4 Best Shampoo for Oily Hair 2025

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Best Shampoo for Oily Hair

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Achieving healthy, manageable hair often starts with using the right shampoo for your specific needs. Oily hair can weigh down your hairstyle and lead to a greasy appearance. To combat this, you need a shampoo that effectively cleanses the scalp and removes excess oil, without stripping your hair of its natural moisture. Explore our selection of the top 4 shampoos designed to address oily hair and help you achieve your hair goals.

From gentle cleansing to deep purification, these shampoos offer targeted solutions for oily hair. Discover the best shampoo for oily hair to combat greasy roots and keep your hair looking fresh and fabulous.

#1

Best Overall

Crown Affair The Ritual Shampoo

$36 Crown Affair

★★★★☆ 136 Reviews

Pros

  • Gently cleanses without stripping hair
  • Balances oil production
  • Leaves hair soft, shiny, and manageable
  • Luxurious formula and packaging

Cons

  • May not be strong enough for very oily hair
  • Pricey

Crown Affair The Ritual Shampoo is a gentle, yet effective cleanser that balances the scalp and leaves hair feeling soft, shiny, and manageable. It’s formulated with a blend of natural ingredients, including camellia oil and moringa seed extract, to nourish and protect hair.

Why we love it

This shampoo provides a luxurious cleansing experience and leaves hair feeling clean, healthy, and revitalized.

Key Features

  • Formulated with camellia oil and moringa seed extract
  • Gently cleanses and balances the scalp
  • Leaves hair soft, shiny, and manageable

Customer Review

“This shampoo is a game-changer! It leaves my hair feeling so soft and clean, without stripping away any moisture. I love the luxurious lather and the subtle scent.”

#2

Best for Fine Hair

Kérastase Specifique Divalent Balancing

$42 Sephora

★★★★☆ 128 Reviews

$42 Amazon

★★★★☆ 2,323 Reviews

Pros

  • Balances oil production on the scalp
  • Adds volume and texture to fine hair
  • Leaves hair feeling light and airy
  • Suitable for daily use

Cons

  • May not be strong enough for very oily hair

Kérastase Specifique Divalent Balancing Shampoo is a gentle, yet effective shampoo that helps to balance oil production on the scalp. It’s formulated with a unique blend of ingredients that help to remove excess oil without stripping away essential moisture.

Why we love it

This shampoo effectively controls oil production and adds volume to fine hair, leaving it looking and feeling fresh and healthy.

Key Features

  • Balances oil production on the scalp
  • Adds volume and texture to fine hair
  • Leaves hair feeling light and airy

Customer Review

“I have fine, oily hair and this shampoo is a lifesaver! It keeps my hair looking and feeling clean and fresh all day long. I highly recommend it!”

#3

Best Drugstore

Kristin Ess Deep Clean Shampoo

$12 Ulta

★★★★☆ 1,208 Reviews

$12 Amazon

★★★★☆ 2,042 Reviews

Pros

  • Deeply cleanses and removes buildup
  • Affordable
  • Pleasant scent
  • Adds volume and shine

Cons

  • May be too drying for frequent use

Kristin Ess Deep Clean Shampoo is a budget-friendly option that effectively cleanses the scalp and removes buildup. It’s formulated with apple cider vinegar, which helps to balance the scalp’s pH and reduce oil production.

Why we love it

This shampoo provides a deep clean without stripping away essential moisture, leaving hair feeling refreshed and revitalized.

Key Features

  • Formulated with apple cider vinegar
  • Deeply cleanses and removes buildup
  • Balances scalp’s pH

Customer Review

“This shampoo is a lifesaver! It really helps to get rid of the oil and buildup on my scalp, leaving my hair feeling clean and refreshed. I love the price too!”

