“Shampoo? What’s that? I just wash my hair with dish soap!” If that's your usual response, we think you need the best men's shampoo for oily hair.
Some scalps, and therefore hair, are more oily than others. It’s just a fact. And using the right men's shampoo for oily hair can solve this problem to a large degree.
Here are some of my favorite men's shampoos for greasy scalps:
| Men's Shampoo For Oily Hair | Best For |
| Videri Peppermint and Tea Tree Shampoo | Inflamed, Oily Scalp |
| Wow Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo | Hair Loss |
| Kick Active Tea Tree Oil & Peppermint Shampoo | Scalp Inflammation |
| Maple Holistics Degrease Shampoo | Sensitive Scalp |
| Dove Men+Care Fortifying 2 in 1 Shampoo and Conditioner | Thin Hair |
| Biolage Cooling Mint Scalp Sync Shampoo | Dull, Greasy Hair |
| Honey Dew Argan Oil Shampoo | Frizzy Hair |
| OGX Extra Strength Refreshing Scalp + Tea Tree Mint Shampoo | Scalp Acne |
| Head And Shoulders Oil Control Shampoo | Dandruff |
| Phyto Daily Balancing Shampoo | Color Treated Hair |
What is the Best Shampoo For Men With Oily Hair?
The best shampoo for men's oily scalps is one that contains clarifying ingredients that help remove the excess oil and grease and also prevent the scalp from getting oily again. These ingredients can include lemon juice, salicylic acid, charcoal, peppermint oil, tea tree oil, and more. One of my favorite shampoos for oily hair is the Videri Peppermint and Tea Tree shampoo as it's very good at controlling sebum without leaving hair dry as it's sulfate-free.
Top Men's Shampoo For Oily Hair 2024
Videri Peppermint & Tea Tree Shampoo
Best Shampoo For Oily And Inflamed Scalp
One of the main issues I've found with shampoos for oily hair is that they can be too harsh. So I was pleasantly surprised at how gentle the Videri Shampoo can be on your scalp.
What attracted me is that this shampoo is vegan and cruelty free and it also lacked parabens which have been proven to be harmful to health. So I was in!
On using, I found that unlike a lot of oily hair shampoos that completely strip your tresses of moisture, this product actually hydrates your hair without leaving it greasy. This is due to the chief ingredients being aloe vera and lightweight jojoba oil that won't weigh down your hair.
Another thing I loved about this shampoo is that the scent is sourced from natural essential oils and not synthetic perfumes.
So you have a wonderful, refreshing fragrance of lavender, chamomile and tea tree. I thought it created a sort of spa-like sensation while I was showering. It was really pleasant.
Overall, I'd recommend this shampoo to people who want a mild shampoo to remove excess greasiness while keeping their scalp moisturized.
And yes, you can use it for color-treated hair as well as there are no sulfates here which will strip hair dye.
Pros:
- Natural perfume from lavender, chamomile and tea tree oils that won't inflame your scalp
- You can use it on sensitive and color-treated hair as there are no sulfates
- The vegan formula is cruelty-free and also free of harmful ingredients like parabens
- The aloe vera and jojoba oil nourish your hair without making it greasy
- The rosehip oil contains vitamin C that helps remove excess oiliness
Cons:
- None that I could find
My Ratings:
- Clarifying Properties: 4.5/5
- Oil-Control Properties: 4.5/5
- Gentleness Of Ingredients: 5/5
Wow Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo
Best Shampoo For Oily Scalp And Hair Loss
Ah, apple cider vinegar! Is there something this magic ingredient can’t do?
This shampoo has earned its place on my list of the best men’s shampoo for oily hair as it is mild, organic, and completely suitable for every hair texture.
One of the most irritating problems that come with having greasy hair is to maintain a balance between a clean scalp and the natural oils on the hair.
I found that this apple cider vinegar formulation does just that! On using it for the first time I noticed that it gently cleansed my scalp of excess oil and residue without leaving it your scalp dry or itchy.
What I love most about this shampoo is that it does not contain any harsh ingredients. You will find it free of parabens, sulfates, or silicones. So it's great for folks with color-treated hair or sensitive scalp.
What’s more, it comes packed with nourishing ingredients like nettle leaf extracts, sweet almond oil, etc., that nourishes hair and soothes the scalp.
The DHT blockers help with hair growth and battle hair loss as well. So that was a huge plus for me!
The only drawback about this product is that it can leave hair a tad too dry. I also noticed my hair feeling frizzy after use.
