STRETCH

9 Best Shampoos for Oily Hair to Leave Hair Clean and Shiny

Image contains a collage of the best shampoos for oily hair on a white backgroundCollage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of brands and Allure editorsSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

If you’re constantly dealing with midday grease even with a diligent wash-day regimen, good news: The best shampoos for oily hair can help wash away lingering oil and buildup in your strands. Just as with the skin on your face, oily hair is caused by excess sebum, which is the natural oil your scalp produces, at the roots. Sebum plays a crucial role in hair health—keeping it shiny and moisturized—but too much of it can lead to limp, flat strands and even breakouts.

An overproduction of sebum can stem from genetics and hormones, according to Anna Chacon, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami, Florida. But “most often it’s caused by an imbalance—too much product or oil buildup can suffocate the pores and trigger more oil production,” she says. That can even happen if you've relied on dry shampoos to sop up excess oil. Your hair texture matters, too: Finer hair types are more likely to develop oily hair since oil can more easily slide down the smooth, skinny shafts of the hair. Dr. Chacon’s advice? Treat the scalp separately from the hair.

Our Top Shampoos for Oily Hair

  • Best Overall: Oribe Serene Scalp Oil Control Shampoo and Balancing Conditioner, $107
  • Best for Fine Hair: Pureology Hydrate Sheer Shampoo & Conditioner, $76
  • Best for Frizzy Hair: Dae Detox Clarifying Shampoo, $28
  • Best for Buildup: Ouai The Detox Shampoo, $34

To that end, it’s important to wash with oil-balancing shampoos that thoroughly clean the roots while maintaining moisture, which delivers softness and shine post-wash. Additionally, Jenna Queller, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Boca Raton, FL, says to look out for non-comedogenic formulas, “meaning it won’t clog pores along the hairline or scalp, which is something I specifically look for in oily skin types.”

From clarifying formulas that instantly cut through buildup to hardworking drugstore shampoos, the options are plenty. Ahead, their favorite shampoos and conditioners for oily hair—whether you're dealing with buildup, have overactive sebaceous glands, or just need minimal maintenance.

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

  • What type of shampoo is best for an oily scalp?
  • Should oily hair types use a conditioner?
  • How do I use a conditioner without a greasy feel afterward?
  • Why is my hair oily?
  • Can you prevent hair from getting so oily?
  • How can I minimize hair oiliness?
  • Meet the experts
  • How we test and review products
  • Our staff and testers

Best Overall: Oribe Serene Scalp Oil Control Shampoo and Balancing Conditioner

Oribe Serene Scalp Shampoo and Conditioner in branded components on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Oribe

Serene Scalp Shampoo and Conditioner

$107

Amazon (Duo)

Why it's worth it: When oil reaches an all-time high, bring out the heavy hitters: Oribe Serene Scalp Oil Control Shampoo and Conditioner. The sulfate-free shampoo instantly sloughs away excess oil, hair product buildup, and sweat with a combination of antioxidant-rich rosebay extract and green marine algae. They not only hydrate your scalp, but also balance oil production and support your scalp’s microbiome to minimize greasiness over time. Then, to offset dryness post-cleanse, nourish strands with Oribe’s Balancing Conditioner. As shea butter, panthenol, and a trio of watermelon, lychee, and edelweiss flower extracts (also known as the Oribe Signature Complex) saturate strands with moisture, acacia tree extract soothes and conditions the skin on your scalp for a smoother, flake-free feel.

Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin before using the Oribe Serene Scalp Oil Control Shampoo

Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin before using the Oribe Serene Scalp Oil Control Shampoo

Shanna ShipinShipin after using the Oribe Serene Scalp Oil Control Shampoo

Shipin after using the Oribe Serene Scalp Oil Control Shampoo

Shanna Shipin

Tester feedback from commerce director Shanna Shipin

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“My hair is simultaneously dry and oily—and I use mousse, hairspray, and leave-in conditioner daily. Needless to say, I need to do a detox lather at least once a week, and the shampoo that can’t be topped for me is Oribe’s Serene Scalp. Not only does it slough off product residue, but it takes care of the oil and dandruff that I accumulate when I spend a little extra time between wash days. It never dries my scalp or hair out, smells lovely, and lathers beautifully. Oftentimes to get a really fresh scalp, you need to reach for a scrub or a pre-shampoo, but this is all of those products in one.” —Shanna Shipin, commerce director

