18 Best Shampoos for Oily Hair, According to Dermatologists and Hairstylists
All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
As someone with greasy hair—I’m talking within a day—using one of the best shampoos for oily hair gives me a layer of protection against excess shine and makes perfecting my hair routine a lot easier. To find the best shampoos to address excessive oil, we polled dermatologists for their favorites and then tested them over a span of washes (including shampoos that address dandruff, scalp scrubs, and dry shampoos for oily hair). We also tapped Glamour staffers to find out what oily hair products they swear by. After trying nearly a dozen dermatologist-approved shampoos for oily hair, the Garnier Pure Clean Shampoo was our top pick because it lathered well and left strands soft, non-greasy, and fresh for hours.
The best shampoos for oily hair, at a glance
- Best Overall: Garnier Pure Clean Shampoo, $4
- Best for Deep Clean: K18 Peptide Prep Color-Safe Detox Clarifying Shampoo, $38
- Best for Dry Ends: Kerastase Bain Divalent Balancing Shampoo For Oily Hair, $42
- Best for Curly Hair: Hairstory New Wash Rich, $54
- Best with Apple Cider Vinegar: dpHUE ACV Soothing Shampoo, $32
- Best for Dandruff: Vichy Dercos Oil Control Shampoo, $26
All your oily hair questions, answered
What causes greasy hair?
According to Dendy Engelman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in NYC, greasy hair can be caused by a multitude of things. “Touching your hair frequently throughout the day can transfer oils from your hands to your hair, causing it to become greasy,” she says. But if you experience excessive oiliness there is likely an internal cause. “Hormonal changes, genetics, and certain skin conditions can all cause the scalp to produce excessive amounts of oil, leading to oily hair,” says Dr. Engelman.
How do you wash oily hair correctly?
“When washing oily hair, start by wetting your hair with warm water to open up the cuticles. Then use a small amount of shampoo, and focus on massaging the scalp gently with your fingertips or a scalp massager to lift excess oil and dirt,” says Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in NYC. Next, rinse your hair thoroughly and follow with a lightweight, oil-free conditioner applied only to the ends. It’s also key to not overwash your hair. “Washing too often, especially with stripping shampoos, can exacerbate the problem and overstrip the natural oils in your hair,” says Dr. Engelman.
When you’re in between wash days, Brendnetta Ashley, a hairstylist and Schwarzkopf Professional Ambassador, recommends dry shampoo. “Apply it directly to the scalp, massage into the hair and style as usual. This is a quick fix if you’re running low on time,” she says.
What should you look for in a shampoo for oily hair?
Dermatologists recommend looking for shampoos that have exfoliating ingredients like tea tree oil, zinc pyrithione, charcoal or salicylic acid. “These ingredients help regulate sebum production, purify the scalp, and prevent excess oil buildup,” says Dr. Garshick. She also warns to avoid heavy conditioners and look for clarifying formulas that can help keep the scalp fresh. “Other ingredients like apple cider vinegar, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid are also great for oily hair because they help balance the scalp and add lightweight, nonocclusive hydration,” says Dr. Engelman.
What should you avoid if you have oily hair?
“Oily hair types should avoid shampoos that contain heavy oils or silicones, as these will weigh your hair down and add more oil to your hair,” says Ashley. Dimitris Giannetos, a celebrity hairstylist, says to avoid extra-creamy or moisturizing shampoos, hair masks, and heavy hair oils and instead stick to lightweight, clarifying options. “In addition to that, sulfate-free shampoos will help keep your scalp in check,” he says.
Meet the experts
- Dendy Engelman, MD, FACMS, FAAD, board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon
- Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, NYC-based board-certified dermatologist
- Brendnetta Ashley hairstylist and Schwarzkopf Professional Ambassador
- Dimitris Giannetos, celebrity hairstylist
Best Overall: Garnier Pure Clean Shampoo
- Original image by Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary
- Courtesy of brand
This clarifying shampoo comes highly recommended by Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in NYC. She loves that it removes residue and gently exfoliates with the help of salicylic acid, which is oil-soluble and can penetrate into pores to gently exfoliate and remove excess sebum. “It’s a nice choice for oily hair because it removes 100% of residue and is very lightweight, so it won’t weigh down strands,” says Dr. King. “And although there’s no residue, it won’t cause a dry scalp or strip the hair of moisture because it contains glycerin, aloe vera, and vitamins B3 and B6—these ingredients help to support scalp health.”
Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary is a massive fan because of its fresh scent and how well it lathers. “It smells super fresh and sweet, and makes me look forward to washing my hair. And if you’re someone who doesn’t feel like they’re getting a deep clean unless they see a lot of bubbles, this shampoo lathers so well,” she says. Kilkeary has naturally oily hair that gets pretty greasy even after a day, but incorporating this into her routine for a week really changed the game. “I didn’t feel that I had to wash my hair every day like usual. Instead, I was able to go two whole days without feeling like a total greaseball. My hair was soft and shiny, and my scalp felt fresh.”
Expert tip: If you’re prone to acne on the scalp and/or body areas adjacent to the scalp, King recommends trying shampoo with salicylic acid, like this one.
- Ingredient highlights: Salicylic acid, aloe, vitamins B3 and B6
- Smells like: Citrus
- Safe for color-treated hair: No
- Size: 12.5 fl oz.
- Hair type: All types and textures
Best Hair Shampoo Rinse: Raw Sugar Rosemary Vinegar Hair Rinse
- Original image by Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary
- Courtesy of brand
.png)
Shampoo rinses are another great alternative if you feel like you’re not getting the most out of your current oily hair shampoo, according to hairstylist Kylee Heath. A hair rinse usually contains potent, hair-nourishing ingredients like glycerin and is most effective when the product sits in your hair for five to 10 minutes, as opposed to massaging it in like you would a normal shampoo and then rinsing it out. “Because of the leave-in format, it leaves the hair feeling clean and not stripped,” Heath says.
Kilkeary gave this one a trial and is pleased to report that it really made a difference in the oiliness at her roots. “I tried this rinse after a long day at the office, when my hair was looking drab, flat, and very oily. After using it, it was like having life breathed back into my roots. My hair was fresh, super glassy, and plush, without any greasy texture in sight,” she says.
- Ingredient highlights: Apple cider vinegar, rosemary, mint
- Smells like: Rosemary and mint
- Safe for color-treated hair: Yes
- Size: 6 fl oz
- Hair type: All hair types; really works well on fine, thin hair
.png)
.png)
Best Balancing Shampoo: Moroccan Oil Scalp Balancing Shampoo
- Original image by Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary
- Courtesy of brand
.png)
“This sulfate-free shampoo helps balance out oily, irritated scalps and still restores and nourishes the hair,” says Giannetos, who is a big fan of this formula. This is thanks to the fact that this pick is chock-full of exfoliating ingredients including salicylic acid and niacinamide to gently exfoliate and nourish, plus argan oil that keeps the hair looking and feeling hydrated and healthy without weighing it down.
Glamour’s Kilkeary was thoroughly impressed with how well the formula lathers on the scalp and leaves behind fresh, clean strands with little flakes or oiliness in sight. “This one left my hair looking soft and non-greasy, which made it easy to style, especially in the way that I like to wear my hair with two longer bang strands at the front.”
- Ingredient highlights: Salicylic acid, niacinamide, argan oil
- Smells like: Fresh and floral
- Safe for color-treated hair: Yes
- Size: 8.5 fl oz
- Hair type: All hair types
.png)
Best Dry Shampoo: Dae Hair Fairy Duster Dry Shampoo Powder
- Original image by Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary
- Courtesy of brand
A great dry shampoo is non-negotiable in-between wash days, especially if you have oily hair, and our Glamour editors are huge fans of this one. “The spray powder format of this dry shampoo is great for my fine hair,” says Kilkeary, who’s been using it for months now. “I love how easy it is to apply, how quickly it absorbs to blend in, and how much of a difference it makes when you’re dealing with oily, slippery tresses.” The proof is in the before and after pudding: This stuff is no joke, and it’s a lifesaver when you simply don’t have time to wash your hair. “It’s my go-to on mornings when I wake up too late to shower. I just pop it in a couple of places on my roots and massage. Boom!”
