The 8 Best Shampoos for Oily Hair, Tested by PEOPLE

In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleOur Top PicksReviewsAdd to CartWhat to KnowBehind the ScenesFAQWhy Trust PEOPLE?What Is PEOPLE Tested?

In This ArticleView All

In This Article

View All

Our Top Picks

Reviews

Add to Cart

What to Know

Behind the Scenes

FAQ

Why Trust PEOPLE?

What Is PEOPLE Tested?

Photo:People / Kristin Kempa

People / Kristin Kempa

We all want hair that looks and feels shiny and well-nourished. And those with oily hair types know all too well how frustrating it can be to wash your hair one day and wake up with oily strands the next morning. Whether you have hair that naturally leans toward the oily side or are dealing with some pesky product buildup, the right shampoo formula can make a major difference in your haircare woes.

Experts Say

We researched dozens of shampoos for oily hair and put 15 to test in the real world to determine which shampoos work best at removing excess oil, product buildup, and more. We tracked how our hair felt before and after each wash, how well the shampoo performed, and how well it absorbed oil.

Keep reading to discover the best shampoos for oily hair that PEOPLE Tested.

Our Top PicksBest Overall:Nécessaire Shampoo at Amazon$30Jump to ReviewBest Budget:Kristin Ess Clarifying Shampoo at Amazon$12Jump to ReviewBest for Fine Hair:AG Care Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo at Amazon$34Jump to ReviewBest for Treated Hair:Redken Hair Cleansing Cream Clarifying Shampoo at Amazon$27Jump to ReviewBest for Curly Hair:Shaz & Kiks Clay Hair Cleanser at Shazandkiks.comJump to ReviewBest for Frizzy Hair:Living Proof PHD Triple Detox Shampoo at Spacenk.comJump to ReviewBest Detoxing:Bumble and bumble Sunday Shampoo at Amazon$35Jump to ReviewBest Volumizing:Ouai Detox Shampoo at Amazon$32Jump to ReviewBest Scalp Scrub:Briogeo Scalp Revival Micro-Exfoliating Scalp Scrub Shampoo at Nordstrom$42Jump to ReviewBest Scalp Massager:Leonor Greyl Massaging Scalp Brush at Amazon$28Jump to Review

Best Overall:Nécessaire Shampoo at Amazon$30Jump to ReviewBest Budget:Kristin Ess Clarifying Shampoo at Amazon$12Jump to ReviewBest for Fine Hair:AG Care Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo at Amazon$34Jump to ReviewBest for Treated Hair:Redken Hair Cleansing Cream Clarifying Shampoo at Amazon$27Jump to ReviewBest for Curly Hair:Shaz & Kiks Clay Hair Cleanser at Shazandkiks.comJump to ReviewBest for Frizzy Hair:Living Proof PHD Triple Detox Shampoo at Spacenk.comJump to ReviewBest Detoxing:Bumble and bumble Sunday Shampoo at Amazon$35Jump to ReviewBest Volumizing:Ouai Detox Shampoo at Amazon$32Jump to ReviewBest Scalp Scrub:Briogeo Scalp Revival Micro-Exfoliating Scalp Scrub Shampoo at Nordstrom$42Jump to ReviewBest Scalp Massager:Leonor Greyl Massaging Scalp Brush at Amazon$28Jump to Review

Best Overall:Nécessaire Shampoo at Amazon$30Jump to Review

Best Overall:Nécessaire Shampoo at Amazon$30

Best Overall:

Best Budget:Kristin Ess Clarifying Shampoo at Amazon$12Jump to Review

Best Budget:Kristin Ess Clarifying Shampoo at Amazon$12

Best Budget:

Best for Fine Hair:AG Care Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo at Amazon$34Jump to Review

Best for Fine Hair:AG Care Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo at Amazon$34

Best for Fine Hair:

Best for Treated Hair:Redken Hair Cleansing Cream Clarifying Shampoo at Amazon$27Jump to Review

Best for Treated Hair:Redken Hair Cleansing Cream Clarifying Shampoo at Amazon$27

