Looking for the best shampoo for oily hair? I break down top picks for clarifying, anti-dandruff, and gentle daily washes to keep greasy scalp at bay.
Many of us know the greasy feeling of an oily scalp all too well. I used to wash my hair every day just to feel fresh. Finding the best shampoo for oily hair can be like a treasure hunt – but once you pick the right one, life changes. Effective shampoos cut through buildup without leaving hair dry or damaged. I focus on clarifying and oil-control formulas in this roundup.
Table of Contents
What to Look For in a Shampoo for Oily Hair
The best shampoo for oily hair often has clarifying ingredients, so I prioritize ingredients like apple cider vinegar or salicylic acid to break down excess oil allure.comallure.com. Botanical cleansers (tea tree, rosemary, peppermint) add refreshment and balance. I prefer sulfate-free, paraben-free formulas since they cleanse gently. If you color your hair, choose a color-safe formula. A good oily-hair shampoo should lift away residue and grease without stripping all moisture.
- Clarifying agents (e.g. ACV, charcoal, zinc) to remove buildup.
- Oil-control actives (salicylic acid, tea tree) to cleanse pores.
- Soothing extracts (peppermint, menthol) for a refreshed scalp.
- Gentle base (sulfate-free, paraben-free) for daily use.
| Product | Key Features | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clarifying Shampoo (Rosemary & Lemon) | Rosemary, lemon, jojoba; clarifies oily hair; sulfate-free | Clarifying | 4.4 |
| Routine Wellness Anti-Thinning (2-Pack) | Biotin, DHT blocker, coconut vanilla; strengthens thin hair | Thinning Hair | 4.2 |
| OGX Clarifying + Rosemary Mint | Rosemary & peppermint; Lipi-Pro shield; removes buildup | Clarifying (Budget) | 4.5 |
| Kesmedik Tea Tree Set | Organic-5 (tea tree, aloe, green tea, rosemary, peppermint); soothes itch | Itchy/Dandruff Scalp | 4.4 |
| Hairitage Wash It Away Duo | Selenium sulfide anti-dandruff; balancing conditioner; vegan | Oily Dandruff Scalp | 4.6 |
| CLn Clarifying Shampoo | Salicylic acid; fragrance-free; removes oil & dead skin | Sensitive/Oily Scalp | 4.7 |
| Pacifica Rosemary Mint Set | Rosemary, peppermint; vegan & cruelty-free; no silicones | Clean/Vegan | 4.2 |
| LA’DOR Anti-Dandruff | Salicylic acid, menthol, climbazole; cooling, itch relief | Oily Dandruff | 4.6 |
| Nécessaire The Shampoo | Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, aloe juice; hydrating daily | Balanced Scalp | 4.6 |
| OUAI Detox Clarifying | Apple cider vinegar, keratin, chelators; removes heavy buildup | Detox/Clarifying | 4.7 |
| Bumble & bumble Sunday | Rosemary, sage; lifts residue & oil with weekly use | Weekly Clarifying | 4.7 |
1. Best Clarifying: Clarifying Shampoo for Build-Up and Oily Hair (Rosemary + Lemon)
For oily hair, a clarifying shampoo is ideal. I picked this clarifying shampoo because it’s tailor-made to dissolve greasy buildup. It uses rosemary, lemon, and jojoba oil to give a deep clean. I find it refreshing on the scalp, thanks to the bright lemon scent. It really balances my hair’s oil – I go days without looking greasy. This formula is sulfate- and paraben-free, so it won’t dry out hair. My scalp feels clean and light after using it, and the rosemary helps fortify hair over time.
Key Features:
- Deep-cleansing clarifying shampoo for oily hair.
- Infused with rosemary oil, lemon, and jojoba oil.
- Removes residue and balances oil production.
- Sulfate-free, paraben-free, color-safe formula.
- 8 oz pump bottle, suitable for all hair types.
PROS:
- Lifts buildup effectively.
- Fresh citrus-herb scent.
- Gentle yet powerful cleanse.
- Strengthens hair with botanicals.
- Color-safe and non-irritating.
CONS:
- Small bottle (8 oz).
- Not widely available in stores.
- Some may find scent strong.
- Pump can clog if unused.
