The Best Shampoos for Greasy Hair

If you have greasy or oily hair, you may already know that using the right shampoo is essential. Otherwise, you can wash your hair as many times as you want, and may still end up with oily strands. 

But, it’s important to note that your mane needs natural oils to stay hydrated and healthy, so you shouldn’t completely strip your strands of oil. Instead, it’s about finding the right hair care products, especially shampoo, to help you achieve a balance. Not sure where to get the best shampoo for oily hair? Keep reading as we offer up the best shampoos to incorporate into your daily hair care routine to treat oily tresses. 

How Often Should You Wash Oily Hair?

There’s an old beauty myth that states that washing your hair less often can help it produce less oil and thus become less greasy (oil training). However, this isn’t true. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), you should actually wash oily hair more frequently — not less. 

How often you wash your hair should be directly tied to how much oil your scalp produces. If your scalp is very oily, you may need to wash it as often as once a day. However, you shouldn’t just reach for any shampoo. Instead, you’ll want to use an option specially designed to treat and manage oily hair.

4 Best Shampoos For Oily Hair and Scalp

The key to handling oily strands like a pro is to always have your shower stocked with the right essentials. The wrong shampoo could leave you with hair that looks even oiler after washing it, so be sure to reach for a formula that’s designed for your hair type and concern. 

L’Oréal Paris Everpure Sulfate-Free Scalp Care + Detox Shampoo

This clarifying shampoo contains menthol and neem leaf extract that gives your hair and scalp a detox — deeply purifying and cleansing the scalp of dirt, product buildup, and oil, without stripping your hair.

Apply the shampoo to wet strands, gently massaging it onto your scalp and hair, and rinse well. Follow up with the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Scalp Care + Detox Conditioner, to hydrate the hair.

According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), the glands on the scalp produce oil that maintains the health of your skin (and therefore, hair), so when this oil builds up your usual shampoo might not be able to clean it all away. So before you shampoo, give your scalp a soothing massage with the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Scalp Care + Detox Scrub to clear away excess oil and buildup.

L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate Free Simply Clean Shampoo with Essential Oil

This gentle shampoo is perfect for oily strands because it won’t make your hair heavier or weigh it down, and it won’t leave any buildup on your scalp. The shampoo is formulated with rosemary essential oil to provide moisture and restore smoothness, and it contains no synthetic fragrance, sulfates, parabens, added phthalates, or dye. Follow it up with the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate Free Simply Clean Conditioner with Essential Oil.

L'Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Curls Micellar Shampoo

This pick has a water-to-foam texture that will lightly lather up to gently cleanse your scalp and hair to remove grease and build-up, and the pointed tip means you won’t miss any spots. Hyaluronic acid and castor oil work together to lock in moisture, which is beneficial because while you don’t want greasy hair, you also don’t want to totally strip your hair. This shampoo pairs well with the L'Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Curls Moisture Seal Conditioner to make sure hair is hydrated while keeping oil at bay.

L'Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Tinted Dry Shampoo for Blonde Hair and Brown Hair

Dry shampoo, which is sometimes referred to as waterless shampoo, is a great hair care product that revives greasy hair by absorbing oils for a refreshed look and feel. It’s the perfect travel companion and an absolute holy grail when you’re pressed for time. Not only does this pick work to get rid of excess oil in your hair, but it also works as a texturizing spray, adding body and volume to your strands. 

Start by shaking the can well and hold it six to eight inches away from your mane, then spray it directly onto your roots and lightly throughout the rest of your hair to absorb oil. Massage the scalp and brush the product through your hair from your roots to your ends.

Next: The Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid for Hair, According to an Expert

Edited by: Témi Adebowale, Photo Design: Sarah Duvivier