12 Best Shampoos for Oily Hair

If you have oily hair, you know the struggle. You wash your hair in the morning, give yourself a flawless blowout, and by 3 p.m., your roots are already staging a greasy rebellion. It feels like a never-ending cycle of wash, rinse, repeat, with a whole lot of dry shampoo in between.

But here’s the secret: you’re probably using the wrong shampoo. A lot of formulas either strip your scalp (making it produce *more* oil to compensate) or they’re too heavy, weighing your hair down from the jump. I should know—I’ve tested literally hundreds of shampoos to find the ones that actually keep my oil in check without turning my hair into a bundle of straw.

After countless showers and second-day hair tests, I’ve narrowed it down to the absolute best shampoos for oily hair in 2026. From luxe splurges to total drugstore steals, these are the bottles that will let you go an extra day (or three!) between washes.

 

 

The Best Shampoos for Oily Hair in 2026

Oribe Serene Scalp Oil Control Shampoo

At $52, this is definitely a splurge, but your scalp will thank you. I used this for two weeks straight and was genuinely shook by how much longer I could go between washes. It has this incredible blend of amino acids and prebiotics that basically tells your scalp to chill out on the oil production.

Unlike some oil-control shampoos that leave your hair feeling squeaky and stripped, this one is surprisingly hydrating. It lathers into a rich foam that feels so luxurious and cleanses deeply without any harshness. My fine hair felt balanced and clean, not dry and staticky.

The Downside: The bottle is chic but feels way too small for the price tag. I wish it came in a bigger size.

 

 

OUAI Detox Shampoo

This $34 detox shampoo is my Sunday night reset. If you’re a dry shampoo addict like me, you need this in your life. The apple cider vinegar formula cuts through all the gunk, oil, and product buildup that’s been weighing your roots down all week.

It gives you that super-clean feeling but somehow doesn’t leave your hair feeling like straw, thanks to the keratin inside that helps strengthen your strands. It’s the perfect post-workout shampoo to get rid of sweat and grime. My hair always feels so light and refreshed after using it.

The Downside: It has OUAI’s signature Melrose Place scent, which is a strong rose fragrance. I love it, but if you’re sensitive to smells, it might be a bit much.

 

 

Nexxus Clean & Pure Clarifying Shampoo

For just $15, this is hands-down the best drugstore shampoo for oily hair I’ve tried this year. It gives you a satisfying, deep clean that gets rid of every trace of oil and product residue. But it’s not just a basic clarifying shampoo; it has a “ProteinFusion” blend that locks in moisture.

I was so impressed with how my hair felt—totally purified at the roots but still smooth and nourished through the ends. It’s the perfect weekly detox if you want salon-level results without the salon-level price.

The Downside: If your ends are super dry or damaged, you’ll definitely need to follow up with a good conditioner to avoid any tangles.

 

 

L’Anza Healing Remedy Scalp Balancing Cleanser

This $30 cleanser is a lifesaver if your oily scalp also gets itchy and irritated. It’s packed with soothing ingredients like coconut water and shiso mint that instantly calm things down. The formula works to balance your scalp’s pH, which is key for controlling excess oil.

It removed all the sebum from my roots and left my scalp feeling incredibly refreshed and soothed. Plus, my hair had a really nice, healthy-looking shine after it dried. It’s a great pick if you feel like your scalp is just totally out of whack.

The Downside: The minty, herbal scent is pretty strong. It feels therapeutic in the shower, but it might not be for everyone.

 

 

Bumble and Bumble Sunday Clarifying Shampoo

This $34 shampoo is a cult classic for a reason. It’s the ultimate weekly deep-clean that sweeps away *everything*—we’re talking oil, styling product buildup, and even pollutants from the air. One wash with this, and your hair feels completely reset and salon-fresh.

I love using this when my hair feels flat, greasy, and just plain blah. It brings my roots back to life and gives me so much more volume. The ginseng root and rosemary extracts make your scalp feel invigorated.

The Downside: This is a serious clarifying shampoo. Do not, I repeat, do not use it more than once a week, or you’ll risk drying out your hair.

 

 

Kérastase Specifique Divalent Balancing Shampoo

Meet the solution for oily roots and dry ends, all for $45. This shampoo is specifically designed to tackle that tricky combo. It purifies your scalp, getting rid of excess oil and even odor (iykyk), while being gentle on your lengths.

The first time I used it, I noticed a major difference in my root volume. My hair felt lifted and bouncy, not slicked to my head by midday. It genuinely helps regulate oil production, so you’re not a greaseball by day two.

The Downside: It focuses so much on the scalp that you absolutely need a hydrating conditioner for your ends to keep them from feeling neglected.

