Image: MomJunction Design Team
If your hair tends to get oily within a few hours or days after washing it, you probably need the best drugstore shampoo for oily hair to tackle the problem. Your hair and scalp can get oily due to various reasons, including diet, environmental factors, and hormonal changes. The excess sebum production can cause your hair to look limp and dirty, affecting your entire appearance. It can also lead to breakouts along your hairline and on your face. Fret not, as our list of the best shampoos includes various organic and salon-quality products that can help purify your hair and scalp without stripping the moisture for a healthy, shiny appearance. Check out the features and details of these tried-and-tested shampoos and add one to your bathroom shelf.
Top Picks
Causes Of Oily Hair
Here are a few reasons why your hair gets oily.
- Environment: Environmental factors such as temperature changes, rainfall, harsh winters, and pollution can boost sebum production and cause your scalp to produce more oil.
- Hormonal changes: Menstruation, pregnancy, puberty, menopause, and other hormonal factors can cause your hair to become oily.
- Diet: Your hair can get greasier if your diet includes oily, junk food. Inadequate hydration and lack of greens in your diet can affect your scalp and hair health.
- Excessive washing: Washing your hair daily might not help control oil production. Instead, it can cause your scalp to produce more sebum and replenish the oils. Thus, you might find your hair getting greasier after a wash as your scalp might think there isn’t sufficient sebum.
- Styling products: Using the wrong hair styling products can cause build-up on your scalp and roots, making your hair look greasy. Such products may block the pores and cause sweat and dirt accumulation.
13 Best Drugstore Shampoos For Oily Hair
1. Best Overall: Neutrogena Anti-Residue Clarifying Shampoo
The clarifying and oil-control shampoo by the celebrity-endorsed brand, Neutrogena, claims to remove 90% of the heavy residue and oil build-up caused by hair styling products, shampoos, and conditioners. It is suitable for all hair types, including color-treated and thin hair, and it cleanses your hair gently and thoroughly. This result-driven volume-boosting shampoo also works well to add shine to your hair. Explore a tester’s experience in this review video for more information about this shampoo.
Pros
- Mild and non-irritating formula
- Mild fragrance
- Free of artificial dyes and colorants
- Revitalizes hair
Cons
- Might be drying
2. Best Vegan: Ethique Solid Shampoo Bar For Oily Hair
Ethique’s vegan shampoo bar helps clean excess oil without drying your hair. This drugstore shampoo for oily hair has a sweet orange and lime fragrance to make your hair feel fresh and clean. It is made of cocoa butter and orange and lime oils that help balance oil production and control oiliness. The shampoo is also free of soap, palm oil, aluminum, and other harmful chemicals to protect your sensitive hair and skin. Check out this video to learn how to use the product.
Pros
- Safe for all skin types
- Safe for color-treated hair
- Eco-friendly
- pH-balanced
Cons
- Might cause frizziness
3. Best For Rebalancing Oil: L’Oreal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Clay Rebalancing Shampoo
Image: Loreal Paris Formulated with three refined clays, this affordable yet clinically tested shampoo for oily hair helps clean oily roots and nourishes the hair ends. Brought to you by a celebrity-endorsed brand, this shampoo also helps hydrate and purify dry hair and makes it soft and flowy. It contains salicylic acid to purify the roots and remove excess buildup from styling products. Check out this video review to learn more about the product.
Pros
- Silicone-free
- Suitable for color-treated hair
- Does not weigh hair down
- Sustainable packaging
Cons
- May not be suitable for sensitive skin
Did You Know?4. Best For Dandruff: Maple Holistics Degrease Shampoo For Oily Hair Care
Maple Holistic’s purifying formula has hydrating ingredients such as lemon and peach kernel that nourish the scalp and help fight against flaking and itchiness. It also contains rosemary oil that works well to clean residue and prevent buildup caused by styling products, making it one of the best drugstore shampoos for oily hair. The pure essential oils in this shampoo help with flakiness control and hydrate dry and damaged hair, purify the roots and scalp, and give your hair a vibrant look.
