11 Best Shampoos For Oily Hair

Having an oily scalp is a constant battle. You wash your hair in the morning, and by evening, it already feels flat and greasy. It’s a frustrating cycle of washing, drying, and then feeling like you need to do it all over again just a few hours later.

I get it. I’ve tried so many products that promised to fix my greasy hair, only to find they either stripped my strands into a dry, frizzy mess or did absolutely nothing at all. But a good shampoo for oily hair can make all the difference. It should cleanse your scalp thoroughly without being too harsh on your ends.

So, I tested a bunch of them. From drugstore heroes to salon-quality treatments, these are the shampoos that actually work to control oil and leave your hair feeling fresh for longer.

 

 

Our Favorite Shampoos for Oily Scalps

Aveeno Apple Cider Vinegar Clarifying Shampoo

This shampoo is a bargain at around $8. It uses apple cider vinegar to gently get rid of buildup from products and oil, and I found it’s especially great for fine hair that gets weighed down easily.

It’s gentle enough that I could use it daily without it drying out my hair. My scalp felt balanced and clean, and my hair was super soft afterwards. It’s a great choice if your scalp is on the sensitive side, too.

The Downside: Some people might find the vinegar scent a bit strong, but I thought it rinsed out clean.

 

 

Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Purifying Shampoo

You can’t beat the price on this one, it’s usually around $4. This shampoo gives you a really deep, satisfying clean, which is perfect if you use a ton of dry shampoo or styling products.

It lathers up so nicely and cuts through all the grime without making your hair feel like straw, thanks to the aloe in the formula. My hair felt incredibly fresh after using it.

The Downside: The classic Garnier Fructis scent is pretty strong, so if you’re sensitive to fragrance, this might not be for you.

 

 

Neutrogena Healthy Scalp Clarify & Shine Shampoo with Pink Grapefruit

For about $12, this shampoo is like a reset button for your scalp. The pink grapefruit gives it a gentle exfoliating effect that really helps clear out buildup from follicles.

I loved how shiny and clean my hair looked after using this. It does a fantastic job of clarifying without messing with your scalp’s natural pH balance, so you don’t get that rebound oiliness.

The Downside: If the ends of your hair are super dry, you’ll definitely need to follow up with a good conditioner.

 

 

Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Strengthening Shampoo

This one costs about $10. It’s fantastic if you want to tackle an oily scalp but are also worried about hair thinning or breakage. The biotin and rosemary feel so nourishing.

It has this amazing, tingly mint scent that makes your whole shower feel like a spa. My hair felt clean but also strong, not stripped. It’s a really nice, gentle option for regular use.

The Downside: It’s not the most intense clarifying shampoo, so if you have extreme product buildup, you might need something stronger.

 

 

Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo

Okay, this one’s a splurge at $30. But if your oily hair is also damaged from color treatments or heat styling, it is absolutely worth it.

It cleans your hair really well but also has the famous Olaplex bond-building technology to repair damage from the inside out. A tiny bit goes a long way, so the bottle lasts a while. It left my hair feeling stronger and looking smoother.

The Downside: The price is definitely steep compared to drugstore options.

 

 

Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo

A salon classic for about $15. The tea tree oil gives your scalp this incredible tingling sensation that feels so refreshing and clean. It’s amazing for getting rid of oil and flakes.

The combination of tea tree, peppermint, and lavender smells fantastic and really wakes you up in the morning. It’s my go-to when my scalp feels itchy or extra greasy.

The Downside: That famous tingle can be a little too intense if you have very sensitive skin.

 

 

Kristin Ess Deep Clean Clarifying Shampoo

This clarifying shampoo is around $12 and it works so well. It’s sulfate-free, but it still manages to get your hair squeaky clean and remove every trace of product buildup.

I use this about once a week to give my hair a total reset. It leaves my hair feeling super light and bouncy without that dry, brittle feeling some clarifying shampoos can cause.

The Downside: It can sometimes be hard to find in stock at certain stores.

 

 

OUAI Detox Shampoo

At $34, this is another premium option, but it’s a favorite for a reason. It uses apple cider vinegar to deeply cleanse your scalp and hair, getting rid of hard water deposits, dirt, and oil.

I was so impressed with how much volume and shine my hair had after using this. And like all OUAI products, it smells absolutely divine. It’s a perfect weekly treatment to bring your hair back to life.

The Downside: It’s definitely on the expensive side for a clarifying shampoo.

 

 

Kérastase Specifique Bain Divalent Balancing Shampoo

This is the priciest one on the list at $46, but it’s specifically designed for the most frustrating hair type: oily roots and dry, sensitized ends. It’s a true balancing act in a bottle.

It purifies the scalp to cut down on grease but has ingredients that nourish the lengths of your hair so they don’t get dried out. My scalp felt clean, and my ends actually felt soft, which is a rare combo.

The Downside: The cost makes it a serious investment for a shampoo.

 

 

Living Proof Clarifying Detox Shampoo

For about $32, this detox shampoo is tough on buildup but surprisingly gentle on hair. It removes residue from products, pollution, and hard water without using harsh sulfates.

I found it left my fine hair feeling clean and refreshed, but not at all stripped. It adds softness and shine back, which is exactly what you want from a clarifying shampoo.

The Downside: Not everyone is a fan of the signature Living Proof scent.

Finding the best shampoo for an oily scalp really depends on your hair type and concerns. If you just need a deep clean, a simple clarifying shampoo might be perfect. But if you also have damage or dry ends, look for a more balanced formula.

Don’t be afraid to switch things up. I like to keep a gentle, daily shampoo and a stronger, clarifying one to use once a week. This keeps my scalp balanced and my hair looking its best without over-drying it.