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Don’t worry, I promise this won’t be a “lather, rinse, repeat” of bad hair days!
Do you tend to resemble a disco ball, with hair so shiny and oily you could give John Travolta a run for his money? I hear you – silently offering a tissue to absorb the oil.
As head-turning as your shiny locks may be, it’s certainly not for the right reasons. Yep, we share the same woes. But, lo and behold! Rummaging through countless aisles in the drugstore, we’ve discovered a treasure trove of shampoos that promise to combat oily hair, without burning a hole in your pocket.
Now, squeeze out a smile, for I’m going to share my drugstore gold mines that promise (and deliver) that elusive shine-free gorgeousness to the oil factories we call our scalps.
What to look for in a shampoo for oily hair?
Finding the perfect drugstore shampoo for oily hair can be quite a task.
- It’s important to avoid ones that are overly moisturizing or hydrating as they can weigh down your hair and increase oil production.
- Instead, aim for ingredients that can effectively cleanse your hair without triggering excess oil production, such as tea tree oil, rosemary oil, apple cider vinegar, glycerin, and jojoba oil.
- Additionally, sulfates, despite their bad rep, can be beneficial in combating excessive oil and build-up. If you find they suit your hair, don’t hesitate to try a shampoo containing sulfates.
Now that you know that, you can better judge what drugstore shampoo for oily hair suits you better.
10 amazingly good & affordable shampoos for greasy hair
1. Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two
What I Like:
- Deeply cleanses hair and removes buildup
- Leaves hair clean, shiny, and voluminous
- Lush lather yet requires only a small amount
- Safe for colored hair
- Good for fine hair
What I Don’t Like:
- The lemon might be overpowering for some
- May leave your hair too squeaky clean and therefore subject to frizz if not conditioned properly
Who knew that the cure for oily hair was hidden within the elegantly bottled Paul Mitchell Shampoo? It smells amazing, like lemony fresh mornings and the lather will make you feel like you’re in your very own shampoo commercial.
If you believe great things come in tiny packages, your baby fine hair will thank you for this!
2. Neutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo
What I Like:
- Extremely affordable
- Contains 3% salicylic acid – a mighty warrior against dandruff
- Continues to do its magic hours after you’ve rinsed it off
- Great for treating symptoms caused by scalp conditions like psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, and dandruff.
What I Don’t Like:
- Might not lather as much as other shampoos
- It may not have the indulgent, perfumed scent that some prefer in shampoos
Not explicitly marketed for oily hair, but those of you having ‘kinda-oily-but-also-flaky’ situation, you’ve hit a home run here! Packed with 3% salicylic acid, this underdog of a shampoo can treat everything from scalp psoriasis to seborrheic dermatitis.
Where it truly shines, though, is its post-rinse performance – works for hours even after you’ve wrapped up your shower! If you prefer effectiveness over overflowing lather, then this one’s for you!
3. Monday Haircare Clarify Shampoo and Conditioner Set
What I Like:
- Long-Lasting Cleanliness
- Offers shine, without weighing down your locks
- Deeply clarifying and balancing for oily hair
- Contains natural ingredients like Grapefruit Extract, Coconut Oil, and Vitamin E
What I Don’t Like:
- Might create product dependency – the hair ain’t the same without it!
- Depending on your hair type, you might need to use a larger amount for the desired effect
TikTok made me buy it! And, boy, am I glad! Monday Haircare’s Clarifying Shampoo is the Internet’s new darling, making waves in the world of oily hair solutions. This Grapefruit Extract and Vitamin E infused gem bites the oil, but holds the shine.
And did I mention the coconut-y goodness? Your scalp will stick to the fresh, oil-free state for almost two to three days, which is when I usually start to feel like I need to wash my hair. It’s practically a mini vacation for your hair!
4. OGX Extra Strength Refreshing Scalp + Teatree Mint Shampoo
What I Like:
- Removes residue, without stripping the strands
- Adds volume and bounce
- Suitable for all hair types and textures
What I Don’t Like:
- Not suitable for colored hair, even though it says it is
A sight to behold, this OGX champ is one part minty-force-field, one part hair-massaging-miracle-worker and ten parts awesome.
It is crisp, refreshing, and almost creamy. It’s like a spa day for your follicles! It injects your hair with much-needed bounce and shine without compromising its softness. Um, kinda like you’re rocking your own personal wind machine.
But beware, color-treated hair comrades, this shampoo does play favorites, so you might need to sit this one out.
5. Aveeno Scalp Soothing Shampoo
What I Like:
- Adds shine to dull hair
- Soothes the scalp
- Doesn’t smell like a vinegar factory, phew!
- Cleans scalp and roots effectively
What I Don’t Like:
- Doesn’t have a strong, sensual smell, haha
The Aveeno Scalp soothing shampoo is your go-to when the shine in your hair isn’t where it should be (we see you, dull locks). It strikes the perfect harmony between being tough on oil and gentle on your ends.
It also lathers very well, and it’s a miracle worker for a clean and healthy scalp. Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, it bears the approval seal for oily hair! Its only downside? You’ve got to hunt that seal like a detective because it’s only mentioned on the bottle and nowhere else.
6. Tea Tree Special Shampoo
What I Like:
- Color-safe and vegan
- Pleasant fragrance
- Great for all hair types, especially oily hair
- Has a minty, tingly feeling
- Can even promote hair growth
What I Don’t Like:
- It’s a bit pricey, but it totally works!