Pros
- Sulfate- and paraben-free
- Suitable for color-treated hair
- Suitable for all hair types
- Not tested on animals
Cons
- Might make hair look limp
5. Best Soothing: Aveeno Apple Cider Vinegar Sulfate-Free Shampoo
Image: Aveeno Aveeno’s professional-grade scalp-soothing shampoo helps clarify scalp and hair and adds shine and volume. The clinically proven shampoo is free of dyes, parabens, and sulfates and contains colloidal oatmeal extract and apple cider vinegar that help rejuvenate the hair from root to tip. This shampoo washes your hair gently to remove grease and buildup from different hair products, leaving behind soft, healthy locks.
Pros
- Suitable for all hair types
- Safe for color-treated hair
- Fresh fragrance
- Helps prevent fly-aways
Cons
- Consistency might be a tad thick
6. Best For Oil Control: Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two
Image: Paul Mitchell The tried-and-tested Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two is known for its clarifying properties—It helps rid excess sebum and dirt buildup and cleanses the hair thoroughly. It also controls oil production to prevent your hair from becoming too greasy with time. This shampoo offers visible results by adding shine to your hair and enhancing its volume.
Pros
- Color-safe
- Suitable for all hair types
- Non-drying
- Non-greasy
- Lathers well
Cons
- May have a watery consistency
7. Best For Colored Hair: OGX Kandee Johnson Collection Mermaid Dust Dry Shampoo For Oily Hair
Image: Ogx When you are in a rush and don’t have enough time to wash your hair, this dry shampoo can come in handy. The OGX Kandee Johnson oil reduction shampoo helps keep your hair clean and fresh for long, helping you avoid the need for frequent washes. It is suitable for colored hair and ensures your hair color stays vibrant for long. This professional-grade shampoo also absorbs the excess oil and has a refreshing, sweet fragrance, making it one of the best drugstore shampoos for oily hair.
Pros
- Free of sulfate surfactants
- Helps add volume
- Suitable for all hair textures
- Easy to use
Cons
- Might cause frizziness
8. Best Organic: Desert Essence Organics Hair Care Shampoo
Image: Desert Essence The vegan shampoo by Desert Essence is available in a cream formula and has a refreshing lemon scent due to the organic lemon peel extract. It also contains ingredients, such as Australian tea tree oil, aloe vera, comfrey, and yucca cactus that help soothe and nourish the scalp while clarifying the roots to remove excess oil. This affordable scalp care shampoo for oily hair helps balance the scalp’s pH level and keeps your hair free of product buildup and impurities, leaving you with a refreshed feeling.
Pros
- Gluten-free
- No animal testing
- No artificial dyes or fragrances
- NSF organic standard-certified
Cons
- May not be suitable for curls
Quick Tip9. Best Moisturizing: Nexxus Hydra-Light Weightless Moisture Shampoo
Image: Nexxus Here’s a good drugstore shampoo for oily hair as its salon-inspired formula helps nourish your hair without weighing it down. It is scientifically formulated and contains deep sea minerals for optimal hydration, and its weightless moisturizing properties help the hair move freely. Also, its fragrant floral scent of rose and jasmine can make you feel fresh all day. The professional-grade shampoo has a light formula and is suitable for fine to flat hair.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Silicone-free
- Enriched with protein
- Helps add volume
Cons
- May have a watery consistency
10. Best For Children: TBH Kids Shampoo For Oily Hair
Image: Tbh This herbal shampoo contains nettle, meadowsweet, jojoba, and quinoa that help control and absorb the excess oil while making the hair more manageable. Nettle, in particular, helps regulate oil production and balances the scalp’s pH to prevent breakouts near the hairline. This oil-control shampoo is also effective at strengthening your hair follicles to prevent damage and promote blood flow and moisture retention for healthy locks.
Pros
- Gluten-free
- Dairy- and soy-free
- Free of harsh chemicals
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Fragrance might be unpleasant for some
Did You Know?11. Best Nourishing: Tree To Tub Peppermint Shampoo For Oily Hair
Image: Tree To Tub Tree To Tub brings you one of the best cheap shampoos for oily hair that clarifies your hair and skin to prevent oiliness and other issues. Made from organic and natural ingredients, this shampoo is gentle on your hair and scalp and has a soothing peppermint fragrance. This dermatologically tested shampoo lathers well to help deep clean your hair and scalp thoroughly. The wild soapberry in the formula helps balance the skin and hair’s pH level, providing adequate moisture and keeping your hair hydrated, shiny, and nourished.
