Best Shampoo for Oily Hair: What to Look for and What to Avoid

Oily hair is one of the most common hair concerns and is often made worse by the wrong shampoo. Choosing a formula that actually works means understanding why hair gets oily in the first place and what to look for on the label.

Why does hair get oily so quickly?

Hair becomes oily because of sebum, the natural oil your scalp produces to keep hair moisturised and protected. Sebum production varies from person to person, but certain habits can accelerate it. Over-washing is one of the most common culprits: washing your hair every day can strip the scalp’s natural oils, prompting it to produce more in response. Heavy conditioners or styling products applied close to the roots can also weigh hair down and make it look greasy faster than it actually is.

Some people are simply more prone to an oily scalp due to hormones, genetics, or diet and for them, finding the right shampoo makes a significant practical difference.

What to look for in a shampoo for oily hair

The most important thing to look for is a clarifying or balancing formula. These are designed to cleanse the scalp thoroughly without adding extra moisture or weight at the root. Avoid shampoos labelled as “moisturising” or “nourishing” if oiliness is your primary concern, they tend to contain heavier conditioning agents that can make the problem worse.

On the question of sulphates: sulphate-based shampoos are effective at removing oil and build-up, but they can be too stripping if used daily. For most people with oily hair, a gentle clarifying formula used regularly is a better long-term approach than a heavy-duty sulphate shampoo used occasionally. If your hair is both oily and colour-treated, look specifically for a colour-safe clarifying formula, sulphates can accelerate colour fade, so a sulphate-free option is worth the trade-off.

Conditioner matters too. If you use conditioner daily, keep it to the mid-lengths and ends only and avoid applying it anywhere near the scalp. Conditioner on the roots is one of the fastest ways to make oily hair worse.

On wash frequency: most hairdressers recommend washing oily hair every other day rather than daily, to avoid triggering the over-production cycle. That said, if you exercise heavily or swim regularly, washing more often with a gentle formula is perfectly fine.

What to avoid

As a general rule, avoid anything that adds weight to the root area. Rich masks, heavy oils, and scalp serums designed for dry scalps are not formulated for oily hair and will likely make things worse. If you use dry shampoo between washes, be aware that it absorbs oil but does not remove it, build-up can accumulate on the scalp if you rely on it too heavily without washing properly in between.

The right shampoo from Paul Mitchell

For oily or quickly-greasy hair, Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two is the natural starting point. It is a daily-use clarifying shampoo that removes product build-up and excess oil without stripping the hair, leaving it clean and lightweight at the root. If you swim regularly or wash your hair after exercise, Shampoo Three is also worth considering as it is formulated to remove chlorine and mineral deposits as well as oil, making it a good option for anyone washing their hair more frequently.