Tired of oily hair? It might appear that no amount of dry shampoo or even hair treatment can keep the greasy locks at bay. It’s no surprise that the majority of people consider hair washing a daily ritual. Although such a practice is still debated among hair experts, one thing remains certain: nothing can truly beat the best shampoos that are formulated especially for oily scalps. If you have scoured high and low for the best products but the result is still futile, you might want to recheck your haircare routine. That’s why we’ve gathered a list of the best shampoos for oily scalps, so you can banish greasiness instantly. Before we jump into the list of the best shampoos for oily scalp, let’s take a look at the reasons why your hair feels greasy, and how you can get rid of that oily scalp.

What causes an oily scalp?

Photo by Min An on Pexels

1. Over-washing

Although you may feel like you need to wash your hair because it feels oily, washing your hair too much may actually be the root of your problem. Washing your hair sends signals to your scalp to produce sebum as part of its natural defence mechanism to protect and hydrate the hair and scalp. If you’re washing your hair too often, your scalp may be over-triggered, and produce even more sebum to protect itself. This can result in an oily scalp. You can actually train your hair to produce less sebum by washing it less often than you’re used to, so try to skip out on washing your hair everyday, and instead, try washing your hair every other day until your hair gets used to it, then reduce it to two to three times a week.

2. Hair Type

Unfortunately for some us, our own hair type may be the cause of our hair’s downfall. Fine and straight hair types have a bigger tendency to produce more oil, as straight hair doesn’t have any texture to it. This means that the oil from your scalp slides straight down the hair without any resistance, making it easier for your hair to feel greasy.

3. Hormones

Sebaceous glands are affected by your hormones, which means that sebum production may increase as your hormones change. People who are going through puberty, pregnancy, or are taking hormone production may see a change in their scalp health due to their fluctuating hormone conditions.

4. Stress

Stress can also affect your hormones, which means that it can also affect your scalp. Being stressed may send your hormones into overdrive, which causes your scalp to produce even more sebum, leading to an oilier scalp.

5. Scalp condition

You may be experiencing an oily scalp due to a condition called seborrheic dermatitis. It’s a common skin condition that affects oily areas of the body, such as the face, chest, and scalp. This condition can cause scaly patches, inflamed and irritated skin, and dandruff. It may go away on its own, or you can use medicated shampoos.

How to manage an oily scalp

1. Don’t wash your hair daily

Like we said, over-washing your hair can cause your scalp to get even greasier, so try to avoid washing your hair everyday. Instead, train your hair and wash it every other day instead.

2. Wash your hair correctly

Unbeknownst to us, most of us have been washing our hair incorrectly all these years. Be sure to only wash your hair at the roots, and massage your scalp. Avoid using your nail to wash your scalp, and instead, try to use the pads of your fingers to gently work the product in without irritating your scalp. Try not to wash the length of your hair as it can strip the hair of its natural oils that your hair needs, and take your time to really rinse the product out of your hair. In addition to that, don’t put conditioner on your scalp, and only condition the lengths of your hair.

3. Avoid silicon

Some hair products have silicon in it to create more volume and shine. However, silicon, like cyclomethicone, amodimethicone, and dimethicone is also easily trapped in the hair, leading to a buildup, and causing the scalp to be clogged and produce even more oil than it needs to.

4. Choose the right shampoo

The right shampoo can really help your scalp and hair to be healthier than ever. Certain ingredients help with scalp health, such as tea tree oil, apple cider vinegar, green tea, and propolis. Choosing the right shampoo can be extremely beneficial to improve your scalp health.

The Best Shampoos for Oily Scalp in Singapore 2023

1. Kérastase Genesis Anti Hairfall Shampoo for Oily Scalp

Protect your hair from root to tip with the Genesis Anti Hairfall Shampoo for Oily Scalp by Kérastase. This shampoo has a super gentle formula that clarifies your scalp, removes the oil buildup, and supports the hair to reduce hair fall. You only need a small amount to wash your hair, and with consistency use, you’ll feel like you need to wash your hair less often, so it’s super economical. Get ready for bouncy hair and a fuller, healthier scalp.

Why we love it:

  • Removes oil buildup
  • Fortifies the hair
  • Free from alcohol, fragrance, and sulphates

Price: $45.00

Where to buy: Sephora

2. Apivita Oil Balance Shampoo with Peppermint & Propolis

To really cleanse your scalp and finally get rid of greasy roots, check out Apivita’s Oil Balance Shampoo with Peppermint & Propolis, which is touted as one of the best shampoos for oily scalps. Its formula is designed to gently purify your scalp without causing any irritation and help regulate sebum and oil production so your locks will be perfectly balanced. This oil control shampoo contains propolis to promote scalp health, lemon and thyme essential oils, as well as thyme and peppermint extract for that super fresh feeling on your scalp.

Why we love it:

  • Gently purifies the scalp
  • Has a fresh scent
  • Promotes scalp health

Price: $22.00

Where to buy: Lookfantastic

3. Oribe The Cleanse Clarifying Shampoo

If you really feel bougie, pamper your locks with Oribe The Cleanse Clarifying Shampoo. It uses volcanic ash to detoxify hair without stripping it completely of its natural essence. This clarifying shampoo removes dirt, oil, and buildup to boost your hair’s health. It’s also been featured in Vogue, so you know it’s the real deal. With a unique mousse texture, you’ll feel like you’re at a salon with how luxurious this shampoo feels.

