The 33 Best Shampoos and Conditioners for Oily Scalp (Daily Washes, Dry Shampoo, Dandruff Treatment, and Clarifiers)
Products
Considered
Hours
of Research
Reviews
Examined
How can you stop getting greasy hair?
The way you wash it can make all the difference.
That’s why today we’ll review the best shampoos and conditioners for oily hair.
Then you’ll turn those lank locks into lustrous tresses.
Klorane Shampoo with Nettle
- Lemon-scented powerful shampoo
- Infused with jojoba and peach kernel oil
- Works great with hair loss and breakage
L’Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Clay Rebalancing Shampoo
- Long-lasting effects
- Packed with beneficial vitamins and nutrients
- Combies 3 types of clays
L’Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Clay Rebalancing Conditioner
- Gentle formula for sensitive skin
- Works great by using once a week
- Removes the buildup of excessive sebum
What causes oily scalp?
There are several reasons why your scalp is oily even if your hair is dry.
For example, you could have seborrheic dermatitis. It’s basically dandruff (1).
Sometimes it’s caused by an allergic reaction.
The irritation sends your sebaceous glands into overdrive producing excess oil.
In fact, washing too often or using hair care products with harsh chemicals can also make for too much grease.
Or you could just run in your family to have an oily scalp.
Hormonal fluctuations can cause oily hair (2).
And so can using a dirty hairbrush or sleeping on a dirty pillowcase.
High humidity aggravates the problem, and so does a diet lacking in Vitamin B.
But you can’t always control most of these factors.
What you can do, however, is switch to a better shampoo and conditioner.
What kind of shampoos and conditioners are best for oily hair?
When you shop, look for shampoos and conditioners without silicone or oils.
One easy rule of thumb is to choose translucent instead of creamy products.
You might find that natural remedies like tea tree oil and apple cider vinegar help clarify your hair.
Some people have luck treating their oily hair with baking soda for a few minutes before they shampoo.
Then, you can apply a dry shampoo on the days that you don’t want to wash.
As for conditioner, try putting it only on the ends instead of on the scalp and roots.
When you blow-dry, use the cool setting.
And experiment with astringents on your scalp. These include witch hazel, lemon juice, tea, and vinegar. Massage one into the skin after you step out of the shower.
Finally, take a break from styling and color treatments to help your scalp get back to normal.
Let’s get started with the kinds of shampoos and conditioners you can use every day to keep your hair fresh and clean.
Daily Shampoos
If your hair has a lot of build-up from styling products or flakes from dandruff, skip down to the relevant sections in the article.
Meanwhile, let’s look at the top shampoos for oily hair.
1. Klorane Shampoo with Nettle
Product Overview
Did you know that nettle naturally controls oil? It has a component that reduces sebum production so that your hair and scalp is less oily.
- Reduces sebum production
- Makes your hair and scalp less oily
- Packed with beneficial vitamins
- Moisturizing and hydrating formula
Although this shampoo doesn’t make a lot of suds, it has a diehard fan base.
Pros
- Reduces sebum production
- Gets rid of styling products buildups
- Makes your hair shiny
The Cons
- Can be too drying
2. L’Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Clay Rebalancing Shampoo
Product Overview
Without a doubt, the best drugstore shampoo for oily hair is made by L’Oreal. The Elvive Clay Rebalancing Shampoo is perfect when you have an oily scalp.
It works so well that you can go to days between washes.
- Soaks up the excess oil
- Contains three clays
- Infused with salicylic acid
- Unclogs pores
The magic happens because of the three clays it contains. They soak up excess oil and draw out impurities.
But at the same time, the formula doesn’t dry out strands.
It also has salicylic acid to unclog pores and reduce inflammation.
Pros
- Reduces inflammation
- Gets rid of impurities
- Works great between washes
The Cons
- Needs a good conditioner
3. L’Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Clay Rebalancing Conditioner
Product Overview
Of course, the best drugstore conditioner for oily hair is the companion product from L’Oreal. It works in conjunction with the Rebalancing Shampoo, but you can use it alongside a dandruff shampoo, too.
