These Are the Only Shampoos That Actually Clean Our Greasy Hair Without Overdrying (2025)

TL;DR

Out of all the shampoos we tested, Nécessaire The Shampoo did the most for our oily hair. It removed buildup and oil without dehydrating our scalp and left our hair softer and more voluminous. For a budget-friendly option, we recommend Kristin Ess Clarifying Shampoo, which also cleans well and helps treat damaged ends.

Our Top Picks

Hair Type: All | Size: 8.4 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

The list of things we love about this shampoo is long, but at the top is just how well it cleanses excess oil, sweat, and product buildup (think dry shampoo, hair oil, and even leave-in products) from both the scalp and the lengths of the hair. Though many shampoos that provide such a deep cleanse feel incredibly dry to the skin and often suck the life (and moisture) out of the hair, this one doesn’t. It effectively gets the job done while maintaining a comfortable and balanced feel on the scalp—it left our hair feeling light, fluffy, and incredibly soft. The formula's texture is rich and gel-like, and we were incredibly impressed by how well it lathers. We didn't even mind that it was fragrance-free. Overall: It’s extremely effective, fragrance-free, color and keratin-safe, and, compared to other similar options, fairly priced.

Donna, tester with thick hair: "After using this for the testing period, I have noticed that my hair has more body—it curls more than it did before, which is nice. It feels so much softer, almost like a child's hair."

Hair Type: All | Size: 10 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly shampoo that will give your oily hair a good cleanse, reach for this clarifying formula from Kristin Ess. It contains a proprietary strengthening complex that helps to smooth the appearance of damaged strands and cuts grease and grime without overdrying the hair. Though it’s suitable for all hair types, the lightweight texture makes it particularly easy to massage through fine hair.

According to our tester, Sarah, this formula is one that you’ll probably want to use twice because it doesn’t lather all that well on the first shampoo. However, Sarah says it lathers beautifully once it gets through the initial layer of grime (typically during the second shampoo). She also loved that it deeply cleaned her scalp and hair without over-stripping. And if you prefer shampoos that aren’t overly fragranced, you’ll also appreciate that this one has a light floral scent.

Sarah, tester with thick, slightly wavy hair: "It didn't irritate my scalp, and it help cut down on the oil I was seeing around my roots without overly drying the rest of my hair. My hair was definitely smoother and shinier."

Hair Type: All | Size: 2, 8, 34 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This perfectly named shampoo is ideal for when you need a complete reset for your hair after a busy weekend. This all-star clarifying formula works to completely rid your hair of grease, scalp buildup, and pollution that could be coming from your water or environment. While it might be a bit too harsh for daily use, it’s fantastic to achieve a super deep clean.

The formula contains ginseng root and sage leaf extract to cleanse, as well as rosemary extract to stimulate the scalp, and it creates a nice lather with minimal effort required. During testing, our tester, Shannon, found that she could put off washing her hair by five days after using this product. The caveat to this is that it can be drying on the strands, so you may want to apply a nourishing hair mask to the lengths of your hair after shampooing.

Shannon Bauer, associate editorial director with wavy hair: "I've struggled to find a shampoo that actually felt like it cleaned my hair. This gets through buildup, oil, and pollutants to give me really clean hair."

Hair Type: All | Size: 3, 10, 16, 32 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This clarifying formula works to detoxify the scalp by washing away buildup and grease, as well as removing free radicals, pollution, and more. We love that it contains apple cider vinegar to aid its purifying capabilities, although some people find its scent pretty unpleasant. If the scent doesn’t bother you, you’ll love this formula.

Our tester, Samantha, noticed that the rich texture creates a smooth lather, and it’s meant to be left on in the shower for a few minutes to work its magic fully. Once rinsed, her hair felt squeaky clean, and her scalp seemed to produce less oil over the following days. She did claim it's a bit drying, so this is another shampoo that we recommend following up with a deep conditioner.

