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If your hair tends to get oily within a few hours or days after washing it, you probably need the best drugstore shampoo for oily hair to tackle the problem. Your hair and scalp can get oily due to various reasons, including diet, environmental factors, and hormonal changes. The excess sebum production can cause your hair to look limp and dirty, affecting your entire appearance. It can also lead to breakouts along your hairline and on your face. Fret not, as our list of the best shampoos includes various organic and professional products that can help purify your hair and scalp without stripping the moisture for a healthy, shiny appearance. Check out the features and details of these tried-and-tested shampoos and add one to your bathroom shelf.
Top Picks
Causes Of Oily Hair
Here are a few reasons why your hair gets oily.
- Environment: Environmental factors such as temperature changes, rainfall, harsh winters, and pollution can boost sebum production and cause your scalp to produce more oil.
- Hormonal changes: Menstruation, pregnancy, puberty, menopause, and other hormonal factors can cause your hair to become oily.
- Diet: Your hair can get greasier if your diet includes oily, junk food. Inadequate hydration and lack of greens in your diet can affect your scalp and hair health.
- Excessive hair washing: Washing your hair daily might not help control oil production. Instead, it can cause your scalp to produce more sebum and replenish the oils. Thus, you might find your hair getting greasier after a wash as your scalp might think there isn’t sufficient sebum.
- Styling products: Using the wrong hair styling products can cause build-up on your scalp and roots, making your hair look greasy. Such products may block the pores of the hair follicles and cause sweat and dirt accumulation.
13 Best Drugstore Shampoos For Oily Hair In 2024
1. Best Overall: Neutrogena Anti-Residue Clarifying Shampoo
The clarifying and oil-control shampoo by the celebrity-endorsed brand, Neutrogena, claims to remove 90% of the heavy residue and oil build-up caused by hair styling products, shampoos, and conditioners. It is suitable for all hair types, including color-treated and thin hair, and it cleanses your hair gently and thoroughly. This result-driven volume-boosting shampoo also works well to add shine to your hair. Explore a tester’s experience in this review video for more information about this shampoo.
Pros
- Mild and non-irritating formula
- Mild fragrance
- Free of artificial dyes and colorants
- Revitalizes hair
Cons
- Might be drying
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 24,488 reviews on Amazon, this product is a winner.
2. Best Vegan: Ethique Solid Shampoo Bar For Oily Hair
Ethique’s vegan shampoo bar helps clean excess oil without drying your hair. This drugstore shampoo for greasy hair has a sweet orange and lime fragrance to make your hair feel fresh and clean. It is made of cocoa butter and orange and lime oils that help balance oil production and control oiliness. The shampoo is also free of soap, palm oil, aluminum, and other harmful chemicals to protect your sensitive hair and skin. Check out this video to learn how to use the product.
Pros
- Safe for all skin types
- Safe for color-treated hair
- Eco-friendly
- pH-balanced
Cons
- Might cause frizziness
"It was my first time trying a shampoo bar, so I was a bit skeptical, but this product got rid of my hair build-up effectively. The eco-friendly packaging is a plus. Also, I like that it is travel-friendly so I can easily carry it during my treks. Altogether, it's a decent shampoo."
3. Best For Rebalancing Oil: L’Oreal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Clay Rebalancing Shampoo
Formulated with three refined clays, this affordable and clinically tested shampoo for oily hair helps clean the oily roots and nourishes the hair ends. Brought to you by a celebrity-endorsed brand, this shampoo also helps hydrate and purify dry hair and makes it soft and flowy. It contains salicylic acid to purify the roots and remove excess buildup from styling products. Check out this video review to learn more about the product.
Pros
- Silicone-free
- Suitable for color-treated hair
- Does not weigh hair down
- Sustainable packaging
Cons
- May not be suitable for sensitive skin
"This shampoo works great for managing my oily hair—removing build-up and leaving it fresh and clean. It lathers well and has a pleasant fragrance that lingers. It works well for me, and I would recommend it for daily use."
