Oily hair can make your scalp feel greasy just hours after washing. The right shampoo helps remove excess oil without drying your hair. Some formulas also target dandruff, buildup, or damaged strands.
To make your search easier, we’ve reviewed eight best shampoo for oily hair. Each one offers different benefits, so you can choose the shampoo that best matches your hair type and scalp concerns.
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Best Shampoos for Oily Hair That Keep Scalp Fresh
Every shampoo serves a different purpose. Below are our top picks and what each one does best.
Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo with 1% Ketoconazole: Best for Oily Scalp with Dandruff
If your scalp feels greasy and flaky, Nizoral is one of the best medicated shampoos available. It cleans the scalp while treating dandruff.
Why It’s Worth It
Its 1% ketoconazole formula targets the root cause of dandruff and helps reduce excess oil, itching, and flakes.
What We Like
- Controls dandruff
- Reduces oil
- Relieves itching
- Fresh scent
What We Consider
- Not for daily use
- Can feel drying
- Costs more than regular shampoos
Key Ingredients
- 1% Ketoconazole
- Cleansing agents
- Conditioning ingredients
Who It’s For
People with oily scalps, dandruff, and scalp irritation.
How to Use
Apply to wet hair, leave for 3 to 5 minutes, then rinse. Use twice weekly for best results.
Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo with 1% Ketoconazole, Fresh Scent, 7 Fl Oz
Olaplex Wash and Shine Hair Kit: Best for Damaged Hair
This three-step kit repairs damaged hair while gently cleansing the scalp. It’s ideal if your hair is chemically treated or heat damaged.
Why It’s Worth It
The shampoo, conditioner, and bonding oil work together to reduce breakage and improve shine.
What We Like
- Repairs damaged hair
- Complete routine
- Color-safe
- Adds shine
What We Consider
- Expensive
- Not made for oily scalps
- Bonding oil may feel heavy
Key Ingredients
- Bond-building technology
- Conditioning agents
Who It’s For
People with damaged, bleached, or color-treated hair.
How to Use
Use the shampoo first, then conditioner, and finish with a few drops of bonding oil.
Olaplex Wash and Shine Hair Kit: No. 4, 5, 7, Shampoo & Conditioner Set | Cleanse, Hydrate, & Control Frizz Up to 72 Hours | Bonding Oil for Shine & Protect...
amika Perk Up Talc-Free Dry Shampoo: Best for Refreshing Oily Hair Between Washes
Need fresh-looking hair without washing it? This dry shampoo quickly absorbs oil and adds volume.
Why It’s Worth It
Its talc-free formula refreshes greasy roots without leaving a heavy white residue.
What We Like
- Absorbs oil fast
- Adds volume
- Talc-free
- Lightweight formula
What We Consider
- Doesn’t replace shampoo
- Premium price
- Contains fragrance
Key Ingredients
- Rice Starch
- Sea Buckthorn
Who It’s For
People who want to extend wash days and refresh oily roots.
How to Use
Spray onto dry roots, wait a few seconds, then massage and brush through the hair.
amika perk up talc-free dry shampoo | refreshes roots with a voluminous ‘oomph’ between washes, no white residue, absorbs oil + reduces odor, for all hair types
L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Shampoo & Conditioner Set: Best for Long Hair
Long hair often becomes oily at the roots while the ends stay dry. This shampoo and conditioner set cleanses gently while helping protect hair from breakage.
Why It’s Worth It
It strengthens long hair, smooths rough ends, and leaves hair softer after every wash. It’s also an affordable option for everyday use.
What We Like
- Budget-friendly
- Softens hair
- Helps reduce breakage
- Good for daily use
What We Consider
- Not made specifically for oily scalps
- May not remove heavy buildup
- Contains fragrance
Key Ingredients
- Vegetable Keratin
- Castor Oil
- Vitamin B5
Who It’s For
People with long, dry, or damaged hair looking for an affordable shampoo.
How to Use
Massage into wet hair, rinse well, and follow with the matching conditioner.
L'Oreal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Shampoo and Conditioner Set, Seals Split Ends, Hydrating & Strengthening Hair Repair, Fine Castor Oil and Vitamins B3 and...
Redken All Soft Shampoo: Best for Dry Ends
If your scalp gets oily but your ends feel dry, this shampoo helps restore moisture without leaving hair dull.
Why It’s Worth It
Its moisturizing formula makes hair softer, shinier, and easier to manage while gently cleansing the scalp.
What We Like
- Deeply hydrating
- Adds shine
- Salon-quality
- Color-safe
What We Consider
- Too rich for very oily hair
- Premium price
- Not a clarifying shampoo
Key Ingredients
- Argan Oil
- Moisture Complex
Who It’s For
People with dry, brittle, or color-treated hair.
How to Use
Apply to wet hair, massage gently, rinse thoroughly, and follow with conditioner.
Redken All Soft Shampoo - Moisturizes & Hydrates Dry Hair, Softens & Adds Shine, With Argan Oil, Safe For Color-Treated Hair
Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo: Best for Hair Repair
Damaged hair needs repair without harsh cleansing. Olaplex No. 4 is designed to strengthen hair while keeping it clean and healthy.
