All Makeup Skin Hair Nails How-To Beauty Amplified Spoilers IPSY 101 Ingredient Index

Banish Greasy Roots for Good With These 10 Best Shampoos for Oily Hair

Cortney Clift DefaultCortney Clift Default
By
Published on Jul 22, 2021
Close-up image of a woman with the back of her head to the camera washing her hair MobileClose-up image of a woman with the back of her head to the camera washing her hair Desktop

While we’re all about embracing a dewy glow when it comes to our summer skincare routine, unfortunately, the same can’t be said for our scalps and hair. Greasy hair can make your roots look oily and dull your hair color, and it can also seriously weigh down your strands. Whether you’re prone to excess sebum production on your scalp or you’ve simply gone too many days relying on dry shampoo, if you’re looking to give your hair a deep clean, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve rounded up the best shampoos for oily hair to banish everything from excess oil to product build-up and even environmental pollutants without further stripping the hair shaft of moisture. 

Healthy hair starts at the scalp, and keeping your scalp clean and eliminating build-up, dirt, and oil is the best thing you can do to ensure your hair can grow harmoniously. We think it’s just as important as keeping your complexion clear. And while it might seem impossible to strike the perfect balance when it comes to a healthy scalp, rest-assured that it can be done. With shampoos crafted with ingredients borrowed from your favorite skincare products (like salicylic acid and tea tree oil), you can balance oil production and keep hair tresses looking fresher than ever. 

Greasy hair, be gone!

It's about glam time you treated yourself.

Join IPSY
Default Middle Subscribe Module Image - MobileDefault Middle Subscribe Module Image - Desktop

The Best Shampoos for Oily Hair:

1. Best to Remove Product Buildup: 

BUMBLE AND BUMBLE Sunday Shampoo

BUMBLE AND BUMBLE Sunday Shampoo  MobileBUMBLE AND BUMBLE Sunday Shampoo  Desktop

BUMBLE AND BUMBLE hair products have been a staple of professional hairstylists for years now, and this clarifying shampoo is pretty solid proof as to why they love it so much. The formula features a line-up of powerful natural ingredients that target oily scalps and greasy hair shafts way better than anything with parabens or toxic chemicals. Ginseng root extract is used as a tonic for the hair and scalp, rosemary leaf extract stimulates the scalp and boasts an invigorating scent, and salvia extract scrubs the scalp to boost cleanliness. These ingredients are such an effective trio, in fact, that you should only use it once a week to remove excess oil and product build-up. And while this shampoo is ideal for greasy hair, it’s also suitable for all hair types, from healthy hair to color-treated hair to fine hair.

2. Best for Dandruff:

KÉRASTASE Bain Divalent Shampoo

KÉRASTASE Bain Divalent Shampoo MobileKÉRASTASE Bain Divalent Shampoo Desktop

Is it looking like a snow day on your shoulders? Say goodbye to dandruff and reach for this scalp-soothing, anti-dandruff shampoo that’s silicone-free and hypoallergenic to gently yet thoroughly wash away dirt and excess oil. It’s made with tamanu oil and piroctone olamine, which has antifungal and anti-bacterial properties to prevent build-up and alleviate itchy scalps, plus menthol to cool down your roots. Dandruff doesn’t stand a chance.

3. Best Drugstore Buy:

NEUTROGENA Anti-Residue Shampoo

NEUTROGENA Anti-Residue Shampoo MobileNEUTROGENA Anti-Residue Shampoo Desktop

You don’t have to break the bank if you want to banish oil. Try this brand-new, deep-cleansing shampoo that will wash away dirt, grease, and grime like no other. This citrusy clarifying shampoo will leave your hair feeling soft and smooth without further stripping your hair of natural oils, thanks to the mild exfoliating properties found in the sulfate-free formula. Bonus: The grapefruit scent is an incredible pick-me-up on those mornings when you’re still half asleep. 

4. Best for Color-Treated Hair:

DRUNK ELEPHANT Cocomino Glossing Shampoo 

DRUNK ELEPHANT Cocomino Glossing Shampoo  MobileDRUNK ELEPHANT Cocomino Glossing Shampoo  Desktop

Unfortunately, when it comes to getting a deep clean, many shampoos still rely on sulfates to degrease—and these can strip hair of much-needed natural oils (not to mention damage color-treated hair). Thankfully, this skincare-meets-hair care hybrid makes it so you don’t have to sacrifice the integrity of your strands to clean deeply and manage oil.. If you regularly dye your hair or just have damaged hair in general, lather up this sulfate-free shampoo for a hit of coconut-based surfactants (like coconut oil, but better) that washes away dirt, excess oil, and product build-up while also gently moisturizing your strands. Your hair will be left feeling soft, shiny, manageable, and oh-so-clean. 

5. Best for Sensitive Scalps:

CHRISTOPHE ROBIN Cleansing Purifying Scrub with Sea Salt

CHRISTOPHE ROBIN Cleansing Purifying Scrub with Sea Salt MobileCHRISTOPHE ROBIN Cleansing Purifying Scrub with Sea Salt Desktop

If you have an oily and sensitive scalp, it can be tough to find a product that will thoroughly clean without causing irritation. Enter: this cult-favorite scalp scrub. We like to think of it like a detox for your head. It’s a powerful-yet-gentle exfoliator that removes dirt and oil without leaving your hair feeling like straw as it restores balance to your scalp. Follow it up with a generous amount of conditioner on your ends for an extra dose of hydration.