Did You Know? Neutrogena Anti-Residue Clarifying Shampoo Best Overall | Ethique Solid Shampoo Bar For Oily Hair Best Vegan | L’Oreal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Clay Rebalancing Shampoo Best For Rebalancing Oil | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hair Type | Multicultural | All, Oily | Oily, Dry |
| Dimensions | 3.7 x 1.3 x 5.8 inches | 5.5 x 3 x 1.5 inches | 1.7 x 3.22 x 8.25 inches |
| Weight | 7.68 Ounces | 3.88 Ounces | 14.18 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 24,488 | 4,159 | 724 |
| Price | $1.05 | $14.88 | - |
| Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now |
4. Best For Dandruff: Maple Holistics Degrease Shampoo For Oily Hair Care
Maple Holistic’s purifying formula has hydrating ingredients such as lemon and peach kernel that nourish the scalp and help fight against flaking and itchiness. It also contains rosemary oil that works well to clean residue and prevent buildup caused by styling products, making it one of the best drugstore shampoos for oily hair. The pure essential oils in this shampoo help with flakiness control and hydrate dry and damaged hair, purify the roots and scalp, and give your hair a vibrant look.
Pros
- Sulfate- and paraben-free
- Suitable for color-treated hair
- Suitable for all hair types
- Not tested on animals
Cons
- Might make hair look limp
"I have tried many products to manage my oily hair, but nothing worked as great at degreasing as this one. It clears the build-up while providing soft and surprisingly manageable hair. A staple in my hair care routine, I would definitely recommend this product."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has garnered more than 8,684 positive reviews on Amazon.
5. Best Soothing: Aveeno Apple Cider Vinegar Sulfate-Free Shampoo
Aveeno’s professional-grade scalp-soothing shampoo helps clarify scalp and hair and adds shine and volume to the hair. The clinically proven shampoo is free of dyes, parabens, and sulfates and contains colloidal oatmeal extract and apple cider vinegar that help rejuvenate the hair from root to tip. This invigorating shampoo washes your hair gently to remove grease and buildup from different hair products, leaving behind soft, healthy locks.
Pros
- Suitable for all hair types
- Safe for color-treated hair
- Fresh fragrance
- Helps prevent fly-aways
Cons
- Consistency might be a tad thick
"Despite some initial concerns, this shampoo proved to be great for my hair, offering a clean feeling with full-bodied hair. While my husband didn't like its scent, it is a solid pick for me for maintaining a balanced scalp with a gentle touch."
6. Best For Oil Control: Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two
The tried-and-tested Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two is known for its clarifying properties—It helps rid excess sebum and dirt buildup and cleanses the hair thoroughly. It also controls oil production to prevent your hair from becoming too greasy with time. This shampoo offers visible results by adding shine to your hair and enhancing its volume.
Pros
- Color-safe
- Suitable for all hair types
- Non-drying
- Non-greasy
- Lathers well
Cons
- May have a watery consistency
"I have found an amazing solution for my scalp build-up and oily hair in this shampoo. It deep cleans the hair, leaving it feeling soft. However, it felt a bit harsh on color-treated hair. Overall, it proved practical for maintaining hair health in my busy routine."
7. Best For Colored Hair: OGX Kandee Johnson Collection Mermaid Dust Dry Shampoo For Oily Hair
When you are in a rush and don’t have enough time to wash your hair, this dry shampoo can come in handy. The OGX Kandee Johnson oil reduction shampoo helps keep your hair clean and fresh for long, helping you avoid the need for frequent washes. It is suitable for colored hair and ensures your hair color stays vibrant for long. This professional-grade shampoo also absorbs the excess oil and has a refreshing, sweet fragrance, making it one of the best drugstore shampoos for greasy hair.
Pros
- Free of sulfate surfactants
- Helps add volume
- Suitable for all hair textures
- Easy to use
Cons
- Might cause frizziness
"I have tried many products from this hair care line, and this shampoo performed well. Despite its strong scent, which dissipates quickly, it is a great product for a quick fix. I have started using it daily and have noticed a difference in my hair texture. Pretty happy with this purchase."