2. Best for Thinning Hair: Routine Wellness Anti-Thinning Shampoo & Conditioner Set
Even thinning hair can feel oily. This biotin-packed duo tackles both thinning and oil issues. It’s a matched set of shampoo and conditioner in coconut-vanilla scent. My hair felt thicker and cleaner after a few washes. The shampoo has DHT-blockers like saw palmetto and caffeine to support growth, and the conditioner adds hydration without heaviness. It’s color-safe and free of harsh sulfates. Using this set twice a week left my scalp balanced, and my hair looked fuller.
Key Features:
- Dual-pack (shampoo + conditioner) for thinning, oily hair.
- Formulated with biotin, saw palmetto, caffeine.
- Coconut & vanilla fragrance, color-safe.
- Promotes stronger, healthier hair.
- Sulfate-free, gentle on scalp.
PROS:
- Targets thinning and oily scalp.
- Includes nourishing conditioner.
- Pleasant light fragrance.
- Color-safe and gentle.
- Leaves hair fuller.
CONS:
- Fragrance may be weak for some.
- Conditioner bottle smaller than shampoo.
- Best for twice-weekly use.
- Pricier than drugstore options.
3. Best Budget Clarifier: OGX Clarifying Strength + Rosemary Mint Shampoo
For oily hair on a budget, I chose OGX’s clarifying rosemary-mint shampoo. It’s easy to find and smells amazing. The rosemary and peppermint combo gives a cooling tingle as it cleans. I use this as a weekly detox shampoo, and it really lifts oil and residue. Its Lipi-Pro Shield tech claims to protect hair’s lipids, so my hair didn’t feel stripped or brittle. Plus it’s sulfate-free and color-safe. My hair feels bouncy and light after use, as promised.
Key Features:
- Clarifying shampoo with rosemary oil & peppermint.
- Lipi-Pro Shield technology for strength.
- Removes oil, product residue and buildup.
- Sulfate-free, paraben-free, color-safe.
- From a trusted drugstore brand (OGX).
PROS:
- Strongly invigorating, minty scent.
- Affordable and widely available.
- Good lather, easy rinse.
- Protects hair lipids while cleansing.
- Great daily clarifying option.
CONS:
- May tingle scalp (mint oil).
- Contains synthetic fragrance.
- 13 oz bottle.
- Not as heavy-duty as salon clarifiers.
4. Best for Itchy Scalp Relief: Tea Tree Oil Shampoo & Conditioner MaxTherapy Set
I needed a solution for my irritated, oily scalp. The Kesmedik tea tree set fit the bill. It’s packed with tea tree, aloe, green tea, rosemary, and peppermint (their “Organic-5 Complex”) for a soothing deep clean amazon.com. The shampoo invigorates with a tingle and leaves my scalp balanced. Pairing it with the rich conditioner (with shea butter and silk protein) keeps my hair soft. It removes oil and flake-causing buildup, making itchy days rare. This duo is sulfate-free and suits both men and women.
Key Features:
- Tea tree oil shampoo + conditioner (16 fl oz each).
- Organic-5 Complex: tea tree, aloe, green tea, rosemary, peppermint.
- Soothes itchy scalp, hydrates hair.
- Sulfate- and paraben-free; safe for color-treated hair.
- Tingly, cooling action.
PROS:
- Deep-cleanses without drying.
- Leaves scalp soothed & refreshed.
- Large 16 oz bottle size.
- Good for dandruff or psoriasis.
- Free of harsh chemicals.
CONS:
- Strong herbal scent (tea tree).
- Conditioner is thick (need careful use).
- Bottles are bulky to travel with.
- Only sold online.
5. Best for Oily, Flaky Scalp: Hairitage Wash It Away Anti-Dandruff Shampoo + Conditioner
This Hairitage duo is specifically formulated for oily, flaky scalps. The shampoo (with 1% selenium sulfide) tackles dandruff head-on while cutting grease. Paired with its balancing conditioner, it leaves hair clean but not parched. I noticed less flakiness and itching after a couple of uses. According to the product info, this pair “reduces dandruff while keeping your hair clean and healthy”amazon.com. It’s vegan and free of parabens/sulfates, so it feels gentle. My greasy scalp felt fresh and clean after use.
Key Features:
- Anti-dandruff shampoo (1% selenium sulfide) + conditioner.
- Designed for oily, flaky scalps.
- Balances moisture with a soothing formula.
- Vegan; no sulfates or parabens.
- Includes travel-sized conditioner tube.
PROS:
- Effective dandruff control.
- Soothes itchy, oily scalp.
- Gentle yet powerful formula.
- Reduces flakes and oiliness.
- Comes with a balancing conditioner.
CONS:
- Selenium sulfide may lighten dark hair.
