Finding the right shampoo for oily hair can be frustrating. Too gentle, and your hair looks greasy by noon. Too harsh, and your scalp overcompensates by producing even more oil.
This guide covers our top 10 shampoo picks for oily hair, explains what actually causes excess oil, and helps you understand what to look for in a clarifying shampoo.
Updated for 2026. Note: Some products may have updated formulations or packaging since our original testing.
What Causes Oily Hair?
Oily hair is caused by overactive sebaceous glands on the scalp. Several factors contribute:
- Genetics: Some people naturally produce more sebum
- Hormones: Fluctuations can increase oil production
- Over-washing: Stripping oils too frequently can trigger more production
- Product buildup: Heavy conditioners and styling products can weigh hair down
- Diet and lifestyle: Can influence overall skin and scalp oiliness
What to Look for in a Shampoo for Oily Hair
- Clarifying ingredients: Tea tree, citrus, salicylic acid, or charcoal
- Lightweight formula: Avoid heavy moisturizing shampoos
- Sulfate-free options: Gentler on scalp, less likely to trigger rebound oiliness
- Natural astringents: Lemon, rosemary, peppermint
Important: No shampoo will permanently “fix” oily hair. The goal is to manage oil production and keep hair fresh longer between washes.
Top 10 Best Shampoos for Oily Hair
10. Aubrey Organics Green Tea Clarifying Shampoo
Key ingredients: Organic green tea, natural cleansers
Best for: Those who prefer organic products
This organic option uses green tea as its star ingredient. It’s effective at removing excess oil without harsh chemicals, and the scent is pleasant without being overpowering. A solid budget-friendly choice for the eco-conscious. (Check on Amazon)
9. June Jacobs Citrus Clarifying Shampoo
Key ingredients: Citrus extracts
Best for: Normal to oily hair (not extremely oily)
Formulated for normal to oily hair types, this shampoo cleanses thoroughly without over-drying. It leaves hair soft, shiny, and smelling fresh like lemons. A good middle-ground option if your hair isn’t extremely oily. (Check on Amazon)
8. Opalis Cream Shampoo for Oily Hair
Key ingredients: Camphor, cedar wood, thyme, rosemary essential oils
Best for: Daily washing
A gentle cream-based formula that’s safe for daily use. The essential oil blend (cedar, thyme, rosemary) helps tone the scalp while keeping hair clean and moisturized. Good for those who need to wash frequently.
7. Phytopanama+ Frequent Use Shampoo
Key ingredients: Panama wood bark extract
Best for: Slightly oily hair, frequent washers
Designed specifically for people who wash their hair often. It gently removes excess sebum without stripping hair of necessary moisture. Leaves hair flexible and manageable without that “squeaky clean” over-washed feeling.
6. Desert Essence Lemon Tea Tree Shampoo
Key ingredients: Coconut oil, tea tree oil, jojoba seed oil, lemon
Best for: Oily hair that also needs strengthening
A unique blend that cleanses oily hair while also providing some nourishment. The coconut and jojoba oils prevent over-drying, while lemon and tea tree handle the oil control. Good for oily hair that’s also prone to breakage. (Check on Amazon)
5. Dr. Hauschka Shampoo for Oily Hair
Key ingredients: Lemon, neem leaf
Best for: Natural product lovers (but not for color-treated hair)
Lemon is a natural astringent that effectively cuts through scalp oil. However, this shampoo can be harsh on color-treated hair, so keep that in mind if you dye your hair. (Check on Amazon)
4. L’Oreal Pure Resource Shampoo
Key ingredients: Vitamins E and A, antioxidants
Best for: Extremely oily hair, hard water areas
A professional-grade option with vitamins and antioxidants that also protect against hard water damage. This one is potent – great for very oily scalps, but potentially too drying if you wash more than every other day. Use with caution and adjust frequency based on your scalp’s response. (Check on Amazon)
3. American Crew Daily Shampoo
Key ingredients: Sage, thyme
Best for: Men (though works for anyone), daily use
American Crew is a leader in men’s grooming, and men statistically have oilier scalps than women. This shampoo cleans effectively without causing damage or dryness. Despite the branding, it works equally well for women. (Check on Amazon)
2. J.F. Lazartigue Shampoo for Oily Hair
Key ingredients: Propolis, plant extracts
Best for: Those willing to invest in premium haircare
This is a premium-priced option, but many users find it worth the investment. For best results, leave it on for a couple of minutes before rinsing – this allows the active ingredients more time to work on your scalp. (Check on Amazon)
1. Lush Jumping Juniper Shampoo Bar
Key ingredients: Lavender, rosemary, juniper berry, lime
Best for: Eco-conscious users, frequent travelers
Our top pick. This shampoo bar contains lavender, rosemary, juniper berry, and lime – a powerful combination for oily scalps. The scent is often described as “gin and tonic” and it’s surprisingly pleasant. Being a bar, it’s also incredibly economical – one bar lasts as long as 2-3 bottles of liquid shampoo. Based on our research and user feedback, this consistently delivers the best results for oily hair management. (Check on Amazon)
Quick Comparison
| Rank | Product | Best For | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lush Jumping Juniper | Overall best | Economical, eco-friendly |
| 2 | J.F. Lazartigue | Premium choice | Leave-in treatment |
| 3 | American Crew | Daily use | Gentle yet effective |
| 4 | L’Oreal Pure Resource | Very oily hair | Professional strength |
| 5 | Dr. Hauschka | Natural product fans | Lemon-based |
Tips for Managing Oily Hair
- Don’t over-wash: Washing too frequently can trigger more oil production
- Use lukewarm water: Hot water can stimulate oil glands
- Focus shampoo on scalp: Let it rinse through the ends rather than scrubbing them
- Condition only the ends: Avoid applying conditioner near your roots
- Try dry shampoo between washes: Extends time between washes without looking greasy
- Avoid touching your hair: Transfers oil from your hands to your hair
Final Thoughts
Managing oily hair is about finding the right balance. A shampoo that’s too harsh will strip your scalp and trigger more oil production. One that’s too gentle won’t clean effectively.
The products on this list represent a range of options – from budget-friendly organic choices to premium professional formulas. We recommend starting with one and giving it 2-3 weeks before deciding if it works for you. Everyone’s scalp chemistry is different, and what works perfectly for one person may not suit another.
For more hair care tips, see our guides on managing oily roots with dry ends and scalp treatments.
Affiliate Disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This doesn’t influence our rankings – products are selected based on quality and user feedback.
Editorial Note: Product formulations and availability may change over time. We recommend checking current product details before purchasing.