If you’re someone with an oily scalp, this schedule will sound familiar: wake up, wash hair, spray dry shampoo, go to bed, rinse, repeat. Day three hair? Never heard of her.
Whether it’s straight and fine, coarse and curly or, in this case, slick and oily, every hair type requires its own routine.
To help cease the grease, Shop TODAY consulted dermatologists, trichologists and hair stylists to learn what causes an oily scalp and get their tips for managing it. We also asked the experts about the tried-and-true shampoos they recommend to their clients. So let your hair down — and while you’re at it, put the dry shampoo down, too — because you’re about to be the mane attraction.
What causes an oily scalp and how common is it?
“Oily scalps are common and often coincide with an oily skin type,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Yoram Harth. “Hormonal changes, diet and stress can all be contributing factors.”
Your very own hair care products may even be the culprit. “If you have fine hair and are using a shampoo that contains a lot of moisturizing actives (such as avocado, argan, sunflower and coconut oil), this will likely weigh your hair down and make it look and feel oily,” adds certified trichologist Anabel Kingsley. She suggests choosing a shampoo based on your hair texture, not its condition.
The health of your scalp is also directly linked to how frequently and efficiently you suds up. “Your scalp is a very oily tissue, containing thousands of sebaceous glands,” Kingsley notes. “If you aren’t cleansing your scalp regularly, sweat, oil and dead skin cells will build up throughout your roots.”
Best shampoos for oily scalps, according to experts
Multitasking: The Honest Company 2-in-1 Cleansing Shampoo
- All-natural ingredients
- No overwhelming scents
- Short spout; hard to dispense
Best for: 2-in-1 cleanses (shampoo, body wash) | Size: 10 fl. oz. | Key ingredients: Lavender essential oils, chamomile extract, aloe, jojoba oil, sweet almond oil
“If you have an extra oily scalp and must wash hair daily, I recommend this gentle two-in-one shampoo, which won’t dry out your hair,” suggests Rose. It’s also hypoallergenic, making it a great choice for sensitive skin.
Sulfate-free: Odele Clarifying Shampoo
- A little goes a long way
- Helps hair last longer
- Has an unpleasant scent
- Don't use multiple times/week
Best for: Once-a-week use | Size: 13 fl. oz. | Key ingredients: Natural fragrance, hydrolyzed rice protein, amaranthus caudatus (velvet flower) extract
Rose raves about this clarifying sulfate-free shampoo, and says she recommends it to all her clients with naturally oily scalps. Use it once a week to remove dirt, oil and product buildup, according to the brand.
Formulated with argan oil: Moroccanoil Extra Volume Shampoo
- Lathers and rinses easily
- A little goes a long way
- Packaging and delivery issues
Best for: Adding volume | Size: 8.5 fl. oz. | Key ingredients: Glycerin, argan oil
When in doubt, say no to sulfates. “Sulfate-free shampoos are generally milder and can cleanse the hair without stripping it of its natural oils, which might otherwise lead to increased oil production,” says hair loss specialist Dr. Hannah Kopelman before recommending this volumizing shampoo.
"Powerful" pick: Living Proof Perfect hair Day Triple Detox Shampoo
- Gives hair a good detox
- Reviewers were very impressed
- Has an unpleasant scent
Best for: Softening hair | Size: 5.4 fl. oz. | Key ingredients: Activated charcoal, anionic polymer (to remove buildup)
When your scalp needs a serious detox, try this shampoo that Harth calls a “powerful triple-action formula.”
“Its charcoal-based composition gives you a refreshed and balanced feeling after every wash,” he says.
Infused with essential oils: Nécessaire The Shampoo
- Can go longer between washes
- Doesn't strip hair like others
- Cost deters some reviewers
Best for: Thinning hair | Size: 8.4 fl. oz. | Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, aloe leaf juice, avocado oil, glycerin
Nécessaire's formulas are created sans sulfates, parabens or synthetic fragrances, and Harth is a fan of this shampoo. “It’s fortified with essential oils and vitamins that control oil production and nourish the scalp, making it ideal for those with oily hair,” he says.
