These Shampoos for Oily Hair Will Give Your Scalp a Salon-Grade Cleanse

One of the pitfalls of leading a busy life is trying to squeeze a manageable hair-washing routine into your packed week—especially for those of us needing to combat grease and lots of buildup in one go.

Having a hectic schedule is not compatible with regularly taking the time to detox and thoroughly cleanse our scalps and strands. When we do find a moment to reset our roots and ends after a long week on the hot tools and products from dry shampoo to hair oils, we here at Who What Wear UK rely on a stable of super-powered shampoos specifically designed to target and treat oily hair.

Indeed, shampoos for oily hair often do more heavy lifting than regular ones, and our editorial desk relies on a handful of tried-and-tested cleansers to really clean things up. “When picking your shampoo, you’ll generally focus on what you think is best for your hair, whether it’s moisture, volume, colour protection or so on,” explains Stephen Buller, hair specialist and co-founder of London’s first-ever sustainable salon group, Buller and Rice.

“Shampoos targeted for oily hair will deeply cleanse the scalp, remove buildup and balance oil production without stripping the hair completely, which can trigger even more oil production,” he explains. It’s a fine balance to strike, especially when we’re looking for potent and multi-tasking shampoos that enhance shine whilst eliminating any flakes and dandruff. Getting an intense clean doesn’t require using harsh chemicals or drying ingredients that leave your hair brittle and prone to breakage. In fact, after putting in the hard yards, our beauty team has uncovered the best shampoos for oily hair that strengthen, revive and keep grease at bay.

So, how do these shampoos manage oily hair? “With oily hair, you will need to avoid some ingredients, especially those found in moisturising shampoos, to avoid making your hair more oily,” Buller advises. Instead, our editors trust purifying and reparative ingredients like activated charcoal, apple cider vinegar and essential oil extracts to keep their hair cleaner for longer.

From our beloved rinsing essentials to the expert tips and tricks you need to take your hair-washing game to the next level—and of course, the best shampoos for sorting out oily hair of every hair texture—keep scrolling for everything you need to know.

The Best Shampoos for Oily Hair, According to the Experts

1. Living Proof Clarifying Detox Shampoo

“Whilst this product should only be used once a week, I found that my scalp felt healthier, regulated and less dry overall,” Gilchrist adds. “I don’t feel like this usage extended the days between hair washes, but I believe my scalp had generally less grease to remove upon each rinse. I also loved how this shampoo not only mitigated that specific shiny look that comes with oily hair, but dealt with concerns I hadn’t even considered, like hard water build-up.”

2. Ouai Detox Shampoo

“The main reason I love it is that not only does it remove oil, but it also helps to smooth and hydrate my hair, making it my ride-or-die in-shower product. I’ve tried other oil-removing shampoos and masks before, and whilst they’ve worked, they haven’t left my hair feeling particularly soft and healthy. This product is different. When paired with the OUAI hair mask (which I use once every two weeks), it is a complete game-changer. It’s worth noting that it can also be used in place of your daily shampoo as it is very gentle, but I prefer to use it at the end of the week for a more intense result.”

3. Philip Kingsley Flaky/Itchy Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

“I have both an oily and sensitive scalp,” Vousden says. “I’ve tried a lot of shampoos, but this Philip Kingsley one is of the few I trust to keep my scalp feeling clarified and comfortable. I was recommended it firsthand by a trichologist, and it’s gentle enough to use daily without stripping the scalp whilst effectively leaving my roots feeling clean and bouncy. It works wonders if you’re also prone to dryness and flakes, which can often go in tandem with oily roots.”

4. Kérastase Specifique Bain Divalent Shampoo

“That being said, Kérastase Specifique Bain Divalent Shampoo makes things a whole lot easier for me,” Lawlor continues. The clever formula works to clarify roots and regulate excessive sebum production on the scalp, whilst an amino acid and vitamin B6 concoction targets dry, weak ends and leaves them feeling stronger and more hydrated. I’ve been through bottles of it, and I plan to go through many, many more in the future,” she adds. Her favourite part of all? “Whilst clarifying shampoos can sometimes feel a bit medicinal and boring, this stuff works into a rich lather, smells wonderfully fresh and delivers a salon-like luxury experience at home. As always, you win, Kérastase.”

5. Davines Rebalancing Shampoo

“Firstly, the formula itself is silky smooth, which means it glides effortlessly across my strands and lathers up beautifully,” adds Gilchrist. “B-Corp-certified Italian haircare brand Davines only uses sustainable and natural ingredients, so I know it’s nourishing from within, too. But most importantly, it’s a super-gentle everyday shampoo specifically designed to bring equilibrium back to an oily scalp. It’s anti-inflammatory, meaning that any itchiness or dryness is instantly soothed.