HEALTH

Best Shampoo for Oily Hair That Hits Reset Every Wash

March 28, 2025

Best Shampoo for Oily Hair

Oily hair can be frustrating, making hair look greasy, limp, and lifeless just hours after washing. The right shampoo can regulate excess oil production, cleanse effectively, and keep hair fresh for longer. If you're struggling with an oily scalp, it's crucial to choose a shampoo formulated specifically to target grease while maintaining hair health. In this guide, we’ve rounded up the best shampoos for oily hair, focusing on formulas that balance oil production without stripping the scalp.

Quick Guide to the Best Shampoos for Oily Hair

Best Overall: Kérastase Specifique Bain Divalent Shampoo

Kérastase Specifique Bain Divalent Shampoo

Kérastase Specifique Bain Divalent is a professional-grade shampoo designed for oily roots and dry ends. Its unique formula gently cleanses excess sebum while nourishing the lengths to prevent dehydration. The key ingredient, Glycine, helps regulate oil production, while Vitamin B6 strengthens the hair fiber, reducing breakage.

This shampoo is ideal for those who experience a combination of an oily scalp and dry, brittle strands. Unlike harsh clarifying shampoos, it maintains moisture balance, ensuring hair remains fresh without feeling stripped. Regular use can help regulate oil levels over time, leading to healthier, more manageable hair. The lightweight consistency ensures it lathers well, covering the entire scalp for an even cleanse. Additionally, the formulation minimizes scalp irritation, making it safe for those with sensitive skin.

One of the standout features of this shampoo is its ability to protect the scalp from oxidative stress. External factors like pollution and heat styling can worsen oiliness, but the antioxidant-rich ingredients in this shampoo provide an added layer of protection. Over time, users often notice an improvement in hair texture and reduced oiliness between washes. It pairs well with lightweight conditioners that won't weigh the hair down.

  • Key Ingredients: Glycine, Vitamin B6
  • Best For: Oily scalp with dry ends
  • Scent: Light floral
  • Price Range: $35 - $40

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Best Budget-Friendly: L’Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Clay Shampoo

L’Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Clay Shampoo

For those looking for a budget-friendly yet effective option, L’Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Clay Shampoo is a fantastic choice. Infused with three refined clays, this formula absorbs excess oil while keeping the hair hydrated for up to 48 hours.

Clay-based shampoos are excellent for oily scalps as they naturally purify and detoxify the scalp. This shampoo provides a deep cleanse without over-drying, making it ideal for daily use. It works well with its matching conditioner for optimal results. The creamy consistency allows for easy application, ensuring that every section of the scalp receives thorough cleansing.

Beyond oil control, this shampoo provides a lightweight feel, preventing hair from becoming flat or greasy too soon after washing. It also works well for those who use styling products, as it effectively removes residue without stripping the scalp. The added minerals nourish the scalp, ensuring balanced oil production over time.

  • Key Ingredients: Three Refined Clays
  • Best For: Oily hair prone to build-up
  • Scent: Fresh citrus
  • Price Range: $5 - $8

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Best for Oily & Itchy Scalp: Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo

Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo

Tea tree oil is widely known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties, making Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo a perfect choice for oily, itchy scalps. This invigorating formula not only removes excess oil but also soothes irritation and leaves a cooling sensation on the scalp.

With a blend of tea tree oil, peppermint, and lavender, this shampoo refreshes the hair and improves circulation in the scalp, promoting healthier growth. It also prevents dandruff and buildup, making it a great multi-functional option. The cooling effect can be especially helpful during warm weather or post-workout when sweat and oil production increase.

Regular users report a noticeable improvement in scalp health, with reduced itchiness and fewer flakes. This shampoo works best when left on the scalp for a few minutes before rinsing, allowing the tea tree oil to work effectively. Those with color-treated hair should use it sparingly, as it may slightly strip artificial pigments.

  • Key Ingredients: Tea Tree Oil, Peppermint, Lavender
  • Best For: Oily scalp with dandruff concerns
  • Scent: Herbal, minty
  • Price Range: $20 - $25

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Best for Sensitive Scalp: Klorane Oil Control Shampoo with Nettle Shampoo

Klorane Oil Control Shampoo with Nettle Shampoo

Klorane Oil Control Shampoo with Nettle is a plant-based solution designed to regulate excessive oil production while providing a gentle cleanse. The key ingredient, nettle extract, works by reducing sebum production, allowing hair to stay fresher for longer periods. This shampoo is particularly beneficial for those who struggle with rapid oil buildup and need a formula that extends time between washes.