More to know

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  • Key ingredients: Biome Balancing Complex (rosebay extract and green marine algae), shea butter, panthenol, Oribe Signature Complex (watermelon extract, lychee extract, edelweiss flower extract), acacia tree extract
  • Fragrance-free: no

Best for Fine Hair: Pureology Hydrate Sheer Shampoo & Conditioner

Pureology Hydrate Sheer Nourishing Shampoo & Conditioner Set in branded components on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Pureology

Hydrate Sheer Shampoo & Conditioner

$76

Amazon (Duo)

Why it's worth it: The original variation of this shampoo and conditioner duo is an Allure Best of Beauty Award-winning favorite among our editors, but it can be too rich for finer hair types. Enter: Pureology’s Hydrate Sheer Shampoo & Conditioner, a version of the duo that provides the same hydrating, color-friendly benefits as the original without weighing down fine or thinning hair types.

This silicone-free pair contains the works: jojoba oil and wheat-derived proteins to boost the shine and flexibility of brittle strands, antioxidant-rich green tea and sage extracts to hydrate the hair and scalp, and sunflower seed extract to seal in moisture. As for your scalp, the shampoo washes away excess oil and hair product buildup while treating it to a delightfully tingly sensation from eucalyptus and mint extracts, both of which leave a satisfyingly fresh and cleansed feel after rinsing, too.

Kinonen before applying the Pureology Hydrate Sheer Shampoo  Conditioner

Kinonen before applying the Pureology Hydrate Sheer Shampoo & Conditioner

Sarah KinonenKinonen after applying the Pureology Hydrate Sheer Shampoo  Conditioner

Kinonen after applying the Pureology Hydrate Sheer Shampoo & Conditioner

Sarah Kinonen

Tester feedback from beauty director Sarah Kinonen

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“I’ve been using (and loving!) Pureology’s Sheer Hydrate line for my fine, blonde strands for years. It’s the best!

I only wash my hair once or twice a week, so by day four or five, my roots start to get a bit oily and my ends a little dry. While this shampoo-and-conditioner duo doesn’t necessarily prevent the grease, it definitely prolongs is start and helps add moisture where it needs it most: my ends. The minty-scented shampoo is super lightweight, so it doesn’t weigh down my already-limp hair (fine hair problems), and is gentle enough for a double-shampoo session. (Because I only wash once or twice a week, a double-shampoo session is a must.) The conditioner is great, too. I prefer to rake it through my strands starting at the mid-lengths (and skipping my roots) to, again, keep it from weighing down my hair.

Like I said, I’ve been using this stuff for years (since Covid lockdown), so when I say I love it, trust that I’ve probably gone through at least 20 bottles!” —Sarah Kinonen, beauty director

More to know

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  • Key ingredients: jojoba oil, wheat protein, green tea extract, sage extract, eucalyptus extract, mint extract, sunflower seed extract
  • Fragrance-free: no

Best Color-Safe: Isima Clarifying Shampoo

Isima Clarifying Shampoo in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Isima

Clarifying Shampoo

$32

Ulta Beauty

Why it's worth it: If you want an intensive cleanse that won’t strip or dull your expensive color treatments, suds up with Isima’s Clarifying Shampoo. This color-safe, silicone-free shampoo provides sweet cleansing relief in the form of its Soapberry Extract Complex, a combination of deep-cleansing soapberry extract (as its name suggests) and coconut-derived surfactants to rid your scalp and strands of sebum and hair product buildup. As its formula cleanses, it leaves your hair feeling refreshed without messing with your color. If your scalp is irritated or itchy following color treatments, the soothing bisabolol and hydrating glycerin in this formula can help calm things down. This shampoo isn’t tied down to a matching conditioner, so go forth with any of your go-to formulas.

