Winter 2026 is here, and with it comes dry indoor heat — yet some of us still struggle with oily roots. The right shampoo can control grease, balance your scalp, and keep hair soft, shiny, and hydrated without weighing it down.
Here are the top 8 shampoos for oily hair this winter, carefully chosen to target oil, refresh your scalp, and promote healthy moisture.
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TOP PICKS
Biolage Scalp Sync Clarifying Shampoo – $45
Why We Love It:
Biolage Scalp Sync is a professional-grade clarifying shampoo designed specifically for oily scalps. It’s not just about removing grease — it refreshes the scalp, reduces irritation, and leaves hair feeling lightweight. In winter, when indoor heating can dry ends while roots get oily, this shampoo balances moisture while detoxifying the scalp. Users love how it controls oil for days, even with frequent styling or products.
Extra Benefits:
Reduces scalp irritation and itchiness
Gentle formula, safe for color-treated hair
Leaves hair soft, shiny, and manageable
Key Ingredients:
Mint – invigorates and refreshes scalp
Zinc Gluconate – controls oil production and balances scalp
Gentle surfactants – cleans effectively without stripping hair
How to Use:
Massage into wet hair, focus on roots, leave for 1–2 minutes, rinse. Use 2–3 times per week for optimal oil control.
L’Oreal Paris Elvive Hyaluron + Pure Purifying Shampoo – $11
Why We Love It:
This is the ultimate budget-friendly solution for oily hair in winter. It removes grease without over-drying, keeping hair soft and lightweight. Infused with hyaluronic acid, it also hydrates ends, so hair feels moisturized even when washed frequently. Ideal for people who need daily or alternate-day washing without dullness or frizz.
Extra Benefits:
Leaves hair feeling refreshed and clean
Adds shine and bounce to hair
Lightweight formula prevents buildup
Key Ingredients:
Hyaluronic Acid – locks in moisture for soft ends
Gentle purifying agents – remove excess oil and impurities
How to Use:
Apply to wet hair, lather roots thoroughly, rinse. Perfect for daily use or every other day.
Ouai Detox Shampoo – $34
Why We Love It:
Ouai Detox Shampoo is a luxury scalp detox that goes beyond cleansing. It removes product buildup, excess oil, and impurities, leaving hair lightweight and smooth. Its gentle yet effective formula is perfect for oily hair in winter, when you want a deep clean without stripping natural moisture. Many users love its lightweight feel and subtle scent, making hair feel like it’s freshly washed and soft.
Extra Benefits:
Detoxifies scalp for long-lasting freshness
Lightweight, won’t weigh down fine or medium hair
Leaves hair soft, manageable, and frizz-free
Key Ingredients:
Kaolin Clay – absorbs oil and impurities
Aloe Vera – hydrates hair and soothes scalp
How to Use:
Apply to wet hair, massage gently into scalp, rinse thoroughly. Use weekly or as needed for detox.
Kristin Ess Clarifying Shampoo – $11
Why We Love It:
Kristin Ess Clarifying Shampoo is an affordable, high-performance option. It cleans deeply to remove excess oil and residue, perfect after styling products or heavy winter hats. Unlike harsh clarifying shampoos, it doesn’t over-dry hair, leaving it soft and shiny. Users love how fresh and bouncy their hair feels after just one wash.
Extra Benefits:
Removes buildup from styling products and oils
Gentle enough for color-treated hair
Refreshes scalp and adds natural shine
Key Ingredients:
Glycerin – maintains moisture and prevents dryness
Mild cleansing agents – effectively remove oil without stripping
How to Use:
Lather at roots, leave for a few minutes, rinse thoroughly. Use 1–2 times per week depending on oil levels.
Head & Shoulders Oil Control Shampoo – $23
Why We Love It:
This shampoo is more than just dandruff control — it’s perfect for oily scalps in winter. It absorbs excess oil, reduces flakes, and refreshes the scalp. Many users rave that it keeps hair feeling clean for longer even in humid or indoor-heated environments. Perfect for those who experience greasy roots but dry ends in cold weather.