 

 

Rahua Aloe Vera Shampoo

For $34, this plant-based shampoo is a dream for balancing an oily scalp without sacrificing hydration. It uses aloe and cucumber extract to soothe irritation and gently cleanse, while witch hazel helps tone the scalp and control oil.

It’s a perfect daily shampoo for those who have to wash frequently. It feels so refreshing and calming on the scalp, and it left my hair feeling soft and smooth, not stripped. My frizz-prone ends were also noticeably less chaotic.

The Downside: Because it’s so hydrating, it might be a little too much for super-fine hair that gets weighed down easily.

 

 

Dr. Groot Scalp Revitalizing Solution Hair Thickening Shampoo

If your oily hair is also on the thinner side, you need to try this $25 shampoo. It’s a sulfate-free formula that deep cleans your scalp to create the perfect environment for hair growth, thanks to ingredients like biotin, caffeine, and rosemary oil.

I was really impressed with how much volume and lift I got at my roots after using this. My scalp felt super clean, and my hair looked noticeably thicker and fuller. It’s a great way to tackle grease and thinning at the same time.

The Downside: It can feel a bit stripping if your ends are already very dry, so make sure to pair it with a rich hair mask.

 

 

L’Oreal Paris EverPure Sulfate Free Moisture Shampoo

Don’t let the “moisture” name fool you—this $10 drugstore gem is amazing for oily scalps. It’s formulated with salicylic acid, which is a superstar ingredient for gently exfoliating the scalp and keeping pores clear of oil and buildup.

Because it’s sulfate-free, it cleanses without that harsh, stripping feeling, making it perfect if you need to wash your hair often. It leaves your scalp feeling balanced and your hair feeling soft, which is a win-win for such a low price.

The Downside: If you use a lot of heavy, silicone-based styling products, you might need to do a double shampoo to get everything out.

 

 

Head & Shoulders Classic Clean Shampoo

You can’t beat the price on this classic—we’re talking just $6. If your oily scalp also comes with a side of dandruff or flakes, this is your go-to. It uses pyrithione zinc to rebalance your scalp’s ecosystem, which helps control both oil and flakes.

There’s a reason it’s been a bestseller for decades: it just works. It leaves your hair and scalp feeling incredibly clean and fresh, and it keeps oil at bay for a surprisingly long time. It’s a reliable, affordable option for daily use.

The Downside: It definitely has that classic, slightly medicinal Head & Shoulders scent. It’s not bad, but it’s not a luxe fragrance experience.

 

 

Kevin Murphy Scalp.Spa Wash

This $35 shampoo feels like a facial for your scalp. It’s formulated with micellar water to gently lift away impurities and oil without being harsh. It also has celery seed extract and rose water to soothe and purify.

The feeling of this on your scalp is so refreshing and calming, especially if you deal with irritation along with oiliness. I found that it helped reduce sebum production over time, leaving my scalp feeling healthier and more balanced. It’s a true spa-like experience.

The Downside: The scent is very unique—it’s a fresh, green, celery-like fragrance that might not be everyone’s cup of tea.

 

 

Briogeo Superfoods Mango + Cherry Oil Control Shampoo

If you’re into clean, natural formulas, you’ll love this $28 shampoo. It smells like a tropical smoothie and uses papaya enzymes to help balance oil production on your scalp. Plus, it’s packed with vitamins from mango and cherry extract to support a healthy scalp.

This shampoo is amazing at cleansing away oil without leaving your hair feeling dry. My scalp felt soothed and my hair was soft and shiny after just one wash. It’s a great pick if you want effective oil control from natural ingredients.

The Downside: The fruity scent is pretty prominent. If you’re sensitive to fragrance or prefer unscented products, you might want to skip this one.

 

 

What to Look For in a Shampoo for Oily Hair

When I’m testing shampoos, I don’t just look at how my hair feels on day one. I’m looking for formulas that actually help rebalance my scalp over time. The goal isn’t to strip every last bit of oil away—that just puts your sebum production into overdrive. You want ingredients that gently clarify and regulate.

Look for ingredients like salicylic acid, tea tree oil, clay, or apple cider vinegar. These are amazing at breaking down oil and buildup without being overly harsh. And don’t be afraid of “hydrating” shampoos! As long as they’re lightweight and silicone-free, a little moisture is actually great for keeping your scalp from overcompensating.

Honestly, finding the best drugstore shampoo for oily hair can be just as effective as a luxe option. It’s all about finding the right formula for your specific hair type and scalp needs. So don’t be afraid to experiment until you find the one that lets you finally break up with your dry shampoo.