Former Allure senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin before applying the Isima Clarifying Shampoo

Former Allure senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin before applying the Isima Clarifying Shampoo

Sarah FelbinFelbin after applying the Isima Clarifying Shampoo

Felbin after applying the Isima Clarifying Shampoo

Sarah Felbin

Tester feedback from former senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin

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“I've always been an oily gal, but my scalp is a special situation—it's highly sensitive (and prone to clogged pores), and my roots get so greasy that I need to wash my hair at least every other day. Translation: I've tried a LOT of shampoos, and this is one I truly love. It lathers up satisfyingly quickly and gently cleanses without stripping my scalp. It removes any and all buildup, from sweat to oil to product, leaving my hair feeling squeaky clean. I swear, my roots don't get greasy as quickly the day after I use it.” —Sarah Felbin, senior commerce editor

More to know

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  • Key ingredients: Soapberry Extract Complex (soapberry extract, sodium methyl cocoyl taurate, cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate), bisabolol, arginine, glycerin
  • Fragrance-free: no

Best for Frizzy Hair: Dae Detox Clarifying Shampoo

​​DAE Hair Desert Detox Clarifying Shampoo in branded component on a light gray background with best of beauty 2025 seal in the top right cornerSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Dae

Detox Clarifying Shampoo

$28

Amazon

$28

Sephora

Why it's worth it: Not only does this 2025 Allure Best of Beauty Award winner leave hair smelling like a dreamy tropical vacation, but it provides the buildup-busting cleanse you’re after without leading to dryness—a crucial aspect for frizz-prone hair to keep in mind. This non-stripping, color-safe formula provides an intensive cleanse with the help of coconut-derived surfactants that break down excess oil and buildup without drying out your roots and scalp. As you lather, its formula turns into a delightfully foamy texture as a hydrating combination of prickly pear seed oil, cactus flower extract, and moringa leaf extract smooths and softens frizz and flyaways alike. There's no complementary conditioner, so you can replenish moisture after shampooing with any conditioning formula you desire.

Tester feedback from commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann

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“I've had a perpetually oily scalp for my entire life, so I was introduced to clarifying shampoos at a very young age. I'm all too familiar with the squeaky, stripped strands that were a familiar byproduct of shampoos strong enough to tackle built up oil. This clarifying formula is different. It certainly busts build up, but it feels like a regular shampoo, which is a high compliment for this category of products. Although my scalp status has improved over the years, this shampoo is the best I've found for targeting oily patches and all I need after is a simple conditioner—no hair triage necessary.” —Sarah Hoffmann, commerce producer

More to know

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  • Key ingredients: coconut-derived surfactants (sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate, cocamidopropyl betaine), prickly pear seed oil, cactus flower extract, moringa leaf extract
  • Fragrance-free: no

Best Weekly: Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo

Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Briogeo

Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo

$42

Amazon

$42

Nordstrom

$42

Ulta Beauty

Why it's worth it: Oily hair often accompanies other scalp concerns—think flakes, itchiness, or clogged pores. Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo addresses all of them in one fell swoop. For one, you can feel it working while you wash. “It’s a little gritty so it can gently exfoliate while cleansing,” says Adam Campbell, a hairstylist in Los Angeles.

Charcoal does most of the heavy lifting in this formula, according to Dr. Chacon. “Charcoal is naturally cleansing and detoxifying and helps remove impurities from the scalp and hair,” she says. The scrub-like texture and tingly blend of tea tree and peppermint oils help clarify the scalp, while coconut oil works to balance the charcoal’s intensity

Unlike your typical squeeze bottle, this Best of Beauty Award winner comes in a tub because of the creamier, mousse-like formula. And, perhaps our favorite part, it smells like whipped cream blended with fresh mint and warm vanilla. There’s no exact conditioner made to pair with this formula, but if you need a post-wash hydration boost, Briogeo’s iconic Don’t Despair, Repair Deep Conditioning Mask is always a great option.