Why It’s Worth It
Its bond-building technology helps reduce breakage, improve shine, and support healthier-looking hair with regular use.
What We Like
- Repairs damaged hair
- Strengthens strands
- Color-safe
- Highly concentrated
What We Consider
- Expensive
- Small bottle
- Not ideal for heavy oil buildup
Key Ingredients
- Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate
- Glycerin
Who It’s For
People with bleached, colored, or heat-damaged hair.
How to Use
Massage a small amount into wet hair, rinse thoroughly, and use conditioner afterward.
Olaplex N°.4 Bond Maintenance™ Hair Strengthening Shampoo: Repairs Damage & Defend Against Future Breakage | Replenishes Hydration | For Coily, Curly,...
Vanicream Hair Shampoo: Best for Sensitive Scalp
If your scalp reacts to fragrances or harsh ingredients, Vanicream offers a simple and gentle cleansing experience.
Why It’s Worth It
Its fragrance-free formula removes dirt and everyday oil without irritating sensitive skin, making it a trusted choice for delicate scalps.
What We Like
- Fragrance-free
- Gentle formula
- Dermatologist-tested
- Suitable for sensitive skin
What We Consider
- Mild oil control
- Less foaming
- Basic formula
Key Ingredients
- Mild Cleansing Agents
- Glycerin
Who It’s For
People with sensitive scalps, eczema, or fragrance allergies.
How to Use
Massage into wet hair, lather gently, and rinse thoroughly.
Vanicream Hair Shampoo 12 Oz
How We Chose These Products
We selected these shampoos based on ingredient quality, brand reputation, overall performance, and suitability for different hair types.
We also considered how well each product addresses concerns like oily roots, dandruff, damage, or scalp sensitivity.
How to Choose the Best Shampoo for Oily Hair
Choosing the right shampoo starts with understanding your scalp. Not every oily scalp has the same needs, so look for a formula that matches your hair type and concerns.
Look for Oil-Control Ingredients
Choose shampoos with ingredients that help remove excess oil and product buildup without stripping your scalp. If you have dandruff, look for ingredients like ketoconazole.
Consider Your Hair Type
If your roots are oily but your ends are dry, choose a balancing shampoo instead of a harsh clarifying formula. This helps keep your hair clean while preventing dryness.
Think About Your Scalp
A healthy scalp leads to healthier hair. If you have itching, flakes, or sensitivity, choose a shampoo designed to target those specific concerns.
Don’t Overwash
Washing your hair too often can make your scalp produce even more oil. Most people with oily hair get the best results by washing every one to two days.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even the best shampoo won’t work well if you’re making common hair care mistakes.
Using Too Much Shampoo
Using extra shampoo doesn’t mean cleaner hair. A small amount is usually enough to remove oil and dirt.
Washing with Hot Water
Very hot water can dry out your scalp and trigger more oil production. Use lukewarm water instead.
Applying Conditioner to the Roots
Conditioner should mainly be applied to the mid-lengths and ends. Applying it to the roots can make hair look greasy faster.
Skipping Regular Washing
Leaving excess oil and buildup on your scalp for too long can lead to itching and dandruff.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best shampoo for oily hair?
Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is one of the best options for oily hair with dandruff. For everyday oil control, choose a gentle balancing shampoo that suits your hair type.
How often should I wash oily hair?
Most people with oily hair should wash it every one to two days. Washing too often may increase oil production.
Can dry shampoo replace regular shampoo?
No. Dry shampoo absorbs excess oil and refreshes your hair, but it doesn’t remove dirt, sweat, or buildup from your scalp.
Is sulfate-free shampoo good for oily hair?
Yes. Many sulfate-free shampoos clean the scalp effectively while helping maintain its natural moisture balance.
Why does my hair get oily so quickly?
Excess oil can be caused by genetics, hormones, overwashing, or using products that don’t suit your hair type.
Which shampoo is best for oily hair with dandruff?
A shampoo containing ketoconazole, such as Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, is a good choice because it targets both excess oil and dandruff.
Final Verdict: Choosing the Top Shampoo for Oily Hair
The best shampoo for oily hair depends on your specific needs. If you have an oily scalp with dandruff, Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is our top recommendation thanks to its effective ketoconazole formula. For refreshing greasy roots between washes, amika Perk Up Talc-Free Dry Shampoo is a great option.
If your hair is damaged from coloring or heat styling, Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo offers excellent repair while gently cleansing. People with sensitive scalps may prefer Vanicream Hair Shampoo, while those looking for an affordable everyday option can consider L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths.
Choose the product that matches your hair type instead of simply picking the strongest cleanser. The right shampoo can help control oil, improve scalp health, and leave your hair feeling cleaner and fresher after every wash.
References:
- Hair.com by L’Oréal – Shampoo for Oily Hair: Our 22 Top Formulas You Need to Try in 2025
- Healthline – 15 Best Shampoos for Oily Hair
- Good Housekeeping – The 9 Best Shampoos for Oily Hair, According to Hair Stylists
- NBC Select – The 7 Best Shampoos for Oily Hair, According to Experts