- Free of silicones and sulfates
- Fights the dandruff
- Works great with color-treated hair
- Hydrates and moisturizes
Both products are free of silicone so they don’t weigh down your locks. And both are safe for color-treated hair.
The conditioner hydrates the tips of your hair without making it greasy.
Pros
- Doesn’t make your hair greasy
- Gets rid of oils
- Reduces dandruff and eczema
The Cons
- Can be too oily
4. Mario Badescu All Purpose Egg Shampoo
Product Overview
Some of us were too young to have heard about egg shampoo. But Mario Badescu is all about building on Old World traditions with innovative science.
Although the egg shampoo is made specifically for oily scalps, it’s perfect. It lifts away impurities and washes away grease to leave a greasy hair squeaky clean.
- Infused with egg extracts
- Packed with vitamins
- Contains essential oils
Furthermore, it has practically no scent at all.
Pros
- Washes away the grease
- Leaves your hair squeaky clean
- Has no scent at all
The Cons
- Doesn’t work great with dry hair
5. Biolage Scalpsync Cooling Mint Shampoo For Oily Scalp
Product Overview
Biolage makes an excellent salon shampoo for oily hair.
It features mint leaf, which is naturally soothing and antibacterial.
- Infused with mint extracts
- Packed with essential oils
- Contains conditioning ingredients
As you wash with it, you’ll feel a pleasant tingle.
Feel free to use this product on any hair type, including curly and wavy.
Pros
- Works great with any type of hair
- Has antibacterial properties
- Soothes your hair and scalp
The Cons
- Can be too minty
6. Biolage Scalpsync Conditioner
Product Overview
Biolage’s Scalpsync Conditioner reduces frizz and repairs split ends. It also calms irritated scalps.
- Infused with mint
- Maintains healthy, nourishing hair
- Perfect for irritated scalp
- Reduces frizz and split ends
Use it along with the Biolage mint shampoo to reduce oiliness and still maintain healthy, nourished hair.
Pros
- Repairs breakage
- Reduces split ends and frizz
- Calms irritated scalps
The Cons
- Cam be too soothing
7. Kerastase Bain Divalent Shampoo
Product Overview
One of the best shampoos for oily scalp and dry ends is made by Kerastase.
It balances the moisture in your hair and skin. Regular use keeps the hair shiny and free of tangles.
- Balances moisture for hair and skin
- Keeps your hair shiny
- Perfect for oily scalps
- Keeps dry ends oily
If you have oily hair, but not dry, damaged strands, don’t be afraid of the sodium laureth sulfate in this shampoo (3).
It’s a surfactant that lathers away excess oil.
Pros
- Keeps your hair moisturized
- Makes your hair tangles free
- Lathers away excess oil
The Cons
- Has sodium laureth sulfate
8. Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two
Product Overview
Another of the best salon shampoos for oily hair is made by Paul Mitchell.
“Two “ is color-safe, and it adds body and shine to lank, dull hair.
- Infused with jojoba oil
- Contains aloe vera
- Has ginger roots extracts
- Gets rid of extra grease
It won’t strip away essential moisture, but it will get rid of extra grease.
Some of the key ingredients include aloe, jojoba, and ginger.
Pros
- Works great with dull hair
- Won’t strip away essential moisture
- Hydrates and moisturizes
The Cons
- Can overdry your hair
9. Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Shampoo
Product Overview
Here’s another drugstore shampoo for oily scalp. This version of Garnier’s Fructis lineup is free of parabens and silicone.
What’s more, it’s vegan.
- Packed with beneficial nutrients
- Infused with vitamin B3 and B6
- Vegan and cruelty-free formula
- Drugstore shampoo for oily hair
The formula is packed with vitamins B3 and E 6 plus plant extracts.
Pros
- Keeps your hair oil-free
- Doesn’t strip away hair moisture
- Based on plant extracts
The Cons
- Contains some chemicals
10. Garnier Hair Care Fructis Pure Clean Conditioner
Product Overview
We know that not everyone with oily hair likes to use conditioner.
But if you style your hair, you should be moisturizing the ends, at least.
- 94% biodegradable and free of silicone
- Infused with plant proteins
- Works great with all types of hair
- Fortifies your hair follicles
Garnier’s Pure Clean Conditioner is 94% biodegradable and free of silicone. It uses plant proteins to fortify the hair without creating build-up.
