The 6 Best Editor-Tested Shampoos For Oily Roots

This uses gentle, yet deep cleaning plant-derived surfactants that breakdown oil and buildup at the roots. I loved how easy the lather worked into the roots, so I could make sure the product got to all the harder to reach places, like the back of the head, where lots of people have buildup. 

But what makes this formula uniquely effective is the papaya enzymes. Enzymes break down dead skin cells, offering a very gentle exfoliation. I often experience buildup, but sometimes find scalp scrubs to feel too harsh—this is the perfect inbetween. 

Final note: I also love that this helps me stretch the time between washes. Because it’s getting rid of the dead skin cells, I find that I don’t need to shampoo as frequently, since my buildup isn’t as intense.

This has one of the best lathers I’ve ever felt from a sulfate-free shampoo. Truly: You’d mistake it for a conventional shampoo if you didn’t know.

The formula has a smooth consistency and easy slip, so I had no trouble working it throughout my scalp. Often, folks have oily scalps because they’re simply not getting the product to where it needs to go or work it into the roots enough. That’s why a a malleable formula is so important, as it makes application more user friendly.

I found the overall scent to be playful, if young. It has notes of juicy mango, bright citrus, and fresh florals. I didn’t find the scent to linger on the strands, which is a positive for me as I am quite sensitive to overpowering fragrance. 

The rinse out isn’t cumbersome, and leaves no residue. About as effortless a cleanse as you can get outside of a professional blowout.

When I first used it, I was afraid it was going to be too drying of the strands. And while it does offer a deep clean, the lightweight hydration really sinks into the hair fiber.

Since my strands are very dry and damage prone, I personally follow it with a thick hair mask (focusing only at the ends). This combo makes my strands feel so soft and smooth after. However, someone whose hair is less fragile will likely be fine with a lighter conditioner.

Overall this formula delivers a smart blend of botanicals that deep clean the hair, while infusing moisture and antioxidants. Plus the addition of fruit enzymes removes dead skin cells.

Schneider notes that she only washes weekly, and found it to be cleansing enough: “My scalp definitely feels refreshed after washing, yet it doesn’t feel tight or stripped dry. I only wash my hair once or twice a week, but I don’t think you would have a problem using this every day (if you already follow a daily wash schedule). If I have tons of buildup, though, I do find I need to double cleanse.”

Overall, the in-shower experience was enjoyable, notes our reviewer. “It foams quite well for a sulfate-free shampoo! I usually use a scalp brush to work the product into a lather, but I didn’t even need to do that with this shampoo. Just make sure to rub it aggressively between wet palms before applying.” 

For those who want to consider scent a vital part of the hair care experience, rest assured: This one’s a hit: “The fragrance is AMAZING. If you have a sensitive scalp I might recommend a different fragrance-free formula, but I think it’s delicious. Like light, fruity guava,” she told me. 

Even though our reviewer notes she doesn’t use it daily, she says it’s hydrating and gentle enough for daily use should you need to. “For a shampoo with such a nice lather, that’s saying something.”

This botanical blend uses the plant witch hazel, which is often used for its oil-balancing properties.

A bonus, says our reviewer: “The ingredient list is supported by ClearForMe, which makes decoding much easier—I’ll give the brand bonus points for that!”

If your oily roots come with irritation, flakes, dandruff, and tenderness, this is the product for you. It gets to work right away, thanks to the cooling sensation. 

It’s formulated for daily use, so it’s not a deep clean like others on the list. If you’re looking for a real reset, you may benefit from something that’s more clarifying. 

My scalp is fairly sensitive, especially if I have excess buildup from styling products, dry shampoo, or grease. If I go too long between washes, my scalp feels tender. So I love using this when I need something that can help calm the skin, while getting in there and removing debris. A bonus: When I’m using this, I find my hair stays fresher between washes. 

I personally don’t suffer from an itchy scalp, but lots of reviewers say it’s the only thing that relieves their uncomfort.

The cooling sensation feels amazing—especially if you’re dealing with any itching, tightness, or patches. It really provides instant relief!  

It doesn’t have the most sensorially appealing lather—it’s a bit lacking—but I don’t find it to be a deal-breaker, as the main draw is the cooling.

As far as hydration goes, I’d say it’s pretty middle of the road. It’s a gentle cleanser that doesn’t strip too natural hydration away, nor is it deeply moisturizing. It’s balanced, if you will.

One of the leaders in clean, natural hair care, it’s no surprise that Aveda’s formulas are quality.

I’m judging this product on a different scale than the others, considering it’s a rinse and not a conventional shampoo. Essentially: This won’t suds or leave the hair feeling squeaky clean. 

