Now that you know which ingredients to look out for — and which to avoid — the next step is to adjust your washing frequency. “For an oily scalp, I recommend more frequent shampooing, up to once a day,” Dr. Birnbaum previously told Allure. All of this really depends on your hair type and texture, though. For example, Dr. Birnbaum explained that those with curly hair might be able to get away with less frequent shampooing — once per week — while folks with finer hair may need to shampoo more often. Everyone is different, so do a test run for a few weeks to see how your hair responds to a new regimen. Before jumping into a fresh washday routine, get your shampoo options in order. We tapped several experts to find the best shampoos for oily hair that’ll leave your scalp and hair feeling cleaner than ever.
- Best Overall: Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo
Price: $18 - Best for Buildup: Bumble and Bumble Sunday Shampoo
Price: $32 - Best for Color-Treated Hair: AG Care Balance Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo
Price: $34 - Best for Flat, Limp Hair: Matrix Total Results High Amplify Volumizing Shampoo
Price: $18 - Best Waterless Formula: Klorane 2-in-1 Mask Shampoo Powder With Organic Nettle and Clay
Price: $24 - Best Shampoo for Damaged Hair: Olaplex No.4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo
Price: $30 - Best for Dry, Itchy Scalps: Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo
Price: $42 - Best Soothing Sensation: Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo
Price: N/A - Best for Natural Textures: Carol’s Daughter Wash Day Delight Water-to-Foam Shampoo
Price: N/A - Best Plastic-Free Packaging: Ethique St. Clements Shampoo Bar
Price: N/A - Best for Aromatherapy: Philip B Peppermint Avocado Shampoo
Price: N/A - Best Shampoo Stick: Write Your Own Story The Mane Event Daily Shampoo Stick
Price: N/A - Best Hypoallergenic Formula: Nécessaire The Shampoo
Price: N/A - Best for Infrequent Washers: Kérastase Specifique Shampoo for Oily Scalp
Price: N/A - Best for Fine Hair: Oribe Shampoo for Magnificent Volume
Price: N/A - Best Micellar Formula: Aveda Rosemary Mint Purifying Shampoo
Price: N/A
Descriptions:
1. Best Overall: Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo
Paul Mitchell’s Tea Tree Special Shampoo combines tea tree oil, peppermint, and lavender for a zingy, get-your-scalp-right kind of clean. It helps wash away dirt and oil and is made for all hair types, too.
2. Best for Buildup: Bumble and Bumble Sunday Shampoo
Board-certified dermatologist James Y. Wang, MD of Metropolis Dermatology in Los Angeles says the Bumble and Bumble Sunday Shampoo is one of the best cleansing shampoos on the market. “This shampoo uses ginseng root and sage leaf extract to clean the hair, allowing for a deeper cleanse,” he says.
3. Best for Color-Treated Hair: AG Care Balance Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo
The AG Care Balance Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo is the right pick for those who want to ditch color-stripping sulfates. It has a gentle yet effective formula that cleanses without over-stripping hair of oils and color.
4. Best for Flat, Limp Hair: Matrix Total Results High Amplify Volumizing Shampoo
Matrix’s Total Results High Amplify Volumizing Shampoo cleanses, strengthens, and adds buoyancy to flat hair. It contains ingredients like hydrolyzed wheat protein for repairing damaged hair and salicylic acid for deep exfoliation.
5. Best Waterless Formula: Klorane 2-in-1 Mask Shampoo Powder With Organic Nettle and Clay
Klorane’s 2-in-1 Mask Shampoo Powder transforms into a thick, creamy foam when mixed with water. It contains oil-absorbing ingredients like nettle and clay to minimize the appearance of greasy hair.
6. Best Shampoo for Damaged Hair: Olaplex No.4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo
Olaplex’s No.4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo is infused with the brand’s signature bond-building technology. It deeply cleans and leaves the hair feeling baby-soft.
7. Best for Dry, Itchy Scalps: Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo
Briogeo’s Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo draws impurities from the hair follicle, stimulates the roots, and jumpstarts hair growth. It is especially beneficial for those with dry, itchy scalps.
8. Best Soothing Sensation: Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo
Paul Mitchell’s Tea Tree Special Shampoo provides a soothing effect on itchy scalps, thanks to hydrating glycerin. It is a refreshing and cleansing option.
9. Best for Natural Textures: Carol’s Daughter Wash Day Delight Water-to-Foam Shampoo
Carol’s Daughter Wash Day Delight Shampoo gently removes oil and build-up without stripping the scalp of moisture. It contains ingredients like micellar water, glycerin, salicylic acid, and aloe.
10. Best Plastic-Free Packaging: Ethique St. Clements Shampoo Bar
Ethique St. Clements Shampoo Bar is designed specifically for oily hair. It is formulated with nourishing ingredients like castor oil and cocoa butter, without harsh foaming agents.
11. Best for Aromatherapy: Philip B Peppermint Avocado Shampoo
Philip B’s Peppermint Avocado Shampoo provides a refreshing and cleansing experience. It is especially great for wavy to curly hair types.
12. Best Shampoo Stick: Write Your Own Story The Mane Event Daily Shampoo Stick
Write Your Own Story The Mane Event Daily Shampoo Stick is a paraben- and sulfate-free option. Its stick format allows for easy targeting of oily areas and reduces overall product waste.
13. Best Hypoallergenic Formula: Nécessaire The Shampoo
Nécessaire The Shampoo is hypoallergenic and noncomedogenic. It contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, vitamin B5, and aloe extract for moisturizing and strengthening hair.
14. Best for Infrequent Washers: Kérastase Specifique Shampoo for Oily Scalp
Kérastase Specifique Shampoo helps treat excessive sebum production, along with the scalp. It is enhanced with glycine, which helps regulate oil production and prolongs the time between washes.
15. Best for Fine Hair: Oribe Shampoo for Magnificent Volume
Oribe Shampoo for Magnificent Volume adds volume to fine hair. It contains moisturizing fruit and botanical extracts, as well as moringa seed extract to remove pollution and strengthen brittle hair.
16. Best Micellar Formula: Aveda Rosemary Mint Purifying Shampoo
Aveda Rosemary Mint Purifying Shampoo uses micelles and white vinegar to remove buildup and clarify the scalp. It provides a refreshing sensation.