When your hair type is classed as ‘oily’, wash day is everything. It can also, however, be every day, considering grease tends to be an uninvited and annoyingly prompt guest that warrants a daily shampoo.
But as it turns out, what you’re shampooing with matters just as much as when you’re shampooing. Select the right rinse and you’ll be able to not only stretch your washes out an extra day or two, but also fight the flatness that often accompanies oily roots.
So if you’re looking to increase volume, swap grease for gloss, and keep your mane feeling and looking cleaner for longer, here are the oiliness-aiding shampoos we suggest stocking your shower shelf with…
O&M Fine Intellect Shampoo
from $41.95 at Adore Beauty
Help tame the frizz while reducing greasiness and adding luscious volume with O&M’s Fine Intellect Shampoo. Building firmness in the hair to prevent breakage, and create volume for a thicker appearance of hair. Leave your hair feeling clean and full while it reduces any added oiliness.
‘Full’ is the perfect word for this shampoo, for two reasons. Not only does it deliver a ‘full’ wash (AKA the kind where hair genuinely feels freshly clean), but it also leaves hair ‘full’ in the volume department. How? It contains an ingredient called ‘healthy hair molecule’ (yes, literally), which is able to detangle and eliminate oil and dirt without weighing hair down.
‘Anti-oil’ is in the name for good reason; that’s exactly the attitude this grease-fighting shampoo employs. Lightweight but extremely effective, it heroes yuzu extract (a calming citrus fruit with astringent properties) that helps to cleanse away current build-up while simultaneously working to slow future oil production. Don’t think it’s overly drying, though; non-heavy hydration is also on the menu.
Sachajuan Scalp Shampoo
from $49 at Sephora
As anyone with oily roots will be well aware, the issue often starts with the scalp. Luckily, that’s precisely where this shampoo gets to work, addressing dandruff and irritation at the literal roots. It harnesses a hybrid of exfoliating salicylic acid, cooling menthol and stimulating ginger, as well as bacteria-fighting/growth-promoting rosemary oil to leave both your head and hair far fresher and calmer than it found them.
Available at:
- $129 from Rogue Beauty
- $44 from Oz Hair & Beauty
- $49 from David Jones
Virtue Labs Full Shampoo
from $60 at Sephora
Whether your hair is actually on the flat/fine side, or oil just makes it appear that way, this shampoo is no doubt worth a whirl. Its agenda is a full one, with ‘dissolve excess oil’, ‘lift roots’, and ‘plump each individual strand’ all on the to-do list. The best bit about the latter goal? The end result. Because if a shampoo is able to narrow in on each hair’s specific fullness, think how voluminously airy the end result will be.
Available at:
- $60 from Adore Beauty
- $56 from Oz Hair & Beauty
Ouai Detox Shampoo
from $58 at Sephora
Feeling like you’re in need of a true detox? Work this clarifying option into your regimen. It pairs the powers of apple cider vinegar (the gold standard in exfoliating and eliminating build-up and unwanted oil) and hydrolysed keratin (which dials up softness, smoothness and shine). Basically, it leaves hair feeling like it’s had a detox in all the positive ways (e.g. the congestion/oil-free feel) but none of the negative (think dehydration and brittleness).
Available at:
- $70.40 from Amazon
Alterna My Hair My Canvas New Beginnings Exfoliating Cleanser
from $24.50 usually $49.00 at Sephora
Another exfoliating option (perhaps best brought in for the occasional wash only due to its extreme efficacy), this lemon extract-enriched delight is devoted to ridding hair of grease and grime. It concentrates its energy on the scalp, addressing the issue right at the source, but aims to soften and strengthen the lengths as well. As for a superlative, we’d give it ‘best shampoo for avid dry shampoo users’, because it’s particularly great at clearing away product-related congestion.
Available at:
- $32 from Catwalk
IGK 30,000 Feet Volume Shampoo
from $45 usually $90 at Sephora
Want to focus primarily on fighting flatness? This shampoo is a blow-dryer’s best friend. When paired together, hair will emerge with luxurious-looking body and bounce (in both the mid-lengths to ends and those previously oily roots, a former pipe dream for anyone with grease-prone hair). It doesn’t necessarily offer a deeper clean than a classic wash, but if you do prefer to shampoo daily and are craving volume, this formula is a winner.
How to pick the best shampoo for oily hair?
Choosing the best shampoo for oily hair involves considering several factors. Look for shampoos labeled “clarifying” or “volumizing,” as they are designed to remove excess oil and build-up without adding extra moisture. Ingredients like salicylic acid, tea tree oil, and citrus extracts help control oil production and keep the scalp clean. Avoid shampoos with heavy moisturizers, sulfates, and silicones, as they can weigh down your hair and make it greasy faster. Opt for lightweight, gel-based formulas instead of creamy ones. Washing your hair frequently, but not excessively, is key; over-washing can stimulate more oil production. Consider a shampoo with a balanced pH to maintain scalp health. Experimenting with different brands may be necessary to find the one that suits your hair type best. Consulting a dermatologist can also provide personalized recommendations based on your scalp condition.
Why does my hair become greasy quickly?
Hair becomes greasy quickly due to overactive sebaceous glands on the scalp, which produce excess sebum (oil). Factors contributing to this include genetics, hormonal fluctuations, and diet. Washing hair too frequently can strip the scalp of natural oils, causing it to compensate by producing more oil. Using the wrong hair products, especially those with heavy moisturizers, silicones, or sulfates, can also contribute to greasiness. Additionally, touching your hair often transfers oils and dirt from your hands to your hair. Environmental factors like humidity and pollution can exacerbate the issue. Maintaining a balanced diet, avoiding excessive hair washing, and choosing appropriate hair care products can help manage oily hair.
Main image credit: @kaleteter
This article originally appeared on Marie Claire Australia and is republished here with permission.
