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Struggling with greasy roots? Our expert-tested picks banish excess oil for balanced, fresh hair all day long.
Dealing with oily hair can be a daily battle. Excess sebum production from overactive sebaceous glands leads to greasy roots, flat strands, and frequent washing that often worsens the cycle. Choosing the best shampoo for oily hair isn't just about cleansing; it's about balancing oil production without stripping natural moisture, preventing scalp irritation, and maintaining hair health. The wrong product can exacerbate oiliness, leading to buildup, dandruff, or limp locks. For those with oily hair, a targeted shampoo is key to achieving volume, shine, and confidence in your style.
Oily hair presents unique challenges: it requires gentle yet effective formulas that remove surplus oil and impurities while respecting the scalp's pH balance. Look for ingredients like tea tree oil, salicylic acid, or apple cider vinegar to regulate sebum without drying out ends. Avoid heavy conditioners or silicones that weigh hair down. Key factors to consider include sulfate levels (sulfate-free for sensitive scalps), clarifying agents, and whether the shampoo is suitable for daily use. Frequency of washing, hair type (fine vs. thick), and environmental factors like humidity also play a role in selection.
At Review Atlas, our team of dermatologist-vetted experts and trichologists rigorously tests shampoos for oily hair in real-world conditions. We evaluate over 50 products annually, focusing on oil control efficacy, lather quality, residue-free rinse, and long-term scalp health. Using metrics like sebum reduction after 4 weeks and user panels with oily hair types, we ensure recommendations are backed by science and experience. This 2025 guide highlights the top shampoos for oily hair, optimized for SEO searches like 'best shampoo for oily hair' to help you find lasting relief.

Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo stands out as the ultimate choice for oily hair, thanks to its invigorating blend of tea tree, peppermint, and lavender oils that deeply cleanse the scalp while regulating excess sebum production. This clarifying formula removes buildup without over-drying, leaving roots fresh and hair voluminous for up to 24 hours. Key features include its sulfate-based lather for thorough oil removal, natural botanicals for soothing irritation, and a refreshing scent that energizes without residue.
Pros: Exceptional oil control, scalp-balancing pH, suitable for daily use; boosts shine and manageability. Cons: Strong minty aroma may not suit everyone; slightly pricier than drugstore options.
Ideal for those with fine, oily hair seeking a salon-quality solution that prevents greasiness from midday limpness. Perfect for active lifestyles or humid climates where oil builds up quickly.

Aveeno's Apple Cider Vinegar Blend Shampoo excels for oily hair by harnessing the natural clarifying power of apple cider vinegar and oat extract to gently exfoliate the scalp and dissolve excess oil. This sulfate-free formula balances pH, removes impurities from pollution and sweat, and soothes itchiness common in oily scalps, promoting healthier sebum production over time.
Key features: Colloidal oatmeal for calming inflammation, lightweight rinse that adds subtle volume, and no heavy residues. Pros: Gentle on sensitive skin, affordable, and effective for buildup-prone oily hair; enhances natural shine. Cons: Mild lather may require double washing for very greasy days; vinegar scent lingers briefly.
Best for individuals with oily, sensitive scalps who want a natural, drugstore-friendly option that hydrates ends without weighing down roots.

OGX Refreshing + Tea Tree Mint Shampoo is a budget powerhouse for oily hair, featuring tea tree oil and peppermint to purify the scalp and combat greasiness at the source. Its sulfate-free, vegan formula cuts through oil and product buildup while infusing a cooling sensation that invigorates without irritation, ideal for frequent washers.
Highlights include anise seed extract for added detoxification and a lightweight texture that rinses cleanly, preventing flatness. Pros: Inexpensive, refreshing tingle, great volume boost; controls oil for 12+ hours. Cons: May dry color-treated hair if overused; packaging can leak.
Suited for budget-conscious users with oily, normal-to-fine hair who need an everyday cleanser that delivers spa-like results without breaking the bank.

The Body Shop's Tea Tree Purifying & Balancing Shampoo targets oily hair with community-sourced tea tree oil to deeply cleanse pores and balance sebum levels, reducing shine at the roots while preserving mid-length moisture. This ethical, cruelty-free option includes aloe vera for soothing and a 2% tea tree concentration for potent oil control.
Key perks: Thick lather for easy application, no parabens or silicones, and a fresh herbal scent. Pros: Excellent for dandruff-prone oily scalps, eco-friendly, long-lasting freshness. Cons: Can feel stripping on very dry ends; availability varies by region.
Recommended for eco-aware consumers with oily, irritated scalps seeking a purifying shampoo that aligns with sustainable values.

Kérastase Specifique Bain Divalent Shampoo is a luxury pick for oily hair, formulated with amino acids and aminexil to purify oily roots while nourishing dry lengths, addressing the combo hair challenge uniquely. Its gentle, creamy lather removes excess sebum and pollutants without disrupting the scalp's microbiome.
Standout features: Zinc PCA for antibacterial action, vitamin B6 to regulate oil, and a silky finish that enhances texture. Pros: Professional-grade results, customizable for hair type, prevents oil rebound. Cons: High cost; requires careful rinsing to avoid residue.
Perfect for those investing in high-end care for persistently oily roots and dry ends, ideal for salon-goers wanting refined, balanced hair.

