We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
14 Of The Best Shampoos For Greasy Hair To Keep Oil In Check
The top clarifying shampoos for keeping oily scalps at bay
Tired of catching your hair looking less than fresh on a time-poor morning before work? Well, it might be time to swap your regular choice to one of our best shampoos for greasy hair.
Not only will an oil-battling formula cleanse away dirt, sweat and product build-up, it will also keep your scalp feeling fresher for longer.
Interested? We've tested the best shampoos for oily hair on the market, so you can keep your 'do looking its best. Keep scrolling for the products that impressed us the most, and see which ones are reduced on Amazon right now.
What causes greasy hair?
Just like an oily T-zone, the reason your scalp isn’t feeling so fresh is down to too much sebum being produced. This can be due to a number of reasons, from genetics to hormones, as well as environmental factors such as pollution or excessive sweating caused by workouts.
This dreaded oily build-up can even start on wash day, but rather than grabbing the dry shampoo or washing your hair more frequently (as this can lead to an even greasier situation), you need to break the cycle by using products that are suited to your hair type.
And, depending on your hair type, try limiting your washes to three times a week to retrain your locks. We’ll admit, the first few weeks will be greasy but your hair will thank you in the long-run.
Is greasy hair healthy?
Let's start by saying that greasy hair is natural. Sebum is naturally produced by our scalps and is key for a healthy, hydrated head of hair, but sometimes it can get a bit excessive, which is where you may want to intervene.
Trichologist, Ricardo Vila Nova, explains: ‘Like skin, our scalps can present as oily or dry. However, some oily conditions can lead to dermatitis, which can increase sensitivity of the scalp and intolerance to water types or products.’
It also has some unwelcome side effects, too. ‘Excess oil production can lead to scalp inflammation, dermatitis and congestion, which can also promote flakiness and dandruff. An unbalanced scalp or excessively oily scalp can also be a major cause for hair loss,’ says Vila Nova.
Can I stop my hair from getting greasy?
The good news is that you can help rebalance a stressed-out, oily scalp, and it starts with picking the right formula.
‘I always advise that the scalp is like the skin, so we have to wash our scalp but we shouldn't forget to balance and replenish its pH and protective film of hydration. Formulas such as salicylic acid or natural clay are efficient in extracting the excess grease,’ says Vila Nova.
You should also avoid using too much dry shampoo (sorry). It may seem like the obvious answer to mattifying unwanted oil, but in the long run, it’s doing more harm than good.
‘Using products like dry shampoo to give a clean look to the hair are nothing more than a quick fix,’ Vila Nova explains. ‘They can create congestion in the scalp, obstructing the segregation of oils through the follicles that contributes to build up of excess grease on the roots.’
Here are the best shampoos for greasy hair to add to your bathroom shelfie...
Redken Amino-Mint Scalp Shampoo
As well as reviving clogged-up scalps, this minty-fresh shampoo is perfect for nailing the glass hair trend. Think shiny, smooth strands that never look greasy or heavy. Not to mention it also helps to control excess oil, reducing the amount of hair wash days needed. What more could we ask for?
This shampoo is so powerful in its cleansing capabilities that you’re only supposed to use it as a weekly detox. Designed to wash away everything from pollutants to product build-up, it purifies hair and scalp, providing a satisfyingly deep clean.
TRESemmé Replenish & Cleanse Shampoo
Do you go through shampoo like nothing else? This jumbo-sized option will keep hair cleaner for longer. Leaving your hair deeply cleansed and soft, it helps to reduce oiliness by a mammoth 97%.
Christophe Robin Purifying Shampoo with Thermal Mud
Adding mud into the mix may seem counterproductive on hair wash day, but this is mineral-rich thermal mud, designed to soak up excess oil. It helps to regulate sebum production and boosted softness and hydration. Trust us, it works.
A refreshing treat for the scalp, let us rave about how gentle this shampoo is on hair, while still effectively tackling excess sebum. It controls greasiness, leaving your hair feeling rebalanced, not to mention you won't need to wash your hair as often, as it kept lengths cleaner for longer.
L'Oréal Professionnel Scalp Advanced AHA 3% Professional Shampoo
There’s a fine line between hair feeling silky rather than oily, but this shampoo achieves that optimal middle ground. Ideal for those with oily, greasy scalps, it's concentrated with 3% AHA to help cut through oil build-up and purify the scalp, for a fresher, cleaner feel with every wash.
Kérastase Specifique Bain Divalent Shampoo
Boosting shine from root to tip, this creamy shampoo doesn't mess about, leaving all heads squeaky-clean. It's also excellent at removing sebum while still managing to quench thirsty strands. Yes please!
Living Proof Perfect Hair Day (PhD) Shampoo
Blitz impurities and dirt away without depriving ends of moisture with this shampoo. This cult lather helps to keep oiliness at bay, reducing greasiness while also encouraging a fuller-looking head of hair.
Oribe Serene Scalp Balancing Shampoo
Our scalps aren't going to reap the benefits of a session on our Calm app, but this millennial-pink number is ready to step up for soothing duty. It banishes product build-up and unwanted oil, including traces of dandruff, leaving scalps refreshed.
VIRTUE Purifying Shampoo
You don't have to be aggressive to get a deep clean. This shampoo delivers the perfect balance, sweeping away dirt without causing any irritation. It does a stellar job of cleansing hair of sebum, leaving you with softer, smoother strands.
Having an itchy or irritated scalp isn’t pleasant. This shampoo promises to relieve roots from any sensitivity or inflammation, while also leaving your hair looking fuller and feeling softer.
If the beige aesthetic of this bottle wasn't enough to win you over, its smoothing and hydrating powers certainly should. The irritation-free shampoo makes it a doddle to untangle hair, while improving softness and reducing product build-up.
L'Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Clay Re-Balancing Shampoo
Oily roots but straw-like ends? Sounds like you have combination hair. This clay-texture shampoo attempts to rebalance strands and refresh roots, while leaving ends hydrated and swishy.
A gym kit staple, this eco-conscious shampoo bar is designed to be used after sports to tackle any sweat, without stripping hair of its natural oils.
Watch Next
ELLE Edit: Pregnancy-Safe Skincare
ELLE Edit: 15 Of The Best Frizzy Hair Products
ELLE Edit: The Best Purple Shampoos
ELLE Edit: 11 Of The Best Fake Tans
