Top 5 Drugstore Shampoos for Oily Hair: Review

Does your hair feel heavy and oily just hours after you wash it? You are not alone! Many people fight the constant battle against greasy roots. It feels like you just stepped out of the shower, and already, your scalp is producing too much oil. Finding the right shampoo at the drugstore can feel like a treasure hunt where all the maps are wrong.

The aisles are packed with bottles promising shine, volume, and deep cleaning. But for those with oily hair, many popular shampoos actually make things worse! They might strip your hair too much, causing your scalp to panic and produce even more oil. This leaves you frustrated, wasting money on products that don’t work for your specific needs.

This post cuts through the marketing hype. We will show you exactly what ingredients to look for and which affordable drugstore favorites actually control that unwanted shine. Keep reading to discover budget-friendly solutions that leave your hair feeling light, clean, and balanced all day long.

Top Drugstore Shampoo For Greasy Hair Recommendations

Bestseller No. 1

Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two, Clarifying Shampoo, Deep Cleanses + Removes Buildup, For All Hair Types, Especially Oily Hair, 10.14 fl. oz.

Deeply cleanses and removes dulling buildup
Leaves hair squeaky clean, shiny and full of body
Ideal for use before a deep conditioning treatment

Bestseller No. 2

Clarifying Shampoo for Build Up and Oily Hair - Deep Cleansing Shampoo with Rosemary - Refreshing Lemon for Greasy Hair & Jojoba Oil for Scalp Cleanser - Anti Residue Shampoo for Healthy Scalp - 8 Oz

Oily Hair Shampoo - Degrease is one the most popular purifying shampoo oily hair formulas that can tackle some of the most common hair concerns making it a top greasy hair shampoo for oily scalp care
Dandruff Tip - One of the best ways to combat flaking and itchy scalp is to ditch your artificial dandruff shampoo with damaging sulfates and choose one with gentler more hydrating natural ingredients
Sulfate Free Clarifying Shampoo for Build Up - Say goodbye to tricky buildup in your hair and scalp with our Degrease formula featuring natural hair care products like rosemary oil for hair care
Oily Scalp Shampoo - Better hair begins at the scalp and our oily and dry scalp shampoo for men and women features some of the finest natural hair products like cleansing cypress basil and lemon oils
Maple Holistics Quality - We believe in using real ingredients for real results that is why we created our sulfate and paraben free shampoo for men and women with cleansing pure essential oils

Bestseller No. 3

OGX Clarifying Strength + Rosemary Mint Shampoo, Clarifying Shampoo for Oily Hair Visibly Helps Remove Oil & Residue to Clear Away Buildup, Sulfate-Free Surfactants, 13 fl. oz

REFRESH & CLARIFY: This 13-fluid ounce bottle of OGX Clarifying Strength + Rosemary Mint Hair Shampoo visibly helps remove oil & residue to clear away buildup - an invigorating clarifying shampoo for women seeking a fresh, weightless feel
ROSEMARY & MINT: This clarifying shampoo for oily hair is infused with rosemary & peppermint to help refresh & clarify your oily hair. It contains an exclusive blend of carefully selected moisturizing agents for strong, beautiful hair
HEALTHY HAIR: Our new improved formula protects hair from excessive loss of lipids & proteins which creates frizz & breakage. This gentle clarifying shampoo strengthens strands, protects against damage, and adds shine for your healthiest-feeling hair
POWERED BY SCIENCE: Lipi Pro Shield Technology gives 2x more protein & lipid protection** & supports hair's protein & lipid barrier for your healthiest hair. The clarifying shampoo is formulated without sulfated surfactants, parabens, or dyes
OILY HAIR CARE ROUTINE: Mint & rosemary scents leave hair smelling refreshingly clean & leaves hair stronger. For best results, use this scalp shampoo for oily hair with the entire OGX Rosemary Mint Clarifying Strength hair care collection

SaleBestseller No. 4

Clarifying Shampoo for Oily Hair and Scalp - Degrease Deep Cleansing Shampoo Build Up Remover with Rosemary Oil for Greasy Hair & Scalp - Vegan Color Safe Sulfate Paraben & Cruelty Free (16 Fl Oz)

Oily Hair Shampoo - Degrease is one the most popular purifying shampoo oily hair formulas that can tackle some of the most common hair concerns making it a top greasy hair shampoo for oily scalp care
Dandruff Tip - One of the best ways to combat flaking and itchy scalp is to ditch your artificial dandruff shampoo with damaging sulfates and choose one with gentler more hydrating natural ingredients
Sulfate Free Clarifying Shampoo for Build Up - Say goodbye to tricky buildup in your hair and scalp with our Degrease formula featuring natural hair care products like rosemary oil for hair care
Oily Scalp Shampoo - Better hair begins at the scalp and our oily and dry scalp shampoo for men and women features some of the top cleansing natural hair products like basil cypress and lemon oils
Maple Holistics Quality - We believe in using real ingredients for real results that is why we created our sulfate and paraben free shampoo for men and women with cleansing pure essential oils