#4

Best Sulfate-Free

Moroccanoil Scalp Balancing Shampoo

$28 Sephora

★★★★☆ 351 Reviews

$28 Amazon

★★★★☆ 178 Reviews

Pros

  • Gently cleanses and balances the scalp
  • Sulfate-free and paraben-free
  • Infused with argan oil to nourish hair
  • Reduces oil production and frizz

Cons

  • May not be strong enough for very oily hair

Moroccanoil Scalp Balancing Shampoo is a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo that cleanses and balances the scalp. It’s formulated with argan oil and other nourishing ingredients to hydrate and protect hair.

Why we love it

This shampoo effectively cleanses and balances the scalp, leaving hair feeling soft, smooth, and manageable.

Key Features

  • Sulfate-free and paraben-free
  • Infused with argan oil
  • Gently cleanses and balances the scalp

Customer Review

“I love this shampoo! It leaves my hair feeling clean and refreshed without stripping away moisture. It also helps to control oil production, so my hair stays looking great for longer.”



The Best Shampoo for Oily Hair

Oily hair can be a frustrating and persistent problem. It can leave your hair looking greasy, limp, and flat. Fortunately, the right shampoo can help you manage and control your oily hair.

Understanding Oily Hair

Oily hair is caused by overactive sebaceous glands, which produce excess sebum. Sebum is a natural oil that helps to protect and moisturize your hair and scalp. However, when your sebaceous glands produce too much sebum, it can lead to oily hair.

Choosing the Right Shampoo

When choosing a shampoo for oily hair, it’s important to look for products that are specifically designed to remove excess oil without stripping your hair of its natural moisture.

Look for shampoos that contain the following ingredients:

  • Sulfates: Sulfates are surfactants that help to cleanse your hair and remove dirt and oil. However, they can also strip your hair of its natural oils, which can lead to dryness and irritation. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to consider a sulfate-free shampoo.
  • Clarifying agents: Clarifying agents help to remove buildup from your hair and scalp. They are particularly beneficial for people with oily hair.
  • Tea tree oil: Tea tree oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help to reduce the amount of oil produced by your sebaceous glands.
  • Apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar can help to balance the pH of your scalp and reduce oil production.

How to Use Shampoo for Oily Hair

To effectively use shampoo for oily hair, follow these tips:

  1. Wash your hair less frequently: Washing your hair too often can stimulate your sebaceous glands to produce more oil. Aim to wash your hair every other day or every two days.
  2. Use the right amount of shampoo: Using too much shampoo can weigh down your hair and make it look greasy. Use only a small amount of shampoo, about the size of a quarter.
  3. Massage your scalp gently: Massaging your scalp can help to stimulate blood flow and remove excess oil.
  4. Rinse thoroughly: Make sure to rinse your hair thoroughly to remove all traces of shampoo.
  5. Use a cold water rinse: A cold water rinse can help to close your hair cuticles and reduce oil production.

Additional Tips for Managing Oily Hair

  • Avoid touching your hair too often: Touching your hair can transfer oil from your hands to your hair.
  • Use a clarifying shampoo once a week: A clarifying shampoo can help to remove buildup from your hair and scalp.
  • Consider using a dry shampoo: Dry shampoo can help to absorb excess oil and refresh your hair between washes.
  • Eat a healthy diet: Eating a healthy diet can help to regulate your hormones and reduce oil production.
  • Manage stress: Stress can exacerbate oily hair. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as yoga, meditation, or spending time in nature.

By following these tips and using the right shampoo, you can effectively manage your oily hair and achieve healthy, beautiful hair.

The Science Behind Oily Hair

Oily hair is primarily a result of overactive sebaceous glands, which are responsible for producing sebum, a natural oil that moisturizes the scalp and hair. However, excessive sebum production can lead to greasy hair. Several factors can contribute to this overproduction, including:

  • Hormonal imbalances: Hormonal fluctuations, especially during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, can influence sebum production.
  • Genetics: A genetic predisposition can make individuals more prone to oily hair.
  • Diet: A diet high in greasy foods can exacerbate the issue.
  • Stress: Stress can trigger the release of hormones that stimulate sebum production.
  • Certain medications: Some medications, such as corticosteroids and birth control pills, can have side effects that include increased oil production.