Tester feedback from Felbin

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“I have an oily, sensitive scalp and deal with bumps/clogged pores often, especially around my hairline. This Briogeo shampoo is the reset my scalp and roots need. I love the texture—it's lightweight and whipped, with little scrub particles that you can feel but aren't too abrasive. As I work it into my roots, I love the gently exfoliating, slightly tingly feel and peppermint scent. It doesn't lather up a ton, but that doesn't mean it isn't working. I've used this on and off for years—once or twice weekly—and it's the scalp scrub I always come back to.” —Sarah Felbin, former senior commerce editor

More to know

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  • Key ingredients: charcoal, coconut oil, peppermint oil, tea tree oil
  • Fragrance-free: no

Best for Buildup: Ouai The Detox Shampoo

Ouai Detox Shampoo in clear bottle component with black accents on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Ouai

Detox Shampoo

$34

Amazon

$34

Ulta Beauty

$34

Sephora

Why it's worth it: If you’re drowning in dry shampoo, styling product gunk, who-knows-what from air pollution, or all of the above, Ouai’s Detox Shampoo is the clean slate you need. “It’s amazing for getting rid of buildup—dirt, oil, and leftover product,” says Dr. Chacon. “You see and feel the difference. It gives your hair a true deep clean.” She notes that one of the key ingredients is apple cider vinegar, “which helps calm itchiness, reduce flakes, and melt away residue without stripping your scalp.”

And if you live somewhere with hard water, this formula has chelating agents that cling to and rinse away minerals, which can extend that fresh post-wash feeling. Meanwhile, hydrolyzed keratin helps enhance your hair’s natural shine. Even more: It’s sulfate-free, so your typically oily hair gets that squeaky-clean feeling without irritating a sensitive scalp. There isn’t an exact conditioning match to this intensive cleansing shampoo, but we recommend pairing it with your favorite deep-conditioning mask to replenish much-needed moisture post-cleanse.

More to know

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  • Key ingredients: apple cider vinegar, hydrolyzed keratin, chelating agents
  • Fragrance-free: no

Best for Sensitive Skin: SEEN Scalp Clarifying Shampoo and Conditioner

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SEEN

Shampoo and Conditioner

$64

Amazon (Duo)

Why it's worth it: If your scalp is sensitive to heavy fragrances and intensive cleansers, SEEN’s Scalp Clarifying Shampoo is here to provide oil- and flake-reducing comfort without irritating your skin in the process. “This is an excellent option for patients with oily hair who are also acne-prone or sensitive,” says Dr. Queller. She also notes that this is a non-comedogenic formula, which is an added bonus for any acne-prone skin types looking for formulas that won’t clog pores.

This shampoo’s gentle cleansers (a combination of coconut-based surfactants) work alongside the amino acid sarcosine to further minimize stress on your scalp. Corn-derived propanediol-caprylate acts as an antimicrobial agent to balance sebum without inducing dryness. Bisabolol also makes an appearance in this formula to further soothe the skin—so it’s no wonder how this shampoo nabbed a seal of approval from the National Eczema Association. Meanwhile, SEEN’s Conditioner is formulated without heavy oils to avoid causing breakouts on your scalp and body.

More to know

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  • Key ingredients: coconut-based surfactants (sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate, cocamidopropylamine oxide), sarcosine, propanediol-caprylate, bisabolol
  • Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Thick Hair: Aveda Rosemary Mint Purifying Shampoo and Conditioner

Aveda Rosemary Mint Purifying Shampoo + Rosemary Mint Conditioner in branded bottle components on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Aveda

Rosemary Mint Purifying Shampoo + Rosemary Mint Conditioner

$44

Amazon

$21

Nordstrom (Shampoo)

$21

Nordstrom (Conditioner)

Why it's worth it: With its invigorating rosemary and mint scent, delightfully tingly sensation, and fresh-feeling finish, Aveda’s Rosemary Mint Purifying duo is our top pick for providing a deep, grease-busting cleanse without leaving hair with a dry feel afterwards. Dr. Queller calls this shampoo and conditioner duo “an excellent option for someone who wants a refreshing, clarifying cleanse without heaviness.”

