Whether you went too hard at the gym, or the weather has been a little too steamy, running your hands through your hair only to be met with greasy locks is never a good feeling. While you could simply hide the problem underneath a baseball cap, nothing beats the feeling of clean hair after a much-needed shampoo.
While any regular shampoo can remedy your greasy locks, chronically oily strands may require a more specially formulated cleanser in order for you to find relief from your hair woes.
When it comes to shopping for the perfect shampoo, there are a plethora of options on the market, so whether you’re shopping for yourself, or for a man in your life, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
So what makes a men’s shampoo for oily hair the best? It all depends on the formula. Look for a shampoo that’s free of any excessive chemicals, sulfates, parabens, or silicones. A cleanser that labels itself as clarifying is also something to keep an eye out for.
And for those looking to lessen their environmental impact, searching for a vegan or cruelty-free solution is also something you should keep in mind.
Sit back and relax while we go through our top picks of men’s shampoo made for oily hair, and why they stand out above the rest!
Properties Of A Good Oily Hair Shampoo
Chemical, Paraben, and Silicone-Free
When you start taking your hair care routine seriously, you may be in shock as to how many hair products you own that are unknowingly causing damage to your locks!
Shampoos that contain chemicals, sulfates, parabens, and silicone may leave your hair feeling softer, and even thicker after initial use. But continued use of these products will eventually cause hair fall and build up in your locks.
Gentler formulas may take some getting used to, because a more natural shampoo doesn’t lather as much as a chemically rich formula. This may have you thinking that your hair isn’t as clean, when in reality it’s clean and it’s not stripped of its natural moisture.
We know that may seem counterproductive, as someone with oilier hair may feel that they need to rid their locks of as much oil as possible, but in reality, the problem is the regulation of your oils. If you dry hair your out with the wrong shampoo, you’re inadvertently telling your hair to produce more oil to make up for your brittle locks, which is the opposite of what you want.
Clarifying
We love clarifying shampoos for all hair types, but they’re especially beneficial for those with oily hair.
If you have oily hair, but a dry scalp, you may have fallen victim to sulfate overuse. A clarifying shampoo can not only help restore the natural health of your scalp, but it’s a very simple way to rid the weight and buildup of product abuse, revealing the health of your natural hair underneath.
Clarifying shampoos specifically target excess sebum production but aren’t harsh enough to strip your hair entirely. But because they’re tougher than your average shampoo, they’re not meant for daily use (no shampoo really is), and they should always be followed up by a good quality conditioner.
Environmentally Friendly
The biggest plus about an eco-friendly shampoo? You’ll be saving the environment, and your hair. A shampoo that cares about its impact on the world means that it’s made of all natural, organic, and vegan ingredients-making it the gentlest option for your locks.
We’ve all heard the horror stories about the long-term effects of being exposed to chemicals, so you truly have nothing to lose making the switch to an Earth friendly formula!
The Best Shampoos For Oily Hair (Men’s)
| Rank | Product | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Klorane Shampoo | Free of harsh chemicals, vegan, degreasing |
| 2. | Biolage Cooling Shampoo | Anti-bacterial, soothing and tingling |
| 3. | Redken Brews Daily Shampoo | Universal formula, lightweight, daily use |
| 4. | Paul Mitchell Heavy Hitter Shampoo | Color-safe, hydrating without causing grease |
| 5. | Maple Holistics Degrease Shampoo | Clarifying, oil controlling, natural |
| 6. | Head & Shoulders Clinical Strength Shampoo | Ideal for oil and dandruff, med strength |
| 7. | KICK Mens Shampoo | Oil balancing, natural ingredients, color-safe |
| 8. | American Crew Men’s Shampoo | Soft and shiny hair, nondrying, vegan |
| 9. | The Scalp Recovery Set For Men | Full set, repairing, protecting, thickening |
| 10. | Good & All Tea Tree Oil Shampoo | Tea tree oil, no harsh chemicals, cruelty-free |
| 11. | Forte Clarifying Shampoo | Clarifying shampoo, strengthening |
| 12. | Barrel and Oak Charcoal Shampoo | Clarifying, cruelty-free, vegan |
| 13. | Amby London Fullove Shampoo | Healthy scalp, stimulates follicles |
1. Klorane Shampoo
When it comes to plant-based shampoos, Klorane has done their research. The active ingredient in this shampoo is organic nettle root extract, derived from Eastern Europe.