Why we love it:

  • Features a unique mousse formula
  • Purifies the scalp
  • Removes buildup

Price: $163.00

Where to buy: desertcart

4. Nature’s Glory The Blessed Soaps

Winner of Beauty Insider Singapore’s Best Organic / Natural Hair Care 2023, Best Shampoo (Deep Cleanse), and Beauty Insiders’ Choice Award, The Blessed Soap range by Nature’s Glory are multipurpose wonders. Not only can they be used as a body wash, but these organic soaps can also be used as a face wash and shampoo! The soap base is made with organic, food-grade coconut, olive and sunflower oils, and they’re also non-toxic. The perfect shampoo if you suffer from an oily scalp, these will revive your tresses like no other.

Why we love it:

  • Extremely versatile
  • Made with organic, non-toxic ingredients
  • Available in six types, including non-scented

Price: From $4.50

Where to buy: Nature’s Glory

5. Bee Choo Origin Rebalance Amino Shampoo

Crowned as the winner of Beauty & Wellness Awards 2022 for Best Oily Scalp Shampoo and Readers’ Choice, Bee Choo Origin Rebalance Amino Shampoo should be on top of your list. It boasts a concoction of Bee Choo Essence, piroctone olamine, marrubium vulgare extract, barosma betulina leaf extract, and niacinamide or vitamin B3. Unlike other shampoos, it gently cleanses the scalp from impurities and excess sebum without stripping the essential moisture. Aside from fortifying the hair structure, it also treats various scalp conditions including dandruff and pimples. 

Why we love it:

  • Has antimicrobial and antiseptic properties
  • Contains Bee Choo Essence, a proprietary herbal concentrate
  • Rebalances oily scalp

Price: $35.00

Where to buy: Bee Choo Origin’s official website and Bee Choo Origin outlets

6. Kundal Tea Tree & Macadamia Deep Cleansing Shampoo Baby Powder 

At only $12.70 for 500ml, this oil control shampoo is a steal and is definitely one of the best shampoos for oily scalp. Its formulated with 5,000 ppm of tea tree leaf extract and 5,000 ppm of peat water to really sooth, moisturise, and detoxify the scalp so you can get the luscious locks of your dreams without excess oil weighing it down. It’s completely pH balanced, and contains five plant derived oils, and a whopping 47 plant extracts, yet suitable for even the most sensitive scalps.

Why we love it:

  • Deep cleansing
  • Has a soft scent
  • pH balanced

Price: $12.70

Where to buy: Guardian

7. Innisfree Green Tea Fresh Shampoo

Want more K-beauty in your boudoir and bathroom? This cleansing and soothing shampoo revitalises your scalp with its mint and Jeju green tea formulation that controls excess sebum and oil, and removes residue from your scalp and leaves it with a tingly fresh feeling. It’s completely free from silicons so you can be rest assured that your scalp and hair will be as healthy as ever!

Why we love it:

  • Forms a rich lather
  • Free from silicon
  • Has a minty fresh scent

Price: $14.00

Where to buy: Innisfree

8. Photo Phytocedrat Purifying Treatment Shampoo

Give your roots a little love with Phyto’s Phytocedrat Purifying Treatment Shampoo. This is one of the best shampoos for oily scalp thanks to its powerful concoction of lemon oil, pine bark, geranium, rosemary, and sage to not only purify and regulate the scalp health, but also provide a deep cleanse and has anti-fungal properties. It also prevents sebum migration on the hair, so your tresses will feel lightweight and voluminous.

Why we love it:

  • Relieves irritated scalp
  • Antiseptic
  • Moisturises the scalp barrier

Price: $30.20

Where to buy: Robinsons

9. Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-exfoliating Scalp Scrub Shampoo

The Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-exfoliating Scalp Scrub Shampoo is the solution to your oily scalp woes. This high-performance formula is meticulously crafted to deeply detoxify, exfoliate, and soothe your scalp. Enriched with Binchotan charcoal, a pivotal ingredient that effectively eliminates impurities, it ensures a cleaner scalp and healthier hair. Additionally, vegetable-derived micro-exfoliators gently remove dead skin cells. The dynamic duo of coconut oil and panthenol, both renowned for their hydrating properties, effectively moisturise and nourish both your scalp and hair. With just one use, you’ll experience instant freshness on your scalp.

Why we love it:

  • Removes dead skin cells, buildup and excess oil
  • Delivers a cooling sensation 
  • Contains 95% naturally derived ingredients

Price: $76.00

Where to buy: Sephora 

10. L’Occitane Purifying Freshness Shampoo

L’Occitane Purifying Freshness Shampoo is another essential product for individuals seeking the best shampoos for oily scalp. As the name implies, it is expertly formulated to control excess sebum and cleanse the hair, leaving behind a refreshing sensation. Its deep cleansing capabilities effectively eliminate impurities, leaving you with fresh, healthy, and weightless locks.

Why we love it:

  • Purifies the scalp and hair
  • Contains five essential oils
  • 100% bottled in recycled plastic

Price: $53.00

Where to buy: L’Occitane’s official website 

11. AVEDA Rosemary Mint Purifying Shampoo

AVEDA Rosemary Mint Purifying Shampoo is meticulously crafted to address the concerns of an oily scalp and hair. Infused with purifying properties, it provides a deep cleanse that leaves your hair with a shiny, glossy finish. The combination of micelles and white vinegar effectively eliminates buildup and purifies the scalp by removing impurities. Thanks to the blend of rosemary, peppermint, and spearmint, it also imparts an uplifting scent that transforms your hair care routine into a spa-like experience.

Why we love it:

  • Features an uplifting scent
  • Free from silicone, parabens, gluten, synthetic fragrance, mineral oil, petrolatum, formaldehyde, and animal ingredients
  • Formulated for oily hair and scalp

Price: $42.00

Where to buy: Sephora 

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