Samantha, tester with oily hair: "I love how my hair feels after using it. It feels less oily and looks pretty when blow-dried."

Hair Type: All hair types | Size: 3, 8 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you have curly hair or you just prefer a shampoo that’s a bit more gentle than other clarifying options, this is a great choice for you. It has a unique formula and texture—it comes in a tub and feels almost like a clay mask—but it lathers well and works to efficiently cleanse the hair and scalp. It’s formulated with an Indian clay that absorbs excess oils, hibiscus flower to help reduce hair shedding, and bits of Indian blackberry to provide subtle exfoliation. The perfectly balanced formula effectively removes oil and buildup but isn’t so harsh that it strips your scalp or dries out your hair.

After washing with this formula, our tester Elizabeth’s hair felt clean and soft, and her curls looked extra bouncy. Even better, it extended the days she could go without washing. It’s worth noting that she found the blackberry bits easy to wash away, but some online reviewers struggled to fully remove all of them. On top of all of this, the smell is divine—spicy, earthy, and a little sweet—and makes shampooing your hair something to look forward to.

Elizabeth, tester with thick, curly hair: "While using the shampoo in the shower, I immediately noticed my hair beginning to spring into curls, which tells me this shampoo is hydrating and nourishing. My hair looks soft, silky, with lovely shape to my curls after using this shampoo."

Hair Type: All | Size: 8.5, 34 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

If you’re showering in hard water consistently, it’s a good idea to use a shampoo that works to neutralize mineral buildup. This formula cleanses the scalp of excess oil and removes copper, iron, magnesium, and calcium, which are often found in hard water. It creates a fine lather that’s easy to massage around the head, and the more you work it through your hair, the more the lather grows. Our tester, Ashleigh, loved that she didn’t need to shampoo and rinse twice with it—it’s super clarifying the first time around. She could also stretch out her wash days every four to five days.

Though it claims to be safe on color-treated hair (and our tester didn’t see any issues with it fading color), beware that some online reviewers say this formula did alter their color. However, if you don’t dye your hair and you want a product that will reduce oiliness and neutralize mineral buildup, this is a solid choice.

Ashleigh, tester with fine, dense, straight hair: "My scalp felt totally clean and fresh after washing with this shampoo. It definitely got rid of all the oil and product buildup, and after using dry shampoo for a few days in between washes there can be a lot."

Hair Type: All | Size: 8 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

You shouldn’t have to choose between protecting your hair color and a thorough cleanse on wash day. Featuring activated charcoal, this formula from Living Proof works to lift up and wash away dirt, oil, grime, and impurities from the scalp and your strands without warping your hair color in the process.

In fact, our tester, Caitlyn, noticed it helps improve color vibrancy and extend the time between washes by removing product and heavy metal buildup that can dull your color. She also enjoyed the clean scent, which left her hair feeling smoother and softer. Some reviewers note it can be a little drying, so if you already have parched or damaged hair, you’ll want to follow up with a deep conditioner or a hydrating hair mask.

Caitlyn Martyn, associate commerce editor with fine, wavy dense hair: "It worked wonders for my hair and scalp. I felt like a shampoo finally got deep in there and washed away oil and dry shampoo. My scalp felt SO clean and my hair is healthier now than it has been in years."

Hair Type: All | Size: 12, 34 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Sulfates often get a bad rap because they can be a bit harsh and stripping for those who have dry or damaged hair, but these ingredients can be super effective at removing excess grease from oily hair. However, if you prefer to stick to sulfate-free shampoos yet still need something to effectively cleanse oily hair, this shampoo is for you.

The lightweight texture is a bit watery, but it does lather well, and you don’t need to use a lot of product to get the job done. It’s formulated with ​​apple cider vinegar to help break down oil, as well as argan oil to enhance shine. Our tester, Christine, was impressed with how long it kept her hair clean, the shine she experienced after using it, and the formula’s subtle scent. Bottom-line? You can count on this bottle for a deep, satisfying, non-stripping cleanse.

