5 best shampoos for oily hair that remove grease, control buildup, and leave your scalp fresh, clean, and healthy-looking every day. If you struggle with oily hair, you know how frustrating it can be to wash your looks in the morning only to see them looking greasy by the afternoon. Excess oil not only makes your hair appear flat and lifeless but can also leave you feeling less confident. The good news? The right shampoo can make all the difference.
Shampoos designed for oily hair are formulated to balance sebum production, remove buildup, and keep your scalp feeling fresh without stripping it of essential moisture. Unlike regular shampoos, they focus on cleansing deeply while maintaining the natural health of your scalp and strands. Whether your oily hair is due to genetics, hormones, product buildup, or simply an active lifestyle, choosing the right shampoo can help you extend the time between washes and enjoy that just-washed freshness for longer.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up the 5 best shampoos for oily hair that deliver effective cleansing, volume, and shine. From clarifying formulas to gentle everyday options, these shampoos are tried-and-tested favorites that can help you beat the grease and restore balance to your hair care routine. Say goodbye to limp, oily locks—and hello to clean, refreshed, and healthy-looking hair!
Neutrogena Exfoliating Healthy Scalp
The Neutrogena Exfoliating Healthy Scalp Clarifying Shampoo is specially made for people struggling with oily hair and scalp buildup. It deeply cleans without being harsh, thanks to its pH-balanced, cream-based formula. Unlike many clarifying shampoos that can strip the scalp, this one is gentle, non-drying, and suitable for daily use.
Deep Cleansing for Oily Hair
Removes excess oil, dirt, and product buildup.
Keeps scalp fresh and clean without over-drying.
pH-Balanced Cream Formula
Gentle on the scalp, helps maintain its natural barrier.
Non-stripping and safe even for frequent washing.
Sulfate-Free & Safe for Color
Free from harsh sulfates (SLS, SLES), parabens, and phthalates.
Protects color-treated hair and keeps it vibrant.
Infused with Pink Grapefruit Extract
Adds a natural shine to hair.
Leaves a refreshing citrus fragrance with hints of bergamot and florals.
For All Hair Types
Works for oily, normal, and color-treated hair.
Leaves hair soft, manageable, and healthy-looking.
Maple Holistics Degrease Clarifying Shampoo
The Maple Holistics Degrease Clarifying Shampoo is designed specifically for people with oily, greasy hair and scalp buildup. It uses natural essential oils instead of harsh chemicals to gently yet effectively remove excess oil, dirt, and residue. This shampoo also doubles as a scalp treatment, helping to reduce itchiness, flakes, and dandruff without drying your hair.
Deep Cleansing for Oily Hair
Targets grease and buildup that weigh hair down.
Helps hair feel lighter, fresher, and more manageable.
Dandruff & Itchy Scalp Relief
Contains hydrating natural ingredients instead of harsh anti-dandruff chemicals.
Soothes irritation and helps reduce flakes.
Sulfate-Free Clarifying Formula
Free from sulfates and parabens, making it gentler on the scalp.
Uses natural cleansers to detoxify without stripping essential oils completely.
Powerful Natural Ingredients
Rosemary oil → stimulates the scalp and promotes healthy hair.
Lemon oil → cuts through grease and refreshes the scalp.
Cypress & basil oils → cleanse and balance scalp health.
Jojoba oil → nourishes and hydrates to prevent over-drying.
For Men & Women
Suitable for all hair types struggling with oil, dandruff, or buildup.
Works as both a daily shampoo or occasional clarifier depending on your scalp’s needs.
The Paul Mitchell Shampoo
The Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two is a well-known clarifying shampoo that works especially well for oily hair. It’s designed to deeply cleanse the scalp and hair, removing excess oil and product buildup that can make hair look dull or greasy. With its crisp lemon scent, it leaves hair feeling fresh, clean, and full of life.
Deep Cleansing Power
Effectively removes oil, dirt, and styling product buildup.
Ideal for people who use a lot of hair products or struggle with oily scalp.
Great for Oily Hair
Specially recommended for oily hair types but safe for all hair.
Helps extend time between washes by keeping hair fresher for longer.
Adds Volume & Shine
Removes heavy residue that weighs hair down.
Leaves hair bouncier, more manageable, and with a natural shine.
Fresh Lemon Scent
Crisp, energizing fragrance that leaves hair smelling clean and refreshed.
For All Hair Types
Works on all hair textures but is especially effective for those with oily roots.
Can be used occasionally as a clarifier to reset hair.
OUAI Detox Shampoo
The OUAI Detox Shampoo is a luxury clarifying shampoo designed to reset your hair by removing oil, dirt, product buildup, and hard water residue. Unlike everyday shampoos, this one is meant to be used 1–2 times a week as a deep cleanser. It’s infused with apple cider vinegar to exfoliate the scalp, and keratin to strengthen and protect hair—all while being sulfate-free and safe for color-treated or chemically processed hair.
Powerful Detox for Hair & Scalp
Removes product buildup, dirt, and excess oil.
Exfoliates the scalp gently with apple cider vinegar to reduce flakes.
Fights Hard Water Damage
Contains chelating agents that eliminate heavy metals, minerals, and chlorine from hard water.
Helps prevent color fading and dullness caused by water impurities.
Boosts Volume, Shine & Bounce
Restores hair’s natural softness and vitality.
Leaves strands feeling light, refreshed, and squeaky clean.
Sulfate-Free & Hair-Friendly
Free from harsh sulfates, making it safe for chemically treated and color-treated hair.
Strengthens hair with keratin to reduce breakage.
Fresh Signature Scent
Lightly fragranced with OUAI’s popular Melrose Place scent—roses, bergamot, lychee, and white musk—for a luxurious wash experience.
Ethique Clarifying Shampoo
The Ethique Clarifying Shampoo Bar (formerly known as St. Clements) is a solid shampoo bar designed for oily hair. It deeply cleanses away excess oil and buildup while remaining gentle enough for color-treated hair. Infused with natural ingredients like castor oil, ginseng, and orange peel, it refreshes the scalp, leaves hair feeling light, and provides a zesty citrus scent. Best of all, it’s an eco-friendly alternative to bottled shampoo—one bar replaces up to three bottles of liquid shampoo.
Purifies & Refreshes Oily Hair
Removes grease, buildup, and residue.
Castor oil provides gentle cleansing without stripping essential moisture.
Ginseng invigorates the scalp and supports healthier hair.
Orange peel adds a refreshing citrus cleanse.
Eco-Friendly & Plastic-Free
1 bar = 3 liquid bottles, reducing plastic waste.
Made with renewable, vegan, and cruelty-free ingredients.
Supports a sustainable lifestyle while caring for your hair.
Travel-Friendly & Compact
Solid bar makes it easy to pack with no risk of spills.
Perfect for travel, gym, or camping.
Safe for Color-Treated Hair
Gentle formula won’t strip color.
Keeps strands vibrant and healthy-looking.
Pairs Well with Conditioner Bars
Works best when combined with Ethique conditioner bars for a balanced routine.
Leaves hair clean, refreshed, and buildup-free.