Talk about a vegan-friendly, color-safe wonder for your oily hair! The scent is beyond enchanting, leaving your locks fresh and rejuvenated. Tea Tree Special Shampoo provides the clean-up crew for greasy hair, leaving your scalp itch-free.
Some even claim that they saw insanely lengthy hair growth in less than a month. But, of course, this one does sway toward the expensive side. But hey, no oil and chances of hair growth? Ain’t that worth a shot?
7. Kristin Ess Hair Deep Clean Clarifying Shampoo
What I Like:
- It leaves your hair looking shiny and moisturized
- Removes everything yucky on the scalp
What I Don’t Like:
- May need a conditioner when used on super dry hair
- If your hair is thin, it MAY be a little overwhelming
This notorious oil-slaying champ from Kristin Ess falsifies the old saying that “oil can’t be removed by oil.” It swoops in to eliminate mineral deposits, product build-up, excess oil, and even silicones. It’s like a superhero but for your hair.
It smells like you’ve just sauntered out of a salon, leaves your hair shining bright like a diamond, and moisturizes without making it feel oilier than a pizza.
8. L’Oreal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Clay Rebalancing Shampoo and Conditioner Set
What I Like:
- Silicone-free formula
- Suitable for color-treated hair
- Doesn’t weigh your hair down
- Cleans the hell outta your scalp
What I Don’t Like:
- Some might find the clay in the formula a bit heavy
- Maybe not so great for overly sensitive scalps
This dynamic duo is like the Batman and Robin for oily hair. Infused with 3 refined clays, this tag team tackles those oily roots while hydrating your dry lengths, promising you a fresh, gorgeous hair for up to 48 hours – Superman could never!
Wondering about your color-treated hair? Worry not – it turns out, this Super-shampoo set isn’t so bad after all; it hydrates without weighing down on your hair.
9. Nexxus Hydra-Light Weightless Moisture Shampoo Replenishing Shampoo
What I Like:
- Salon-inspired formula
- Gives your hair light moisture
- You only need a tiny dollop
What I Don’t Like:
- Might not provide enough hydration for super dry hair
Ladies and gentlemen, meet the embodiment of weightless hydration. A salon-inspired shampoo that brings hair back to life without anchoring it down. Perfect for thin to flat hair, it lets you style your hair with developable ease.
While the scent is subtle to the point of unnoticeable, let’s chalk it up to being a silent performer, you know, the whole “speak softly and carry a big stick” approach!
10. Ethique Clarifying Solid Shampoo Bar
What I Like:
- 100% sustainable and ethically-sourced
- Needs less water to wash out
- One bar equals 3 shampoo bottles
- Battle that evil excess oil & also provides a lil moisture
What I Don’t Like:
- Might be harder to find in typical drugstores.
- Could be slightly pricier than your standard shampoo.
Oh girl, get ready to be wowed by this not-so-little green bar. Ethically sourced, sustainable, natural, and boasting the efficacy of three whole bottles of shampoo (yes, you read that right) – this shampoo bar ticks all the right boxes.
The orange, lemon, and castor oils kick the extra oil to the curb, while the vegetarian glycerin moisturizes without adding more oil to the mix. Bonus: it uses less water and leaves your hair feeling softer than a baby’s bottom.
Now onto some Tips for Managing Oily Hair:
Transform your hair care routine by incorporating these helpful tips for reducing oil production.
- Limit Hair Brushing: Brushing your hair often can stimulate your scalp to produce more oil. Try reducing the frequency of brushing to maintain balanced oil levels.
- Regularly Change Pillow Covers: Unknown to many, your bedding plays a vital role in hair health. Dirt and oil can accumulate on your pillow covers, contributing to oily hair. Ensure you change them weekly to prevent this.
- Balance Your Hair Washing Routine: Over-washing can strip essential oils from your scalp, causing it to overproduce oil, while under-washing can lead to oil build-up. Find a balance in your hair washing routine that suits your hair type.
- Try Using Baby Shampoo: If other methods don’t work, consider using baby shampoo. It’s gentle enough to clean excess oil and debris without triggering more oil production.
Oh I feel your struggle too. Oily hair are tough. Hope this will help
Oh girl, I have extremely oily hair and I was totally fed up with them. It’s like I’ll get oil after 5 minutes of washing them. So I tried one of your recommendations of ogx shampoo and I cannot be happier. This shampoo is amazingggg and my hair gets oily now after 3-4 days which i can handle easily. It’s easier than 5 minutes, lmao. Thanks!
“Anything hydrating or moisturizing is a big no-no”
“#1: OGX Hydrating Tea Tree Mint Shampoo”
?????????????
Hey Codi, just because a product is hydrating, that doesn’t mean that it won’t or can’t work. There are some shampoos that are just hydrating without having active ingredients like tea tree or mint, those are the shampoos that are a big no no. Hope you’ve got the idea!
I’ve used the one from aveeno and I like it a lot!
Woah, the recommendations!!! Thank you gurllll
Thanks for sharing this helpful information.
The best recommendations so far! So real!
Oh yes! I have seen other people recommending poor products and these were amazing. She def is honest with her recommendations. And tips are life changing, right?
thanks for sharing these useful tips and information.