Features apple cider vinegar: Ouai Detox Shampoo
- Lathers well
- Deep clean without stripping
- Strongly scented
Best for: Strengthening hair | Size: 10 fl. oz. | Key ingredients: Apple cider vinegar, hydrolyzed keratin
If you feel like you’re seeing Ouai everywhere, you aren’t wrong. Jen Atkin’s cult-fave beauty line has every hair type in mind — including those with oily scalps. “The Ouai Detox Shampoo effectively removes excess oil and buildup,” says Harth. “Its natural ingredients, like apple cider vinegar, also help to balance the scalp’s pH levels, leading to healthier hair overall.”
Treats roots and ends: Kérastase Bain Divalent Balancing Shampoo
- Both protects and cleans hair
- Helps strip oil away
- Packaging and delivery issues
Best for: Hydration | Size: 8.5 fl. oz. | Key ingredients: Amino acid, vitamin B6
This balancing shampoo is a game changer for greasy scalps. According to Baruk, the formula does a great job of treating oily roots while targeting dry ends at the same time.
Bethel agrees. “I like this shampoo because it is formulated specifically for oily scalps and dry ends, balancing the scalp’s oil production while hydrating the hair lengths.”
Worth the splurge: Oribe Serene Scalp Oil Control Shampoo
- Hair lasts longer after washes
- Helps hair remain oil-free
- Has an unpleasant scent
- High cost deters reviewers
Best for: Scalp care | Size: 8.5 fl. oz. | Key ingredients: Rosebay extract, green marine algae, biomimetic amino acid
If your hair wash schedule has taken over your life, this might just be the shampoo for you. “This line will help extend some time between washes for people with oily hair,” says hair colorist Raul Daviid. “I love to pair this with the Serene Scalp Oil Control Mist.”
Sensitive-scalp friendly: Shu Uemara Pure Serenity Clarifying Shampoo
- Helps hair look, feel better
- "Keeps oil at bay"
- Not safe for colored hair
- Pricey
Best for: Adding shine | Size: 13.4 fl. oz. | Key ingredients: Yuzu citrus, glycerin, hydrogenated castor oil
Having a luxe self-care moment can be a daily occurrence with this oil-balancing shampoo. “This is a great shampoo for daily use that won’t over-exfoliate or irritate the skin,” says Daviid. “It’s formulated with clean ingredients that are safe to use on sensitive scalps.”
Editor-favorite shampoo
"Rejuvenating" pick: Biotera Intensives 2:1 Scalp Scrub & Shampoo
- Easy-to-use nozzle
- Smells amazing
- Easy to rinse out
- Nothing to note at this time
Best for: Exfoliation | Size: 6 fl. oz. | Key ingredients: Apricot seeds, coconut yogurt, ginseng
For a simple, relaxing scalp-cleansing session, reach for this two-in-one scalp scrub and shampoo by Biotera. Amanda Fama, a commerce editor at Shop TODAY, tried this formula for the first time and can't believe how much cleaner (and more lightweight!) her hair feels. "After just one use, I my scalp felt rejuvenated and my hair looked as if it had been treated with a super expensive product... but this shampoo is less than $15. I'm shocked."
The apricot seeds in the formula help exfoliate the scalp skin as the shampoo itself cleanses hair for a softer, shinier look with less oil buildup. Fama plans on using this scrub once a week.
Tips for managing oily hair
Already through your second can of dry shampoo this month? Certified trichologist Taylor Rose has the ultimate hair-wash routine for you. “Use a clarifying shampoo once a week to remove any buildup, wash your hair once a day with a gentle daily cleanser and avoid applying conditioner on your roots — only apply on the mid-lengths to ends.”
For the best results, you’ll also want to pay extra attention to the ingredient labels when shopping in the shampoo aisle. Rose suggests looking for products with salicylic acid to help exfoliate the scalp, tea tree oil to help kill bacteria, and both aloe vera and chamomile to help soothe the skin.
Harth notes that “foods high in grease and fat can contribute to an oily scalp.” He recommends opting for a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and lean protein.
Celebrity hairstylist Claude Baruk also shares his rapid-fire to-do (and not to-do) list for achieving healthy, red carpet-ready hair:
- “Gently massage your scalp while shampooing to help evenly distribute oil.”
- “Avoid hot water, as it can stimulate oil production.”
- “Consider blotting sheets designed for the scalp to absorb excess oil between washes.”
- “Avoid excessive touching or brushing of your hair throughout the day, as this can transfer oils from your hands to your hair.”