8. Best Organic: Desert Essence Organics Hair Care Shampoo
The vegan shampoo by Desert Essence is available in a cream formula and has a refreshing lemon scent due to the organic lemon peel extract. It also contains key ingredients, such as Australian tea tree oil, aloe vera, comfrey, and yucca cactus, which help soothe and nourish the scalp while clarifying the roots to remove excess oil. This affordable scalp care shampoo for oily hair types helps balance the scalp’s pH level and keeps your hair free of product buildup and impurities, leaving you with a refreshed feeling.
Pros
- Fresh scent
- Gluten-free
- No animal testing
- No artificial dyes or fragrances
- NSF organic standard-certified
Cons
- May not be suitable for curly hair
"This shampoo works great for deep cleaning my oily hair without over-drying the ends and is gentle on my sensitive scalp. While the bottle design is a bit tricky, it is a minor issue for its ability to provide soft and lustrous hair. I recommend it!"
Quick tip9. Best Moisturizing: Nexxus Hydra-Light Weightless Moisture Shampoo
Here’s a good drugstore shampoo for oily hair as its salon-inspired professional formula helps nourish your hair without weighing it down. It is scientifically formulated and contains deep sea minerals for optimal hydration, and its weightless moisturizing properties help the hair move freely. Also, its fragrant floral scent of rose and jasmine can make you feel fresh all day. The professional-grade oily hair shampoo has a light formula and is suitable for fine to flat hair.
Pros
- Moisturizing shampoo
- Lightweight formula
- Silicone-free
- Enriched with protein
- Helps add volume
Cons
- May have a watery consistency
"I am impressed by this shampoo's results on all hair types; it has become a staple for all my family members. It leaves the hair clean and manageable without a heavy feel and has a subtle, unobtrusive scent. All in all, a solid choice."
10. Best For Children: TBH Kids Shampoo For Oily Hair
This herbal shampoo contains nettle, meadowsweet, jojoba, and quinoa, which help control and absorb the excess oil while making the hair more manageable. Nettle, in particular, helps regulate oil production and balances the scalp’s pH to prevent breakouts near the hairline. This oil-control shampoo is also effective at strengthening your hair follicles to prevent damage and promote blood flow and moisture retention for healthy locks.
Pros
- Gluten-free
- Dairy- and soy-free
- Free of harsh chemicals
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Fragrance might be unpleasant for some
"This shampoo stands out for its effectiveness on various hair types across ages. My daughter and I love this shampoo for our oily scalps, and its natural scent is great for the senses. While it's not the ultimate cure for oily scalp, it works well as a regular shampoo."
Did you know?11. Best Nourishing: Tree To Tub Peppermint Shampoo For Oily Hair
Tree To Tub brings you one of the best affordable shampoos for oily hair types that clarifies your hair and skin to prevent oiliness and other issues. Made from organic and natural ingredients, this gentle shampoo is easy on your hair and scalp and has a soothing peppermint fragrance. This dermatologically tested shampoo lathers well to help deep clean your hair and scalp thoroughly. The wild soapberry in the formula helps balance the skin and hair’s pH level, providing adequate moisture and keeping your hair shiny, hydrated, and nourished.
Pros
- Deep cleansing shampoo
- Not tested on animals
- Artificial fragrance-free
- Gluten-free
- Chemical-free
Cons
- Might cause frizziness
"The chemical-free formulation of this shampoo garnered my attention, and it works great for my oily hair while being gentle. Its scent doesn't trigger my sinuses, and while it doesn't lather much, it cleans the hair well, leaving it feeling light and soft. Recommended!"
12. Best Non-Drying: Men’s Shampoo By American Crew
This drugstore shampoo for oily hair, created especially for men, contains vitamin B5 to moisturize and promote healthy hair. The formula of this moisturizing shampoo is suitable for everyday use, and it helps make your hair soft and shiny and strips away oiliness or dirt buildup without causing dry hair or scalp. Its naturally certified citrus mint fragrance offers an energizing effect to keep you feeling fresh throughout the day.