This plant is a star when it comes to reducing oil production, making it a gentle, chemical-free way to regulate the oil production on your scalp.
Klorane has formulated an entire line dedicated to controlling oils, but you’ll definitely see results by just introducing the shampoo into your hair care routine.
This shampoo will clean the hair without stripping it dry, leaving you with bouncy, healthy, soft looking hair. You don’t have to take our word for it though, because Klorane took it upon themselves to test their shampoo out on 33 individuals looking to degrease their locks, and 86% of people felt they had less oily hair after 3 weeks of continuous use.
This shampoo is plant based, vegan, and dermatologist tested. And if you’re extra cautious about lowering your carbon footprint, you’ll be especially happy to hear that the bottle is 100% recyclable, meaning you can feel good about every bottle you purchase.
2. Biolage Cooling Shampoo
If you’re looking to give your scalp some brand new life, or maybe you’re looking for a shampoo that’ll give you some energy in the morning or after a workout – the Biolage Cooling Shampoo should definitely be in your arsenal.
This shampoo is one of four products in Biolage’s Scalpsync line, which was inspired by the anti-bacterial, refreshing, and calming properties of the mint leaf.
If you’re the type of person that really wants to feel their shampoo doing its job, you’ll be happily surprised to know that this cleanser leaves the scalp with an invigorating tingly sensation, waking you up when you need it most.
Biolage is founded on the belief that every hair woe is entirely treatable, and that it can be treated in a sustainable manner. Because of that mission, you won’t be surprised to hear that their products are responsibly manufactured using renewable resources.
3. Redken Brews Daily Shampoo
If you fancy the feel of being in a barber’s chair while you treat your hair, then you may already have a couple of Redken Brews products in your shower.
Crafted in New York City, and inspired by the homey feel of your favorite barber shop, it’s no wonder why their daily shampoo is a favorite amongst the men in the haircare community.
This is a great shampoo for literally all hair types and textures, but why we love it for oily hair is because Redken Brews took their time to ensure their formula was as lightweight as possible. Using a heavy or thick shampoo on already oily locks is a recipe for disaster!
You want to pick a gentle, effective cleanser, and this brand has done just that. The main ingredient to thank? Malt.
Not only does it give your hair that manly musk that both gals and guys swoon over, but it naturally strengthens and moisturizes your locks. In fact, it’s so gentle, that Redken Brews claims it’s safe enough to use every single day (Barber’s honor).
4. Paul Mitchell Heavy Hitter Shampoo
For haircare veterans, Paul Mitchell is likely a brand you’ve heard of. This shampoo is extra gentle, and color safe, but that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t pack a powerful punch!
It wouldn’t be called the “Heavy Hitter” shampoo for just any reason! This cleanser isn’t labeled as a clarifying shampoo, but it does promise to deeply cleanse your locks, specifically targeting product build up and leaving your hair noticeably cleaner and lighter after just one use.
You can thank the active ingredients of citrus and agave for leaving your mane feeling brand new. Agave hydrates and strengthens the hair, but isn’t rich enough of a moisturizer to weigh oily locks down, while the acidity of the citrus acts as an astringent and gentle clarifying agent, effectively cutting your grease production down after just one use.
Another thing we love about this shampoo are the antioxidant benefits of their active ingredients, promoting healthier scalp health and nipping the root of your greasy hair problems in the bud.
5. Maple Holistics Degrease Shampoo
Maple Holistics is a brand that’s dedicated to using real ingredients in their products, and that means that all their formulas are sulfate and paraben free. The closest thing to chemicals in their products are pure essential oils, and that’s something not many brands can say they relate to!
Their Degrease shampoo is named for its purpose: to degrease. This is one of the more popular shampoos in their hair care collection, as it can tackle a multitude of causes for an oily scalp, whether it’s product build-up, or just overactive oil production!
Some of the active ingredients in this solution are cypress basil and lemon oil, both notable for their natural cleansing abilities, and rosemary oil which is a natural degreaser. If your oily strands are also accompanied by the likes of dandruff or itchiness, this shampoo may be a good pick for you!
Because it’s all natural, there will be a bit of a waiting period before you start seeing solid results. Maple Holistics claims that you’ll see results in as little as 10 uses and recommends that you allow the shampoo to sit on your scalp for 3 minutes every wash to ensure that your follicles are absorbing the therapeutic benefits.
6. Head & Shoulders Clinical Strength Shampoo
One of the most beloved shampoo brands of all time has to be Head & Shoulders, and that isn’t for no reason.
Known for their dandruff shampoos, this brand has upped the ante by formulating a cleanser that’s made to target dandruff and oily hair.
This shampoo was designed, tested, and recommended by dermatologists, so you can wash your hair with confidence knowing that you’ve got one of the best products on the shelf.
There are three different options for their clinical strength formulas, including the advanced oil control formula containing citrus as the active ingredient. The added citrus will leave you with a squeaky clean feel, while the carefully crafted formula will strip your hair of excess oil and clean your scalp without leaving your hair feeling brittle or dry.
What we think makes this shampoo stand out from the rest is it’s prescription strength formula. Head & Shoulders contains 1% Selenium Sulfide, so that flakes are a thing of the past!
Since it’s a more potent formula than the traditional Head & Shoulders shampoos, you’ll be ankle to spot the difference in your strands from just one wash, but the brand promises that you’ll see significant results 2x faster than their basic formula.
7. KICK Mens Shampoo
KICK may be a little-known brand, but we don’t think they’ll stay that way for long! Especially not with superstars like their Tea Tree Oil and Peppermint shampoo in their line.
For men who are worried about hair retention on top of their oily locks, this shampoo may just be your next holy grail product! One of the main causes for an oily scalp are overactive oil glands, and this shampoo works hard to balance out any irregularities that your head may be going under.
And it does all that through all natural ingredients. You heard us correctly – this formula is au natural, meaning it was made without harsh chemicals, surfactants, sulfates, and parabens. It’s also cruelty free and color safe, which is another plus for the environment!
The ingredients that really make this shampoo stand out are all plant based. You’ve got a killer combination of tea tree, peppermint, eucalyptus, rosemary, aloe vera, and tons more – all of them working together to regulate your follicles, taking care of your greasy strands and leaving you with supple, clean hair!
We definitely recommend this to those who spend time at the gym, not only because of the uber-refreshing formula, but because sweat-induced dandruff and grease can lead to early hair loss. The best defense? This. Shampoo.
8. American Crew Men’s Shampoo
When we think of American Crew, we think suave, sexy, and put together – and you may find it strange that a shampoo can elicit that energy, but please believe us when we say that this cleanser does just that!
If you’re not quite sure why this brand is the leading supplier of men’s grooming products, let us enlighten you.
American Crew single-handedly redefined what it means to be a well-groomed man, encouraging men to say goodbye to their 3-in-1 cleansers and to say hello to a world of grooming possibilities.
American Crew’s Daily Men’s Shampoo is gentle but effective, leaving hair feeling soft and looking shiny, without product build-up.
The formula of this shampoo not only smells delicious, but it’s nondrying and vegan, meaning you’re using the best of the best on your locks with each wash. Infused with citrus, mint, and rosemary (known for its restorative hair properties), you’ll see longer, stronger, and most importantly, oil-free hair.
This solution is also made with vitamin B5 that promotes the thickening of your strands without the unnecessary assistance of silicones. It’s 91% naturally derived, and lightweight enough to use every single day if you need to.
9. The Scalp Recovery Set For Men
Get ready gentlemen, because we’re pulling out the big guns. This isn’t just a shampoo, but a whole hair care set. If you’re serious about restructuring your entire hair care routine, Lumin wants to help out.