Your hair is as unique as you are — and getting to the root of your oily scalp issues will call for some trial and error. But don’t fret too much, better hair days are ahead thanks to these expert-approved shampoos.
Frequently asked questions
The answer isn’t as obvious as you’d think. According to Daviid, a dry and oily scalp can often present the same issues. “A dry scalp will usually be flaky, itchy, red and irritated, while an oily scalp may also be flaky and irritated due to oil-clogged pores and buildup.”
Kingsley takes it one step further, arguing that a “flaky scalp is almost always an oily one.” She explains that common scalp conditions like dandruff and seborrhoeic dermatitis are caused by yeast that thrive in an oily environment.
Harth says generally, if you notice your roots get greasy, limp and dull within a day or two of shampooing, you’re dealing with an oily scalp.
Certified trichologist William Gaunitz explains that this happens when “oil pools on the scalp and the individual strands closest to the scalp become saturated in oil.”
Luckily, he says there’s no need for separate routines to address both your scalp and hair issues. “If you manage an oily scalp, you will reduce or eliminate oily hair.”
If your hair is giving you double the trouble, you aren’t alone. According Kopelman, dealing with both an oily scalp and dry ends is a common concern due to factors such as genetics, hormonal changes and hair care habits.
“The scalp produces sebum — a natural oil — which is meant to keep the scalp and hair moisturized,” she says. “However, for some people, the sebaceous glands can produce excess sebum, leading to an oily scalp.”
What about those dry, frizzy ends? Kopelman explains that “the ends of the hair, being further away from the scalp, may not receive as much natural oil and can become dry — especially if they are damaged by heat styling, chemical treatments or environmental factors.”
Bethel suggests switching up your hair care routine to see results. “Try a hydrating shampoo and conditioner, incorporate a hair mask or treatments for the ends and avoid excessive heat styling.”
Even if your hair is oilier than ever, it’s still possible to over-wash it. In fact, that might be the culprit. “Over-washing can actually stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more oil, creating a cycle of oiliness,” Kopelman tells us. Treating an oily scalp is a Goldilocks kind of situation: you can’t shampoo it too much or too little. She also stresses the importance of rinsing your hair thoroughly.
“If your hair remains oily even after washing, the concern is that there is a buildup of residues on the scalp that have not been removed effectively,” adds board-certified dermatologist Dr. Erum Ilyas. She recommends using a clarifying shampoo every so often to help lift those residues.
And if you’re ever inclined to run your hands through your hair, don’t. Bethel urges her clients with oily hair to use a clean brush instead. “The oils from our hands can contribute to an even oilier scalp.”
Kopelman suggests avoiding tight hairstyles like ponytails or buns because they can trap oil and sweat against the scalp.
She also suggests avoiding heavy, oil-based styling products, instead opting for lightweight, water-based formulas.
How we chose the best shampoos for oily scalps
The Shop TODAY team rounded up the best shampoos by enlisting the recommendations of a board-certified dermatologist, trichologists and hair stylists. These experts also provided beneficial tips to help deal with all your hair-raising problems when it comes to managing an oily scalp.
Meet the hair experts
- Claude Baruk is an award-winning celebrity hairstylist.
- Raul Daviid is a hair colorist at the Butterfly Studio Salon in New York City.
- Dr. Yoram Harth is a board-certified dermatologist and the medical director of MDhair. He is a former research fellow at the Department of Dermatology at New York-Presbyterian Hospital and has authored dozens of scientific publications.
- Anabel Kingsley is a certified trichologist, consultant and brand president of the Philip Kingsley Clinics.
- Taylor Rose is a Los Angeles-based, IAT-certified trichologist specializing in women’s hair regrowth.
- William Gaunitz is a certified trichologist and hair loss expert based in Laguna Beach, California.
- Dr. Hannah Kopelman is a hair loss specialist that is dual clinically trained in cutaneous oncology from Boston University and in hair loss from Columbia University. She's previously spoken with Shop TODAY about postpartum hair loss.
- Dr. Erum Ilyas, MD, MBE, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in Pennsylvania. She focuses on adult and pediatric medical dermatology, cosmetic dermatology and skin cancer treatment.
- Carly Bethel is a Nashville-based celebrity hairstylist and the owner of Vol. II Hair Studio.
