Best Shampoo for Greasy Hair

The best shampoo for greasy hair cleans the scalp properly and leaves nothing heavy behind. That's the whole job. Oil starts at the roots, so the shampoo is the place to start. Here's how to choose one, how to use it, and what to pair it with.

What to look for

Start with the label. Shampoos made to balance, purify or add volume tend to be lighter and rinse out clean. Rich, creamy formulas made for dryness or repair are built to leave softness behind, which is the last thing oily roots need.

Most people with greasy hair do best with two shampoos on the shelf:

• A light daily wash. This is the one you'll use most. It should lather easily, rinse fast and leave the scalp feeling clean, not tight.
• A deep clean once a week. Dry shampoo, styling products and leftover conditioner can sit on the scalp and make roots look oily sooner. A clarifying wash clears that out. If build-up is the bigger problem, start with our shampoo for build up page.

One check: if your scalp feels tight or dry after washing, the shampoo is too strong for how often you use it. Go a step gentler rather than washing less.

Oily roots, dry ends

This is a very common mix, and it's where people often buy the wrong thing. Dry ends make it tempting to reach for a shampoo for dry hair. Don't. Those formulas are made to add moisture, and they can leave your roots flat and greasy faster. Save our best shampoo for dry hair for hair that's dry from root to tip.

Instead, keep the shampoo at the scalp and let the suds rinse through the lengths. Put conditioner on the mid-lengths and ends only, and choose a light one. Our best conditioner for greasy hair page is the place to look. If you'd rather buy a matched pair, see our shampoo and conditioner for oily hair.

Fine hair and greasy roots

Fine hair shows oil sooner. There's less hair to hide it, and the roots go flat fast. A volumising shampoo is usually the right call here because it's light and built to keep the roots lifted. Our best shampoo for fine hair page goes further on lighter options.

Short hair and greasy roots

Short hair sits close to the scalp, so oil shows quickly, and wax, clay and pomade add to it. The rules don't change: a light daily wash, a deep clean once a week and a proper rinse. For options picked with short cuts and styling product in mind, see the best shampoo for men.

How to wash greasy hair

• Wash as often as you need to. Daily is fine with a gentle formula. Go by how your hair feels, not a set schedule.
• Wash twice. The first wash breaks up oil and product. The second one actually cleans the scalp. Use a small amount each time.
• Use your fingertips. Work the shampoo into the scalp, not just the lengths, and don't scrub with your nails.
• Rinse longer than you think. Leftover shampoo and conditioner sit right at the roots.
• Keep oils and serums off the roots. They belong on the mid-lengths and ends.

The rest of your routine

Shampoo isn't the only thing that counts. For dry shampoo, scalp care and lighter styling products, browse our products for oily hair. If your hair isn't oily all over, or you're buying for the whole household, the full shampoo range has every type in one place.

You may also like

best vegan shampoo | shampoo for wavy hair | best shampoo for dull hair | best shampoo for silky hair | best shampoo for dry damaged hair | shampoo for itchy scalp | best shampoo for straight hair | best shampoo for dry scalp