and freesia sandalwood, this shampoo works against oil by adding a boost of volume. This makes it a great choice for fine hair or thin hair because it won’t weigh strands down. It also nourishes the ends of strands with B6, which works to protect the hair from environmental pollutants that exacerbate oil production on the scalp.
Best Thickening Shampoo for Oily Hair: R+Co Dallas Biotin Thickening Shampoo
If you’re concerned about thickness, definitely make sure you search for products with biotin on the label. Biotin coats each strand and adds an undetectable layer of sheen. The only downside with this ingredient is that some people feel as though it can build up over time and weigh the hair down. This shampoo also contains coconut oil to condition and moisturize the hair, as well as saw palmetto berry, which is an ingredient that adds natural body to the strands.
Best Shampoo for Oily Fine Hair: IGK Extra Love Volume Shampoo
People with fine hair want to be careful to choose shampoos that are gentle in order to avoid breakage. This shampoo is specifically formulated for oily hair that is fine or lacking in volume, and all of the ingredients are lightweight. Aaron Grenia, a hair stylist and the co-founder of IGK Hair Care explains that formulas rich in oils, silicones, or creams will “weigh hair down and cause it to feel greasy faster.” He also explains that this is especially true when these types of products are overused or applied near the scalp.
To remedy these issues, this formula is packed with ingredients that will make your hair healthier overall, including a lightweight microbiome prebiotic that works to improve the overall health of the scalp, which will result in less oil production over time. It also contains Jeju water, which is volcanic water that’s rich in iron and zinc, both of which aid in hair growth and overall follicle health.
Best Moisturizing Shampoo for Oily Hair: Davines Nounou Repair Shampoo
Davines shampoos are known for their natural ingredients that feel super thick and creamy—and that’s because they’re incredibly nourishing. This one in particular is formulated for severely dry hair, including hair that could be chemically damaged from dyes. It contains fiaschetto tomato extract, which is packed with antioxidants and vitamin C which nourish strands and bring them back to life.
The Nounou is particularly great because it can be hard to find a shampoo that's both moisturizing and lightweight, which is key for those dealing with excess oil. It’s also important to note that you should be using a conditioner or hair mask if you’re dealing with dry, brittle hair—just make super sure that you’re rinsing it out thoroughly. (This particular shampoo actually has an accompanying hair mask that would be ideal.)
Best Shampoo for Curly Oily Hair: Cécred Hydrating Shampoo
Not only does this shampoo have notes of oud, sandalwood and musk, but it’s also incredibly nourishing for curly hair without being too heavy. It contains keratin ferment, which works to strengthen hair to prevent breakage and enhance the natural shape of the curl.
It also contains a phyto-collagen complex—a fancy way of saying that the collagen is derived from natural ingredients. This complex works to improve elasticity, which is especially important for maintaining the health and shape of curls. Finally, the hyaluronic acid will ensure that your hair is moisturized and nourished, which will improve the overall strength of your strands.
Best for Shampoo for Irritated Scalps: L’Oreal Elvive Hyaluron Pure Moisturizing Shampoo for Oily Hair
You might recognize hyaluronic and salicylic acids from skin care products, and that’s because they’re both workhorse ingredients that act as clarifying and moisturizing agents. This makes this shampoo a particularly great choice if you’ve noticed bumps or small breakouts along your hairline or on your scalp.
“It can be helpful to use shampoos containing salicylic acid, which may help to reduce oil and buildup,” says Dr. Marisa Garshick, a board-certified dermatologist. Not only will the salicylic acid strip away dirt and oil, the hyaluronic acid will work to bind water molecules to the skin so that your scalp never feels dry and itchy. That said, she notes that it could be good to alternate with other shampoos to avoid dryness.
Best Clarifying Shampoo for Oily Hair: Neutrogena Exfoliating Healthy Scalp Clarify & Shine Shampoo
While the citric acid in the pink grapefruit is great for oil-busting, the formula also combines bergamot to balance out the scent so it's not as sweet. The citric acids also serve as a great ingredient that naturally cleanses the scalp, which is more gentle on the strands and generally less irritating overall. It also contains cocamidopropyl betaine, which is derived from coconuts, and acts as a surfactant—meaning it helps eliminate dirt and oil. This is a great shampoo if you’re looking for something to give your scalp a reset, however keep in mind that it lacks nourishing ingredients that your hair and scalp need to maintain a healthy balance, so you'll want to add those back in with a conditioner or hair mask.