Christine, tester with fine, wavy hair: "It has cleansed both my hair and scalp really well. It feels very clean, and clean for longer. It's also given my hair a nice shine that is unusual for this time of year for me."

Hair Type: All | Size: 10 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If your post-workout scalp needs more cleansing power than what your daily shampoo can provide, reach for this pick from SadieB. It has a silky texture that works into an easy-to-distribute lather that gently but effectively cleanses sweat and oil from your scalp using a combo of apple cider vinegar and charcoal. It’s made with vitamin E to balance out the formula and moisturize hair, but it may still be a little drying for those with dehydrated or damaged lengths.

For only $12 a bottle, it leaves hair feeling softer, clean, refreshed, and even gives fine hair a little boost in volume. Those that like an olfactory experience out of their shampoo will appreciate its subtly sweet vanilla-mint scent. Reviewers also claim it's a great option for swimmers who need a clarifying shampoo to wash away chlorine, too.

Hair Type: All | Size: 8.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This luxurious shampoo immediately purifies the scalp of dirt and grease while helping to balance the scalp and regulate oil production, allowing you to go longer between washes. According to the brand, it uses a sugar-derived prebiotic and biomimetic amino acids to diversify and rebalance the bacteria in the scalp's microbiome, reportedly helping to support scalp health and reduce excess oil.

Many reviewers say that it does, indeed, help them go longer between washes and also praise it for how it softens their hair. Like most Oribe products, this one has a beautiful scent that reviewers describe as earthy and floral, however it may be too strong for those who are sensitive to fragrance or just don’t want their shampoo to smell like, well, anything.

Hair Type: All | Size: 13.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If your scalp’s excess oil production is paired with symptoms of dry or oily dandruff, consider a shampoo from Head & Shoulders—though, we do recommend checking in with your dermatologist first. This antifungal formula controls oil to fight off malassezia, the yeast that causes dandruff flakes, with 1% prescription-strength selenium sulfide. At the same time, it cleanses the scalp of dirt and product buildup.

It’s advertised to have a citrusy scent, but some reviewers claim it’s overpowering. Otherwise, plenty of reviewers enjoy how the formula leaves their hair feeling soft and shiny and, of course, their scalps refreshed, balanced, and flake-free.

Hair Type: All | Size: 8.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Having oily hair doesn’t always mean it’s oily from root to tip. Sometimes, the oiliness seems to only be an issue near your scalp and the rest of your hair is suffering from dryness. This shampoo is designed to address that particular scenario. It works into a fine, bubbly lather that’s easy to distribute. It cleanses the scalp of dirt, oil, and sweat while also hydrating dry lengths and giving you a little volumizing lift at the root. Some reviewers don’t find it to be clarifying enough, so if you have a ton of product buildup, you may want to enlist the help of a stronger clarifying shampoo. It has a silky and milky texture, as well as a lovely sandalwood and freesia fragrance that fills your shower within seconds of lathering.

FAQ

• How much shampoo should you use on oily hair?

  The correct amount of shampoo varies depending on your hair length, but getting it right is crucial; you want to end up with clean hair and minimal product waste. Those with short hair should use a nickel-sized amount; for medium hair, aim for a quarter amount; and for long or thick hair, use a half-dollar amount.

• How often should you wash oily hair?

  There’s no right answer to this question—it all depends on what works best for you. But according to hairstylist Sal Salcedo, it’s best to shampoo twice in a row instead of washing your hair more frequently. This provides a more thorough cleanse, allows you to go longer between shampoos, and minimizes oil without stripping.

• Can shampoo for oily hair strip out color?

  Frequent shampooing can shorten the life of your color and keratin treatment, so if you have these treatments plus oily hair, things can get tricky. We suggest you seek out a really good cleansing shampoo that’s safe on keratin and color.