Their Scalp Recovery Set targets unhealthy hair follicles and works to rebuild any damage done on the root of the strands, damage that, unbeknownst to you, may be causing oily locks, dandruff, or even hair fall.
Formulated with Keratin, jojoba oil, and green tea extract, this trio of shampoo, conditioner, and scalp treatment protect your scalp against the harsh effects of the environment, shield your strands from free radicals, and fortifies your follicles to prevent breakage and thinning.
This set is cruelty-free, naturally derived, and free of parabens, which is a rarity to find in a set like this!
10. Good & All Tea Tree Oil Shampoo
One of the most mortifying parts about having oily hair? The smell. Embarrassing as it may be to admit, we know that greasy locks aren’t known for their sunshine and daisies scent.
Luckily, Good & All has a solution. As we mentioned earlier, tea tree oil is a fantastic ingredient to look for when it comes to oil-control shampoos, and it just so happens to be one of the active ingredients in this formula.
Working alongside mint, vitamin B3, and wasabi extract to circulate blood to your scalp, this shampoo is more definitely more than just good.
Made with all natural ingredients (so it’s silicone/paraben/sulfate free), and crafted with no artificial colors or dyes, you won’t be shocked to hear that this shampoo is also vegan and cruelty-free. If you’re not a fan of the smell of tea tree, this may not be the best fit for you.
We only say that because the scent of pure Australian tea tree oil is incredible prevalent in this wash, which is what makes it so effective against the smell of oil and build up on your locks.
11. Forte Clarifying Shampoo
Forte means strong, and you’ll definitely consider your hair one of your strongest features after regular use of this shampoo.
Now, this is a clarifying shampoo, so you won’t need to reach for this every single day, and we especially mean it when it comes to this formula!
Forte has crafted a salon grade cleanser for men who take their scalp care seriously. It’s designed to remove buildup from products that men are most likely to use, aka waxes, gels, and pomades.
It’s extremely effective at breaking down even the most stubborn of residue, but gentle enough to sooth any scalp irritation. Its active ingredients are apple cider vinegar and aloe vera (both revered for their hair strengthening benefits), and it’s scented with peppermint extract, so it’s basically a wakeup call in a bottle.
Forte recommends wetting your hair down with cold water before washing, and only using a quarter size amount of product. Emulsify the shampoo in your hands and work it generously into the roots of your hair before working your way down to the ends.
This will ensure that your scalp is reaping all the benefits the wash has to offer!
12. Barrel and Oak Charcoal Shampoo
If we had to pick a shampoo that smelt most like a “man” out of this list, we think that the Cleansing Charcoal Shampoo by Barrel and Oak takes the cake.
You may be used to seeing charcoal in teeth whitening products, but did you know that its purifying benefits make it a great addition to any clarifying shampoo?
Well, Barrel and Oak sure did. They utilized charcoal powder in their shampoo formula to strip your scalp of all the impurities leading to the overproduction of your oil follicles, or any other hair problems, to give you back the gift of healthy, shiny hair.
This brand cares about its buyers, designing products that they describe as “Earth-Friendly, You-Friendly, Wallet-Friendly.”
What does that mean? It means that their products are naturally derived, free of parabens, phthalates, and silicones, and packaged in recyclable materials. You’ll get 16 fl oz. of cruelty-free, vegan shampoo. You can’t get much better than that.
13. Amby London Fullove Shampoo
If there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that having a good hair day can give you a serious confidence boost. Keep those bad hair days at bay with the Amby London Fullove Shampoo.
With a powerful duo of milk protein and amino acids active in this formula, this shampoo stimulates your follicles and gives your roots new life, leaving you with waterfall locks (without the oil buildup).
Silicone and paraben-free, this shampoo also calls on celery seed extract to clean and clarify your locks of any product build-up or existing grease. After regular use, you’ll be left with balanced moisture production, and an overall happy scalp.
This shampoo is scented with citrus and menthol, making it a great shampoo to give you some pep in your step, and because it so effectively improves the health of the scalp, we also recommend it to those struggling with hair loss or thinning.
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