No matter your hair type, you’ve probably experienced greasy hair at some point in your life. You may feel compelled to grab the closest napkin and start sopping it up, but really, you’ve stretched out your last wash as much as you can and dry shampoo can only do so much. So, what’s an oily-haired victim to do? Hit the shower with a great shampoo.
Many Options
With so many shampoos out there, how are you to know which is the right one to bring your hair back to its natural glory? We’re here to help you select one that will clear up the mess happening with your roots and avoid having to shampoo your hair every day (it’s a chore even two days a week!).
Rest assured, you aren’t the only one in oily hair jail – it happens to everyone and we all know the feeling of taking it just one day too long and feeling paranoid about it everywhere you go. The reality is that a ponytail or messy bun can only do so much.
Over-Washing
And stress washing? That actually just makes it worse. When you’re frustrated with the oil and buildup, the last thing you want to do is over-wash your hair because it actually makes your roots oilier and your ends dryer! Ugh! The never-ending cycle. If you’re still reading, you are probably ready for some grease relief. We got you!
Ready to zap some oil?
Best Overall:
L’Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Clay Shampoo
Holy hair relief is just an Amazon click (or a quick trip to the drugstore) away! L’Oreal has been perfecting haircare for ages, so we expected nothing less than greatness when we voted this the Best Overall for busting the over-lubrication.
This shampoo contains three refined clays to purify oily roots and moisturize your poor dry ends. This saving grace shampoo keeps your hair gorgeously fresh for up to 48 hours.
If you’re thinking the clays will weigh your hair down – nope! These suds are actually clinically proven to purify your hair, so put some well-deserved faith into L’Oreal.
Reviewers can assure you, this is your best bet.
Best Clarifying:
WOW Skin Science Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo
Apple cider vinegar must be the most versatile potion on the planet. It really does everything, and it is especially powerful for knocking out grease accumulating in your locks. When you want to deeply detoxify your scalp and your strands, opt for WOW, which will balance your pH levels.
This shampoo also boasts coconut and avocado oil to restore moisture in weak, thin, and damaged hair. This powerful mix is also enriched with essential keratin proteins, vitamins B5 & E, and saw palmetto extract to help soften and strengthen hair strands.
Further, this shampoo can help stop hair loss. It’s a win-win-win.
Best for Fine Hair:
Pantene Pro-V Blends Micellar Shampoo
If you are one of our fine-haired friends, we understand you might be reluctant to dive into a clarifying shampoo. Thankfully, the geniuses as Pantene were able to concoct this specially formulated solution that is actually gentle enough for everyday use.
It won’t strip your hair of the good oils it needs to stay healthy and it promises freshness for two days. It lathers like a dream and is even perfect for color-treated hair. A five-star pleaser, this shampoo increases shine and also has a pleasant, yet not too powerful scent.
Best for a Combination Scalp:
SheaMoisture African Black Soap Bamboo Charcoal Deep Cleansing Shampoo
Say that five times fast! No two scalps are alike and if you’re like the bulk of the population, you may have combination hair that requires removing oil without increasing dryness.
Detoxifying charcoal, willow bark extract, salicylic oil, and tea tree oil work in harmony to balance your hair and keep it healthy.
You can wash away dirt, buildup, and flakes while calming the scalp and soothing your combination hair woes. It’s also made with fair trade shea butter – we love that!
Best Natural:
Reverie Shampoo
All about nature? Us too! This sulfate-free option relies on coconut-based surfactants. And natural formulas can still have a powerhouse punch when it comes to knocking out grease.
This shampoo will also leave your hair unbelievably soft and shiny. The amino acids will strengthen your hair, the panthenol will hydrate and the essential oils help you maintain a healthy scalp. Course, curly, fine, color-treated, damaged, or oily hair? It doesn’t matter. This silk-inducing product will tame frizz and protect against breakage.
Best Sulfate-Free:
Drunk Elephant Cocomino Glossing Shampoo
We aren’t going to lie to you – most clarifying shampoos contain sulfates (ew, we know!). But Drunk Elephant staggers into the game again and hits a home run with this de-greaser that also boosts shine. It seems counterintuitive but bear with us.
Your hair shaft will be buildup-free thanks to sacha inchi seed oil and the high concentration of antioxidant polyphenols, omega 6 (aka linoleic), and omega 3 (linolenic) fatty acids that sacha inchi seed oil contains.
Best Cleansing Oil:
Shu Uemura Art of Hair Cleansing Oil Shampoo
Oil on oil – are we crazy? Well, that’s neither here nor there, but seriously, don’t let the name fool you. This silicone- and paraben-free cleansing oil shampoo relies on onsen-inspired ferment to cleanse and nourish from root to tip.
It sounds crazy, but this shampoo converts into a luxe foam that effectively draws out impurities and buildup on the scalp while imparting shine and leaving your hair heaven soft. Straight, wavy, curly, or coily – this shampoo has everyone covered and won’t leave your hair parched.
Best Drugstore:
OGX Weightless Hydration Coconut Water Shampoo
Yes, it is possible to bust grease on a budget! This Weightless Hydration Coconut Water Shampoo is pocket-book friendly but will absolutely deposit nutrients with electrolytes.
This residue-free formula will really feel feather-light yet is remarkably powerful at getting rid of the junk at your roots.
Conclusion
At this point, you should feel a bit more confident about using an oil-targeting shampoo without leaving your locks desert dry. No matter your hair type, there is a shampoo out there for everyone!