The lightweight formula creates a soft, creamy lather that effectively lifts dirt, oil, and product residue without stripping the scalp. Its botanical-based approach ensures a balance between cleansing and maintaining natural scalp hydration. Additionally, it is free from parabens and silicones, making it a great choice for those looking for a more natural solution.

  • Key Ingredients: Nettle Extract, Mild Surfactants
  • Best For: Regulating oil production
  • Scent: Herbal and fresh
  • Price Range: $18 - $22

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Best Clarifying: Ouai Detox Shampoo

Ouai Detox Shampoo

Ouai Detox Shampoo is a salon-grade clarifying shampoo that effectively removes excess oil, hard water buildup, and product residue. Designed with apple cider vinegar and keratin, this formula deeply cleanses the scalp while strengthening hair strands, preventing excessive dryness.

Unlike harsher clarifying shampoos, Ouai Detox Shampoo manages to provide a deep cleanse while keeping hair soft and manageable. It’s particularly useful for those who frequently use dry shampoo, styling products, or live in areas with high mineral content in the water. The sulfate-free formula ensures that hair remains hydrated while still receiving a thorough cleanse.

  • Key Ingredients: Apple Cider Vinegar, Keratin
  • Best For: Deep detox and scalp refresh
  • Scent: Light floral blend
  • Price Range: $28 - $35

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Best for Dry Ends: Act+Acre Cold Processed Balancing Shampoo

Act+Acre Cold Processed Balancing Shampoo

A clean beauty favorite, Act+Acre Cold Processed Balancing Shampoo is a minimalist yet powerful solution for oily hair. Unlike traditional shampoos that contain harsh detergents, this formula is free from sulfates, parabens, and synthetic fragrances, making it an excellent choice for those with sensitive scalps. Its star ingredient, apple cider vinegar, works to detoxify the scalp, removing excess oil and buildup without causing dryness.

The shampoo's cold-processed method ensures that all the natural nutrients remain intact, providing a potent and effective cleanse. Moringa oil adds a layer of hydration, keeping the hair nourished while preventing the scalp from overproducing oil as a reaction to harsh cleansing agents. This makes it an excellent option for people struggling with both oiliness and scalp irritation.

One of the standout features of this shampoo is its ability to rebalance the scalp’s microbiome. Many commercial shampoos strip away natural oils too aggressively, causing the scalp to compensate by producing even more oil. Act+Acre's gentle yet effective formulation prevents this cycle, leading to longer-lasting freshness between washes. The lightweight texture lathers well without foaming excessively, leaving the hair feeling clean yet hydrated.

  • Key Ingredients: Apple Cider Vinegar, Moringa Oil
  • Best For: Sensitive scalp with excess oil
  • Scent: Fresh herbal
  • Price Range: $30 - $35

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Best for Thin Hair: Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Shampoo

Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Shampoo

Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Shampoo is a lightweight, silicone-free option designed for those who struggle with frequent oil buildup. This shampoo is formulated with 98% naturally derived ingredients, ensuring a gentle yet effective cleanse. Aloe extract works to hydrate the scalp, while Vitamin E helps protect the hair from oxidative stress caused by pollution and styling products.

The sulfate-free formula creates a mild lather that effectively lifts away oil without leaving residue behind. Unlike some oil-control shampoos that can leave hair feeling overly dry, this shampoo maintains a perfect balance of cleansing and moisture retention. It rinses out quickly, making it ideal for those who prefer a no-fuss hair care routine.

One of its most notable benefits is its ability to enhance hair’s natural volume. Many people with oily hair struggle with limp, flat locks, but this shampoo's lightweight formula allows for better root lift and bounce. Over time, users often report needing fewer washes per week as the scalp adapts to a healthier oil balance.

This shampoo is also suitable for those with color-treated hair, as its gentle cleansing agents do not strip artificial pigments. It is an excellent budget-friendly option for anyone looking for a daily shampoo that keeps hair fresh and clean without the use of silicones or heavy conditioning agents.

  • Key Ingredients: Aloe Extract, Vitamin E
  • Best For: Fine, oily hair
  • Scent: Clean and fresh
  • Price Range: $6 - $10

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Best for Deep Cleansing: Bumble and Bumble Sunday Shampoo

Bumble and Bumble Sunday Shampoo

Bumble and Bumble Sunday Shampoo is a once-a-week deep-cleansing shampoo formulated to remove product buildup, excess oil, and pollutants from the scalp. It is one of the most popular clarifying shampoos for those with oily hair, as it resets the scalp without over-drying. This shampoo is packed with rosemary and ginseng extracts, both known for their detoxifying and stimulating properties that encourage a healthy scalp environment.

