If you’re reading this, you’ve probably got oily hair. Chances are you’ve washed it this morning and can already feel the grease worming its way back. How do I know? Because I’ve lived it, pal.
As a fellow head-sweater/oil-oozer, I know a thing or two about trying to find the best shampoo for men with oily hair. It’s a nightmare. And seeing as I’ve already done the hard graft, I thought it was only right that I share with you the products that actually work.
Keep scrolling for my top recommendations on what to buy and why. It doesn’t matter what haircut you have or which wax, putty, or gel you use, I’m going to help you get the job done.
Key Takeaways
Having oily hair (whether it’s long or thin) means you need specific products to tackle the problem. It’s no good squirting on regular shampoo and hoping for the best. Taking five long showers per day isn’t going to help matters either.
I’ve tested and researched the best men’s hair products that promise to soothe your scalp and control oil production. From Tea Tree’s Special Shampoo to Dove Men+Care’s 2-in-1, these are the items every oily-haired man needs in his grooming cabinet. You can thank me later.
Why it’s great: Not only do I love this vegan-friendly shampoo, but so do over 40,000 other people who have given it a five-star rating on Amazon. Thanks to a blend of tea tree, peppermint, and lavender, it smells amazing and leaves a cooling sensation that invigorates your hair and senses.
How to use it: Simply squirt a small amount onto your hands and apply evenly to damp hair. Lather and then rinse completely. Shorter hairstyles should only require one pump, while longer locks may need more. For best results, the brand suggests following up with Tea Tree Special Conditioner.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: This shampoo has a strong smell and leaves your head with a tingling sensation. While this can feel refreshing for most, it may not be everyone’s cup of tea.
Key Ingredients: Natural tea tree oil, Peppermint, Lavender | Scent: Fresh | Size: 10.14oz | Special Feature: Tea tree oil
Why it’s great: Whether you’re tightening the purse strings or simply fed up of going through shampoos too quickly, this mega bottle from TRESemmé is perfect. It’s enriched with vitamin C and designed to deeply cleanse and purify your hair—removing build-up and heavy residue left by creams, pastes, and mousses.
How to use it: Apply a generous amount to your hair, gently massage the scalp with your fingertips to lather, and rinse thoroughly. Be careful not to get any in your eyes as it can cause a little discomfort.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: The lovely fruity smell is great, but fragrance is known to cause irritation to some sensitive scalps. If this sounds like you, you’d be better off trying something unscented.
Key Ingredients: Fragrance, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Chloride | Scent: Fruity | Size: 28oz | Special Feature: Deep cleansing
Why it’s great: By hydrating and nourishing hair, this clarifying shampoo from Olaplex promotes stronger-looking locks. It removes product build-up caused by hairsprays and powders, while fighting against excess oil and hard water minerals.
How to use it: Swap it for your regular shampoo and use it when required. If you have long hair, try to focus at the root and work your way through to the ends.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: While this shampoo will certainly help with oily scalps, there are perhaps better options for tackling super-greasy hair.
Key Ingredients: Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate, Potassium Cocoate, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate | Scent: Unscented | Size: 8.5oz | Special Feature: Sulfate free
Why it’s great: Ever heard of a shampoo that smelt so good you could eat it? Well, you have now. Although I would highly recommend you don’t actually put it in your mouth. Infused with pink grapefruit, this clarifying shampoo from Neutrogena is specifically designed for oily hair and scalp. It makes light work of residue and build-up to leave you with a healthy head and shiny hair—whether you use pomade or rock a buzzcut.
How to use it: Get your hair nice and wet and apply your shampoo. You don’t need a lot. Massage it into a lather and then rinse hair thoroughly once you’ve finished. After shampooing, follow up with Neutrogena’s Healthy Scalp Clarify & Shine Conditioner.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: It gives off quite a striking, fruity whiff. If you prefer your smells more subtle (or suffer from sensitive scalp), you’d probably be safer swapping it for something else.
Key Ingredients: Cocamidopropyl Betaine, PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate, PEG-7 Amodimethicone | Scent: Pink grapefruit | Size: 12oz | Special Feature: Exfoliating
Why it’s great: What’s not to love? The dual-action hair care formula cleanses and conditions your hair while removing excess scalp oil and restoring its natural moisture. Better yet, it’s clinically proven and tested to fight dandruff flakes.
How to use it: A little goes a long way here. Apply a small amount of the product to the palm of your hand and work it into your hair until it starts to lather. Once you’re finished, rinse the shampoo and conditioner away thoroughly.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: The formula is quite runny compared to other similar products. Not a big deal, but it does mean you often risk losing a little bit to the shower as it runs off your hand.
