Have you ever wondered why is your hair is so greasy after you just washed it a day ago? Or have you thought about how you can stop your hair from getting so greasy in the first place? If you have, then it might mean that you need a shampoo targeted specifically for oily hair! And you're not alone — many people struggle with oiliness as soon as one day after washing! So, if this is you, then we've got good news!
We consulted the experts Kristina Maccaro (owner of Love Lane Salon), Megan Brooks (hair specialist and stylist), and Tom Yates (founder of Cut Throat Club) to understand how to prevent oily hair and exactly what shampoos will help. In the end, these should leave you with fresh, smooth, non greasy, lucious locks, so keep reading for all their incredible tips!
What ingredients should you look for in shampoos for oily hair?
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For oily hair, you want to keep in mind a few things with your shampoo. First, you want to look for ingredients that will deep cleanse, allow you to use them frequently (oily hair requires more frequent washes), and that offers hydration after your deep cleanse. We asked Kristina Maccaro, owner of Love Lane Salon, what ingredients to look for, and she said these are all important and beneficial for oily hair:
- Activated Charcoal: This helps to draw out impurities and excess oil from the scalp.
- Eucalyptus Oil: While it may seem contradictory to use oil on oily hair, this has natural antimicrobial and anti-fungal properties. It also amazingly helps to control oil production.
- Rosemary: Rosemary's been the talk of the town for hair growth, but it ultimately promotes scalp health, which is key for maintaining your oiliness.
- Mint Essential Oil: Mint soothes the scalp and controls excess oil.
- Lemongrass Essential Oil: This is an astringent (a chemical that removes excess oils) that helps regulate oil secretion.
- Vitamin E: Vitamin E helps reduce inflammation and itchiness.
- Salicylic Acid: Much like in certain face washes and skincare products, this unclogs pores and removes dirt, sebum, and dead skin cells from your scalp.
- Aloe Vera: Aloe vera is beloved in many products, and its anti-inflammatory properties that promote scalp health and hydration.
Living Proof
Living Proof PHD Triple Detox
I asked hair specialist and stylist Megan Brooks to give me her top shampoo recommendations and she offered a ringing endorsem*nt, saying, "These are the only shampoos I'll use on my oily hair!"
This detox shampoo from Living Proof is her first recommendation. Brooks said, "This shampoo is an ideal choice for all those struggling with oily hair because this shampoo instantly removes dirt, oil, and product buildup without stripping your hair. The best part is it will leave you more time in between washes and leave your hair feeling refreshed and clean."
Bonus: You only need to use it once or twice a week because it's a detox shampoo!
Necessaire
Necessaire Shampoo
Brooks says this shampoo from Necessaire is great for targeting oily hair because it cleanses really thoroughly. There's an added bonus to this one as well: It also helps if you have a chronic itchy scalp! We love multi-use products!
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Kristin Ess Clarifying Shampoo
Brooks also recommends the Kristin Ess Clarifying Shampoo that helps to detox your hair. It contains no sulfates (which we love), and helps to remove any buildup in the hair while also keeping it hydrated. But make sure to skip on this one if you have colored hair — you don't want to unintentionally strip the dye.
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Bumble and Bumble Sunday Clarifying Shampoo
Brooks notes that this is a great option for those who need a serious deep cleaning. She says, "Bumble and Bumble Sunday Clarifying Shampoo is here to make a difference because it cleanses away oil, pollutants, and buildup on our scalp — leaving it squeaky, clean, and feeling renewed." It also contains aloe which helps to soothe and hydrate your hair.
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Redken Hair Cleansing Cream
Brooks adds that this cleansing cream from Redken is a great pick. She explains that she loves this one because it's sure to leave your hair feeling fresh and oil-free for four days straight! Don't believe us? Try it out for yourself. This gem of a shampoo has ingredients that loosen and help to remove the dirt from your hair like AHA fruit acid, salicylic acid, and glycerine.
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Luseta Tea Tree Shampoo
When we talked to Tom Yates, founder of Cut Throat Club, he mentioned that shampoos with tea tree oil tend to work the best and most thorough. He says, "Tea tree oil acts as a thorough cleanser, helping to reduce the sebum levels on the scalp and ultimately preventing oily hair. It also helps to massage the tea tree oil-based shampoo into your scalp before rinsing, to dislodge dirt and ensure excess oil is removed."
He suggests this Luseta Tea Tree Shampoo to help thoroughly cleanse the scalp and get rid of any excess oil or build up.
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Faith in Nature Tea Tree Shampoo
Yates also recommends is this shampoo from Faith and Nature. It also has tea tree oil in it which is exactly what we're looking for with oily hair. Plus, it's under $15, so you can refresh your hair care routine well within budget!
Australian Body Care
Australian Tea Tree Oil Shampoo
Yates' final recommendation is another tea tree oil option, but what's even better? It's cheaper than all of our other shampoos for oily hair listed! It's only $12, and has all the great ingredients with everything we've been looking for!
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