The Best Hair Products for Oily Hair

In addition to choosing the right shampoo, using the right hair products can help manage oily hair.

Consider these product recommendations:

  • Conditioner: Opt for a lightweight conditioner that won’t weigh down your hair. Look for products labeled "for oily hair" or "volumizing."
  • Hair masks: Use hair masks sparingly, as they can add moisture to your hair. Opt for clay-based masks that can help absorb excess oil.
  • Hair styling products: Choose lightweight styling products that won’t add extra oil to your hair.

Styling Tips for Oily Hair

The way you style your hair can also impact its oiliness.

Here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Avoid heavy hair oils and serums: These products can weigh down your hair and make it look greasy.
  • Use heat styling tools sparingly: Excessive heat can damage your hair and stimulate oil production.
  • Opt for loose hairstyles: Tight hairstyles can irritate your scalp and lead to increased oil production.
  • Consider dry shampoo: Dry shampoo can help absorb excess oil and refresh your hair between washes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While there are many effective ways to manage oily hair, there are also some common mistakes that can worsen the problem.

Avoid these mistakes:

  • Overwashing your hair: Washing your hair too often can strip it of its natural oils and trigger your scalp to produce more oil.
  • Using too much product: Applying too much hair product can weigh down your hair and make it look greasy.
  • Touching your hair frequently: Touching your hair transfers oil from your hands to your scalp.
  • Neglecting your diet: A diet high in processed foods and unhealthy fats can contribute to oily hair.

The Role of Diet in Hair Health

A balanced diet plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy hair. Certain nutrients are essential for hair growth and oil regulation.

Key nutrients for healthy hair include:

  • Protein: Protein is the building block of hair. Incorporate lean meats, fish, eggs, beans, and nuts into your diet.
  • Omega-3 fatty acids: These fatty acids help nourish the scalp and promote hair growth. Fatty fish, flaxseeds, and chia seeds are good sources.
  • Vitamins: Vitamins A, C, D, and E are essential for hair health. They support the scalp’s health and promote hair growth.
  • Minerals: Iron, zinc, and biotin are vital for strong, healthy hair.

The Impact of Stress on Hair Health

Stress can significantly impact your hair health. When you’re stressed, your body produces hormones that can disrupt your hair’s growth cycle.

To manage stress and promote hair health, consider the following:

  • Practice relaxation techniques: Meditation, yoga, and deep breathing can help reduce stress.
  • Get enough sleep: Adequate sleep is essential for overall health, including hair health.
  • Manage your workload: Prioritize tasks and avoid overworking yourself.

Environmental Factors Affecting Hair Health

Environmental factors can also contribute to oily hair and other hair problems.

Here are some environmental factors to consider:

  • Pollution: Air pollution can damage your hair and scalp.
  • Harsh weather conditions: Extreme weather conditions can dry out your hair and scalp.
  • Chlorinated water: Chlorine can strip your hair of its natural oils.

Choosing the Right Hairbrush

The type of hairbrush you use can also impact your hair’s oiliness.

Here are some tips for choosing the right hairbrush:

  • Avoid brushes with metal bristles: Metal bristles can damage your hair and scalp.
  • Opt for brushes with natural bristles: Natural bristles are gentler on your hair and can help distribute natural oils.
  • Clean your hairbrush regularly: A dirty hairbrush can harbor bacteria and oil.

Maintaining a Healthy Scalp

A healthy scalp is essential for healthy hair.

Here are some tips for maintaining a healthy scalp:

  • Avoid harsh hair products: Harsh hair products can irritate your scalp and lead to increased oil production.
  • Use a gentle shampoo: A gentle shampoo can help cleanse your scalp without stripping it of its natural oils.
  • Consider a scalp massage: A scalp massage can help improve blood circulation and promote hair growth.

Managing oily hair requires patience and persistence. By understanding the underlying causes and implementing the right hair care routine, you can achieve healthier, less oily hair. Remember to consult with a dermatologist or a trichologist for personalized advice and treatment options.