Best Scalp Scrub Oily Hair: R+Co Crystal Halo Balancing Scalp Scrub + Shampoo
To give your hair and scalp a natural reset, it’s OK to call-on a scrub that will help to slough dirt and grime out of your pores and set your hair up for success. Adam Federico, a hairstylist and the vice president of technical education at R+Co, recommends using a scrub once per week—in addition to a clarifying shampoo during the week’s additional two or three washes.
For this specific formula, Federico explains that “once weekly use delivers a full scalp detox, which can help to rebalance any excess oil production that you’ve been experiencing throughout the week.” While the price can seem steep, remember that this product is not only used less frequently, but you will use a much smaller amount for each wash.
Best Shampoo for Strengthening Oily Hair: Ouai Detox Shampoo
Ouai's Detox Shampoo is great at what it set out to do: washing away impurities, oil, and product from your hair. What we especially like about this shampoo is the addition of keratin, which is a great ingredient for strengthening your hair. While this is a fairly drying shampoo, it manages to moisturize at the same time, though we would recommend you still follow up with a conditioner just so you don't end up over-producing oil to overcompensate, which can lead to irritation and dandruff.
Best Shampoo for Removing Product Buildup: Baxter of California Deep Clean Shampoo
Baxter of California
Deep Clean Shampoo
- Great “reset” that won’t parch strands.
- Ideal for the guys who wash every 2nd or third day.
- Also terrific for active lifestyles or heavy hair product users.
- Smells incredible.
- If you absolutely need to wash every day, this might be too purifying—some will find it suitable, but just be warned, especially if you have longer hair.
- That’s the nature of deep-cleaning shampoos.
Oily hair and product buildup? You're going to need a good detoxifying shampoo like this one from Baxter of California. This is definitely not a shampoo you'll want to use every day as it is fairly drying, but it does an excellent job at removing all the gunk from your hair without overly drying out your hair or your scalp. This is great for a scalp refresh, and we're a huge fan of the scent.
Best Shampoo Bar for Oily Hair : Superzero Detox Solid Shampoo
If you've hopped on the shampoo bar bandwagon (less plastic! moisturizing! long lasting!), then you'll want to try Superzero's to tackle your oily hair. This sulfate-free shampoo bar boasts charcoal, which is great for absorbing excess oil while clarifying the scalp. As drying as it sounds, the addition of triolein maintains your hair's (and scalp's) moisture so you don't end up exacerbating your oiliness in the future. Plus, if you have color-treated hair, this shampoo bar will preserve the color for longer.
FAQ
What should I look for in a shampoo for oily hair?
As with all shampoos, you want to avoid sulfates and parabens whenever possible, no matter your hair type or texture. These ingredients can irritate the scalp, which can lead to increased oil production. Dr. Garshick suggests searching for shampoos with salicylic acid, “which may help to reduce oil and buildup.” She does note that if you’re using a shampoo with salicylic acid, you may want to rotate in a gentler formula one or two times per week as well.
Dr. Garshick also recommends using clarifying shampoos, which contain surfactants that are designed to create a rich foam that will slough away dirt and grime. “The surfactants used in clarifying shampoos tend to offer a deeper cleanse than that with regular shampoos,” explains Dr. Garshick.
How do I stop my hair from getting too oily?
It’s important to make sure you’re not overdoing it with hair care products, detox shampoos, and general hair washing on a daily basis—lest you want damaged hair, dry ends, excess sebum, or even hair loss. If you love to use styling products or pomades regularly, Eduardo Ponce, a hair ambassador for Balmain Hair, suggests avoiding direct contact with the scalp. “Don’t use too much product on your scalp [and up to the] mid-shaft of the hair,” says Ponce. While you’re at it, Ponce suggests avoiding “oils or products that are intended for moisturizing the hair.” He notes that dry shampoos or texturizing sprays can serve as a good styling alternative for adding volume without the heaviness.
If you’re prone to super oily hair, your haircare routine might need a little work, but Dr. Garshick explains that it could also potentially just be genetics. Either way, make sure you’re taking care of your scalp and hair to control the oil as much as possible. She suggests washing the hair daily or every other day to really make sure you’re keeping product buildup at bay and maintaining healthy hair. A deep cleansing with something like a purifying shampoo on wash day will help days of accumulation wash down the drain, because overwashing can exacerbate hair oil production leading to even greasier hair than before.
“[However], oily scalp and hair can also be associated with the condition called seborrheic dermatitis, which may result in red, greasy, scaly plaques on the scalp that may be itchy," explains Dr. Garshick. "For this reason, washing the hair more frequently can help those with buildup of excess oil or flaking.”