This shampoo works exceptionally well for those who live in urban areas where pollution and hard water contribute to oiliness. It effectively eliminates environmental impurities while keeping the hair soft and manageable. The unique sulfate-based formula creates a rich lather that deeply cleanses, making it particularly beneficial for those who use a lot of styling products or experience excess buildup from sweat and sebum.

Bumble and Bumble Sunday Shampoo is best used sparingly, as it is a powerful cleanser that can remove necessary oils if used too frequently. Most users find that using it once a week is enough to maintain a refreshed and balanced scalp. The fresh, clean scent gives a feeling of ultimate rejuvenation, leaving hair looking and feeling healthier for days.

  • Key Ingredients: Ginseng, Rosemary Extract, Sage Leaf Extract
  • Best For: Weekly deep cleansing
  • Scent: Clean and refreshing
  • Price Range: $28 - $35

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Best for Daily Use: R+Co Oblivion Clarifying Shampoo

R+Co Oblivion Clarifying Shampoo

R+Co Oblivion Clarifying Shampoo is a sulfate-free yet deeply purifying shampoo designed to eliminate excess oil and buildup caused by styling products. Unlike traditional clarifying shampoos, this formula maintains hydration levels while cleansing. It is formulated with a blend of coconut and witch hazel extract, which helps rebalance the scalp, reduce excessive oil production, and prevent residue buildup.

Ideal for those who use heavy styling products or have naturally greasy hair, the combination of coconut and witch hazel extract ensures the scalp remains balanced and refreshed. This shampoo is also enriched with eucalyptus extract, which provides antibacterial properties and promotes scalp health while delivering a refreshing cooling sensation. It is particularly useful for those who frequently use dry shampoo, as it effectively removes excess powder and oil residue from previous washes.

One of the standout features of this shampoo is its lightweight formula that rinses out effortlessly, preventing any lingering heaviness. Regular use can improve overall hair texture by making it appear cleaner, softer, and less weighed down. Unlike other clarifying shampoos that can be drying, R+Co Oblivion maintains a healthy moisture balance, making it suitable for regular use rather than just an occasional deep cleanse.

  • Key Ingredients: Coconut Extract, Witch Hazel, Eucalyptus Extract
  • Best For: Oily scalp with heavy product buildup
  • Scent: Light and clean
  • Price Range: $25 - $30

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Best for Long-Lasting Freshness: Dae Desert Detox Balancing Shampoo

Dae Desert Detox Balancing Shampoo

Dae Desert Detox Balancing Shampoo is a powerful cleansing formula designed for those with oily, product-laden scalps. Infused with desert-derived botanicals such as prickly pear extract and moringa seed oil, this shampoo deeply purifies the scalp while maintaining moisture balance. Its sulfate-free formula ensures that hair is cleansed without being overly stripped, making it a great option for those who want a deep clean without irritation.

The lightweight gel formula lathers well, effectively dissolving excess oil, buildup, and impurities without stripping the scalp of essential moisture. The natural detoxifying properties of desert botanicals help keep the scalp clean for longer periods, reducing the frequency of washes needed. Additionally, it contains cactus flower extract, which provides antioxidants that protect hair from environmental damage and pollution, making it a great choice for those who live in urban areas.

Dae Desert Detox Balancing Shampoo is suitable for all hair types, but it is particularly beneficial for those struggling with excess oil and product buildup. The gentle formulation makes it safe for daily use, though many users find that washing every other day is enough to maintain freshness. This shampoo also has a naturally derived, refreshing citrus scent that lingers lightly in the hair, adding to its appeal.

  • Key Ingredients: Prickly Pear Extract, Moringa Seed Oil, Cactus Flower Extract
  • Best For: Deep scalp detoxification
  • Scent: Earthy with a touch of citrus
  • Price Range: $28 - $32

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Say Goodbye to Greasy Hair with the Right Shampoo

Finding the best shampoo for oily hair requires understanding your scalp’s needs and selecting a formula that balances oil production. Whether you opt for a deep-cleansing clay shampoo, a refreshing mint formula, or a sulfate-free alternative, these options will help maintain clean, fresh hair for longer. Choosing the right shampoo for oily greasy hair can make all the difference in keeping hair looking and feeling its best!

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