Each product’s combination of rosemary extract and peppermint oil help remove buildup and excess oil while leaving the scalp feeling clean and invigorated. To combat dryness, both formulas also contain sunflower seed oil and glycerin, a combination that draws and seals in moisture for a smoother, softer feel as your strands dry. Moreover, “both formulas are relatively lightweight, so it won’t weigh the hair down—making it especially good for fine or oily hair types that get greasy quickly,” adds Dr. Queller.

Tester feedback from commerce contributor Jennifer Hussein

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“My hair is pretty grease- and flake-prone, so I’m always using clarifying shampoos, and my biggest problem is finding one that won’t dry out my already-brittle hair. Aveda’s shampoo tackles days of buildup with no problem, and doesn’t leave my hair with a frizzy texture afterwards. I do have pretty thick hair, so I use quite a bit of shampoo (about a strawberry-sized dollop), but even when I overdo it, my hair isn’t left with a dry, brittle feel after lathering up. Instead of using a heavier mask, I let the conditioner sit on my strands for at least five minutes (up to 10 if I’m taking an everything shower), and it always leaves them with a silky-smooth feel that’s ready for styling.” —Jennifer Hussein, commerce contributor

More to know

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  • Key ingredients: rosemary extract, peppermint oil, sunflower seed oil, glycerin
  • Fragrance-free: no

Best for Dry Hair: Kérastase Specifique Bain Divalent Shampoo

Kérastase Specifique Bain Divalent Shampoo in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Kérastase

Specifique Bain Divalent Shampoo

$46

Amazon

$46

Sephora

Why it's worth it: Dr. Queller calls Kérastase’s Specifique line “one of my go-to recommendations for patients with oily roots but drier ends.” This shampoo does contain traditional surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate, which may be drying for some, but the formula neutralizes this effect entirely with vitamin B6, which hydrates the scalp and strands without weighing hair down. Its oil-minimizing abilities are boosted by amino acids, which balance sebum while providing hydrating benefits, further smoothing and softening dry, brittle hair. “It’s specifically formulated to balance the scalp—removing excess sebum at the roots while still maintaining hydration through the lengths,” explains Dr. Queller, “What I like is that it cleans effectively without stripping, which is important because overly harsh shampoos can actually trigger rebound oil production.”

More to know

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  • Key ingredients: sodium lauryl sulfate, vitamin B6, amino acids, ceramides
  • Fragrance-free: no

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of shampoo is best for an oily scalp?

Drop the dry shampoo, because it’s a temporary fix that can actually cause more oiliness in the long run (it’s a styling product, not a cleansing product, after all). Instead, look for an oily scalp-friendly shampoo that deeply cleanses without stripping your scalp’s natural moisture. Keep an eye out for clarifying or detoxifying formulas with ingredients like salicylic acid, tea tree oil, or apple cider vinegar, which help break down excess oil and product buildup while keeping the scalp balanced.

If you’re also dealing with flakes or itchiness, you’re not alone. “Dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis can be common in people with an oily scalp,” says Ruth McTighe, MD, a board-certified dermatologist of Waccamaw Dermatology based in Mt. Pleasant, SC. Shampoos with ingredients like ketoconazole (an antifungal), zinc pyrithione (fights bacteria and yeast), selenium sulfide (reduces scalp flaking), salicylic acid (exfoliates and removes buildup), or coal tar (slows skin cell turnover) can be especially helpful in cases like this, says Dr. McTighe.

And no matter which formula you choose, “aim for one that’s sulfate-free and silicone-free to avoid triggering even more oil production,” adds Dr. Chacon. Silicones are a red flag for many dermatologists we spoke to, as they may accumulate on the scalp over time, similarly to the way styling product particles do."Silicone tends to coat the hair, making it heavy, which counteracts the benefits of the volumizing," says Chicago-based hairstylist Nick Stenson. What's more, "continued use of silicones over time can weigh down the hair," Dr. Zeichner previously told Allure.

Should oily hair types use a conditioner?

