We’ve tried and tested them all, so you don't have to
Are you one of those goddess-like creatures who wakes up with second-day hair that's flowing beautifully without a drop of grease? You're one of the lucky ones—and sadly for us, this isn't for you. We're here for those days where hair wash day crops up far too often and it feels like there's nothing you can do to stop the grease. You've googled 'best shampoo for oily hair' for years in search of something that will help, but nothing seems to work! Guess what? You're in luck.
Just imagine this—it's Monday morning, and you're already dreading the thought of facing another day with hair that looks like it hasn't been washed in weeks (FYI—it’s been just two days *cry*). You've tried every trick in the book, from dry shampoo to DIY remedies, but nothing seems to make a dent in the grease. It's enough to make you want to throw in the towel and resign yourself to a lifetime of bad hair days.
Hold up, girl, because we're here to tell you that there's hope on the horizon. Get ready to wave away those greasy tresses and welcome a future filled with hair that looks and feels its best, even on day three. Whether you're dealing with occasional oiliness or a persistent greasy scalp, we've got your back.
In this Shampoo 101, we're exploring the top picks for combating grease in 2024. From tried-and-tested favorites to innovative newcomers, we've curated a list of the best shampoos that are guaranteed to leave your locks feeling fresh, clean, and grease-free.
So buckle up, because we're about to get started on a journey through the wild world of oily hair. Greasy locks? You’re not wanted over here. Get ready to snooze your alarm in the morning, because your hair will make it through with these.
First things first—Why is my hair so oily?
Ever wondered why you’re washing your hair almost every day in the fear that it’s looking NOT so cute? Let's unpack why this happens. Picture this—you wake up, and instead of brushing last night's blow dry out, you're met with a greasy mess. Sound familiar? Girl, tell us about it!
Let’s break it down…
First off, blame it on genetics. Some of us hit the genetic lottery and produce more oil than others. Thanks, DNA! Then, there's the environmental factor. Humidity, pollution, and chemicals can all conspire to kick those oil glands into overdrive and make your hair even greasier than before. Notice you’re rushing about in the city and those bangs are looking a little more shiny and strand-like? Yep, that’s the pollution grease for you.
Now, here's the kicker with a capital K. Overwashing can actually make things worse. Stripping your scalp of its natural oils prompts it to produce even more oil to compensate. Talk about a vicious cycle!
But wait, it gets worse. Using the wrong hair care products can worsen the issue tenfold, leading to weighed down hair, greasy strands, and even breakage. Heavy conditioners and styling products leave behind residue that attracts more oil, turning your locks into a grease magnet.
So, if you're constantly researching the "best shampoo for oily hair," know that you’re in this boat with us. We've all been there, desperately seeking a solution to the greasy hair blues. But fear not, because we've got your back. Take a look at our hall-of-famers for 2024.
1) Nécessaire The Shampoo
Nécessaire's The Shampoo is not your average cleansing bestie. It's an all-new product of sophistication and efficacy. Renowned for its super aesthetic branding (hello cute bathroom) and premium formulations, Nécessaire once again proves its status with this fragrance-free gem.
While some may dismiss fragrance-free options as lackluster, this shampoo is a godsend for those prone to headaches, scalp allergies, or simply preferring to let their natural scent shine. Don't let the absence of fragrance fool you—this shampoo packs a punch. Its rich, gel-like texture transforms into a lavish lather upon contact with water, creating a sensory experience that's second to none.
A gentle massage is all it takes to unleash a cascade of creamy bubbles, enveloping your hair and scalp in pure indulgence. Say hello to a cleansing ritual that's both luxurious and effective, courtesy of Nécessaire's The Shampoo. It’s amazing for cleansing away all of the excess oil and any product build up, whilst leaving your hair clean and ready to go. 10/10 from us—we’re obsessed with this one!
2) Moroccanoil® Clarifying Shampoo
Moroccanoil® Clarifying Shampoo is your ticket to a deep cleanse that restores balance to your hair and scalp. This powerful formula effectively removes everyday buildup and impurities, leaving your hair feeling weightless, healthy, and refreshed. Infused with argan oil and keratin, it nourishes and strengthens the hair while promoting shine and manageability. By using it for every wash, the Moroccanoil® Clarifying Shampoo helps regulate oil production, reducing greasiness and leaving your locks looking and feeling their best.
Rich in nurturing argan and avocado oils, keratin, lavender, chamomile, and jojoba extracts, this shampoo goes beyond cleansing. It removes buildup that can cause limp, greasy strands—without stripping hair. Additionally, it's formulated to be color-safe, making it an ideal choice for those with color-treated hair.
The shampoo is suitable for all hair types, including fine, medium, and thick, and works well on coily, curly, straight, and wavy textures. It addresses common hair concerns like scalp buildup while being free of sulfates SLS and SLES, parabens, formaldehyde, and other harsh chemicals. Plus—it comes in recyclable packaging, making it a sustainable choice for your hair care routine. A planet-loving brand that works? Sign us up.