Best for Treated Hair:

Best for Curly Hair:Shaz & Kiks Clay Hair Cleanser at Shazandkiks.comJump to Review

Best for Curly Hair:Shaz & Kiks Clay Hair Cleanser at Shazandkiks.com

Best for Curly Hair:

Best for Frizzy Hair:Living Proof PHD Triple Detox Shampoo at Spacenk.comJump to Review

Best for Frizzy Hair:Living Proof PHD Triple Detox Shampoo at Spacenk.com

Best for Frizzy Hair:

Best Detoxing:Bumble and bumble Sunday Shampoo at Amazon$35Jump to Review

Best Detoxing:Bumble and bumble Sunday Shampoo at Amazon$35

Best Detoxing:

Best Volumizing:Ouai Detox Shampoo at Amazon$32Jump to Review

Best Volumizing:Ouai Detox Shampoo at Amazon$32

Best Volumizing:

Best Scalp Scrub:Briogeo Scalp Revival Micro-Exfoliating Scalp Scrub Shampoo at Nordstrom$42Jump to Review

Best Scalp Scrub:Briogeo Scalp Revival Micro-Exfoliating Scalp Scrub Shampoo at Nordstrom$42

Best Scalp Scrub:

Best Scalp Massager:Leonor Greyl Massaging Scalp Brush at Amazon$28Jump to Review

Best Scalp Massager:Leonor Greyl Massaging Scalp Brush at Amazon$28

Best Scalp Massager:

Best OverallNécessaire ShampooPHOTO: Sephora$30 at Amazon$30 at SephoraView on Necessaire.comOur RatingsFeel5/5Performance5/5Oil Absorption5/5

Best OverallNécessaire Shampoo

Best Overall

Nécessaire Shampoo

PHOTO: Sephora

$30 at Amazon$30 at SephoraView on Necessaire.com

Our RatingsFeel5/5Performance5/5Oil Absorption5/5

Our Ratings

Feel

5/5

Performance

Oil Absorption

Star QualitiesCleanses hair without stripping the scalpFragrance-free formula is ideal for sensitive scalpsNourishing for hair and skinReduces itchinessRed FlagsNot a clarifying shampoo, so it works better as an everyday option

Star QualitiesCleanses hair without stripping the scalpFragrance-free formula is ideal for sensitive scalpsNourishing for hair and skinReduces itchiness

Cleanses hair without stripping the scalp

Fragrance-free formula is ideal for sensitive scalps

Nourishing for hair and skin

Reduces itchiness

Red FlagsNot a clarifying shampoo, so it works better as an everyday option

Not a clarifying shampoo, so it works better as an everyday option

Before trying this formula, we experienced extreme itchiness regularly, but with consistent use of this shampoo, that itch went away completely. It’s also fragrance-free, so it’s ideal for those with sensitive scalps. This formula would work well for anyone looking for a shampoo they can use regularly without stripping the scalp and increasing sebum production (a.k.a. excess oil).

Size:8.4 ounces |Star Ingredients:Hyaluronic acid, vitamin B3, vitamin B5, aloe vera juice |Hair Type:All

People / Donna Freydkin

The More You KnowRegular shampoos might not adequately address oily hair concerns and can lead to further issues. Dr. Henry recommends washing oily hair with a shampoo formulated for oily hair every day or every other day, depending on individual needs, lifestyle, and environmental factors.

The More You Know

Regular shampoos might not adequately address oily hair concerns and can lead to further issues. Dr. Henry recommends washing oily hair with a shampoo formulated for oily hair every day or every other day, depending on individual needs, lifestyle, and environmental factors.