According to Dr. Queller, oily hair types absolutely should use a conditioner after shampooing their hair. “Skipping conditioner can actually backfire,” she says. “When the hair shaft is left dry or unprotected, the scalp may compensate by producing more oil, which can worsen the overall greasy appearance.” The key here, says Dr. Queller, is choosing a lightweight, non-comedogenic conditioner and applying it strategically—which we’ll dive into more below.

How do I use a conditioner without a greasy feel afterward?

Instead of lathering it all over your hair haphazardly, Dr. Queller emphasizes that intentional application is key to minimizing any oily feel afterward. “Focus on the mid-lengths and ends rather than the scalp,” she says. “This helps maintain hair health and shine without contributing to excess oil at the roots.”

Additionally, Dr. Queller says to use a light amount of product, look for descriptors like “lightweight,” “volumizing,” or “oil-free,” and to rinse thoroughly, “as residue is a common cause of limp, greasy hair.”

For very oily scalps, Dr. Queller suggests a “reverse wash,” as in, conditioning before shampooing. “This helps hydrate the ends without leaving buildup behind,” she says.

Why is my hair oily?

This question has a nearly-infinite amount of answers, so it’s hard to tell exactly what’s causing your scalp to become oily. That being said, some of the biggest contributors to chronic grease-prone hair include genetics, hormones, stress, and weather. "Some of us naturally produce more oil than others, which can lead to a greasy scalp," Charlotte Birnbaum, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist, previously told Allure. "If you have both an oily face and scalp, it's likely you are naturally oil-prone."

However, suppose oiliness is a new concern for you. In that case, New Haven, CT-based board-certified dermatologist Mona Gohara, MD, says the culprit could be: 1) a switch in your usual hair habits, or 2) developing a condition called seborrheic dermatitis. She says this condition is characterized by "greasy, scaly, dandruff from an overgrowth of a yeast called Malassezia."

In a twist of irony, dry shampoos are another contributor to oily hair. "When dry shampoo particles build up on the scalp over time, they can clog hair follicles, trap oil, and prevent normal skin cell turnover," Nancy Samolitis, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Los Angeles previously shared with Allure. It creates something of a domino effect since Dr. Samolitis explained that "this can lead to overgrowth of bacteria and yeast that normally live on the scalp and cause folliculitis, or the inflammation of hair follicles, and dandruff." Folliculitis can, in turn, lead to red pimples and pustules—sort of like scalp acne.

Can you prevent hair from getting so oily?

You can’t completely stop your scalp from producing oil—a natural and healthy function—but you can manage it so your hair doesn’t get greasy as quickly. “This can also depend on your hair type,” says Dr. McTighe. “If you have fine or straight hair, limiting certain products like oils, conditioners, or serums to the ends can help prevent your scalp from becoming too oily.”

How can I minimize hair oiliness?

First step to success: cleanse with the right shampoo. A traditional liquid shampoo for oily hair can assist with absorbing oil without leaving any residue like a dry shampoo (which, to reiterate, doesn’t actually cleanse), making it one of the best first steps you can take to minimize oiliness.

The best shampoos for oily hair are those that are formulated with clarifying and exfoliating ingredients such as alpha hydroxy acids, which reduce residue, oil, and build-up on the scalp, says Dr. Birnbaum. For a deeper buildup-busting cleanse, she notes to look for a clarifying shampoo, preferably one formulated with salicylic acid.

You should also adjust your washing frequency. "For an oily scalp, I recommend more frequent shampooing, up to once a day," Dr. Birnbaum said.

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.

Meet the experts

  • Anna Chacon, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami
  • Adam Campbell, a hairstylist in L.A.
  • Jenna Queller, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Boca Raton, FL
  • Ruth McTighe, MD, a board-certified dermatologist of Waccamaw Dermatology based in Mt. Pleasant, SC
  • Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
  • Charlotte Birnbaum, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist
  • Mona Gohara, MD, a New Haven, Connecticut-based board-certified dermatologist
  • Nancy Samolitis, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Los Angeles
  • Nick Stenson, a Chicago-based hairstylist

How we test and review products

When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.

For our list of the best shampoos and conditioners for oily hair, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and results. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

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