3) Kristin Ess Hair Deep Clean Clarifying Shampoo
Say goodbye to build-up and hello to a fresh, clean cleanse with Kristin Ess Hair Deep Clean Clarifying Shampoo. It is the go-to solution for anyone struggling with oily hair and product buildup. Its powerful formula is specially designed to penetrate deep into the hair follicles, effectively removing impurities and excess oil without stripping away essential moisture.
With regular use, this clarifying shampoo leaves your hair feeling squeaky clean, revitalized, and ready for any style. Plus, it's infused with nourishing ingredients like vitamins and antioxidants to promote healthy hair growth and overall scalp health.
It’s suitable for all hair types and for just $10? You can’t go wrong.
4) Bumble and Bumble Sunday Clarifying Shampoo
Bumble and Bumble's Sunday Clarifying Shampoo is a miracle worker for anyone looking to achieve salon-worthy results at home. This clarifying formula is designed to remove buildup and impurities from the hair and scalp, leaving you with hair that feels light, fresh, and revitalized. With regular use, this shampoo helps to balance oil production, reducing the frequency of greasy hair days.
Plus, it's infused with nourishing ingredients like vitamins and antioxidants to promote healthy hair growth and strengthen strands from root to tip. This stunning brand recommends using it as a weekly cleansing shampoo—if you ask us, we say add it to your *everything* shower on a Sunday. You know, so you’re squeaky clean for the week ahead? Sounds like the perfect self-care product to us.
5) Maria Nila Pure Volume Shampoo
Maria Nila Pure Volume Shampoo is a must-have for anyone seeking voluminous locks without the grease. Formulated with a lightweight, sulfate-free formula, this shampoo gently cleanses the hair and scalp, removing excess oil and buildup while adding body and bounce. Its innovative formula is enriched with nourishing ingredients like vitamin E and aloe vera to hydrate and strengthen the hair, leaving it soft, smooth, and manageable.
With regular use, Maria Nila Pure Volume Shampoo helps to balance oil production, reducing the appearance of greasy roots and promoting long-lasting volume and shine. Say hello to hair that's full of life and vitality—we think it’ll even go to day three without a greasy hint. Give it a try, we know you’ll love it!
6) Aveeno Apple Cider Vinegar Sulfate-Free Shampoo
A drugstore brand we all know and love—plus, it’s under $10! Aveeno's Apple Cider Vinegar Sulfate-Free Shampoo offers a refreshing cleanse that targets oily roots and balances the scalp. Infused with the clarifying power of apple cider vinegar, this sulfate-free formula gently removes excess oil and buildup while maintaining the scalp's natural pH balance.
Using it often helps to reduce oiliness and promote a healthier scalp environment, leaving your hair feeling clean, refreshed, and revitalized. With Aveeno's nature-first ethos, this Apple Cider Vinegar Sulfate-Free Shampoo isn’t just good for your hair, but the planet too!
Use it on all hair types including color-treated hair and watch it work wonders.
7) Ouai Fine Hair Shampoo
There's no Ouai we couldn’t mention this stunning brand. The Ouai Fine Hair Shampoo is not just any shampoo—it's a game-changer for fine, oily hair that's been craving a little extra oomph. Its lightweight formula is specially crafted to cater to the unique needs of fine strands, gently cleansing the scalp and strands without weighing them down.
Infused with a powerhouse blend of nourishing ingredients like keratin and amino acids, this shampoo doesn't just cleanse—it strengthens and fortifies your strands from within.
With each wash, your hair is treated to a dose of hydration and repair, resulting in locks that are not only cleaner but also healthier and more resilient. And let's talk about that volume—thanks to the magic of biotin, hydrolyzed keratin, and chia seed oil, this shampoo delivers a fuller, more voluminous look that lasts.
But OUAI isn't just about delivering great hair—it's about fostering honest conversations and embracing imperfections. That's why every OUAI product, including this sulfate-free shampoo, is carefully crafted to cut styling time and nourish your hair health. We put the good stuff in and leave the bad stuff out, ensuring that your hair gets nothing but the best.
Lather up with a quarter-size amount of our moisturizing shampoo and work it into anywhere hair touches the scalp. After rinsing, follow up with the OUAI Fine Hair Conditioner for healthy, luscious strands that turn heads wherever you go.
How often do you wash oily hair? There's no one-size-fits-all answer.
Now that you're armed with the ultimate oily hair arsenal, let's nail down the essentials. When it comes to shampooing, less is more—a nickel-sized dab for short hair, a quarter for medium, and a half-dollar for long or thick locks. And about washing frequency? Well, there's no one-size-fits-all answer, but doubling up on shampooing can work wonders. According to stylists, it's all about that double cleanse—maximizing cleanliness while minimizing oil without the stripping and removing of color or oils.
Armed with the right knowledge and products, you can forget those greasy locks and enjoy hair that’s fresh, clean, and full of volume. Whether you opt for a cult-favorite shampoo or follow expert advice on washing frequency, one thing’s for sure. With the right approach, oily hair will no longer be your daily frustration, but a manageable aspect of your beauty routine. Why not incorporate some daily vitamins into your life to level up your hair routine?
Here’s to grease-free hair in the A.M.—let’s do this!