- Ingredient highlights: Mojave yucca, moringa leaf, prickly pear
- Smells like: Citrus, orange blossom, vanilla
- Safe for color-treated hair: Yes
- Size: 1.06 fl oz
- Hair type: All hair types, best for thin hair
.png)
.png)
Best Scalp Scrub: Davines Solu Sea Salt Scrub
- Original image by Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary
- Courtesy of brand
“Half of the clients that sit in my chair are not properly shampooing their hair. This leads to a flaky, oily scalp and buildup,” says Amanda Leigh Rush, a hairstylist based in Los Angeles. To help achieve healthier hair and texture, she recommends trying this exfoliating scrub shampoo. Rush says using this product helps create a healthy foundation: “From there, any style will look great with a fresh clean canvas.” If scrubs aren’t your thing, you can also try the brand’s clarifying shampoo.
Glamour’s Kilkeary recommends it if you deal with scalp flakes. “Not only is my hair super oily, but I do experience a good amount of flaking, especially when the seasons change and the weather gets colder. I always introduce a scalp scrub into my routine for this reason, and this one is one of the best I’ve ever tried,” she says. Kilkeary shares that this one has a really interesting texture as it’s both super soft and malleable but has a good amount of salt flakes to help physically exfoliate. “This one is a treat for my scalp when it’s feeling extra oily or flaky, because after I massage it in and wash it out, my hair and head feels a lot softer and detoxed,” she adds.
Expert tip: Give your arms a break and use a scalp brush to exfoliate all the areas of the head and create healthy suds.
- Ingredient highlights: Sea salt
- Smells like: Earthy
- Safe for color-treated hair: Yes
- Size: 12.7 fl oz.
- Hair type: All types and textures
Best Deep Clean: K18 Peptide Prep Color-Safe Detox Clarifying Shampoo
This K18 product contains activated charcoal and salicylic acid, which really helps exfoliate and clean any gunk that accumulates on your hair and scalp, according to Glamour contributor Andrea Navarro. “I’ve had a few trips this year that were more ‘active’ than others and in super-hot climates. My hair was an oily, greasy mess by day two, but thank goodness I had K18’s Peptide Prep Detox Shampoo on deck,” she says. Although it helps with deep cleaning the hair and scalp, “it doesn’t dry hair out completely,” she says, “so you don’t have to worry about that downside.” Our editors are also huge fans of K18’s new dry shampoo, especially on dark hair.
- Ingredient highlights: Salicylic acid, vegan
- Smells like: Natural scent
- Safe for color-treated hair: Yes
- Size: 8.5 fl oz.
- Hair type: All types and textures
Best Anti-Frizz Shampoo: R&Co Television Perfect Hair Shampoo
- Original image by Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary
- Courtesy of brand
While clarifying shampoos can be great for cleaning excess buildup in the hair and scalp, we ideally still want super-silky strands. Johnson swears by this option “for people who want a little more slip to their hair but still need to combat oily hair.” This sustainable shampoo is formulated with juniper berry extract to help detoxify hair follicles while maintaining the optimal balance of oil and moisture. Perfectly soft, smooth, and healthy hair? Sign us up.
Glamour’s Kilkeary also recommends this shampoo if you’re looking for something to energize your scalp and hair. “The smell of this one is very zingy, and I like to use it in the morning for this reason. It really wakes you up,” she says. In addition, it leaves your hair feeling extra smooth and silky, like you just had a blowout, which makes it stand out amongst the other shampoos on this list. “If your hair is oily and tends to look stringy, this one will make it look and feel velvety and grease-free,” she notes.
- Ingredient highlights: Paraben-free, vegan, sustainable
- Smells like: Natural scent
- Safe for color-treated hair: Yes
- Size: 8.5 fl oz.
- Hair type: All types and textures
Best for Dry Ends: Kerastase Bain Divalent Balancing Shampoo for Oily Hair
Have oily roots but dry ends? Bradley Leake, a professional hairstylist based in Los Angeles, suggests this balancing shampoo, which he describes as “an ultralight formula that balances scalp oiliness.” It contains amino acids to reduce excess oil and odors, while vitamin B6 helps gently nourish lengths. Leake also notes that it’s a great volumizing shampoo for flat hair, which is yet another reason he loves using it with clients.
Katya Khayutin, a master esthetician and owner of BelVer Studio in Austin, Texas, also recommends this shampoo if you’re dealing with oily roots and dry ends. “It purifies the scalp and keeps oils balanced at the roots but still works to hydrate the ends for soft, healthy-feeling hair. This is thanks to the amino acids and vitamin B6 blend,” she says.