Pros:
- Natural ingredients that are safe on sensitive scalp
- It's safe on color-treated hair as there are no sulfates
- It has DHT blockers that help reduce hair loss
Cons:
- It can leave hair too dry after use and contribute to frizziness
My Ratings:
- Clarifying Properties: 4.5/5
- Oil-Control Properties: 4/5
- Gentleness Of Ingredients: 4.5/5
Kick Active Tea Tree Oil & Peppermint Shampoo
Best Tea Tree Shampoo For Oily Hair
I often go work out and swimming includes a part of the deal. And unfortunately for me sweat, heat, and chlorine from swimming pools can make my oily scalp worse.
So if you’re someone who enjoys an active lifestyle like me, I think you should try the Kick Active tea tree oil & peppermint shampoo is the one for you.
I really liked how formulation is free of any harmful ingredients like sulfates, parabens, phthalates, petrochemicals, or silicones.
So it's a great product for men with colored hair and sensitive scalps.
All the components of this shampoo are 100 percent natural. So you don't have to worry about the chemicals hurting your chlorine-soaked hair.
I liked the ingredients tea tree oil and eucalyptus in the shampoo as they have a clarifying and anti-inflammatory effect. They soothe the scalp while removing any excess oil.
But I loved was the inclusion of witch hazel that further prevents oiliness. So it not just removes oil it also controls excess oil production.
And there’s aloe vera and lemongrass to nourish the mane too. So your hair doesn't feel completely dry and straw-like.
Another great thing about this Kick Active shampoo is that it is completely cruelty-free. It’s also safe to use on colored hair.
So all in all, it's much better than the Wow Apple Cider shampoo if you want soft, sweat-free hair apart from removing oiliness.
The only kicker (pun not intended) is that it's a bit expensive compare to shampoos like OGX and Dove Me+ on this list.
Pros:
- Contains tea tree oil that has anti-inflammatory benefits
- Contains aloe vera that moisturizes scalp while removing oil
- Contains witch hazel that prevents further oiliness on hair by regulating sebum
Cons:
- More expensive than drugstore offerings like OGX and Dove.
My Ratings:
- Clarifying Properties: 4.5/5
- Oil-Control Properties: 5/5
- Gentleness Of Ingredients: 4.5/5
Maple Holistics Degrease Shampoo
Best Natural Shampoo For Oily Hair
A complaint often repeated by those with an oily mane is that the strands get too lanky and dull.
So I was looking for a shampoo that adds volume and removes excess oil when I found this gem.
The Maple Holistics Degrease shampoo is the perfect fix for this issue.
It contains clarifying ingredients like lemon and rosemary essential oils that remove excess sebum from the hair, leaving them clean and voluminous.
I noticed it's effects from the first wash itself. My hair looked degreased and also bouncier.
And you need not worry about your scalp getting too dry, as the jojoba oil and peach kernel extracts make sure the strands are hydrated.
I also loved the fact that this is a natural shampoo for oily hair that is free of any sulfates or parabens.
So it's a hard yes from for me. And I especially recommend it to people with very sensitive scalps or thinning hair.
If you want to give thin and greasy hair a lift, then this shampoo is perfect.
It suits all hair types and can be used as a daily shampoo too.
Pros:
- All natural ingredients list doesn't damage or hurt very sensitive or inflamed scalps
- It helps add volume to thin hair as it contains hydrolyzed protein
- Light natural scent from essential oils that is pleasant and perfume-free
Cons:
- None that I could notice
My Ratings:
- Clarifying Properties: 4.5/5
- Oil-Control Properties: 4/5
- Gentleness Of Ingredients: 5/5
Dove Men+Care Fortifying 2 in 1 Shampoo and Conditioner
Best Shampoo For Oily Thin Hair
Too busy for a conditioner? Try this two-in-one shampoo and conditioner formulation by Dove Men+Care.
I really liked that it contains invigorating ingredients like caffeine and menthol that leave the scalp cleansed and refreshed.
But what's more is the conditioning agents in the product prevent hair from drying out and leave it soft and bouncy.
What I like most about the Dove Men+Care shampoo is that it suits those with an active lifestyle and cuts short your shower time.
So you get cleaner, thicker and stronger hair in just one step.
Another great thing about the shampoo is the packaging. The bottles are 100 percent recyclable, so it gets an extra point from me for that!
Pros:
- The shampoo instantly de-greases your hair and leaves it voluminous
- The conditioning agents help control frizz
- The packaging is recyclable, so it's eco-friendly
Cons:
- Contains sulfates so it's not great for colored hair
My Ratings:
- Clarifying Properties: 4.5/5
- Oil-Control Properties: 4/5
- Gentleness Of Ingredients: 3.5/5
Biolage Cooling Mint Scalp Sync Shampoo
Best Smelling Men's Shampoo For Oily Hair
When I first used this shampoo I really loved the antibacterial and cooling properties that it contains.