Pros
- Deeply cleanses your hair
- Doesn’t strip your hair moisture
- Fortifies your hair and scalp
The Cons
- Can be too drying
11. Acure Vivacious Volume Shampoo With Peppermint & Echinacea
Product Overview
What shampoo is good for thin oily hair?
This one from Acure fits the bill.
You can use the Vivacious Volume shampoo every day if you like. It’s gentle enough to use daily unlike most clarifying shampoos.
- Infused with peppermint
- Contains echinacea
- Has pumpkin seed
- Based on plant extracts
It’s also free of sulfates and parabens and doesn’t contain any ingredients derived from animals.
What it does have is peppermint, echinacea, and pumpkin seed. Users say that it leaves their hair looking and feeling healthy. They have volume and shine.
Plus, grease stays away throughout the day.
Pros
- Gentle enough cleansing
- Doesn’t contain sulfates and parabens
- Grease stays away throughout the day
The Cons
- Doesn’t have the best scent
12. ACURE Vivacious Volume Conditioner
Product Overview
Here’s the conditioner that accompanies the shampoo above. It’s packed with natural ingredients and steers clear of chemicals like parabens, sulfates, paraffin, and formaldehyde.
- Packed with natural ingredients
- Loaded with vitamins
- Doesn’t contain chemicals
Users comment that it makes their hair feel refreshed and light, but not dry.
Pros
- Refreshes your hair
- Makes our hair stronger
- Doesn’t dry out your hair
The Cons
- Can be too oily
13. Maple Holistics Daily Shampoo for Color-Treated Hair and Oily Scalp
Product Overview
One of the best natural shampoos for oily hair invigorates your scalp with spearmint, peppermint, bergamot, and eucalyptus.
The herb and mint fragrance appeals to both women and men.
- Infused with jojoba oil
- Contains peach kernel oil
- Lemon-scented shampoo
- Prevents hair loss and breakage
If you tend to have an itchy scalp, try this product. It also helps control frizz.
Obviously, it’s free of parabens, sulfates, and silicone.
Pros
- Repairs broken locks
- Deep cleanses your hair and scalp
- Gets rid of the greasy appearance
The Cons
- Has silicones
14. Aveeno Scalp Soothing Apple Cider Vinegar Blend Shampoo
Product Overview
Aveeno combines the power of oats and apple cider vinegar for this shampoo.
It lathers away oil without stripping moisture.
- Infused with apple cider vinegar
- Long-lasting effects
- Healthy-looking hair
- Combines a shampoo and a conditioner
Meanwhile, the soothing ingredients calm your scalp and make your curls shiny and soft.
Happily, it smells fresh and clean, not like vinegar at all.
Pros
- Soaks up all the excessive oils
- Gets rid of dried ends
- Reduces the moisture
The Cons
- Causes loosening in your curls
15. Puracy Natural Daily Shampoo, Citrus and Mint
Product Overview
Lather away the grease with Puracy’s appealing natural shampoo. It’s hypoallergenic, vegan, and biodegradable. Plus, it’s made in the USA without harsh ingredients.
So how is it that a shampoo without sulfates and salicylates can work so well on oily scalps?
- Gentle formula
- Perfect for sensitive scalp
- Designed to be non-irritating
- Can be used once a week
We imagine that it’s the result of hard work as they call this their “next-generation formula.”
Pros
- Removes all build-ups
- Makes your hair good-looking
- Doesn’t strip all natural moisture
The Cons
- Has silicones
16. Maple Holistics Natural Shampoo Oily Scalp – Moisture Control Balance
Product Overview
Lank and limp hair gets a boost when you wash with this product. It has ingredients like rosemary and cypress that block hair loss.
It also has jojoba to care for the scalp and calm surplus oil production.
- Infused with apple cider vinegar
- Contains oat milk
- Uses no harsh chemicals
- Natural remedy for oily scalps
Try it, and if you don’t like it, the manufacturer offers a full refund.