Best BudgetKristin Ess Clarifying ShampooPHOTO: Ulta$12 at Amazon$12 at Target$20$12 at WalmartStar QualitiesRemoves mineral depositsGentle enough to use more than once a weekNoticeable results after three washesRed FlagsNot very moisturizingCelebrity hairstylist Kristen Ess has a client list that includesLucy Hale,Lauren Conrad, andJenna Dewan— and we loved our experience with her namesake brand’s deep clean clarifying shampoo. Formulated to remove mineral deposits, this shampoo is an excellent option for those who have hard water. We found it effective at removing excess oil and product buildup from the strands, and gentle enough to use more than once a week (which is not always the case with a clarifying formula). The shampoo is reasonably priced compared to similar products we tested and works just as well.We noticed results after the first three washes, and during six weeks of testing, we continued to see improvement in how our strands looked and felt after each use. Note that the shampoo isn’t very moisturizing, so if you have a combination hair type (especially dry ends), we recommend coupling it with a nourishing conditioner.Size:10 or 33.8 ounces |Star Ingredients:Proprietary zip-up technology |Hair Type:AllPeople / Sarah Felbin

Best BudgetKristin Ess Clarifying ShampooPHOTO: Ulta$12 at Amazon$12 at Target$20$12 at Walmart

Best BudgetKristin Ess Clarifying Shampoo

Best Budget

Kristin Ess Clarifying Shampoo

PHOTO: Ulta

$12 at Amazon$12 at Target$20$12 at Walmart

Star QualitiesRemoves mineral depositsGentle enough to use more than once a weekNoticeable results after three washesRed FlagsNot very moisturizing

Star QualitiesRemoves mineral depositsGentle enough to use more than once a weekNoticeable results after three washes

Removes mineral deposits

Gentle enough to use more than once a week

Noticeable results after three washes

Red FlagsNot very moisturizing

Not very moisturizing

Celebrity hairstylist Kristen Ess has a client list that includesLucy Hale,Lauren Conrad, andJenna Dewan— and we loved our experience with her namesake brand’s deep clean clarifying shampoo. Formulated to remove mineral deposits, this shampoo is an excellent option for those who have hard water. We found it effective at removing excess oil and product buildup from the strands, and gentle enough to use more than once a week (which is not always the case with a clarifying formula). The shampoo is reasonably priced compared to similar products we tested and works just as well.

We noticed results after the first three washes, and during six weeks of testing, we continued to see improvement in how our strands looked and felt after each use. Note that the shampoo isn’t very moisturizing, so if you have a combination hair type (especially dry ends), we recommend coupling it with a nourishing conditioner.

Size:10 or 33.8 ounces |Star Ingredients:Proprietary zip-up technology |Hair Type:All

People / Sarah Felbin

Best for Fine HairAG Care Apple Cider Vinegar ShampooPHOTO: Ulta$34 at Amazon$34 at UltaView on Ag.careOur RatingsFeel5/5Performance4.5/5Oil Absorption5/5

Best for Fine HairAG Care Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo

Best for Fine Hair

AG Care Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo

$34 at Amazon$34 at UltaView on Ag.care

Our RatingsFeel5/5Performance4.5/5Oil Absorption5/5

4.5/5

Star QualitiesLathers really wellKeeps the hair feeling fresher and cleaner for longerLightweightA little goes a long wayRed FlagsIncludes argan oil

Star QualitiesLathers really wellKeeps the hair feeling fresher and cleaner for longerLightweightA little goes a long way

Lathers really well

Keeps the hair feeling fresher and cleaner for longer

Lightweight

A little goes a long way

Red FlagsIncludes argan oil

Includes argan oil

If you have fine hair that gets a bit greasy (especially at the roots), AG Hair Balance Apple Cider Vinegar Sulfate-Free Shampoo is our top recommendation. After several weeks of testing, we found that the lightweight apple cider vinegar formula worked fantastically at lifting away excess oil and providing a natural clarifying effect without stripping the strands. We love that this shampoo lathers really well and you don’t need to use a lot to cover your hair.