Neutrogena Anti-Residue Clarifying Shampoo is a go-to for oily hair overwhelmed by buildup, using a potent surfactant blend to strip away 90% of residue, oil, and styling products in one wash. This weekly treatment restores scalp clarity, reducing greasiness and promoting lighter, bouncier strands.
Essentials: Fragrance-free, dermatologist-recommended, and safe for color-treated hair. Pros: Dramatic oil reduction, affordable in bulk, quick results. Cons: Too harsh for daily use; can dry out if not followed by conditioner.
Great for users with very oily hair from hard water or heavy products who need a deep clean reset without salon prices.

Ouai Detox Shampoo offers mid-range value for oily hair with apple cider vinegar and hydrolyzed keratin to detoxify the scalp, chelating minerals and oils for a reset that lasts. Its luxurious yet accessible formula includes coconut water for hydration balance, making it versatile for urban oily hair exposed to pollutants.
Notable: Sulfate-free, color-safe, and builds volume subtly. Pros: Multi-tasking (detox + strengthen), pleasant scent, good for 2-3x weekly use. Cons: Smaller bottle size; may not lather as much in hard water.
Ideal for value-seekers with oily, stressed hair wanting a chic, effective shampoo that punches above its price point.

Moroccanoil Scalp Balancing Shampoo harnesses argan oil and botanicals like ginger root to gently regulate oily scalps, removing excess sebum while conditioning with antioxidants for shine. This clean-beauty favorite soothes flakiness and promotes a healthy microbiome without synthetic irritants.
Features: Vegan, paraben-free, with tea tree for purification. Pros: Luxurious lather, all-hair-type friendly, enhances natural texture. Cons: Premium pricing for size; subtle scent may fade quickly.
Best for natural-ingredient lovers with oily hair desiring a balancing, nourishing wash that feels indulgent yet effective.

Living Proof Full Clarifying Shampoo boosts volume for oily hair via magnetic polymer technology that repels dirt and oil, cleansing deeply while plumping strands for all-day lift. Its innovative formula targets fine, greasy hair prone to flattening.
Key elements: Sulfate-free, lightweight, and residue-free rinse. Pros: Instant volume surge, science-backed oil control, safe for extensions. Cons: Higher cost; best alternated with regular shampoo.
Recommended for those with limp, oily fine hair seeking a clarifying boost that transforms flat roots into full, fresh styles.
Compare key specs and features of all our recommendations side-by-side
| Product | Recommendation | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
![]() Tea Tree Special Shampoo, Deep Cleans, Refreshes Scalp, For All Hair Types, Especially Oily Hair 10.14 Fl Oz (Pack of 1) Rank #1 | 4.6 4.6 | Check price | |
![]() Aveeno Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo + Conditioner for Balance & High Shine, Daily Clarifying & Soothing Scalp Shampoo for Oily or Dull Hair, Paraben & Dye-Free, 12 Fl Oz (Package May Vary) Rank #2 | 4.5 4.5 | Check price | |
![]() OGX Extra Strength Refreshing Scalp + Rosemary Mint Shampoo, Clarifying Shampoo for Oily Hair Helps Remove Oil & Residue to Clear Away Buildup, Sulfate-Free Surfactants, 25.4 fl. oz Rosemary Mint_New 25.4 Fl Oz (Pack of 1) Rank #3 | 4.6 4.6 | Check price | |
![]() The Body Shop Tea Tree Purifying & Balancing Shampoo for Oily Hair & Scalp, Vegan, 8.4 Fl Oz Shampoo 8.4 Fl Oz (Pack of 1) Rank #4 | 4.2 4.2 | Check price | |
![]() Kerastase Specifique Balancing Shampoo For Oily Scalp & Hair - Cleanses Oil From Roots and Hydrates Dry Hair Ends 8.5 Fl Oz (Pack of 1) Rank #5 | 4.4 4.4 | Check price | |
![]() Neutrogena Exfoliating Healthy Scalp Clarifying Shampoo for Oily Hair & Scalp, Pink Grapefruit pH-Balanced Anti-Residue Formula Adds Shine, Sulfate, Paraben & Phthalate-Free, Color-Safe, 12 Fl Oz Rank #6 | 4.4 4.4 | Check price | |
![]() OUAI Detox Shampoo (10 fl oz) & Anti-Dandruff Deluxe Size (1 fl oz) Bundle - Soothing, Clarifying Shampoo Set for Dry, Flaky Scalp - Removes Dirt & Build Up (2 Count) Rank #7 | 4.7 4.7 | Check price | |
![]() Moroccanoil Scalp Balancing Shampoo 8.5 Fl Oz (Pack of 1) Rank #8 | 4.4 4.4 | Check price | |
![]() Living Proof Clarifying Detox Shampoo 8 Fl Oz (Pack of 1) Rank #9 | 4.5 4.5 | Check price |
Review Atlas Team - Editorial Team