Pros
- Cleanses your scalp and hair
- Removes all residue buildups
- Soothes the scalp properly
The Cons
- Can dry out your hair
17. American Crew American Crew Daily Shampoo
Product Overview
Possibly the best men’s shampoo for oily hair is made by American Crew. It’s one of the best brands for men’s grooming products.
- Suitable for all types of hair
- Charcoal-infused formula
- Works great for color-treated hair
- Doesn’t strip your hair from natural oil
Even if you’re not a fan of the bourbon fragrance, you’ll love how it cleanses well without drying out the hair.
Pros
- Makes your hair vibrant again
- Purifies and deeply cleanses
- Gets rid of buildups and sebum
The Cons
- Can cause hair falling
18. TBH Kids Oil-Controlling Shampoo
Product Overview
Tweenagers that are just entering puberty need this shampoo. It has a light scent that appeals to girls and boys.
It will turn greasy locks into a manageable, soft and shiny mane. Plus, it’s free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, soy, nuts, and gluten.
- Infused with tea tree oil
- Contains argan oil
- Packed with vitamins and nutrients
- Contains lavender oil
The formula has natural extracts like quinoa, nettle, and sage to slow down oil production and help banish pimples.
Pros
- Repairs damaged hair
- Deeply nourishes your hair
- Fights dandruff and itchy scalps
The Cons
- Has sulfates
19. Avoid Breakouts- TEENOLOGY Vanilla Almond Shampoo
Product Overview
Teens struggling with acne will benefit from the Teenology shampoo and conditioner.
Both are free of oils, parabens, and sulfates. Therefore, they won’t cause zits or dry out the hair or scalp.
- Perfect for color-treated hair
- Removes residue buildups
- Doesn’t excessively dry your scalp
Moreover, they are Leaping Bunny-certified.
The shampoo features Vitamin B5 that repairs split ends and comfrey to clear up blemishes.
Pros
- Moisturizes and nourishes your hair
- Works best with dried out scalps
- Protects against sun and heat-styling
The Cons
- Contains paraffin and mineral oil
20. TEENOLOGY Vanilla Almond Conditioner
Product Overview
The Teenology conditioner prevents tangling and knots and balances moisture in the hair and scalp.
If you don’t love the vanilla almond fragrance, they have other options. Choose from tasty blueberry pomegranate, soothing chocolate mint, or rejuvenating café mocha.
- pH balanced formula
- All-natural ingredients used
- Reduces the appearance of greasy hair
(By the way, there’s no problem using these products if you’re an adult!)
Pros
- Moisturizes and cleanses your skin
- Leaves your hair nice and soft
- Improves your hairs manageability and body
The Cons
- Works bad with oily hairs
21. Everyone Hair Balance Conditioner
Product Overview
You might be familiar with the Everyone shampoo. But did you know that you can use their conditioner with other brands?
The problem we found with some dandruff shampoos, for example, is that they don’t come with a conditioner.
- Infused with charcoal
- Removes all the impurities
- Makes your hair beautiful
- Perfect for oily hair
If you have an oily scalp but dry hair, that’s no good. You need a conditioner.
So pick up this mild moisturizer for your hair. It has a subtle fragrance and hydrates without weighing down the strands.
Pros
- Provides immediate comfort for dried out scalps
- Leaves an amazing scent
- Leaves your hair bouncy and lustrous
The Cons
- Has parabens, artificial dyes and fragrances
22. Truss Equilibrium Conditioner For Oily Hair & Scalp with Dry Ends
Product Overview
You might also enjoy this conditioner that balances the pH of your scalp. If your scalp is pH-balanced, it’s less likely to produce excess sebum.
- Infused with peppermint
- Contains pyrithione zinc
- Purifies and deeply cleanses
- Fights dandruff and flakes
Truss’ hair moisturizer adds shine and fixes split ends.
Pros
- Reduces inflammation and irritation
- Leaves your hair silky smooth
- Prevents hair loss and encourages hair growth
The Cons
- Makes your hair frizz
Dry shampoo
What if you have oily roots but don’t want to wash your hair every day?
Then you should try dry shampoo.
23. L’Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Clay Dry Shampoo
Product Overview
L’Oreal created this dry shampoo with three refined clays that soak up extra oil.
