Oily Hair? Here Are The Products You Need To Get Luscious Strands
Dealing with oily hair can be frustrating — you wash it in the morning only for it to look greasy by evening. While natural oils are essential for a healthy scalp, overproduction can weigh down your strands, make your style fall flat, and even contribute to scalp issues like dandruff. The good news? With the right products, you can restore balance, refresh your roots, and keep your hair looking shiny in all the right ways. Below, we’ve rounded up the best products for oily hair, along with tips to keep your strands feeling clean and luscious for longer.
The Glam Reporter may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely stand behind.
Emma Dyroff/ Dupe Photos
Clarifying Shampoos to Hit Reset
Clarifying shampoos are a must-have if your roots get oily quickly. These formulas are designed to remove buildup from styling products, pollution, and excess sebum without completely stripping your scalp. Look for shampoos with ingredients like salicylic acid or tea tree oil, which help break down oil and unclog hair follicles. However, since clarifying shampoos can be drying, limit use to once or twice a week. Between washes, stick to a gentle balancing shampoo so your scalp doesn’t overcompensate by producing even more oil.
Try:
-
Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Detox Shampoo – gentle yet effective for removing oil and product buildup.
-
Neutrogena Healthy Scalp Clarifying Shampoo for Oily Hair & Scalp – a drugstore favorite that resets your scalp without stripping moisture.
Lightweight, Oil-Control Conditioners
Conditioner is still important for oily hair, but the key is choosing the right formula and applying it strategically. Skip heavy, silicone-rich conditioners that coat the hair shaft and weigh strands down. Instead, opt for lightweight, oil-balancing conditioners infused with ingredients like green tea, aloe vera, or charcoal. Always apply conditioner from mid-lengths to ends only — never directly on the scalp. This keeps your strands hydrated without encouraging extra oil production at the roots.
Try:
-
Briogeo Be Gentle, Be Kind Aloe + Oat Milk Conditioner – lightweight hydration without heaviness.
-
Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Conditioner – invigorates the scalp while nourishing strands.
Dry Shampoos for Instant Refresh
When you don’t have time to wash your hair, dry shampoo is a game-changer. It absorbs oil at the roots and gives hair volume, making it look freshly washed in seconds. Choose formulas with rice starch or kaolin clay for maximum oil absorption, and spray lightly at the roots, then brush through for even distribution. While dry shampoo is a lifesaver, avoid overusing it — relying on it daily can clog follicles and lead to scalp buildup.
Try:
-
Batiste Dry Shampoo – a classic, affordable option for a quick refresh.
-
Ouai Super Dry Shampoo – powerful oil absorption with a luxe finish.
Mimi Digital/Dupe
Scalp Treatments That Balance Oil
Sometimes, oily hair is less about your strands and more about your scalp’s oil glands working overtime. That’s where scalp treatments come in. Look for exfoliating scrubs with ingredients like salicylic acid to gently slough off buildup, or balancing tonics with niacinamide and witch hazel to regulate oil production. Incorporating a weekly scalp detox treatment can reset your scalp’s environment, keeping oil at bay and boosting overall hair health.
Try:
-
The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Exfoliating Scalp Treatment – budget-friendly and effective for unclogging follicles.
-
Christophe Robin Purifying Scalp Scrub with Sea Salt – a cult favorite for deep scalp cleansing.
Volumizing Styling Products Over Heavy Creams
If you struggle with oily hair, using the wrong styling products can exacerbate the issue. Ditch heavy creams, serums, or oils at the roots — they’ll only weigh your hair down and make it look greasier faster. Instead, try volumizing mousses or lightweight sprays that lift your roots and give your hair body. Sea salt sprays and texturizers can also help by creating airy, touchable volume that keeps your strands from clumping together.
Try:
-
Moroccanoil Root Boost Spray – adds lift without stickiness.
-
Bumble and Bumble Thickening Full Form Mousse – lightweight body that lasts all day.
Cora Pursley/Dupe
Silk Pillowcases and Microfiber Towels
While not products you apply directly to your hair, switching up your tools can make a difference in oil control. Silk pillowcases reduce friction while you sleep, preventing excess oil transfer from your skin to your hair. Microfiber towels are also gentler on the strands than traditional cotton, absorbing water without creating frizz or stimulating oil production at the scalp.
Try:
-
Slip Silk Pillowcase – luxurious and gentle for both skin and hair.
-
Act + Acre Microfiber Hair Towel – cuts down drying time and keeps oil in check.
Managing oily hair doesn’t mean endless washing or resigning yourself to greasy roots. With the right products — from clarifying shampoos and scalp treatments to oil-balancing conditioners and dry shampoos — you can keep your strands fresh, healthy, and full of life. Remember, the key is balance: cleansing effectively without overstripping, conditioning without heaviness, and styling with lightweight products that give volume instead of weight. By building a smart routine, you’ll be on your way to luscious, oil-free strands that last well beyond wash day.