Pros
- Not tested on animals
- Artificial fragrance-free
- Gluten-free
- Chemical-free
Cons
- Might cause frizziness
12. Best Non-Drying: Men’s Shampoo By American Crew
Image: American Crew This drugstore shampoo for oily hair, created especially for men, contains vitamin B5 to moisturize and promote healthy hair. The formula is suitable for everyday use, and it helps make your hair soft and shiny and strips away oiliness or dirt buildup without causing dry hair or scalp. Its naturally certified citrus mint fragrance offers an energizing effect to keep you feeling fresh throughout the day.
Pros
- Vegan friendly
- Non-drying
- Helps make hair manageable
- Silicone-free
Cons
- May not lather well
13. Best For Hair Growth: Blackwood For Men Active Man Daily Shampoo
Enriched with the goodness of coconut oil and licorice root, this antimicrobial formula helps reduce itchiness and inflammation to keep the hair healthy and give you a clean scalp. The aloe vera and citric acid help remove excess oil and buildup, while the tsubaki oil and menthol prevent flaking and other scalp issues. One of the best drugstore shampoos for oily hair, it helps strengthen and thicken hair, prevents frizziness and breakage, and balances oil production.
Pros
- Gluten-free
- Helps curb baldness-causing DHT
- Helps promote blood circulation
- Chemical-free
Cons
- May have an unpleasant fragrance
How To Choose The Right Drugstore Shampoos For Oily Hair?
Consider the following factors when choosing the right shampoo for oily hair.
- Ingredients: Check the shampoo’s ingredients to ensure it suits your requirements and hair concerns. Look for dermatologist-recommended or clinically proven ingredients that are clarifying and non-drying, and provide oil management benefits to achieve smooth hair. Also, ensure the shampoo doesn’t contain any oil that may weigh your hair down.
- Balancing formula: Choose a shampoo that helps you achieve a balanced scalp and hair pH level and your scalp’s oil production for optimal health and shine.
- Hair type: Ensure the shampoo is suitable for your hair type. While some products work on all hair types, others might be suitable for only color-treated hair or fine hair.
- Formula type: Oil-control shampoos are available as dry shampoos, sprays, creams, and other consistencies. So, choose one that suits your requirements.
- Chemicals: Ensure the shampoo is free of silicone, sulfate, parabens, GMO, and other harmful chemicals to prevent hair damage.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Poulami Nag is a writer and editor passionate about makeup, beauty products, self-care, and fashion. She enjoys experimenting with new trends and products to find the right ones for her readers. In this article, she has listed the best drugstore shampoos for oily hair after researching products across multiple websites and considering customer reviews. The shampoos listed here are safe, easy to use, gentle, and have affordable prices. Poulami has also included a buying guide with the necessary information to help you choose the right product.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much shampoo should I use on oily hair?
Ideally, it depends on the thickness and length of your hair, but generally ten milliliters or two full teaspoons of shampoo is considered sufficient.
2. How often should I wash oily hair?
To keep your hair and scalp free of excessive oil and issues associated with an oily scalp, it’s advisable to wash them every second or third day.
3. What is the best thing to use on oily hair?
Hair products not heavy on moisturizing ingredients but potent with clarifying agents, such as certain clays, aloe vera, and tea tree oil can be ideal for oily hair.
Managing greasy, dirty hair can be quite a hassle, especially if you have plans to go out or meetings to attend. However, the right shampoo can help clean the excess dirt and oil to give your hair a fresh, healthy look. When choosing the right product, check the ingredients, chemical content, formula type, and other factors to suit your needs. Moreover, you should also check if it’s suitable for your hair type. We hope this list of the best drugstore shampoos for oily hair helps you find what you are looking for.
Infographic: What Causes Oily Hair And Scalp?
Oily hair and scalp can give you a greasy appearance. The excess oil can also make your scalp a breeding ground for bacteria and cause breakouts. So, check out the infographic below for the common reasons behind oily hair and scalp. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Get high-quality PDF version by clicking below.
Download Infographic
Recommended Links:
