If your roots start looking slick the very day you wash, you’re definitely not alone. Oily hair happens when the scalp produces excess sebum – your skin’s natural oil – and spreads it down the hair shaft faster than you can say “second-day greasy.”
The good news? Oily hair is manageable – and with the right routine and products, you can go longer between washes, enjoy real volume, and finally stop fighting greasy roots.
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Why Your Hair Gets Oily
Understanding the cause is step one to fixing the problem:
Over-washing with harsh shampoos strips the scalp, causing it to overproduce oil to compensate
Touching your hair frequently transfers oil from hands directly to the roots
Heavy conditioners and styling products clog the scalp and weigh hair down
Heat styling and friction stimulate oil glands and flatten volume
Daily & Weekly Habits That Actually Help
- Wash with lukewarm water, finish with a cool rinse to tighten the cuticle
- 2 Use dry shampoo between washes to absorb oil and add lift
- 3.Avoid silicones and heavy oils at the scalp
- 4.Brush gently and clean your brushes and tools regularly
- 5.Use an apple cider vinegar rinse occasionally to rebalance scalp pH
Best Shampoos for Oily Hair
Kérastase Specifique Bain Divalent Balancing Shampoo
Why we love it
This shampoo is a gold standard for oily roots and dry ends. What sets it apart is how intelligently balanced it is — it doesn’t just remove oil, it trains the scalp to behave better over time. It’s a salon favorite for a reason: hair feels clean, soft, and airy without ever feeling stripped.
Unlike harsh clarifying shampoos, this one keeps lengths nourished while letting roots stay fresher for longer. Luxury feel, real results.
How it works
Targets excess sebum directly at the scalp
Regulates oil production over time instead of triggering rebound grease
Hydrates and softens dry ends without adding weight
Key ingredients
Vitamin B6 – helps reduce excess oil production
Amino acids – strengthen hair fiber and protect lengths
Balancing agents – normalize scalp environment
Best for: Everyday use, combination hair (oily roots + dry ends), salon-quality results at home
Perfect if you want clean, airy roots without sacrificing softness.
L'Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Scalp Advanced Anti-Oiliness Shampoo
Why we love it
This is professional performance at a more accessible price point, making it ideal for frequent washers. It’s lightweight, effective, and incredibly reliable — especially if your hair gets oily fast but your scalp hates harsh shampoos.
It cleans thoroughly while keeping the scalp comfortable, which is key for preventing oil overproduction.
How it works
Removes oil, sweat, and daily buildup gently
Preserves scalp comfort and moisture balance
Helps extend time between washes
Key ingredients
Salicylic acid (low concentration) – gently exfoliates and unclogs follicles
Purifying agents – lift oil and impurities without drying
Best for: Daily or frequent washing, fine hair, oil-prone scalps
A smart buy for consistent oil control without over-drying.
Redken Amino Mint Shampoo
Why we love it
That cooling, minty sensation isn’t just refreshing — it signals a deep, effective cleanse. This shampoo is especially loved by people with very oily scalps or post-workout hair. It leaves the scalp feeling awake, clean, and balanced.
It’s also fantastic for adding bounce back to flat, greasy hair.
How it works
Deeply cleanses oil and buildup
Refreshes and cools the scalp instantly
Adds lightness and volume to roots
Key ingredients
Mint – stimulates and refreshes the scalp
Amino acids – strengthen hair and prevent breakage
pH-balancing agents – help regulate oil
Best for: Greasy scalps, active lifestyles, limp hair
If your scalp gets oily fast, this is a crowd favorite.
OUAI Detox Shampoo
Why we love it
This is the ultimate weekly reset. If your hair feels heavy, dull, or greasy no matter what you use, this shampoo clears everything out and lets your regular shampoo work better again.
It’s powerful — but smart — which is why it’s so widely loved.
How it works
Breaks down oil, mineral deposits, and product buildup
Chelates hard-water residue
Restores shine, softness, and movement
Key ingredients
Apple cider vinegar – dissolves buildup and balances scalp pH
Chelating agents – remove hard-water minerals
Keratin – strengthens hair after deep cleansing
Best for: Once-weekly use, heavy product users, oily scalp + dull hair
Think of it as a detox day for your scalp.
Scalp-Focused Cleansers
Phyto Sebum-Reducing Shampoo
Why we love it
This is a dream for anyone who wants effective oil control without irritation. It uses botanical ingredients to gently regulate sebum instead of stripping the scalp.
Over time, hair stays cleaner for longer — naturally.
How it works
Normalizes oil production
Cleanses gently while calming the scalp
Key ingredients
Plant-based extracts – regulate sebum
Mild surfactants – cleanse without disruption
Best for: Sensitive, oily scalps; clean-beauty lovers
Klorane Purifying Shampoo with Citrus Pulp
Why we love it
Fresh, light, and energizing — this shampoo never weighs hair down. It’s especially great for fine hair that gets oily and flat quickly.
How it works
Absorbs excess oil at the scalp
Adds volume and lightness
Key ingredients
Citrus pulp – oil-absorbing and energizing
Gentle cleansing base – ideal for frequent use
Best for: Fine hair, limp roots, daily freshness seekers
Goldwell Dualsenses Scalp Specialist Deep Cleansing Shampoo
Why we love it
Fresh, light, and energizing — this shampoo never weighs hair down. It’s especially great for fine hair that gets oily and flat quickly.
How it works
Absorbs excess oil at the scalp
Adds volume and lightness
Key ingredients
Citrus pulp – oil-absorbing and energizing
Gentle cleansing base – ideal for frequent use
Best for: Fine hair, limp roots, daily freshness seekers
Oily Hair Solutions: Daily Care Routine
Managing oily hair requires the right balance between cleansing and hydration. A consistent daily hair care routine can help control excess oil, prevent buildup, and keep your scalp healthy without drying out your hair.
1. Cleanse with a Gentle, Oil-Control Shampoo
Use a lightweight or clarifying shampoo formulated for oily hair or oily scalp. Look for ingredients like tea tree oil, salicylic acid, or niacinamide, which help remove excess oil and keep pores clear. Avoid over washing, as it can trigger more oil production—washing every 1–2 days is ideal for most people.
2. Condition Only Where Needed
Apply conditioner mainly to the mid-lengths and ends, not directly to the scalp. Choose a lightweight, non-greasy conditioner that hydrates without buildup. This helps prevent dry ends while keeping the scalp fresh.
3. Use a Weekly Clarifying Treatment
Once a week, use a clarifying shampoo or scalp scrub to remove product residue, oil, and impurities. This step helps reset the scalp and improves the effectiveness of your regular hair care products.
4. Avoid Heavy Styling Products
Limit the use of heavy creams, oils, and serums, especially near the roots. opt for lightweight, oil-free styling products to maintain volume and prevent greasy buildup.
5. Dry Shampoo for Oil Control
Dry shampoo is a quick fix between washes. Apply it to the roots to absorb excess oil, refresh your hair, and add volume. Use it sparingly to avoid buildup.
6. Be Gentle with Heat Styling
Excess heat can stimulate oil production. Use heat tools on low settings and always apply a light heat protectant. Air-drying when possible helps maintain a balanced scalp.
7. Maintain a Healthy Scalp Routine
Regular scalp massages improve circulation and promote healthy oil balance. Avoid touching your hair frequently, as this transfers oil from your hands to your scalp.
FAQ
How often should I wash oily hair?
Most people with oily hair do best washing every 1–2 days. Washing too often can strip the scalp and cause it to produce even more oil, while waiting too long can lead to buildup and flat roots.
Can overwashing make my hair oilier?
Yes. Using harsh shampoos or washing daily can trigger the scalp to overproduce oil as a defense mechanism. Choosing a gentle, oil-balancing shampoo helps regulate sebum over time.
Is conditioner bad for oily hair?
Not at all — it’s about where you apply it. Conditioner should be used only on the mid-lengths and ends, never directly on the scalp. This keeps hair hydrated without contributing to greasy roots.
What ingredients should I look for in shampoos for oily hair?
Look for ingredients like salicylic acid, niacinamide, tea tree oil, zinc PCA, citrus extracts, and clay. These help control oil, unclog follicles, and maintain a healthy scalp balance.
Are clarifying shampoos safe for oily hair?
Yes, when used correctly. Clarifying shampoos or scalp treatments should be used once a week to remove buildup, oil, and product residue. Overusing them can dry out the scalp.