It has mint leaf as it's chief ingredient, so this shampoo cleanses the scalp of oil, dandruff, and other impurities without causing excessive dryness and it leaves your hair smelling so good!
It also gives the hair a volumizing lift, leaving them bouncy and soft which I like
But my favorite part about this shampoo is that whether your hair is curly, straight, or wavy, the Biolage Scalp Sync shampoo is a perfect fit for every texture. And yes, it's sulfate-free.
The mint formulation not only soothes any irritation on the scalp but also leaves behind a cool feeling.
Pros:
- Mint formula cleanses without leaving hair dry
- Sulfate-free formula is gentle on hair
Cons:
- None that I could notice
My Ratings:
- Clarifying Properties: 4.5/5
- Oil-Control Properties: 4.5/5
- Gentleness Of Ingredients: 3.5/5
Honey Dew Argan Oil Shampoo for Oily & Greasy Hair
Best Shampoo For Oily Scalp And Frizzy Hair
Sometimes, the hair strands remain dry and brittle even though the scalp gets excessively oily. Sounds familiar? Then you should try out this argan oil shampoo by Honey Dew.
What I liked most about this shampoo is that all ingredients in this product are plant-based and sustainably sourced.
The mild formulation cleanses oil from the scalp while the plant-based keratin nourishes the strands and prevent frizz.
This all natural shampoo also contains jojoba oil and 100 percent pure Moroccan argan oil that adds moisture to the mane and soothes an itchy scalp. So if you have a oily scalp and dry ends or frizzy hair this one would be best for you.
The product results in a clean, refreshed scalp and soft, shiny hair.
I also love how cruelty-free and ethically-made, the Honey Dew argan oil shampoo's formula is! It is also free of harsh ingredients like sulfates and parabens.
Pros:
- Absolutely free of sulfates and other harsh ingredients
- The shampoo adds moisture to your ends and cleanses grease off scalp
Cons:
- Can be too heavy for hair that gets too oily
My Ratings:
- Clarifying Properties: 3.5/5
- Oil-Control Properties: 4/5
- Gentleness Of Ingredients: 4.5/5
OGX Extra Strength Refreshing Scalp + Tea Tree Mint Shampoo
Best Drugstore Shampoo For Oily Hair
I really wanted to keep my hair looking healthy, clean, and fresh but without spending a lot of money. So I decided to try this refreshing shampoo from OGX.
I like that it contains witch hazel, a natural astringent that washes away excess oil and controls sebum production while peppermint oil keeps hair invigorated.
But my favorite part is that the shampoo also features tea tree oil as an active ingredient, which is known for reducing inflammation and clearing dandruff.
On using I found this shampoo mild but with a lot of lather. I also felt that this shampoo cleanses hair without stripping the strands of their natural moisture.
It leaves hair of all textures shinier, bouncier and lightly-fragranced. This OGX shampoo is created to be safe on colored hair too.
This shampoo hydrates the scalp and gives it a long-lasting cleanse. It also has a herbal sort of scent that doesn't seem too "feminine". So I guess go for it!
Pros:
- It is free of sulfates and other harsh ingredients
- The shampoo contains tea tree oil that will control oiliness and cleanse it
- Witch hazel in it helps reduce sebum production on scalp
Cons:
- Shampoo contains DMDM hydantoin a harsh preservative
- It contains a added perfumes that won't suit sensitive skin
My Ratings:
My Ratings:
- Clarifying Properties: 4.5/5
- Oil-Control Properties: 4/5
- Gentleness Of Ingredients: 3.5/5
Mitch Heavy Hitter Deep Cleansing Shampoo
Best Shampoo For Product Build-Up
When I started using this shampoo, the hot weather, loads of physical activity, using too many styling products or other reasons had caused my hair's oiliness to get out of hand. So I needed something very strong that won't make my hair feel like straw.
So that's when I decided to try the Mitch Heavy Hitter deep cleansing shampoo.
I found it to be true to its name. When I used it, the shampoo helped thoroughly clean my scalp and hair, removing sebum, product residue, sweat, dandruff, and other impurities.
Plus, it leaves my hair smelling fresh with an invigorating citrus and agave scent.
I also love think that if you have colored-hair or a sensitive scalp, this product is perfect for you. Its color-safe formula adds shine to the strands while the vegan ingredients are gentle on the scalp.
It’s also free of parabens and gluten. I recommend getting this shampoo if you find your hair getting too dirty, too often.
Pros:
- The shampoo is sulfate and paraben free so it's good for colored hair
- It deeply cleanses and clarified buildup on hair without making it rough
Cons:
- Can be too strong for scalps that are just mildly oily
My Ratings:
- Clarifying Properties: 3.5/5
- Oil-Control Properties: 4/5
- Gentleness Of Ingredients: 4.5/5
How to Select the Best Shampoo for Men's Oily Hair?