- Conditioner is a small sample size.
- Tall, narrow shampoo bottle.
- Not the cheapest duo.
6. Best for Sensitive Oily Scalp: CLn Clarifying Shampoo (Salicylic Acid Formula)
For really sensitive or problem scalps, I trust CLn Shampoo. It’s physician-developed to cleanse oily scalp prone to folliculitis and dandruffspectrumdermatologyseattle.com. The salicylic acid gently dissolves dead skin and oil (like a scalp exfoliant). This clears my pores and refreshes my scalp without irritation. It’s fragrance-free and paraben-free, so it won’t sting or cause reactions. I find my scalp quickly feels rejuvenated after using it. Many users note CLn “lathers away excess oil and dead skin cells”spectrumdermatologyseattle.com, making it great for itchy, oily skin.
Key Features:
- Clarifying shampoo with salicylic acid.
- Fragrance-free, paraben-free formula.
- Targets folliculitis, dandruff, and scalp acne.
- Gentle hypoallergenic, dermatologist-developed.
- Cleanses pores and lifts excess oils.
PROS:
- Deeply cleanses without fragrance.
- Great for itchy, problem scalp.
- Leaves scalp feeling fresh and clear.
- Physician-formulated, no harsh chemicals.
- Color-safe and gentle formula.
CONS:
- Pricey.
- Must follow directions exactly.
- Not for everyday use (1–3× weekly).
- Contains sodium hypochlorite (mild bleach).
7. Best Clean & Vegan: Pacifica Rosemary Mint Scalp Care Shampoo & Conditioner
If I want a gentle vegan option, this Pacifica set is my go-to. It uses rosemary and peppermint to clarify and balance oily scalpsamazon.com. I love the herbal mint scent – it makes wash day feel spa-like. The shampoo cleanses effectively, and the matching conditioner keeps hair soft. Both are silicone-free and paraben-free. This duo left my hair feeling light and refreshed, without any grease. Plus, it’s cruelty-free and kind to sensitive skin.
Key Features:
- Vegan shampoo + conditioner set (10 oz each).
- Infused with rosemary oil and peppermint.
- Clarifies oily/flaky scalp while hydrating.
- No silicones, parabens, or harsh chemicals.
- Vegan, cruelty-free, safe for color.
PROS:
- Invigorating minty scent.
- Gentle, nourishing clean.
- Affordable luxury brand.
- Balances scalp oil without drying.
- Leaves hair shiny and healthy.
CONS:
- Small bottles (10 oz each).
- Not heavy-duty for extreme buildup.
- Strong herbal scent may linger.
- Conditioner feels light on very dry hair.
8. Best Korean Anti-Dandruff: LA’DOR Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
For oily dandruff concerns, this Korean shampoo is a cult favorite. It has salicylic acid, climbazole, and menthol for a cooling deep clean. When I tried it, my scalp felt immediately refreshed and tightened. It’s gentle yet effective – the itchiness disappeared. The 530 ml pump bottle is huge and great value. My oily scalp and dandruff significantly improved after using this regularly. It includes herbal tea extracts to soothe irritation.
Key Features:
- Salicylic acid + menthol for oily, dandruff scalp.
- Large 530 ml pump bottle.
- Cooling effect; removes flakes & itch.
- Contains herbal tea extracts.
- pH-balanced, gentle cleansing.
PROS:
- Dermatologist-designed formula.
- Soothing cooling sensation.
- Excellent for stubborn dandruff.
- Value-sized bottle (1.0L).
- Leaves hair soft, not straw-like.
CONS:
- Strong medicinal scent.
- May sting if it gets in eyes.
- Only sold online or Asian markets.
- Contains sulfates (avoid daily use).
9. Best Balanced Cleanser: Nécessaire The Shampoo (Hyaluronic Acid + B Vitamins)
For oily hair needing hydration, I adore Nécessaire. This shampoo is like skincare for your scalp. It’s a gentle, gel-like formula loaded with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, panthenol, and 10% aloe juiceamazon.com. After use, my scalp feels balanced – not oily, not stripped – and soft to the touch. It’s unscented and free of sulfates and silicones. It earned the National Eczema Association seal, meaning it’s very mild. While it’s pricier, it hydrates even oily scalps. I saw less greasiness within a week.
Key Features:
- Hydrating daily shampoo with hyaluronic acid.
- Niacinamide, panthenol, aloe leaf juice (10%).
- Dermatologist-tested, eczema-safe formula.
