Oily Hair? Shop These Expert-Approved Shampoos

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It's no secret that greasy hair can be a hassle. Aside from making it a breeze to get the wet look, overactive glands in your scalp sometimes make hair styling challenging, and may even lead to over-washing. Thankfully, the best shampoos for oily hair feature hard-working ingredients like tea tree oil that tkeep unwanted slicks to a minimum.

"People with oily hair need a gentle cleanser that removes buildup and product," Joseph Maine, celebrity hair stylist and cofounder of Trademark Beauty, tells Bazaar.com. "Often, people think they have an oily hair type or oily scalp when in reality it's buildup from products or shampoo."

Since not all products are created equally when it comes to effectively cutting back on grease, we've rounded up a few cleansing favorites from beloved brands like Klorane and Christophe Robin that beauty lovers and professionals are giving gold stars. Read on for some of the best shampoos for oily hair that are key in keeping it more balanced and healthy.

No. 4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo

Olaplex fans, this one's for you: The brand's No. 4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo is a hit among Dermstore customers, who've rated it a five out of five on the site. Aside from minimizing oil, the multitasking favorite is also ideal for removing hard water minerals, chlorine, and more in just one weekly shampoo.

One satisfied customer writes: "High quality cleanser that leaves my hair super clean but not dried out." —Stephanie

Color Security Shampoo

One of Maine's top picks is Color Wow's Color Security Shampoo. "It removes oil and product buildup without all the unnecessary additives," he notes. Plus, the Maine says that this shampoo makes it easy to cleanse oily hair without the help of a clarifying agent. "It does this while being scientifically as gentle on your hair cuticle as water alone," he adds, "Which will help both your hair texture and hair color."

One satisfied customer writes: "Recommend by my stylist. I now use multiple products from this line. My hair is clean, shiny, and the color protected. Great volume!" —Gloria

Honey Fresh Clarifying Shampoo with Moisture

From Taraji P. Henson's affordable line comes this shampoo, which helps lift away excess oil and hard-water residue without over-drying hair thanks to hydrating aloe and honey.

One satisfied customer writes: "This is an amazing shampoo, it’s cleansing without being stripping/too drying and that is perfect for my troublesome scalp. My hair also is able to be (somewhat) detangled with the shampoo in. The lather is amazing and when I rinse my hair isn’t a tangled mess." —Anonymous

Fine Hair Shampoo

Oily and fine hair types often go hand in hand. This shampoo is developed specifically to deliver a good, clean scrub that'll wash away anything that weighs down your hair—yes, we're looking at you, oil.

One satisfied customer writes: "I have fine, thin hair and this shampoo is the best I've found! My hair feels clean and light with body. Highly recommend." —Katie

Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Scrub Shampoo

Healthy hair starts at your scalp. That's why this shampoo focuses on exfoliating that oh-so-important area, leaving you with healthy, ultra-cleansed roots.

One satisfied customer writes: "Love this product, yes it's a bit pricey but has lasted me a long time and takes all the oil away from my scalp and feels so good. The lather is out of this world. Sometimes I wonder how products can be this good!" —Babyrayray

Shampoo with Nettle for Oily Hair and Scalp

Shown to deliver a 96 percent reduction in sebum (fancy word for oil) immediately after use, this shampoo cuts—and controls—both the buildup and the appearance of too much grease.

One satisfied customer writes: "I have been an oily person since puberty (I'm now 30, and still oily), and all that time I have washed my hair every night to avoid looking and feeling sticky and gross. I've only used this shampoo only once, and I am blown away! On day two, my hair is still light and feels clean! There was a little bit of oil build-up near the scalp and hairline. I used the corresponding dry shampoo and it is as good as new." —Liz

Special Shampoo

If there's one thing tea tree oil is good at, it's cleansing whatever it comes in contact with. This shampoo, which is also packed with mint and lavender, will leave your strands way cleaner than it found them.

One satisfied customer writes: "Love this shampoo. The smell is great and makes your scalp tingle as you’re using it. I have very thick oily hair and this leaves it so clean and moisturized. Don’t even need to use very much to get a good lather going. Definitely sticking with this one!" —Tim

Specifique Divalent Balancing Shampoo for Oily Hair

Ditching oil doesn't need to mean committing to dry hair. This shampoo magically strips roots of grease while hydrating your ends, so you never have to compromise.

One satisfied customer writes: "My hair usually gets oily the next day. After using this shampoo, i observed a difference on how fast it gets oily. Now it takes two to three days! And I only use a small amount of it for my long hair." —meeenica

Balancing Shampoo

Dr. Barbara Sturm's products are adored by skincare fans, and so is her shampoo. Achieve a deep clean and a healthy, hydrated scalp thanks to hyaluronic acid.

One satisfied customer writes: "This is without a doubt the best shampoo and hair treatments I have ever used. My hair felt clean and looked amazing and lasted for over a week. My hair has never felt better. Great results and would highly recommend." —Katia

Apple Cider Vinegar Sulfate-Free Shampoo

Free of parabens, sulfates, and dyes, this apple-cider-vinegar-spiked shampoo helps clarify oily hair and add shine.

One satisfied customer writes: "I got this because my hair is very thin. I deal with hair loss and because my hair is so thin it's gets oily quite fast. I've been loving it. I find my scalp is not irritated after showers. It smells good, doesn't really smell like vinegar. My husband told me he used it the other day and loved it." —Allie

Degrease Shampoo for Oily Hair Care

If you're in need of a major clarifying option, this shampoo does exactly what its name states: It degreases. Plus, the minty smell is so refreshing in the morning.

One satisfied customer writes: "My son tried every shampoo we could find for his oily hair and this one is the only one that works. We get compliments all the time about how pretty and healthy his hair is." —Anonymous

Purifying Shampoo with Thermal Mud

This mousse-to-foam cleanser purifies roots and smooths frizz, and some reviewers even boast that it improves the appearance of their hair color. Need we say more?

One satisfied customer writes: "Like the rest of the Purifying range this product smells super fresh and offers a deep clean which meant that I could go that extra day without washing!" —Zahrah

Does my shampoo cause buildup?

"A lot of people experiencing excess oil are unaware that their shampoo can be contributing to this issue," Maine says. This includes moisturizing agents in the shampoo that build up over time and can make your hair appear greasy." If you've recently swapped shampoos and are suddenly seeing extra oil, or if you've been oily for a while and haven't changed up your shampoo, the fix might be as simple as making a switch.

Is it bad to wash your hair every day?

If you don't have to, it can be nice to give your hair a day or two in between washes. But if you must shampoo every day, stick with one of the gentle, balancing formulas above, like Kevin Murphy's.

Should you condition your hair if it's oily?

Yes, but ... "Always keep conditioner away from your scalp," Maine explains. Apply conditioner from the middle to ends of your hair, and that's it. Any higher will just add to the greasy appearance.

Meet the Experts

• Joseph Maine is a celebrity hairstylist and cofounder of Trademark Beauty.

Why trust Harper's Bazaar?

For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.

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