If you put time, effort, and products into your skincare routine, you should definitely be doing the same for your hair-washing routine. Just like your face, your scalp has oil glands that can become overactive and leave you with greasy strands. If you’re sick of washing your hair constantly or are always reaching for dry shampoo to add life back into your tresses, you may have an oily scalp, and require a dedicated shampoo for cleansing.
Dr Anastasia Therianou, consultant dermatologist and hair-loss expert says a greasy scalp and dull hair are the two main characteristics of oily hair, which often lacks root volume, especially if not frequently washed. “Oily hair tends to occur through genes but there are other causes, particularly hormones (including stress hormones) or by using products that do not clean the scalp properly. If you are predisposed to excessive sweating, this can also trigger oily hair, as can environmental pollutants and climatic temperature changes,” she explained.
Excess oil production can be combated by washing your hair regularly and using the right shampoo, Therianou reveals. “Rather than simply giving the hair a quick lather then rinsing, leave the shampoo in for a few minutes to give it enough time to work.” Dr Therianou cites clarifying shampoos as the most effective tool in your shower routine and recommends steering clear of even the best sulphate-free shampoos as “sulphates are the ingredients that help clean the scalp properly.”
She also advises applying conditioner only on the ends of the hair and never to the roots and ensuring you rinse off any shampoo and conditioner thoroughly, to avoid exacerbating any oiliness. Lastly, “it’s important to avoid using too many styling products on the roots of the hair, and avoid using any type of hair oil near the scalp.”
In a bid to find the very best shampoos for oily hair, I put a range of brands to the test, spanning luxury buys and affordable picks to see which one deserves a spot in your shower. My favourite formula overall is the Oway sebum balance hair bath (£31, Ukbeautyclub.com) but there are plenty of other options that impressed me during testing. Keep scrolling for my full review.
How I tested
Over a number of months, I tried each shampoo a minimum of three times and blowdried as well as air-dried my locks. During testing, I considered the following…
- Value for money: I tested whether each shampoo’s performance matched its price point, assessing how long the bottle lasted and how much product was needed per wash.
- Effectiveness: I tested how well each shampoo kept my roots feeling fresh and clean between washes, and whether it helped balance the oiliness of my scalp over time.
- Packaging: I tested how practical and easy the packaging was to use in the shower, from bottle design to how easily the product dispensed.
- Scent: I tested the fragrance of each shampoo, noting how pleasant it was during use and whether it lingered in my hair afterward.
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
The Independent’s product reviews section, IndyBest, employs knowledgeable reviewers to test products as you would use them in your own home, to bring you an impartial list of the very best.
Louise Whitbread is a beauty writer who has tested countless products for The Independent. From her guide to the best dry shampoosto her roundup of the best hair sprays, she knows what to look for when it comes to finding haircare products that actually work.
The best shampoos for oily hair 2025 are:
- Best overall – Oway sebum balance hair bath: £31, Ukbeautyclub.com
- Best budget buy – Monday Haircare clarify shampoo: £4.99, Superdrug.com
- Best for itchy scalps – Vichy Dercos anti-dandruff shampoo for normal to oily hair: 11.62, Amazon.co.uk
- Best sustainable pick – Davines naturaltech purifying shampoo: £24.50, Cultbeauty.com
- Best for colour-treated hair – Hello Klean anti-thinning hard water shampoo: £22, Amazon.co.uk