Size:12 ounces or 1-liter refill |Star Ingredients:Apple cider vinegar, argan oil |Hair Type:All

Best for Treated HairRedken Hair Cleansing Cream Clarifying ShampooPHOTO: Ulta$27 at Amazon$51 at Walmart$54 at UltaOur RatingsFeel4.7/5Performance4/5Oil Absorption4/5

Best for Treated HairRedken Hair Cleansing Cream Clarifying Shampoo

Best for Treated Hair

Redken Hair Cleansing Cream Clarifying Shampoo

$27 at Amazon$51 at Walmart$54 at Ulta

Our RatingsFeel4.7/5Performance4/5Oil Absorption4/5

4.7/5

4/5

Star QualitiesEasy to spread across the scalp and hairMoisturizes while removing excess oilRed FlagsDidn’t add a noticeable amount of shine or volume

Star QualitiesEasy to spread across the scalp and hairMoisturizes while removing excess oil

Easy to spread across the scalp and hair

Moisturizes while removing excess oil

Red FlagsDidn’t add a noticeable amount of shine or volume

Didn’t add a noticeable amount of shine or volume

This shampoo strikes a good balance between detoxing and moisturizing, which isn’t typical of clarifying shampoos. And, with regular use, we found that our hair color remained fresh without fading. Though it excelled at everything it’s meant for, we didn’t notice a significant difference in shine or volume after using this shampoo, and we couldn’t tell if it helped reduce frizz, either; however, this isn’t a deal-breaker. Overall, it’s a perfect hybrid between deep cleansing and nourishing shampoo for those with color-treated hair.

Size:8.5 ounces |Star Ingredients:AHA fruit acids |Hair Type:All, especially oily color-treated hair

Best for Curly HairShaz & Kiks Clay Hair CleanserPHOTO: Thirteen LuneView on Shazandkiks.comView on Thirteenlune.com$42 at Freepeople.comOur RatingsFeel5/5Performance5/5Oil Absorption5/5Star QualitiesEasy to apply from roots to endsBalances out dry hair with oily rootsExtended the life of each washRed FlagsThick formula might not be for everyone (but we think it’s worth a try)Shaz & Kiks Balancing Clay Hair Cleanser looks more like a hair mask than a shampoo, but once you try it, you’ll be glad you did. Despite having a creamy clay formula, the shampoo lathers a lot more than expected and is easy to apply from roots to ends. After six weeks of testing, we noticed a significant improvement. The shampoo balanced our hair, delivering a thorough cleanse at the roots while deeply nourishing the ends. It also extended the life of each wash and left our hair feeling fresher for longer.When using this shampoo on thick,curly hair, it was so revitalizing that it helped add a stunning shape to our curls while also creating a silky smooth finish. While the clay-based formula might not be ideal for everyone (especially if you prefer a squeeze bottle vs. a jar), we cannot recommend this shampoo enough.Size:3.04 or 7.7 ounces |Star Ingredients:Clay, Multani mint, jamun Indian berries, hibiscus flower |Hair Type:OilyPHOTO: People / Elizabeth TheriotPHOTO: People / Elizabeth TheriotPHOTO: People / Elizabeth Theriot

Best for Curly HairShaz & Kiks Clay Hair CleanserPHOTO: Thirteen LuneView on Shazandkiks.comView on Thirteenlune.com$42 at Freepeople.comOur RatingsFeel5/5Performance5/5Oil Absorption5/5

Best for Curly HairShaz & Kiks Clay Hair Cleanser

Best for Curly Hair

Shaz & Kiks Clay Hair Cleanser

PHOTO: Thirteen Lune

View on Shazandkiks.comView on Thirteenlune.com$42 at Freepeople.com

Star QualitiesEasy to apply from roots to endsBalances out dry hair with oily rootsExtended the life of each washRed FlagsThick formula might not be for everyone (but we think it’s worth a try)

Star QualitiesEasy to apply from roots to endsBalances out dry hair with oily rootsExtended the life of each wash

Easy to apply from roots to ends

Balances out dry hair with oily roots

Extended the life of each wash

Red FlagsThick formula might not be for everyone (but we think it’s worth a try)

Thick formula might not be for everyone (but we think it’s worth a try)

Shaz & Kiks Balancing Clay Hair Cleanser looks more like a hair mask than a shampoo, but once you try it, you’ll be glad you did. Despite having a creamy clay formula, the shampoo lathers a lot more than expected and is easy to apply from roots to ends. After six weeks of testing, we noticed a significant improvement. The shampoo balanced our hair, delivering a thorough cleanse at the roots while deeply nourishing the ends. It also extended the life of each wash and left our hair feeling fresher for longer.

