Best Shampoos for Oily Hair: Top Picks

What Causes Oily Hair?

Your scalp naturally produces sebum, an oil that keeps hair hydrated and healthy. However, factors like genetics, over-washing, hormonal changes, and even the wrong hair products can lead to excessive oil production. Using a clarifying shampoo for oily hair can help restore balance and prevent greasy buildup.

1. Neutrogena Exfoliating Healthy Scalp Clarify & Shine Shampoo

🧴 Deeply cleanses with pink grapefruit extract
✨ Leaves your scalp fresh and hair shiny
🚫 Free from parabens and phthalates

2. MONDAY Haircare Volume Shampoo

🌿 Enriched with coconut oil & ginger extract for nourishment
💨 Adds volume without weighing hair down
♻️ Comes in 100% recyclable packaging

3. OGX Teatree Mint Shampoo

🍃 Infused with tea tree and peppermint oils for a refreshing feel
🌀 Clears out buildup while invigorating your scalp
❄️ Adds a cooling sensation with every wash

4. Kérastase Specifique Bain Divalent Balancing Shampoo

💆‍♀️ Perfect for oily roots & dry ends
🌟 Balances scalp oils while keeping hair hydrated
🏆 Salon-quality formula for professional results

5. Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two

🌊 Removes excess buildup & oil effectively
✨ Leaves hair fresh, light, and full of bounce
👌 Ideal for daily use without over-drying

Expert Tips to Manage Oily Hair

✔️ Don’t Overwash – Washing too often can backfire! Try washing every 2-3 days to prevent your scalp from overproducing oil.
✔️ Use Dry Shampoo – A lifesaver between washes! It absorbs excess oil and adds instant volume.
✔️ Skip the Heavy Conditioners – Avoid thick, creamy conditioners that can weigh hair down. Apply only to the ends!
✔️ Rinse, Rinse, Rinse! – Leftover shampoo and conditioner = more buildup & greasiness.
✔️ Eat Right – Cut back on sugar & processed foods—your scalp will thank you!
✔️ Lukewarm Water Only! – Hot showers may feel great, but they can overstimulate oil production on your scalp.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often should I wash oily hair?
A: Every 2-3 days is ideal. If you wash daily, your scalp may produce even more oil as a reaction.

Q: Can stress make my hair oilier?
A: Yes! High-stress levels increase cortisol, which can make your scalp oilier than usual.

Q: Are sulfate-free shampoos better for oily hair?
A: Not always. Sulfates help remove oil, but if you have a sensitive scalp, a mild sulfate-free shampoo might be better.

Q: Does diet really affect greasy hair?
A: Absolutely! Diets high in processed foods, sugar, and dairy can trigger overactive oil glands.

Q: Will conditioner make my hair even greasier?
A: Only if you apply it to the roots! Stick to the ends to keep your hair soft but not greasy.

Final Thoughts

Managing oily hair starts with the right shampoo and a proper hair care routine. Whether you need a clarifying shampoo, a biotin-rich formula for thinning hair, or an oil-balancing product, our top 10 list has something for everyone.

💡 Ready to transform your hair? Try one of the best shampoos for oily hair listed above and say goodbye to greasy strands!

What Causes Oily Hair?

Your scalp naturally produces sebum, an oil that keeps hair hydrated and healthy. However, excess sebum production can lead to greasy buildup. The main causes of oily hair include:

🔸 Genetics – If your family has a history of oily hair, chances are you inherited an overactive sebaceous gland.

🔸 Overwashing – Washing your hair too often strips natural oils, causing your scalp to compensate by producing even more oil.

🔸 Hormonal Changes – Fluctuations during puberty, pregnancy, or stress can trigger increased oil production.

🔸 Wrong Hair Products – Heavy conditioners, serums, and styling products can build up on the scalp, making hair look greasier.

🔸 Diet & Lifestyle – Diets high in processed foods and sugar can contribute to an overactive scalp, while stress increases cortisol, which can also impact oil production.

Best Ways to Manage Oily Hair Naturally

✔️ Use a Sulfate-Free Clarifying Shampoo – Sulfate-free formulas clean effectively without stripping hair excessively, helping to balance oil production.

✔️ Apply Conditioner Only to the Ends – Heavy conditioners on the roots can worsen oil buildup. Instead, apply a lightweight formula only to the ends of your hair.

✔️ Incorporate Apple Cider Vinegar Rinses – A rinse made with diluted apple cider vinegar (1 part vinegar, 3 parts water) helps remove excess buildup and restores scalp pH.

✔️ Wash Hair with Lukewarm Water – Hot water overstimulates sebaceous glands, increasing oil production. Stick to lukewarm or cool rinses.

✔️ Avoid Touching Your Hair Frequently – The oils from your hands transfer to your scalp, making your hair greasy faster.

✔️ Use Dry Shampoo Between Washes – A good dry shampoo absorbs excess oil and adds volume, extending time between washes.

✔️ Brush Your Hair Strategically – Use a boar bristle brush to help distribute oil evenly from the roots to the ends.

✔️ Limit Heavy Styling Products – Avoid pomades, waxes, or creams that can contribute to excess buildup and greasiness.

✔️ Eat a Balanced Diet – Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, biotin, and vitamins A & E support a healthy scalp and balanced oil production.

DIY Natural Treatments for Oily Hair

💆‍♀️ Tea Tree Oil Treatment: Add a few drops of tea tree oil to your shampoo for its natural antibacterial and oil-reducing properties.

🍯 Honey & Lemon Scalp Mask: Mix 1 tablespoon of honey with juice from half a lemon and apply to the scalp. Let it sit for 15 minutes before rinsing.

🥒 Cucumber & Aloe Vera Rinse: Blend ½ cucumber with 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel and apply to your scalp for a cooling, oil-reducing effect.

🥚 Egg White Hair Mask: Whisk two egg whites and apply to your scalp for 10-15 minutes before rinsing with cool water. Egg whites help absorb excess oil and nourish hair.

Common Mistakes That Make Hair Greasier

🚫 Washing Too Often – Frequent washing triggers more oil production as your scalp tries to compensate.

🚫 Skipping Exfoliation – Your scalp needs regular exfoliation to remove buildup. Use a scalp scrub or a clarifying shampoo once a week.

🚫 Applying Conditioner on the Roots – Keep conditioner away from the scalp to prevent extra buildup.

🚫 Using Heavy Oils & Serums – While oils like coconut and argan oil are great for dry hair, they can overwhelm an oily scalp.

🚫 Overusing Dry Shampoo – While great in moderation, too much dry shampoo clogs hair follicles, leading to dull hair and potential scalp issues.

Top 5 Best Shampoos for Oily Hair (Available on Amazon)