Key Ingredients: Sodium Chloride, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Caffeine | Scent: Sporty | Size: 20.4oz | Special Feature: 2 in 1
Why it’s great: If you’re all about going au naturel, then you’ll love this eco-friendly shampoo from Avalon Organics. Cruelty-free with no harsh preservatives or synthetic colors, it boasts a certified organic formula that’s made with plant-based botanicals and essential oils.
How to use it: You know the drill. Apply it to wet hair while giving it a massage into a rich lather. Once you’re happy, rinse the shampoo off until there’s no suds left behind.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: At over $10 per bottle, it’s quite expensive compared to the other best shampoos for men with oily hair. But I guess that’s the price you pay for peace of mind, right?
Key Ingredients: Aloe Vera, Lemon Peel Extract, Cedarwood Bark Oil | Scent: Lemon | Size: 11oz | Special Feature: Plant-based
Why it’s great: Suitable for normal and oily hair, this hydrating shampoo from Nexxus is enriched with deep sea minerals to leave your mane invigorated and deeply hydrated (without weighing it down). Oh, and not that it really matters, but it comes in a rather sleek looking bottle too.
How to use it: Whether you’re in the shower or bath, the application is the same. Squirt out a small blob onto your hand and apply it to wet hair. Lather it up and wash it out once you’re finished. Do the same for your beard if any gets in there too.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: For the price, you might expect a slightly bigger bottle. However, a little goes a long way. So, be stingy with your squirts and it’ll save you from reordering anytime soon.
Key Ingredients: Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Chloride | Scent: Citrus | Size: 13.5oz | Special Feature: Deep sea minerals
Why it’s great: Guys with a greasy mop often suffer from dandruff too; it feeds off the excess oil in your hair. But instead of settling for a product that gets rid of one or the other, I suggest investing in this shampoo from Head & Shoulders. Tackling both problems head on, it removes oil and flakes to relieve dandruff symptoms and clean and moisturize your hair.
How to use it: When in your washing location of choice (that’s a fancy way of saying shower or bath), give the bottle a squeeze and apply generously on all areas of your head. Let it work up a good lather and then rinse off when finished.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: While it’s not going to do you any harm, this wouldn’t be my first recommendation if you don’t have dandruff. It’ll be fine if you want to use it, but there are other options that will focus solely on your oily scalp.
Key Ingredients: Glycol Distearate, Ammonium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Citrate | Scent: Citrus | Size: 13.5oz | Special Feature: Dandruff defense
Buying Considerations for Clarifying Shampoo
Oil-Control
Look for shampoos specifically formulated to control excess oil and remove buildup from the scalp. These shampoos usually contain ingredients such as tea tree oil, citrus extracts, or salicylic acid, which help regulate sebum production and keep your hair less greasy. Avoid heavy, moisturizing shampoos or those designed for dry hair, as they may exacerbate the oiliness.
Clarifying Properties
Consider trying a shampoo with clarifying properties that effectively cleanse the scalp and hair follicles. Clarifying shampoos help remove dirt, oil, and product residue, leaving your hair feeling fresh and light.
Formula
While it’s important to control oiliness, you don’t want a shampoo that strips your hair of its natural oils excessively, as this can lead to dryness and potential damage. The best shampoo for men with oily hair should have a gentle and balanced formula that maintains the moisture balance of your hair.
Why You Should Trust Us
I’m not just an experienced fashion writer. I also suffer from greasy hair. I’ve been in your shoes, so know how you’re feeling and how difficult it is to find products that actually work. I’ve tried and tested many different products myself and done some serious digging to make sure I share with you only the very best shampoo for men with oily hair.
Final Verdict
It should now be quite clear that you shouldn’t be using any old shampoo to combat your greasy mane. Instead, you’ll require a high-performance formula that successfully cleanses hair from excess oil, dirt, and sweat.
Paul Mitchell’s Tea Tree Special Shampoo is an excellent starting point for solving your oil-related problems. It’s a vegan-friendly, lightweight product that does exactly as it promises. Which is why I have no doubt that it’s one of, if not the best shampoo for men with oily hair.
FAQ
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Over-washing hair can potentially disrupt the natural oils and lead to dryness or other scalp issues. If you find that daily shampooing is necessary, consider using a small amount of shampoo and focusing primarily on the scalp rather than the hair shafts. This helps remove excess oil while minimizing potential damage to the hair.
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Oily hair itself does not directly cause hair loss. However, excessive oiliness can contribute to certain conditions or factors that may lead to hair loss or hair thinning. This is why it is important that you find the best shampoo for oily hair.
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