- Ingredient highlights: Amino acid, vitamin B6
- Smells like: Fresh
- Safe for color-treated hair: Yes
- Size: 8.5 fl oz.
- Hair type: All types and textures
Best Scent: Malin + Goetz Peppermint
.png)
“This oily-hair girly has tried many products, and I’ve had a hard time finding something that feels deep cleansing yet hydrating,” Jen Sosa, a photographer based in Los Angeles, tells Glamour. “This shampoo not only made cleaning my hair refreshing, but it also looked so good after I blow dried it that I couldn’t stop looking at it. I was immediately sold.” This amino acid-based shampoo helps remove oil and buildup, but without stripping or drying hair. Plus, it features peppermint extract, which not only helps clarify hair but also creates the energizing scent that drew Sosa to this product in the first place.
Expert tip: Sosa recommends pairing this product with the brand’s cilantro conditioner, which is equally “amazing and lightweight,” she says.
- Ingredient highlights: Peppermint extract, amino acids
- Smells like: Peppermint
- Safe for color-treated hair: Yes
- Size: 8 fl oz.
- Hair type: All types and textures
Best for Curly Hair: Hairstory New Wash Rich Extra Moisturizing Cleansing Cream
“The most interesting thing about an oily scalp is that, usually, it’s actually dehydrated. In an attempt to balance the dryness, your scalp secretes more oil to protect the skin,” says Kelli Warnecke, a hairstylist based in Los Angeles. Her solution: shampoo less often, and with a shampoo that is not stripping the hair in any way, such as the Hairstory New Wash shampoo. “They have options for all hair types, including curly. I use the New Wash Rich (extra moisture) for my naturally wavy hair,” she says. She loves that this product helps remove buildup while replacing the necessary oils to protect your hair and prevent a dry scalp.
Expert tip: Warnecke notes it will take about two weeks for your scalp to adjust and secrete less oil, so be patient.
- Ingredient highlights: Paraben-free, vegan
- Smells like: Fresh
- Safe for color-treated hair: Yes
- Size: 8 fl oz.
- Hair type: Best for curly hair
Best for Scalp Health: Oribe Serene Scalp Oil Control Shampoo
“For as long as I can remember, my scalp has annoyed me. I have the kind of scalp and hair that I’ll wash, then see my mom 12 hours later, and she’ll be like, ‘You need to wash your hair.’ So as you can imagine I’ve tried everything,” says Glamour tester Sara Spruch-Feiner. “That’s why I was truly ecstatic last year when I found out that Oribe was launching a shampoo specifically for oily scalp.” This formula—which features a unique blend of rosebay extract, green marine algae, amino acid, and sugar-derived prebiotic—has been clinically tested and shown to prevent an oily scalp. Plus, it’s great for overall scalp care, as it may help support and balance the scalp’s microbiome. “The formula has been a game changer for me. It keeps my hair looking clean for longer,” says Spruch-Feiner.
- Ingredient highlights: Sulfate-free shampoo, vegan
- Smells like: Fresh, natural
- Safe for color-treated hair: Yes
- Size: 8.5 fl oz.
- Hair type: All types and textures
Best for Excess Buildup: Kristin Ess Deep Clean Clarifying Shampoo for Buildup
Sometimes moving to a new place can wreak havoc on your hair—which is exactly what one Glamour tester experienced when she moved to the Bay area. “I think the difference in water and weather had something to do with my normally low-maintenance hair acting up,” says tester Ishita Shah. However, the Kristin Ess Deep Clean Clarifying Shampoo—which is formulated to remove product buildup and excess oils, while smoothing damaged hair—worked wonders. “It really balanced out my scalp and hair—just three to four washes went a long way in getting my hair back to normal.”
- Ingredient highlights: Paraben-free, vegan
- Smells like: Fresh scent
- Safe for color-treated hair: Yes
- Size: 10 fl oz.
- Hair type: All types and textures
Best for Color-Treated Hair: Color Wow Color Security Shampoo
This shampoo is formulated without sulfates, silicones, resins—or really anything that can cause nasty buildup in your hair. Instead, it helps keep the hair and scalp feeling healthy and fresh—plus it keeps the color looking fantastic. “I love that it gently removes any oils and buildup but is color-safe,” says Leake. “It leaves the hair squeaky clean with no residue left behind.”