Use it to freshen up after you exercise if you don’t have time for a shower. Or it can take up the slack on the days you don’t want to wash your hair.
- Gently purifies and cleanses
- Doesn’t strip natural oils
- Hydrating and nourishing properties
On the bright side, it won’t leave a residue. That’s a big selling point for dry shampoo as many people are afraid that will make them look like they have dandruff.
Just spray it directly onto the roots and brush it through the strands.
Pros
- Has an antimicrobial and healing effect
- Protects and nourishes the scalp
- Helps keeping a natural balance of the scalp
The Cons
- An unpleasant fragrance
24. Batiste Dry Shampoo, Original
Product Overview
Batiste is one of the most popular brands of dry shampoo. They offer a variety of fragrances.
We selected the original formula.
Most users found that it perked up their oily, dull hair.
- pH balanced formula
- Packed with beneficial nutrients
- Contains high level of vitamins
A few complained that they noticed a white residue. To fix that problem, spray a light layer on the roots and brush well until the shampoo disappears.
This formula has a powder, lavender, and musk scent.
Pros
- Works great with color-treated or relaxed hair
- Moisturizes the scalp
- Refreshes your dull, dry hair
The Cons
- Overwhelming perfume
25. Not Your Mother’s Clean Freak Tapioca Dry Shampoo
Product Overview
The tapioca version of this brand’s dry shampoo is especially pleasant to use.
It literally uses tapioca starch to reduce shine and add body without leaving a residue.
- Packed with beneficial nutrients
- Deep moisturizing effects
- Works great with sensitive skin
Moreover, it has a delicious warm sugar fragrance that fades quickly to a slight vanilla scent.
Pros
- Boosts shine and moisturize
- Repairs damaged hairs
- Can be used before getting a weave
The Cons
- Has sulfates and artificial fragrance
Clarifying
When you use styling products or shampoos with silicone, you end up with a build-up of gunk on your hair and scalp.
In time, this can worsen the problem of an oily scalp.
The solution is to wash with a clarifying shampoo every couple of weeks or once a month. Then you’ll maintain healthy hair with natural body and shine.
You’ll also help your scalp detoxify and breathe.
26. OGX Purifying + Charcoal Detox Shampoo
Product Overview
The OGX charcoal shampoo draws out impurities from your scalp. It has coconut charcoal and kaolin clay to detoxify your skin.
After only one use, you should notice an improvement. Even individual hairs will feel shiny and clean, not stripped and dry.
- Suited for all types of hair
- Infused with tea tree oil
- Contains peppermint oil
- Deep nourishing and soothing properties
Also, this is a shampoo that’s free of sulfates.
Pros
- Perfectly moisturizes and nourishes your skin
- It’s safe for color-treated hair
- Works great with sensitive skin
The Cons
- Uses silicones
27. Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo
Product Overview
Neutrogena’s clarifying shampoo has been clinically tested and proven to work. It takes away up to 90% of residue caused by hair care products. And to enjoy these results, you only need to use it once a week.
- Infused with apple cider vinegar
- Protects against damage and breakage
- Stops excessive oil production
- Improves the texture of your hair
They recommend it for any hair type even if you’ve had a color treatment or your hair is thin. The shampoo will improve volume and manageability.
Pros
- Does great with frizziness
- Works great with any hair type
- Protects against sun and heat damage
The Cons
- Can strip the natural oils
28. Maple Holistics Natural Clarifying Shampoo for Oily Hair and Scalp
Product Overview
Here’s another shampoo that promises to purify your hair and scalp with activated charcoal.
There’s also sage, which is a natural antiseptic that treats hair loss.
- Deep cleansing properties
- Gentle enough for sensitive scalps
- Can be used on daily basis
- Reduces damage and breakage
Something that might give you pause, though, are the oils. It has sweet almond, jojoba, and avocado oil. Fortunately, these are useful for strengthening the hair.
If you’re concerned that the shampoo might not work for you, it comes with a money-back guarantee.
Pros
- Has detox effects
- Leaves a nice, pleasant scent
- Relieves itchy and irritated scalps
The Cons
- It makes your hair flat
29. Degrease Shampoo for Oily Hair & Oily Scalp by Maple Holistics
Product Overview
The Degrease Shampoo might be a better option. It treats dandruff and hair loss with rosemary and jojoba.