When using this shampoo on thick,curly hair, it was so revitalizing that it helped add a stunning shape to our curls while also creating a silky smooth finish. While the clay-based formula might not be ideal for everyone (especially if you prefer a squeeze bottle vs. a jar), we cannot recommend this shampoo enough.

Size:3.04 or 7.7 ounces |Star Ingredients:Clay, Multani mint, jamun Indian berries, hibiscus flower |Hair Type:Oily

PHOTO: People / Elizabeth TheriotPHOTO: People / Elizabeth TheriotPHOTO: People / Elizabeth Theriot

Best for Frizzy HairLiving Proof PHD Triple Detox ShampooPHOTO: SephoraView on Spacenk.comView on Cloud10beauty.comView on Fragrancenet.comOur RatingsFeel4.6/5Performance5/5Oil Absorption4.7/5

Best for Frizzy HairLiving Proof PHD Triple Detox Shampoo

Best for Frizzy Hair

Living Proof PHD Triple Detox Shampoo

View on Spacenk.comView on Cloud10beauty.comView on Fragrancenet.com

Our RatingsFeel4.6/5Performance5/5Oil Absorption4.7/5

4.6/5

Star QualitiesTargets oil while nourishing strandsProvides excellent oil managementComes with a hard water testing kitRed FlagsCap is hard to open and close

Star QualitiesTargets oil while nourishing strandsProvides excellent oil managementComes with a hard water testing kit

Targets oil while nourishing strands

Provides excellent oil management

Comes with a hard water testing kit

Red FlagsCap is hard to open and close

Cap is hard to open and close

The detox shampoo is also formulated to target mineral buildup from hard water use and even comes with a hard water testing kit, so you can find out what you’re working with and use that to gauge your shampoo results. One issue we had with this product was the cap, which was difficult to open and close.

Size:5.4 ounces |Star Ingredients:Anionic polymer, activated charcoal, chelating agent |Hair Type:All, including color-treated hair

PHOTO: People / Caitlyn MartynPHOTO: People / Caitlyn Martyn

Best DetoxingBumble and bumble Sunday ShampooPHOTO: Ulta$35 at Amazon$35 at Nordstrom$99$16 at SephoraOur RatingsFeel4/5Performance5/5Oil Absorption5/5

Best DetoxingBumble and bumble Sunday Shampoo

Best Detoxing

Bumble and bumble Sunday Shampoo

$35 at Amazon$35 at Nordstrom$99$16 at Sephora

Our RatingsFeel4/5Performance5/5Oil Absorption5/5

Star QualitiesOnly need a dime-sized amount, even for long hairLeaves the scalp feeling clean after the first useCombats product buildupRed FlagsNot safe for color-treated hair

Star QualitiesOnly need a dime-sized amount, even for long hairLeaves the scalp feeling clean after the first useCombats product buildup

Only need a dime-sized amount, even for long hair

Leaves the scalp feeling clean after the first use

Combats product buildup

Red FlagsNot safe for color-treated hair

Not safe for color-treated hair

Product buildup is a contributing factor to oily hair. It often causes discomfort (hello, itchiness) and leaves the scalp feeling anything but refreshed. Bumble and bumble Sunday Clarifying Shampoo effectively combats the effects of product buildup. After the first wash, we noticed a major difference in how clean our scalp felt. This ultimately extended our shampoo schedule to between five and six days compared to the usual three to four days.