- Ingredient highlights: Paraben-free, vegan
- Smells like: Fresh and clean
- Safe for color-treated hair: Yes
- Size: 8.4 fl oz.
- Hair yype: Best for fine hair
Best Blonde Shampoo: Blondme All Blondes Detox Shampoo
Ashley recommends this nourishing shampoo for blonde hair. “Excessive oily scalp can be due to an off balance in your hair’s pH, so I love this detox pick,” she says. Ashley explains that the ingredients, including panthenol and hydrolyzed wheat protein, work to remove impurities from the hair, and it has bonding technology that will help strengthen at the same time. This is especially useful for those with color-treated blonde hair to help mitigate damage and breakage. “You want to ensure you aren’t overwashing as this can create more oil production, so I’d recommend washing with this every three to five days at minimum,” she says.
- Ingredient highlights: Panthenol, hydrolyzed wheat protein
- Smells like: Clean
- Safe for color-treated hair: Yes
- Size: 10 fl oz
- Hair type: All hair types, also suitable for curly and coily hair types
Best Gentle Shampoo: SEEN Skin-Caring Shampoo
“This dermatologist-formulated shampoo is noncomedogenic and safe for all skin types–including acne-prone, making it a great choice for those with oily hair and scalp,” says Dr. Engelman. As a matter of fact, oily scalps can actually lead to scalp acne, which happens when hair follicles on your scalp become blocked with oil and dead skin cells, causing inflammation and infection. Dr. Engelman loves this pick because it’s gentle but still deeply cleans with hemisqualane and bisabolol, ingredients that will soothe the scalp but won’t clog pores. “This one provides a thorough cleanse without a stripping feeling,” she adds.
- Ingredient highlights: Squalane, bisabolol, moringa
- Smells like: Fresh
- Safe for color-treated hair: Yes
- Size: 8.6 fl oz
- Hair type: All hair types
Best Shampoo with Apple Cider Vinegar: dpHUE ACV Soothing Shampoo
Dr. Engelman also recommends this purifying shampoo for oily hair and scalp types because of one special (and sometimes referred to as magic) ingredient: apple cider vinegar. ACV has become a favorite of dermatologists and hairstylists alike because it naturally detoxes the skin and has antimicrobial properties. “This shampoo helps unclog hair follicles and balance pH levels,” she says. It also contains peptides and hyaluronic acid to help keep hair healthy and hydrated without wearing it down.
- Ingredient highlights: Apple cider vinegar, ginger root
- Smells like: Apple cider vinegar
- Safe for color-treated hair: Yes
- Size: 8.5
- Hair type: All hair types
Best Anti-Dandruff Shampoo: Vichy Dercos Sulfide Anti Dandruff Shampoo
“If you’re looking for an OTC shampoo option that can help mitigate flakes, try this oil-control shampoo with medicinal benefits,” says Khayutin. “It has sebum-regulating ingredients like salicylic acid and selenium disulfide to help control oil production on the scalp and reduce greasiness over time.” This one is a great pick if you’re looking for lasting results, as it helps address root causes of dandruff and flakes.
- Ingredient highlights: Salicylic acid, selenium DS
- Smells like: Mint and menthol
- Safe for color-treated hair: Yes
- Size: 6.7 fl oz
- Hair type: All hair types; particularly good for sensitive scalps
Best Drugstore: Biolage Scalp Sync Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
This pick is one that Dr. Garshick recommends to her patients who deal with dandruff and an oily scalp because it’s effective and affordable. “Formulated with zinc pyrithione, glycolic acid, and fermented tea extract, this shampoo is effective for managing oil production and addressing scalp concerns like redness, flaking, and itching due to seborrheic dermatitis,” she says. Dr. Garshick also notes that it’s considered safe during pregnancy, as hormonal changes can sometimes cause excess oiliness at this time. “It offers a soothing cleanse that helps balance an oily scalp at a reasonable price,” she says.
- Ingredient highlights: Zinc pyrithione, glycolic acid
- Smells like: Bergamot, mandarin, musk, sandalwood
- Safe for color-treated hair: Yes
- Size: 13.5 fl oz
- Hair type: All hair types