Bestseller No. 5

Suisuaie Clarifying Shampoo and Conditioner Set for Greasy Hair, Build Up, and Dry Ends - 32.4 Fl Oz

Shampoo and Conditioner Set: Clarifying shampoo and conditioner for oily hair, greasy hair,build up,oily scalp and dry ends.
Clarifying Shampoo for Build Up: Oily hair shampoo silicone-free. Cleans and minimize pores while improving circulation in the scalp for oily scalp and build up. Healthy hair can only grow on a healthy scalp, which could be impaired by unnecessary emitting oil.
Conditioner Smooth Hair: Nutrient-rich oil of beauty fluid contains moisturizers that wrap every strand for long-lasting softness and manageability, strengthens hair for 2X less breakage. Powerful formula instantly nourishes to help repair and protect hair from damage.
Beautiful Hair From Root To Tip: Oily scalp dry ends shampoo and conditioner are blended in perfect balance with wholesome ingredients to help soothe your scalp and nourish your strands for beautiful and volumizing hair from root to tip.
Irresistible Fragrance: Suisuaie oily hair shampoo and conditioner offers a sophisticated floral, glowing, healthy and beautiful with every wash,and floral smell irresistible.

Bestseller No. 6

Kristin Ess Deep Clean Clarifying Shampoo for Oily Hair & Build Up | Detox Purifying + Cleansing Oily Hair Treatment - Sulfate Free + Vegan - Product for Thick, Curly + Color Treated Hair

“Sometimes you just need a fresh start. This clarifying shampoo removes mineral deposits, product buildup, excess oils, and even silicones that can build up over time. Use this when needed to get a deeper clean.” - Kristin Ess
Cleanse + Condition: A clean, well-conditioned canvas is essential. These universal products cleanse + deeply condition to leave hair feeling moisturized, full and looking shiny from root to tip.
For all hair types, Buildup removing, Purifying + volumizing, Shine enhancing, Mineral detoxifying, Super sudsing
How To: Depending on the thickness of your hair, squeeze a dime to quarter-sized amount of shampoo into your palm. Apply to wet hair, massaging into the scalp to create a rich lather. Add more shampoo if desired. Rinse thoroughly and repeat if necessary.
Cruelty free + vegan, free of parabens, phthalates + silicones

SaleBestseller No. 7

Clarifying Shampoo for Oily Hair and Scalp - Deep Cleansing Shampoo Build Up Remover with Rosemary Oil - Degrease Shampoo for Greasy Hair & Scalp - Vegan Color Safe Sulfate & Paraben Free (2 Pack)

Oily Hair Shampoo - Degrease is one the most popular purifying shampoo oily hair formulas that can tackle some of the most common hair concerns making it a top greasy hair shampoo for oily scalp care
Dandruff Tip - One of the best ways to combat flaking and itchy scalp is to ditch your artificial dandruff shampoo with damaging sulfates and choose one with gentler more hydrating natural ingredients
Sulfate Free Clarifying Shampoo for Build Up - Say goodbye to tricky buildup in your hair and scalp with our Degrease formula featuring natural hair care products like rosemary oil for hair care
Oily Scalp Shampoo - Better hair begins at the scalp and our oily and dry scalp shampoo for men and women features some of the top cleansing natural hair products like basil cypress and lemon oils
Maple Holistics Quality - We believe in using real ingredients for real results that is why we created our sulfate and paraben free shampoo for men and women with cleansing pure essential oils

Bestseller No. 8

Suisuaie Shampoo for Oily Hair and Scalp, 9.4 Fl Oz - Clarifying for Build Up, for Greasy Hair, - Silicone Free

Oily Hair Shampoo: Shampoo for oily hair, greasy hair,build up,oily scalp and dry ends.
Clarifying Shampoo for Build Up: Build up can cause greasy hair and itchy scalp clarifying shampoo with unique Lysine and Arginine ingredients to provide you with a premium hair treatment,leave your hair soft and shiny with a nice amount of volume and bounce.
Deep Care: Oily hair shampoo for greasy hair silicone-free. Cleans and minimize pores while improving circulation in the scalp for oily scalp. Shampoo for oily hair and scalp,healthy hair can only grow on a healthy scalp, which could be impaired by unnecessary emitting oil.
Beautiful Hair From Root To Tip: Our oily hair shampoo is blended in perfect balance with wholesome ingredients to help soothe your scalp and nourish your strands for beautiful hair from root to tip. Glowing, healthy and beautiful with every wash,and floral smell irresistible.
Suisuaie Shampoo: Suisuaie aim to make sure everyone has a great hair day everyday. Suisuaie shampoo for oily hair will remove excess oil from your hair leaving you with luscious locks that are voluminous and frizz free.