But for what it does, it’s the best at its job. This formula uses apple cider vinegar, which has astringent properties to help remove dead skin cells and excess oil, rather than surfactants or sulfates. It also seals the cuticle of the hair fiber

“After utilizing this rinse, I stay away from sticky dry shampoos. Rather than wash my oily hair everyday or every other day, I stick with one shampoo a week when using this in between. It extends your time between a true shampoo. It really is a game-changer,” says Frye.

Given I’ve been using rinses for years, I have no problem with the sensorial experience. But if I were to put myself in the shoes of someone new to this, it is a deviation from the norm—and may take some getting used to. “Don’t get your hopes up for a shampoo-like finish because it won’t happen that way, it refreshes the hair but doesn’t make it feel squeaky clean,” notes Frye. 

Here’s how it works: After wetting your hair and scalp, use the tip of the bottle to work the product in small sections throughout the hair. Squeeze the bottle gently, so not too much formula comes out. Massage the product into the scalp, and rake it through the strands. Rinse thoroughly after. 

Oh, and to note the scent: “I’ll admit the scent is a bit odd given it’s a pretty natural formula with ACV in it. Still, I’d rather have that than a strong artificial fragrance to mask it and potentially irritate the scalp,” says Frye.

Given the nature of the product, it definitely doesn’t strip the strands—there are no surfactants or sulfates to do so! Rather the ACV rebalances the scalp, redistributes oil, and refreshes the style.

“Most definitely non-stripping! Helps to moisturize your scalp and refresh your strands but never leaves your hair feeling dry,” notes Frye.

This natural-leaning formula blends together a variety of hair-supporting botanical ingredients to balance oil.

Given it’s intended for daily use, it’s not as strong of a power wash like other options on this list (i.e. JVN Embody Volumizing Shampoo, which is closer to a clarifying shampoo than conventional one). But it’s still pretty great at lifting off buildup and dissolving oil. As Schneider notes, “This is the shampoo I turn to when I have loads of buildup. Greasy days are no match for the Hair Cleanse.”

The lather is my favorite part of the experience. It’s a dense, soft foam—the kind with tiny bubbles and a rich texture. It’s a treat to apply it all over the scalp. Schneider agrees: “Very impressive lather! It doesn’t take much work at all for it to bubble into a foam.” 

When I apply it, I do it exactly as Reavy taught me: I work it throughout my scalp in sections. Lots of folks apply shampoo directly to the crown, which makes it hard to spread out and coat the skin evenly. So when you work in smaller doses in sections

The fragrance is from a combination of essential oils, such as cedarwood, ylang-ylang, and cardamom. It’s elevated, but not overpowering. As Schneider notes, “The fragrance It’s a nice scent! I personally enjoy other shampoo fragrances better (I prefer something fruitier), but it smells clean and fresh.”

I personally found this to be comparable to the Briogeo shampoo: It was a thorough cleanse for the scalp, and my strands were fine as long as I followed up with a rich conditioner. As Schneider said, “I have noticed my hair feeling dry before piling on the conditioner. So I try not to saturate my lengths with the shampoo, but sometimes it just happens.”  

It is buffered with conditioning ingredients, such as baobab oil and glycerin to help buffer any dryness.

Skin care quality ingredients make this formula a standout.

If you’re after a big, full-bodied blowout, this is the shampoo to start with. It uses a concentrated combination of plant-derived cleansers that power through oil buildup, dirt, and products. My hair was the cleanest it’s felt in a long time after I tested it. 

While I didn’t test it long enough to really judge it, it’s also infused with a caffeine extract. Caffeine is an excellent ingredient for hair growth products, as it stimulates circulation at the root. According to a report in the International Journal of Trichology, caffeine has the ability to stimulate the scalp and provides antioxidant properties, which can help reduce hair shedding. 

I also love that the brand uses a natural silicone alternative, that conditions and smoothes the hair—sans damage or buildup. In fact, the brand notes that it can reduce breakage by 51%. When I use it, I notice less hair fragments in my hands post rinse.

The lightweight gel formula builds into a comfortable foam, and easily spreads throughout the hair. I was able to work it in throughout the scalp quite efficiently. It rinsed out quickly, and left no residue. 

I loved the sophisticated, light scent—probably because it contains some of my favorite fragrance notes, such as bergamot, jasmine, and sandalwood.

While this contains hydrating ingredients (hello, aloe vera!) this leans closer to a clarifying shampoo than a traditional formula. Read: It deep cleans the scalp and roots, but I found it to be slightly drying. This was remedied by following it with a deep conditioner and rich leave-in, but I’m not sure I personally could use this as a daily shampoo.

This lightly clarifies the scalp, protects and smooths the strand with squalane, and boosts hair growth with caffeine.