For men with oily hair types, an ideal recommendation for a shampoo would be to use a clarifying shampoo.
You may ask what the difference is between a regular and a clarifying shampoo? While regular shampoos clean your hair scalp, clarifying shampoos deep clean your hair and scalp.
For those men with oily hair, the reason behind the oiliness and greasy texture could mainly be because of the scalp’s excessive sebum (the body’s natural oil) production, or types of products used.
Clarifying shampoos cut-through all the layers of dirt and oil and free the hair and scalp from buildup.
Now the thing with clarifying shampoos is their harsh nature. Since it strips the hair and scalp completely of all the natural oil, it can result in dry hair over time.
Therefore, these clarifying shampoos cannot be used on a regular basis and can be used only around once in a month.
Therefore, for men with oily hair types, you could try out sulfate-free shampoos, because shampoos containing sulfates can strip the hair of its natural oil and make it dry.
A sulfate-free shampoo, on the other hand, can help maintain a balance of the oil content on the hair and scalp, improving the hair texture and appearance.
Another type of shampoo you can consider using is one with ingredients to absorb the excess oil, like clay.
These shampoos will reduce the greasy appearance and texture of the hair and can improve hair quality making it look less limp and more voluminous, without making it look like it is weighed down.
What Are The Major Causes of Oily Hair in Men
There's no shame in having oily tresses. It’s completely natural! While having some amount of natural oils in the hair is normal, sometimes, it becomes too much.
But how does one differentiate an oily scalp problem from hair that is just… not well shampooed?
For one thing, if your hair looks greasy and likes it needs a good washing, even if you shampooed it two hours ago, you might have an oily scalp.
Another giveaway of an oily mane is that it is rarely voluminous and looks lanky because of the sebum weighing it down.
So what causes your hair follicles to get so oily? We can narrow the greasiness problem down to four major causes:
Stress
Stress can be a crucial factor for oily scalps. Too much stress can cause the sebaceous glands to over-work.
You might have experienced skin breaking out into acne during stressful events. It is a result of overactive sebaceous glands and they have a similar effect on your hair.
So the best thing you can do for your oily scalp is to take a break. Meditate, practice breathing exercises, or just get some fresh air.
As unlikely as it sounds, doing so can keep oily scalps in check to a certain extent.
Thin Hair
The texture of your hair can play a significant role in how greasy they appear. The finer the hair, the less area there is for the natural oils to cover.
This leads to an increase in the greasy appearance of hair.
Thinner hair also tends to get weighed down by the oils and looks too dull and lanky.
For such hair, it is necessary to choose shampoos that not only control the excess oil but also give it a volumizing boost.
Overactive Oil Glands
The scalp contains tons of little sebaceous glands that produce sebum (oil) that protects the hair from turning brittle and dry.
But in some people, these glands go into overdrive, and they start secreting an excess of oil.
Unfortunately, this is one of the causes that cannot be controlled as it is usually genetic.
And since the sebaceous glands are present on the skin as well as the hair, chances are, if you have oily skin, you will have oily hair.
Some shampoo ingredients like sulfates and alcohol remove too much of the natural oils from the scalp.
This causes oil glands to produce more sebum. So, choosing a mild cleanser is essential for this reason.
Frequent Washing
Yes, we know it is surprising. But frequent washing can have the opposite effect on oily tresses. It’s a vicious cycle really.
By washing your hair way too many times, you remove too much of the naturally-occurring oils on the scalp.
This causes the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum to compensate for the loss, making your scalp more oily.
Try washing your hair every alternate day instead of every day. Except if you’re coming from the beach or the gym.
Using a dry shampoo in between the washing cycles is a good idea.
Besides these, switching your shampoo with a milder, sulfate-free shampoo one is recommended.
Conclusion
Guys, your hair deserves as much care as the ladies’.
So choose wisely when it comes to shampoos as they are the first (and arguably, the most important) step to amazing hair.
Carefully read the ingredients and avoid those that can irritate the scalp or worsen its oiliness.
Pick out the best men’s shampoo for oily hair and see your hair woes vanish in no time.
A little time and effort, and you can get a soft, silky mane that you, and all the ladies, would love to run their fingers through.
Why You Should Trust Haireveryday?
The author of this article, Leah Marie Priest has a degree in Cosmetology with years of experience in dealing with hair care, scalp care, and hairstyling. As someone who extensively deals with all kinds of hair textures, products, styling methods and more, hair Leah Marie knows what kind of products and procedures suit each hair type and person. We have also tested these hair products and processes ourselves to provide you an unbiased review about every product. Each of our articles are also reviewed by a team of medical professionals so that you get the most accurate and expert-reviewed information.
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