6. Best for Removing Hard Water Build-Up:

ORIBE The Cleanse Clarifying Shampoo

ORIBE The Cleanse Clarifying Shampoo  MobileORIBE The Cleanse Clarifying Shampoo  Desktop

If the water in your shower is weighing down your hair, this detoxifying foam is here to lighten things up. It’s formulated with volcanic ash that helps wash away build-up caused by water sediments, products, and oil, to leave you with soft, smooth hair that looks vibrant after just one use. Dispense this mousse-like foaming shampoo, then massage into your roots before rinsing away for a deep clean. 

7. Best for Pollution:

KLORANE Detox Shampoo With Aquatic Mint

KLORANE Detox Shampoo With Aquatic Mint MobileKLORANE Detox Shampoo With Aquatic Mint Desktop

You’re probably aware of the impact pollution can have on your skin, but did you know it’s equally as damaging to your strands? Pollution can clog and damage the hair fiber, leaving you with lifeless, weighed-down hair. It also can cause scalp congestion, which can contribute to hair loss (no thank you!). So if you think your hair is suffering from environmental stressors, it’s time to introduce this effective formula to your hair care routine. This detoxifying shampoo gets excess oil production under control without the use of harsh chemicals like silicone or parabens. Non-stripping, sulfate-free, and paraben-free, this minty-fresh formula uses a refreshing complex to nourish your scalp, preserve its natural balance, and eliminate oil build-up to make your hair feel fresh and light as air.

8. Best for Dull Hair:

AVEENO Apple Cider Vinegar Blend Shampoo 

AVEENO Apple Cider Vinegar Blend Shampoo  MobileAVEENO Apple Cider Vinegar Blend Shampoo  Desktop

If you want to restore shine to dull strands, look no further than this scalp-soothing shampoo that’s made with colloidal oatmeal extract and apple cider vinegar. You’ll transform lifeless hair into clean, shiny, and smooth strands worthy of a shampoo-commercial hair flip—or at least a selfie. 

9. Best Multitasker:

ALTERNA My Hair. My Canvas. New Beginnings Exfoliating Cleanser

ALTERNA My Hair. My Canvas. New Beginnings Exfoliating Cleanser MobileALTERNA My Hair. My Canvas. New Beginnings Exfoliating Cleanser Desktop

Want an exfoliator that can work double-time on your body and scalp? Look no further than this innovative formula that can be used on both your hair and on your body to slough away dirt, pollutants, and product build-up while absorbing excess oil. Bonus: This formula is cruelty-free and vegan.

10. Best for Curly Hair: 

IGK HAIR First Class Charcoal Detox Clarifying Shampoo 

IGK HAIR First Class Charcoal Detox Clarifying Shampoo  MobileIGK HAIR First Class Charcoal Detox Clarifying Shampoo  Desktop

If you have curly hair, dealing with an oily scalp can be that much harder as you attempt to give your roots a deep clean without further stripping your hair. That’s where this powerful shampoo gets to work, gently clearing away impurities and maintaining your hair’s natural moisture. The winning trifecta here is a combination of witch hazel, charcoal, and tea tree oil, which work to remove color-dulling residue, styling products, chlorine, hard water, and pollution. 

Want to sample some of our fave shampoos for oily hair before you decide which one is worth the splurge? Sign up for the IPSY Glam Bag to get access to products like these and more. Take our Beauty Quiz now to get started. Already an Ipster? Refer your friends to earn points, which you can use toward products. Either way, don’t forget to check us out on Instagram and Twitter @IPSY.

Like this article? Share it with your friends by clicking the icons below!

Liked this post? Share!

Related Stories

A set of four different hair serums is displayed against a pink and purple gradient background, showcasing various brands and packaging stylesA set of four different hair serums is displayed against a pink and purple gradient background, showcasing various brands and packaging styles

Hair

The Best Hair Serums for Smooth, Shiny, Healthy Strands (No Bad Hair Days Here!)

Published on Feb 3, 2026 • 5 min read

Hair

The Top 18 Leave-In Conditioners for Every Hair Type & Concern

Published on Sep 16, 2024 • 10 min read

Close-up picture of hair oil products with a purple gradient background from the brands Marc Anthony, Earth Harbor, Ouai, and Dew of the Gods  Close-up picture of hair oil products with a purple gradient background from the brands Marc Anthony, Earth Harbor, Ouai, and Dew of the Gods

Hair

13 Best Hair Oils to Keep Your Strands Shiny and Moisturized

Published on May 14, 2024

An image of woman's back showering and washing her hairAn image of woman's back showering and washing her hair

Hair

Hair Cycling Is TikTok’s Latest Craze—Here’s How to Do It From the Pros!

Published on May 20, 2025 • 4 min read

Young woman showing off her butterfly haircut hairstyleYoung woman showing off her butterfly haircut hairstyle

Hair

The Butterfly Cut Is the Perfect Way to Show Off Long Layers and Curtain Bangs

Published on Feb 23, 2023

Margot Robbie in a floral dress smiling on the red carpetMargot Robbie in a floral dress smiling on the red carpet

Hair

The ‘70s Hairstyles Are Back, And These Celeb-Approved Styles Will Get You In The Mood For A Throwback

Published on Dec 4, 2021

Back view of a woman's messy top bun hairstyle with hair ringsBack view of a woman's messy top bun hairstyle with hair rings

Hair

8 Hair Rings Hairstyles to Inspire Your Next Look

Published on Jul 29, 2022

Smiling Aysha Sow rocking an orange bandana and posing with her arms up in her living roomSmiling Aysha Sow rocking an orange bandana and posing with her arms up in her living room

Hair

10 Must-Have ‘90s Hair Accessories Making a Major Comeback

Published on Jun 5, 2023

Default Middle Subscribe Module Image - MobileDefault Middle Subscribe Module Image - Desktop

Beauty Picked Just for You

Get 5 products worth up to $70

Plus exclusive access to epic deals up to 80% off

Starting at just $14/month. Cancel anytime.

Get Started