Size:8.5 ounces |Star Ingredients:Sodium laureth sulfate, ginseng root extract |Hair Type:All, except color-treated hair

PHOTO: People / Shannon BauerPHOTO: People / Shannon BauerPHOTO: People / Shannon Bauer

Best VolumizingOuai Detox ShampooPHOTO: Sephora$32 at Amazon$64$14 at Sephora$32 at TargetStar QualitiesClarifies well even on extremely oily strandsLifts away excess oil and productKeeps hair balanced even when followed up with a conditionerProvided noticeable results after one useRed FlagsStrong apple cider vinegar smellOil and product buildup (especially dry shampoo) can weigh the hair down a lot. For a shampoo formula that adds more pep to the roots, we recommend Ouai Detox Shampoo, which works wonders on extremely oily strands. Formulated with apple cider vinegar, the shampoo lifted away excess oil and product buildup from the roots, which added lots of amazing volume, especially when we gave ourselves a DIY blowout. This shampoo does have a strong apple vinegar scent, which might not be for everyone.When testing this product, we tried both the shampoo and the conditioner and were pleased that, even after adding conditioner, our hair didn’t feel too oily and still had a lot of volume (which we can’t say about every other formula). We also noticed results immediately and our hair not only looked amazing but felt super clean, too.Size:10 ounces |Star Ingredients:Apple cider vinegar, keratin |Hair Type:AllPeople / Samantha Aronson

Best VolumizingOuai Detox ShampooPHOTO: Sephora$32 at Amazon$64$14 at Sephora$32 at Target

Best VolumizingOuai Detox Shampoo

Best Volumizing

Ouai Detox Shampoo

$32 at Amazon$64$14 at Sephora$32 at Target

Star QualitiesClarifies well even on extremely oily strandsLifts away excess oil and productKeeps hair balanced even when followed up with a conditionerProvided noticeable results after one useRed FlagsStrong apple cider vinegar smell

Star QualitiesClarifies well even on extremely oily strandsLifts away excess oil and productKeeps hair balanced even when followed up with a conditionerProvided noticeable results after one use

Clarifies well even on extremely oily strands

Lifts away excess oil and product

Keeps hair balanced even when followed up with a conditioner

Provided noticeable results after one use

Red FlagsStrong apple cider vinegar smell

Strong apple cider vinegar smell

Oil and product buildup (especially dry shampoo) can weigh the hair down a lot. For a shampoo formula that adds more pep to the roots, we recommend Ouai Detox Shampoo, which works wonders on extremely oily strands. Formulated with apple cider vinegar, the shampoo lifted away excess oil and product buildup from the roots, which added lots of amazing volume, especially when we gave ourselves a DIY blowout. This shampoo does have a strong apple vinegar scent, which might not be for everyone.

When testing this product, we tried both the shampoo and the conditioner and were pleased that, even after adding conditioner, our hair didn’t feel too oily and still had a lot of volume (which we can’t say about every other formula). We also noticed results immediately and our hair not only looked amazing but felt super clean, too.

Size:10 ounces |Star Ingredients:Apple cider vinegar, keratin |Hair Type:All

People / Samantha Aronson

Once you’ve decided on your new shampoo for oily hair, check out these other PEOPLE-Tested hair products. Our team meticulously tests each product so you don’t have to.

Briogeo Scalp Revival Micro-Exfoliating Scalp Scrub Shampoo$42 at Nordstrom$134$15 at Sephora$42 at TargetLeonor Greyl Massaging Scalp Brush$28 at AmazonView on Lovelyskin.comView on Leonorgreyl-usa.comNeutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo$8 at Amazon$8 at Target$15$8 at WalmartCrown Affair The Brush No. 002$98 at SephoraView on Goop.comView on Crownaffair.com

Briogeo Scalp Revival Micro-Exfoliating Scalp Scrub Shampoo$42 at Nordstrom$134$15 at Sephora$42 at Target

Briogeo Scalp Revival Micro-Exfoliating Scalp Scrub Shampoo

$42 at Nordstrom$134$15 at Sephora$42 at Target

Leonor Greyl Massaging Scalp Brush$28 at AmazonView on Lovelyskin.comView on Leonorgreyl-usa.com

Leonor Greyl Massaging Scalp Brush

$28 at AmazonView on Lovelyskin.comView on Leonorgreyl-usa.com

Neutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo$8 at Amazon$8 at Target$15$8 at Walmart

Neutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo

$8 at Amazon$8 at Target$15$8 at Walmart

Crown Affair The Brush No. 002$98 at SephoraView on Goop.comView on Crownaffair.com