Your Essential Guide to Drugstore Shampoos for Greasy Hair

Do you feel like you wash your hair, and just hours later, it looks oily again? You are not alone! Finding the right drugstore shampoo can conquer that greasy look. This guide helps you choose the best budget-friendly option for your oily scalp.

Key Features to Look For

When scanning the shampoo aisle, focus on these important features:

Clarifying Action

Deep Cleaning: Look for shampoos labeled “Clarifying” or “Deep Cleansing.” These work hard to remove oil, product buildup, and residue that weigh your hair down.

Oil Control Ingredients

Salicylic Acid or Tea Tree Oil: These ingredients help balance the scalp’s oil production. They gently exfoliate the scalp, keeping it cleaner for longer.

Lightweight Formulas

Sulfate-Free or Volumizing: Heavy, moisturizing shampoos make oily hair worse. Choose lightweight formulas that promise “volume” or are clearly labeled as non-moisturizing.

Important Materials and Ingredients

What is inside the bottle truly matters for battling grease.

Ingredients That Help

Sulfates (Use with Caution): Ingredients like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) are strong detergents. They clean very well, removing all oil quickly. However, they can sometimes dry out the scalp, causing it to produce *more* oil later.
Natural Extracts: Ingredients like Rosemary, Mint, or Lemon are great. They offer a fresh feeling and help manage oil naturally.
Clay or Charcoal: Shampoos containing activated charcoal or bentonite clay absorb excess oil like a sponge. These are excellent for very oily scalps.

Ingredients to Avoid

Heavy Oils and Silicones: Skip shampoos listing ingredients like Argan Oil, Coconut Oil, Shea Butter, or anything ending in “-cone” (like Dimethicone). These ingredients add moisture and shine, which oily hair does not need.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Not all drugstore shampoos perform the same. Here is how quality changes:

Quality Boosters (Improve Quality)

pH Balance: A shampoo that maintains the scalp’s natural pH level cleans effectively without stripping too much oil. This prevents the scalp from overcompensating by producing more oil.
Gentle Exfoliation: High-quality formulas include mild scrubbing agents that remove dead skin cells without causing irritation.

Quality Reducers (Reduce Quality)

Over-Drying Formulas: If a shampoo leaves your hair feeling squeaky clean and brittle right after washing, it is likely too harsh. This harshness triggers your scalp to produce more oil very fast.
Heavy Conditioning Agents: Many budget shampoos hide conditioning elements in the formula to make the hair *feel* soft in the shower. This softness is usually just residue for an oily scalp.

User Experience and Use Cases

How you use the shampoo affects your results.

Best Use Cases

Daily Washers: If you must wash daily, use a gentle, clarifying shampoo. Focus the lather only on your scalp, not the ends of your hair.
Once Every Two Days: If you can stretch washes, use a strong clarifying shampoo once a week to remove buildup. On the second day, use a milder, balancing formula.

Tips for Best Experience

Rinse Thoroughly: Always rinse your hair for at least one full minute. Leftover shampoo residue is a major cause of quick re-greasing.
Scalp Massage: Use your fingertips (not nails) to gently massage the shampoo into your scalp. This lifts dirt and stimulates blood flow without over-stimulating oil glands.

Top 10 FAQs About Drugstore Shampoo for Greasy Hair

Q: How often should I wash oily hair with these shampoos?

A: Start by washing daily or every other day. If you use a very strong clarifying shampoo, you might only need it twice a week.

Q: Will these shampoos stop my hair from getting greasy?

A: They manage the oil. They cannot stop your scalp from producing oil naturally, but they can keep it controlled longer.

Q: Can I use conditioner with these shampoos?

A: Yes, but only apply conditioner from your mid-shaft down to the ends. Never put conditioner on your scalp when you have oily hair.

Q: Are sulfate-free shampoos better for oily hair?

A: Sometimes. If your scalp is sensitive but still oily, sulfate-free is gentler. If your hair is very greasy, a mild sulfate might be necessary for a deep clean.

Q: What does “clarifying” actually mean?

A: Clarifying means the shampoo removes heavy buildup from styling products, minerals in hard water, and excess sebum (oil).

Q: Should I use hot or cold water to rinse?

A: Use warm water to shampoo, but finish with a cool or cold rinse. Cold water helps close the hair cuticle and reduces immediate oil production.

Q: Do these shampoos help with volume?

A: Yes. By removing heavy oil and residue, the hair lifts away from the scalp, which naturally adds volume.

Q: Is tea tree oil safe for daily use?

A: For most people, yes, especially when diluted in a shampoo formula. If you experience redness or itching, reduce the frequency.

Q: How long does it take to see results?

A: You will notice a difference immediately after the first wash. However, it might take one to two weeks for your scalp to adjust its oil production level.

Q: Can dry shampoo replace washing?

A: Dry shampoo is great for extending time between washes. It absorbs oil but does not clean the scalp. You still need a real wash occasionally.