- Formulated with 3 different clays
- Fresh looking hair for 48 hours
- Reduces the oil production
- Purifies and detoxifies
At the same time, lemon essential oil naturally clarifies and removes excess oil.
Pros
- Cleans your hair and makes it better-looking
- Moisturizes and nourishes your scalp
- Provides all the nutrients for a healthy scalp and hair
The Cons
- Needs a nice conditioner
Dandruff
You might think that only people with dry scalps have dandruff, but regrettably, that’s not true.
Dandruff and oily scalp often go hand in hand. But if you solve one, you’re likely to fix the other problem as well.
30. Neutrogena T/Gel Anti-Dandruff Shampoo for Greasy Hair
Product Overview
What shampoo is good for oily hair and dandruff?
Neutrogena’s T/Gel, of course.
The active ingredient is coal tar. That may sound harsh until you hear the details.
- Unique formula
- Reduces static hair
- Controls the production of oil
It’s only 0.5% coal tar, and it comes from a laboratory-made extract.
The tar acts to clear up psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis.
Even after only one wash, you’ll notice that your hair and scalp are less greasy.
Pros
- Leaves your hair easy to detangle
- Fixes split ends and broken hairs
- Helps with itchy, flaking scabs
The Cons
- Not the best choice for dry hair
31. Head and Shoulders Shampoo, Clinical Strength Seborrheic Dermatitis Treatment
Product Overview
Head and Shoulders clears up dandruff with a different ingredient – 1% selenium sulfide.
This component gets rid of a fungus that causes dandruff. After you wash, the shampoo continues to have a positive effect for up to a week.
- Uses no harsh chemicals
- Vegan-friendly option
- Infused with aloe vera
- Reduces the production of natural oil
It also stops the itching.
Pros
- Gently cleanses your scalp
- Leaves no excessive oil
- Repairs damaged hair
The Cons
- Can be too drying
32. Neutrogena T/Sal Shampoo
Product Overview
Neutrogena’s T/Sal has 3% salicylic acid. It unclogs pores and loosens scaly skin.
- Infused with tea tree oil
- Has an unique formula
- Non-irritating ingredients only
For best results, leave it on your head for a few minutes before you rinse.
Pros
- Deeply cleanses your skin
- Doesn’t leave your hair looking greasy
- Controls and balances oil production
The Cons
- Doesn’t have a pleasant smell
33. Davines Purifying Shampoo
Product Overview
Why not try an Italian-made dandruff shampoo? Davines doesn’t include harsh ingredients like parabens or sulfates.
But they do use a mild amount of selenium sulfide to resolve the itching and flaking.
- Works great against dandruff
- Resolves the itching
- Great for flakes
If other dandruff shampoos have been too harsh and drying, you might find this is just what you need.
Pros
- Deeply moisturizing and hydration
- Mild cleansing
- Doesn’t include harsh chemicals
The Cons
- Contains sulfates
Conclusion
You may have a naturally oily scalp and hair, but it doesn’t have to look like it.
When you use the shampoo and conditioner, your hair will have natural shine and bounce. It will feel and smell fresher for longer.
If you discovered a new shampoo or conditioner day that you love using, tell us about it in the comments below.
Klorane Shampoo with Nettle
Lemon-scented powerful shampoo
Infused with jojoba and peach kernel oil
Works great with hair loss and breakage
Aida
Founder & Hair Beauty Specialist
I’m Aida and this is my blog where I write mostly about beauty and make up related stuff, but I like to spice it up a bit with lifestyle and photography posts. Or with whatever that comes to my mind. Hope you will enjoy the reading enough that we will ‘see’ each other more often!
Sources:
1. https://www.healthline.com/health/oily-scalp by Tim Jewell, published October 4, 2019, accessed November 29, 2019
2.https://www.rd.com/beauty/greasy-hair/ by Hana Hong, accessed November 29, 2019
3. https://www.healthline.com/health/oily-scalp by Tim Jewell, published October 4, 2019, accessed November 29, 2019