Crown Affair The Brush No. 002

$98 at SephoraView on Goop.comView on Crownaffair.com

What to Know About Shampoo for Oily Hair

Clarifying Ingredients

To lift away excess oil from the scalp and hair, Dr. Henry says to choose shampoos for oily hair with more clarifying ingredients, which can remove excess oil and buildup. These ingredients include tea tree oil, salicylic acid, and sulfur. Our top pick for the best detoxing shampoo for oily hair isBumble and bumble Sunday Clarifying Shampoo. This is an excellent clarifying shampoo because it features sodium laureth sulfate, which helps remove all of the gunk (including product buildup) from your strands and scalp. This shampoo for oily hair also features ginseng root extract, which elevates blood circulation and helps strengthen strands.

Apple cider vinegar is another clarifying ingredient, which can “restore the normal acidity of hair and resolve product buildup,” saysDr. Erum Ilyas, a board-certified dermatologist with Schweiger Dermatology Group. This pH-balancing ingredient can work wonders on an oily scalp and help it return to a restored and balanced environment. Our top pick for fine hair,AG Hair Balance Apple Cider Vinegar Sulfate-Free Shampoo, is enriched with apple cider vinegar and argan oil (a lighter oil that works well with most oily hair types) to clarify and nourish the scalp and strands.

Avoid Heavy Formulas and Oils

Natural Balancing Ingredients

Washing oily hair is all about creating a good balance between a hydrated and nourished scalp and strands and getting rid of greasy buildup. With this in mind, Dr. Henry says to “choose a shampoo with natural ingredients such as chamomile, aloe vera, or green tea extract that can soothe and balance the scalp without causing dryness or irritation.”

For a shampoo for oily hair with natural balancing ingredients considerAG Hair Balance Apple Cider Vinegar Sulfate-Free Shampoo, which is our top pick for fine hair. This shampoo is formulated with apple cider vinegar which can naturally balance and clarify strands. Our pick for the best shampoo for oily hair, overall, isNécessaire The Shampoo, which includes aloe vera juice to naturally hydrate and balance.

To establish a strategic methodology, we researched dozens of shampoos for oily hair, carefully considering everything from the ingredients to the price before narrowing down the list to the 15 shampoos we should test.

Frequently Asked QuestionsBased on our testing, we found the best shampoo for oily hair isNécessaire’s The Shampoo, which is formulated with balancing hyaluronic acid and aloe vera juice. For a more budget-friendly shampoo for oily hair option, we also lovedKristin Ess Deep Clean Clarifying Shampoo, which costs less than $13 and is formulated with the brand’s proprietary Zip-Up Technology to strengthen strands and prevent split ends. It also works well to remove mineral deposits, product buildup, excess oil, and silicones, too. A scalp scrub will also help remove excess oil and buildup.Dr. Ilyas says how often to wash oily hair truly comes down to personal needs based on the condition of your hair. Still, there are some guidelines to follow based on the length of your hair (which can impact how greasy hair feels). “Once you wash your hair, the sebaceous glands at the base of the hair follicle resume adding natural oils to the hair that start at the base of the follicle and migrate down the hair shaft,” Dr. Ilyas explains.She notes that this “regreasing” period progresses at around 1 to 2 centimeters down the hair shaft per day. “This means if you have short hair that tends to run oily, it will feel like it needs to be washed every day or every other day, and if you have long hair it will take a few days to feel greasy.”Greasy or oily hair can vary depending on a few factors, including the environment, hair products used, hair length, and even genetics. “Oil production is genetically predetermined,” explains Dr. Kung. Age can also play a role as some teenagers might experience more oily hair (similar to how they might also experience more oily or acne-prone skin).Another reason why hair might be extra oily is because it has been stripped of its natural oils which, like the skin, can cause the scalp to increase sebum production. This ultimately creates an imbalance with excess oil production on the scalp that reaches down the hair shaft, too, and can cause hair to look greasy quicker.