- Silicone-free, sulfate-free, gentle gel texture.
- Balances oily scalp without drying.
PROS:
- Rehydrates scalp & hair.
- Unscented and hypoallergenic.
- Won’t over-strip natural oils.
- High-quality, dermatologist-approved.
- Leaves hair smooth and shiny.
CONS:
- Expensive for the size.
- Bottle can be hard to dispense.
- Not as clarifying for heavy buildup.
- Best for maintenance, not deep cleanse.
10. Best Detox: OUAI Detox Clarifying Shampoo
When my scalp needed a true reset for my oily hair, OUAI Detox was the answer. This clarifying shampoo is made for buildup (my hair felt like it breathed after use). The key is apple cider vinegar, which “helps calm itchiness, reduce flakes, and melt away residue without stripping your scalp”allure.com. It also has keratin and chelating agents to banish hard-water minerals. It deep cleansed my greasy hair and removed product gunk like nothing else. Best of all, it’s sulfate- and paraben-free so my hair stayed silky and manageable.
Key Features:
- Apple cider vinegar + keratin clarifying shampoo.
- Chelating agents for hard water & minerals.
- Removes buildup, oil, and dirt.
- Sulfate-free, paraben-free formula.
- For all hair types, color-safe.
PROS:
- Amazing fresh scent (signature OUAI).
- Powerful clarifying without overdrying.
- Great for hard water and product buildup.
- Visible boost in hair shine and bounce.
- Trusted salon-quality brand.
CONS:
- Pricey 10 oz bottle.
- Strong fragrance (floral musk notes).
- Use sparingly (once/week).
- Not a daily shampoo.
11. Best Clarifying Weekly: Bumble and bumble Sunday Shampoo
Finally, Bumble and bumble’s cult favorite clarifying shampoo. It’s a weekly powerhouse: it “lifts away product residue, excess oil, and built-up pollutants” better than anything I’ve triedamazon.com. Its formula includes rosemary, sage, and ginseng to cleanse deeply. Every Sunday wash with this makes my hair feel brand new and lightweight. It’s color-safe and the frothy lather feels luxurious. The 8.5 oz bottle is small but potent – a little goes a long way. After using it, my oily scalp felt amazing and squeaky-clean.
Key Features:
- Sulfate clarifying shampoo for weekly use.
- Rosemary, sage, and ginseng extracts.
- Removes extreme buildup and oil.
- Color-safe; suitable for all hair textures.
- 8.5 fl oz signature Bumble bottle.
PROS:
- Deep cleans without damage.
- Salon-quality clarifying power.
- Leaves hair soft and shiny.
- Invigorating fresh scent.
- Great for swimmers or heavy-product days.
CONS:
- Expensive (premium brand).
- Must double-shampoo for stubborn buildup.
- Small bottle for the price.
- Contains sulfates (not for daily use).
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FAQ
Q: What ingredients help oily scalp?
A: I look for oil-absorbing ingredients like salicylic acid, tea tree oil, or apple cider vinegar. These ingredients clarify and rebalance the scalpallure.comallure.com. Also, avoid heavy silicones, which can add buildup and weigh hair down.
Q: How often should I wash oily hair?
A: I usually wash oily hair 2–3 times a week. A weekly clarifying shampoo (like Bumble & bumble Sunday or OUAI Detox) resets oil levels, with gentler cleansers on other days. Over-washing can actually trigger more oil, so I find balance is key.
Q: Will clarifying shampoo dry out my hair?
A: The best clarifying shampoos (like these picks) remove oil without stripping hair completely. I always follow up with a conditioner and limit strong clarifiers to once a week, so my hair stays soft and manageable.
Q: Are these shampoos safe for color-treated hair?
A: Yes! Most selections here are color-safe. For example, OGX and OUAI formulas avoid harsh sulfates to protect your hair colorallure.com. Just rinse thoroughly and use a hydrating conditioner afterward.
Q: Is tea tree shampoo good for oily hair?
A: Absolutely. Tea tree oil has natural antimicrobial and oil-balancing properties. The Tea Tree MaxTherapy set above uses tea tree and peppermint to cleanse oily scalp and soothe irritationamazon.com. I found it very refreshing for grease control.
Q: How can I keep hair from looking greasy so fast?
A: Besides using a targeted oily-hair shampoo, I avoid heavy conditioners on my roots and resist touching my hair too much. Dry shampoo on off-days also helps. And a weekly clarifying wash breaks up buildup, which keeps natural oils in check for longer.