What are the best shampoos for oily hair you can buy at the drugstore?

If you have oily hair, you’ve probably spent a lot of time trying to prevent oily buildup and the greasy look that follows. Premium hair care products for oily hair are available, but they can be costly, so an affordable drugstore shampoo may be what you need to keep your oily hair looking fresh and clean.

The best drugstore shampoo for oily hair effectively removes and controls oil, but there are formulas to match other needs as well. 

Shop this article: American Crew Daily Moisturizing Shampoo for Oily Hair, Nexxus Hydra-Light Weightless Shampoo and Matrix Biolage Cooling Mint Scalp Sync Shampoo

What is drugstore shampoo for oily hair?

The term “drugstore” is often used to describe hair care and beauty products available at drugstores or variety retail chains. Drugstore products are far more affordable than luxury brands sold by high-end departments or specialty stores.

Although the name implies that you have to go to a store to buy them, you can find popular drugstore shampoos for oily hair from online retailers that offer “drugstore” products. 

Causes of oily hair

Some people are naturally prone to oily hair caused by excessive production of sebum from the sebaceous glands. However, greasy-looking hair can also be caused by vitamin deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, environmental factors and product buildup. 

How shampoo for oily hair works

Shampoos for oily hair are formulated with powerful cleansing agents called surfactants that are highly effective at washing away oil. By also removing buildup, these formulas detoxify hair and scalp for bouncy, grease-free locks. 

While oil-control shampoo has a reputation for drying out hair, many quality products today moisturize hair without feeling heavy or adding buildup. 

Types of drugstore shampoos for oily hair

Many people with oily hair also contend with other hair concerns. Some also look for products made with natural ingredients instead of artificial chemicals. The best shampoo for oily hair will fit your needs and reduce oil at the same time.  

• Clarifying: Some drugstore shampoos for oily hair have formulas that remove buildup caused by oil, impurities and hair products. 
• Moisturizing: Because combination hair can be oily at the roots and dry at the ends, a shampoo that controls oil and contains moisturizing ingredients tackles both problems.
• Dandruff control: It’s common for dandruff to occur with oily hair, as it’s often caused by a fungus that thrives on scalp oil. Therefore, some dandruff shampoos are made to control both oil and dandruff. 
• Natural: For those who prefer using products made with natural ingredients, the best choice is a shampoo that controls oil with ingredients such as apple cider vinegar and botanicals. 

Best drugstore shampoo for oily hair

Top moisturizing drugstore shampoos for oily hair

American Crew Daily Moisturizing Shampoo for Oily Hair

Despite being ultra-hydrating, this American Crew shampoo doesn’t leave hair greasy, so it’s ideal for people with oily scalps. It’s vegan and cruelty-free and doesn’t contain silicone, so it won’t leave a buildup that can weigh down oily hair.  

Nexxus Hydra-Light Weightless Shampoo

The weightless, silicone-free formula of this Nexxus shampoo cleanses without depositing additives onto hair that can weigh it down and cause it to look oily. It contains deep sea minerals that moisturize while leaving hair feeling light and bouncy.

Matrix Biolage Cooling Mint Scalp Sync Shampoo

This Matrix Biolage shampoo contains mint that removes oil, inhibits bacterial growth, and leaves hair and scalp feeling fresh and clean. The formula is conditioning and smells great.

Top clarifying drugstore shampoos for oily hair

Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Fortifying Shampoo

This fortifying Garnier shampoo won’t weigh down oily hair, because it doesn’t contain silicone. Users can’t get enough of the fresh scent. 

Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two, Clarifying

Although suitable for all hair types, this shampoo is especially good for oily hair. It deep cleans hair to remove buildup and has a cruelty-free vegan formula. 

Top dandruff control drugstore shampoos for oily hair

Bellisso Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo and Conditioner Set

If you’re looking for the best shampoo and conditioner for oily hair, this set is the one to buy. By soothing the scalp, this shampoo reduces flakiness to treat dandruff without being overly harsh. The conditioner adds moisture and softness to the hair. The apple cider vinegar naturally promotes shine. 

Dove Dermacare Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Not only does this Dove shampoo control dandruff and oil while cleansing hair and scalp, it’s also pH balanced to keep hair soft and manageable. Repeat customers love the light, coconut scent.

Head and Shoulders Clinical Strength Dandruff Defense and Advanced Oil Control Shampoo

Made by a top brand, this Head and Shoulders shampoo removes and controls oil while promoting a healthy, dandruff-free scalp. It’s great for people with major oil and dandruff issues. 

Top natural drugstore shampoos for oily hair

Wow Skin Science Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo

This shampoo is made with raw apple cider that’s great for detoxifying your scalp and hair while gently cleansing away buildup and oil. The formula is free of sulfates, parabens, artificial colors and silicone.

Live Clean Rebalancing Mineral Clay Shampoo

This shampoo appeals to those who love natural hair care products, with a formula that’s 98% natural and made without artificial or harsh ingredients. It has a rebalancing formula that helps reduce oiliness without drying hair.

Maple Holistics Degrease Shampoo

This shampoo controls oil with natural plant-based ingredients that are gentle and moisturizing. The clarifying formula also does a good job removing buildup that can weigh hair down and make it look greasy.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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