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on our testing, we found the best shampoo for oily hair isNécessaire’s The Shampoo, which is formulated with balancing hyaluronic acid and aloe vera juice. For a more budget-friendly shampoo for oily hair option, we also lovedKristin Ess Deep Clean Clarifying Shampoo, which costs less than $13 and is formulated with the brand’s proprietary Zip-Up Technology to strengthen strands and prevent split ends. It also works well to remove mineral deposits, product buildup, excess oil, and silicones, too. A scalp scrub will also help remove excess oil and buildup.

Dr. Ilyas says how often to wash oily hair truly comes down to personal needs based on the condition of your hair. Still, there are some guidelines to follow based on the length of your hair (which can impact how greasy hair feels). “Once you wash your hair, the sebaceous glands at the base of the hair follicle resume adding natural oils to the hair that start at the base of the follicle and migrate down the hair shaft,” Dr. Ilyas explains.She notes that this “regreasing” period progresses at around 1 to 2 centimeters down the hair shaft per day. “This means if you have short hair that tends to run oily, it will feel like it needs to be washed every day or every other day, and if you have long hair it will take a few days to feel greasy.”

Dr. Ilyas says how often to wash oily hair truly comes down to personal needs based on the condition of your hair. Still, there are some guidelines to follow based on the length of your hair (which can impact how greasy hair feels). “Once you wash your hair, the sebaceous glands at the base of the hair follicle resume adding natural oils to the hair that start at the base of the follicle and migrate down the hair shaft,” Dr. Ilyas explains.

She notes that this “regreasing” period progresses at around 1 to 2 centimeters down the hair shaft per day. “This means if you have short hair that tends to run oily, it will feel like it needs to be washed every day or every other day, and if you have long hair it will take a few days to feel greasy.”

Greasy or oily hair can vary depending on a few factors, including the environment, hair products used, hair length, and even genetics. “Oil production is genetically predetermined,” explains Dr. Kung. Age can also play a role as some teenagers might experience more oily hair (similar to how they might also experience more oily or acne-prone skin).Another reason why hair might be extra oily is because it has been stripped of its natural oils which, like the skin, can cause the scalp to increase sebum production. This ultimately creates an imbalance with excess oil production on the scalp that reaches down the hair shaft, too, and can cause hair to look greasy quicker.

Greasy or oily hair can vary depending on a few factors, including the environment, hair products used, hair length, and even genetics. “Oil production is genetically predetermined,” explains Dr. Kung. Age can also play a role as some teenagers might experience more oily hair (similar to how they might also experience more oily or acne-prone skin).

Another reason why hair might be extra oily is because it has been stripped of its natural oils which, like the skin, can cause the scalp to increase sebum production. This ultimately creates an imbalance with excess oil production on the scalp that reaches down the hair shaft, too, and can cause hair to look greasy quicker.

Jessie Quinnis a contributing commerce writer for PEOPLE and has written for well-known publications such as Byrdie, InStyle, The Spruce, NYLON, and more. When curating this list of the best shampoos for oily hair, Jessie reviewed real-world testing insights on which shampoos impressed us most (and which ones didn’t). From there, she compiled a list of the shampoos that met or even exceeded expectations for the best shampoos for oily hair list. In addition to these findings, Jessie also reached out to top hair and scalp experts Dr. Michelle Henry, Dr. Erum Ilyas, and Dr. Elaine F. Kung, to learn more about why a shampoo formulated with oily hair in mind can make or break a rinse and repeat, how often you should wash oily hair, and what ingredients can benefit those with oily strands.

Our Expert PanelDr. Michelle Henryis a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin & Aesthetics Surgery of Manhattan.Dr. Erum Ilyasis a board-certified dermatologist with Schweiger Dermatology Group.Dr. Elaine F. Kungis a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Future Bright Dermatology.

Our Expert Panel

Dr. Michelle Henryis a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin & Aesthetics Surgery of Manhattan.Dr. Erum Ilyasis a board-certified dermatologist with Schweiger Dermatology Group.Dr. Elaine F. Kungis a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Future Bright Dermatology.

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source: people.com