What shampoo is good for oily hair?
We asked experts to recommend some of the best brands to use.
Ivan Rodriguez
Master Stylist | Creative Artistic Team Member, Farouk Systems
Before selecting the right shampoos for greasy hair, you must first know more about oily hair
Every scalp has glands that produce sebum, this oil protects the hair and keeps it healthy and shiny. Occasionally, these glands produce more oil which gives a matte appearance to the hair and subtracts shine.
We must pay attention because hair with excess oil can present problems such as hair loss, dandruff or seborrhea and may be present in all races and hair types.
Some causes of the oily scalp are; hormonal imbalance, lack of B vitamins, eating too rich in oily and fatty foods, washing hair too often, use of poor-quality cleansing products, abuse of products that leave residues in your hair and inadequate or infrequent cleaning of your hair styling tools, brushes, and combs.
Related: 10+ Best Oils, Supplements and Vitamins for Hair Loss
Stay clear of ingredients that contain petroleum, mineral oil, parabens or sulfates plus heavy conditioners and/or styling products.
If you use styling products, try to avoid them near the scalp area. As a salon professional, I do recommend professional products for your hair as ingredients are more advanced. Plus, always consult with your hairstylist so they can determine the right shampoo for your oiliness.
Susan Bard, MD
Dermatologist, Vive Dermatology
Nizoral Ketoconazole Shampoo
I recommend Nizoral Ketoconazole Shampoo (available in over the counter and prescription strength). Ketoconazole is an antifungal with mild antiandrogenic properties which can block the hormone responsible for excessive oil production.
Dr. Nikola Djordjevic
Family Doctor, Med Alert Help
Organic African Black Soap Shampoo by Laurel Essential
Before introducing the best shampoo for oily hair, I think it’s important to understand more about the relationship between hair and natural oils. Our scalp naturally produces oils that are meant to keep our hair healthy and nourished.
The issue with most commercially available shampoos is that they contain chemicals, especially sulfates, that remove the natural oils that protect our hair. So we become used to our hair is dry, clean and silky after using regular shampoos for a long time.
It’s important to understand this before trying a natural shampoo since initially, it will appear the shampoo is having no effect. Often times people will give up on natural shampoos claiming they don’t work and that their hair is actually greasier after using it.
This is simply not true, as your hair is returning to its normal balance and will initially produce more oils to compensate for the lack of natural oils present from the continuous use of sulfate-based shampoos.
So in this context, my recommendation for the best shampoo for oily hair would be using a shampoo that uses African Black Soap as the primary ingredient.
This shampoo is good for all hair types, including greasy and oily hair. It’s infused with essential oils and the formula also includes African black soap and Haitian black castor oil.
This combination not only stimulates hair growth, but it contains good sources of Vitamin A, E, and Jojoba oil to help accelerate blood circulation in the scalp. It’s also a good anti-dandruff shampoo if you use it on a long-term basis.
Additionally, it’s salt, paraben, and petrochemical free. It’s one of the purest natural shampoos that you can buy and it also uses only vegan cruelty-free ingredients.
Licensed Cosmetologist
Biolage Cleanreset Normalizing Shampoo
This is one shampoo that does a great job removing the oil and buildup from my hair after one wash. The problem with many clarifying shampoos is that they tend to strip the oils from your scalp and dry your hair which leads to even more oil production.
However, the Biolage Cleanreset is formulated with gentle ingredients that clean your hair without over-drying it. It’s safe for color-treated hair and can be used on all hair types.
Barbara Farnworth
LA-based Hairstylist, Martinez-Samuel Salon
WOW Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo & Hair Conditioner Set
Oprah’s favorite shampoo for a reason, made from 100% unrefined apple cider vinegar sourced from the Himalayas, this hero shampoo detoxifies your hair and scalp, removing buildup that weighs hair down and makes it look dull and drab.
With its anti-fungal, antibacterial, and antimicrobial compounds and the plethora of vitamins and minerals found in apple cider vinegar, this shampoo makes your hair look better than ever.
Edward Tricomi
Co-Founder, Warren Tricomi Salons | Expert Stylist
Warren Tricomi’s Volumizing Shampoo
This shampoo Revitalizes and infuses weightless volume while delicately freeing the hair and scalp of surface impurities. It also contains Provitamin B5 strengthens the hair while adding shine all while being sulfate and paraben-free.
When it comes to washing the hair I also suggest doing so every other day. If you wash your hair too often it can cause the glands in your hair to overwork and this may result in oily hair. If you don’t wash your hair often enough you can actually block the glands on your scalp causing them to not work at all. This may even result in hair loss. When looking for a shampoo pick something clarifying! A healthy scalp equals healthy hair.
Adina Mahalli
Hair & Skincare Expert, Maple Holistics
Degrease Shampoo by Maple Holistics
Nothing makes for a bad hair day like oily hair, which is why it’s worth adding the Degrease Shampoo to your shower routine. The shampoo incorporates essential oils to clean your scalp, and the addition of lemon helps rid your hair of excess grease. Basil, rosemary and cypress oils help encourage hair growth and volume, while jojoba and peach kernel hydrate your hair and keep it soft and full.
The shampoo is also great if you have thin hair that wants a bit of a boost. And it’s of course sulfate and paraben-free, so it’s safe for sensitive skin and is good for both treated and untreated hair. It’s an easy way to regain healthy sebum and pH balance in your scalp and hair.
Renowned Celebrity Hair Stylist | Founder, WEN Hair & Body Care
SIXTHIRTEEN Ultra Nourishing Cleansing Treatment by Wen
The Best shampoos for oily hair are cleansing conditioners. As the founder of WEN Hair & Body Care, we developed a 5-in-1 formula, taking the place of your shampoo, conditioner, deep conditioner, detangler, and leave-in conditioner. It cleanses hair thoroughly without lather or harsh sulfates found in some ordinary shampoos. It won’t strip your hair of natural oils. Your hair is left with strength, moisture, and manageability.