Extra Benefits:
Fights flaking and itching
Prevents oil buildup without drying hair
Leaves hair feeling fresh and lightweight
Key Ingredients:
Pyrithione Zinc – controls scalp buildup and flaking
Oil-absorbing formula – reduces greasy scalp
How to Use:
Massage into wet scalp, leave for 1–2 minutes, rinse thoroughly. Ideal for oily, flaky scalp types.
Kérastase Specifique Bain Divalent Balancing Shampoo – $46
Why We Love It:
This is a luxury solution for combination hair — oily roots and dry ends. Kérastase balances sebum production while hydrating hair lengths, perfect for winter when ends can get brittle from heating and cold air. Users love the long-lasting freshness and softness this shampoo provides.
Extra Benefits:
Controls oil at roots without drying ends
Reduces scalp irritation and tightness
Enhances shine and softness
Key Ingredients:
Salicylic Acid – controls oil production
Hydrating agents – nourishes hair lengths
How to Use:
Apply to wet hair, massage scalp, rinse. Use 2–3 times per week.
Aveeno Apple Cider Vinegar Blend Shampoo – $9
Why We Love It:
This budget-friendly, natural option removes oil and impurities while restoring pH balance. Apple cider vinegar smooths the hair cuticle, leaving hair shiny and refreshed — perfect for winter detox washes. Users love the clean, refreshed feel without chemical-heavy ingredients.
Extra Benefits:
Restores hair’s natural pH balance
Smooths hair for added shine
Lightweight formula, safe for regular use
Key Ingredients:
Apple Cider Vinegar – balances scalp pH
Natural cleansers – remove grease and buildup
How to Use:
Massage into wet scalp, leave 1–2 minutes, rinse. Use weekly or as needed.
Nécessaire Shampoo – $24
Why We Love It:
Nécessaire is a clean beauty favorite that balances oily roots without stripping hair. Its minimalist formula is gentle yet effective, leaving hair soft, healthy, and winter-ready. Users love its refreshing rosemary scent and how lightweight yet nourishing it feels, making it ideal for color-treated and sensitive scalps.
Extra Benefits:
Gentle for all hair types, including color-treated hair
Promotes scalp health and reduces oiliness
Hydrates mid-lengths and ends while cleansing roots
Key Ingredients:
Rosemary Extract – supports scalp health
Plant-Derived Cleansers – remove oil without stripping
How to Use:
Apply to wet hair, lather at scalp, rinse. Use 2–3 times per week.
FAQ
1. How often should I wash oily hair in winter?
Even in winter, oily hair benefits from 2–3 washes per week. Overwashing can actually trigger more oil production, while under-washing can leave buildup. Use a clarifying or oil-control shampoo like Biolage Scalp Sync or Kristin Ess Clarifying Shampoo for deep cleansing without stripping your hair.
2. Can oily hair shampoos dry out my ends in winter?
Some clarifying shampoos can leave ends dry if overused. To avoid this:
Apply the shampoo mainly to scalp and roots.
Pair with a lightweight conditioner or leave-in on mid-lengths and ends.
Try balancing shampoos like Kérastase Bain Divalent, which cleans roots while nourishing ends.
3. What’s the difference between clarifying and purifying shampoos?
Clarifying shampoos (like Ouai Detox or Kristin Ess) remove buildup from styling products and excess oil.
Purifying shampoos (like L’Oreal Elvive Hyaluron + Pure) gently cleanse without stripping moisture.
For oily winter hair, alternate between clarifying once a week and purifying shampoos for regular washes.
4. Can I use these shampoos on color-treated hair?
Yes! Many of these shampoos, including Nécessaire, L’Oreal Elvive, and Biolage Scalp Sync, are safe for color-treated hair. Just avoid harsh sulfates, and use a hydrating conditioner on lengths and ends.
5. Can apple cider vinegar shampoos really help oily hair?
Yes! Aveeno Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo restores scalp pH balance, removes excess oil, and smooths hair cuticles, leaving your hair shiny and refreshed. It’s a natural, budget-friendly winter detox option.