15 Best Shampoos for Oily Hair, According to Stylists and Dermatologists

Dandruff is a common reason for oily hair, and one of the best ways to fight it is to soothe the scalp. This shampoo by Aveda includes wine vinegar, peppermint, spearmint, and rosemary oils to tame an irritated scalp, balance out oil production, and restore your hair health in just a few washes.

This hardworking shampoo contains lactic acid—an ingredient that regulates how your skin produces oil—while also addressing grease-building scalp issues like dandruff to eczema, explains hairstylist Trey Gillen. Just don't expect overnight results. "It will take a month or two to fully regulate the oil production, so make sure you have some dry powder shampoo on hand so that on days two and three you have something to absorb the oils in between washes."

If you're experiencing thinning, Nioxin is "hands down the absolute best line of defense," says Cleveland. There are six different levels within this line of shampoos, each addressing a different phase of hair loss and each specially formulated to remove product buildup, minerals, pollutants, and toxins, she explains.

"The salicylic acid in this product can help remove excess flaking and keratin buildup on the scalp," says Ilyas. Still, it's gentle enough for those with sensitive scalps—even those with scabs from picking or scratching. That's because this product contains argan oil to help balance out the exfoliating action, she explains.

Though formulated with biodegradable ingredients derived from coconut and sugar cane, this cleanser is powerful enough to address the needs of the scalp and hair shaft to remove buildup, improve strength, and restore vibrancy, says celebrity stylist Garrett Markenson. Not to mention, it's safe for color-treated hair and daily use. It's also free of silicones, a toxic, non-renewable resource that's the leading cause of buildup and excess oil production, he explains.

"For scalp buildup and dandruff, I highly recommend this shampoo," says hairstylist Jana Rago, owner of Jana Rago Studios in Boston. It removes excess product and oil without stripping or drying out hair—an unfortunate side effect of many clarifying shampoos. And, yes, it's safe for color- and chemically treated hair.

Discover a blend of amino acids that help balance and remove excess oils from the scalp. The formula also contains vitamin B6 to fight off damage from external aggressors and pollutants.

"Deep cleansing, or clarifying, shampoos work best for overly oily hair," says Cleveland. Her go-to? Sebastian’s Reset, since it's safe for color-treated hair and works hard to strip all that residue causing grease. Just beware: "Using this type of shampoo too much can cause you to strip too many essential oils from the scalp and cause a whole new set of issues, including dry and flaky scalp," she explains.

"Use this shampoo weekly to fully remove dirt, oil, and residue left over from previous hair products," says celebrity stylist Jennifer Korab. It's great for all hair types—fine, medium, thick, straight, wavy, or curly—plus doesn't contain any parabens, phthalates, or mineral oil.

This detoxifying shampoo is paraben-free, sulfate-free, and phthalate-free, says Ilyas. Still, it's one of the most effective shampoos for oily hair out there—and one she especially recommends for patients who want to minimize their chemical exposure.

"The charcoal in this product can help absorb some of the excess oil in the scalp, while the coconut oil can hydrate and dislodge built up scaling," says Ilyas. It also contains tea tree oil to assist with the anti-yeast and antimicrobial qualities often associated with oily hair, she explains.

If you struggle with scalp irritation of any kind, try this soothing shampoo. Though it effectively removes all the bad stuff—oil, grease, dandruff, and more—it won't inflame an already sensitive scalp. That's because it contains calming and cooling essential oils, including peppermint and eucalyptus.

Nettle is a plant that helps reduce excess oil when applied onto the hair and scalp. So not only is the formula effective, but the packaging is also eco-friendly. The bottle is 100 percent recyclable, biodegradable, it's a vegan formula, and the paper label is made from sustainably managed forest.

If you have curly hair, then you know that dryness is a constant battle. For those moments when you need a deeper clean, opt for this formula that won't strip your hair of moisture. It's made with clarifying charcoal and nourishing coconut oil.