Pros
- Vegan friendly
- Non-drying
- Helps make hair manageable
- Silicone-free
Cons
- May not lather well
"I have tried various shampoo brands, but this one truly met my hair needs. It doesn't lather much but provides a clean feeling post-wash. I also like that it doesn't dry my hair, so I'm pretty delighted with this purchase."
13. Best For Hair Growth: Blackwood For Men Active Man Daily Shampoo
Enriched with the goodness of coconut oil and licorice root, this antimicrobial formula helps reduce itchiness and inflammation to keep the hair healthy and give you a clean scalp. The aloe vera and citric acid help remove excess oil and buildup, while the tsubaki oil and menthol prevent flaking and other scalp issues. One of the best drugstore shampoos for oily hair, it helps strengthen and thicken hair, prevents frizziness and breakage, and balances oil production.
Pros
- Gluten-free
- Helps curb baldness-causing DHT
- Helps promote blood circulation
- Chemical-free
Cons
- May have an unpleasant fragrance
"I got this shampoo for its botanical blend and was smitten by its performance and enticing scent. Its rejuvenating benefits have transformed my hair health, deep cleaning them without stripping natural oils. Overall, an effective product."
How To Choose The Right Drugstore Shampoos For Oily Hair?
Consider the following factors when choosing the right shampoo for oily hair.
- Ingredients: Check the shampoo’s ingredients to ensure it suits your requirements and hair concerns. If you have a sensitive scalp, look for dermatologist-recommended or clinically proven ingredients that are clarifying and non-drying and provide oil management benefits to achieve smooth hair. Also, ensure the shampoo doesn’t contain any oil that may weigh your hair down.
- Balancing formula: Choose a shampoo that helps you achieve a balanced scalp and hair pH level and your scalp’s oil production for optimal health and shine.
- Hair type: Ensure the shampoo is suitable for your hair type. While some products work on all hair types, including straight hair, curly hair, and wavy hair, others might be suitable for only color-treated hair or fine hair.
- Formula type: Oil-control shampoos are available as dry shampoos, sprays, creams, and other consistencies. So, choose one that suits your requirements.
- Chemicals:Ensure the shampoo is free of silicone, sulfates, parabens, GMO, and other harmful chemicals to prevent hair damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much shampoo should I use on oily hair?
Ideally, it depends on the thickness and length of your hair, but generally ten milliliters or two full teaspoons of shampoo is considered sufficient.
2. How often should I wash oily hair?
To keep your hair and scalp free of excessive oil and issues associated with an oily scalp, it’s advisable to wash them every second or third day.
3. What is the best product to use on oily hair?
Hair products not heavy on moisturizing ingredients but potent with clarifying agents, such as certain clays, aloe vera, and tea tree oil can be ideal for oily hair.
The Bottom Line
Managing dirty, greasy hair can be quite a hassle, especially if you have plans to go out or meetings to attend. However, the right shampoo can help clean the excess dirt and oil to give your hair a fresh, healthy look. We hope our list of the best drugstore shampoos for oily hair helps you find what you are looking for. When choosing the right product, check the ingredients, chemical content, formula type, and other factors to suit your needs. Moreover, you should also check if it’s suitable for your hair type. We recommend the Neutrogena Anti-Residue Clarifying Shampoo for removing residue and oil build-up, and the Ethique Solid Shampoo Bar For Oily Hair for balancing oil production. You may also consider the Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two for enhanced volume and shiny hair.
Infographic: What Causes Oily Hair And Scalp?
Oily hair and scalp can give you a greasy appearance. The excess oil can also make your scalp a breeding ground for bacteria and cause breakouts. So, check out the infographic below for the common reasons behind oily hair and scalp. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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Why Trust MomJunction?
Poulami Nag is a writer and editor passionate about makeup, beauty products, self-care, and fashion. She enjoys experimenting with new trends and products to find the right ones for her readers. In this article, she has listed the best drugstore shampoos for oily hair after researching products across multiple websites and considering customer reviews. The shampoos listed here are safe, easy to use, gentle, and have affordable prices. Poulami has also included a buying guide with the necessary information to help you choose the right product.
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