Shampoo for Oily Hair: how to choose the right one

Does your hair get greasy fast? That’s often caused by excess sebum, product build-up, or washing with water that's too hot or too often. Keune offers shampoos for oily hair in every situation: slightly oily roots, persistent oiliness, heavy build-up, oily roots with dry ends, or a sensitive scalp that looks oily quickly.

The best way to deal with oily hair: wash once a week with a clarifying shampoo, then use a gentle, balancing shampoo, and apply hydrating care only through the lengths. Dry shampoo can help in between, but it won’t give the long-term balance you get from carefully selected shampoos and a consistent routine. If you’re looking for the best shampoo for oily and greasy hair, here’s how to choose one that balances your scalp without stripping.

With the right approach, you can prevent greasy roots and keep your hair fresher and lighter. In this article, you’ll find practical guidance, a simple wash routine, and clear tips from our experts.

Oily hair or an oily scalp is the result of excessive sebum production on the scalp. Sebum is natural and protects your hair. But sweat, dust, or leftover styling products make hair look greasy quickly. Washing too hot or too often does the same. Several triggers can make your hair oily.

• Washing too often, too harshly, or with water that’s too hot.

• Hormonal fluctuations during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, or in times of stress.

• Frequently running your hand through your hair.

• Using the wrong products with lots of silicones or heavy oils.

• Working out regularly without rinsing properly afterwards.

• A scalp that naturally produces more sebum.

Expert tip: When shampooing, focus on the scalp (not the lengths). Always shampoo twice. This cleanses the scalp properly and helps prevent the ends from drying out.

Not all shampoos for oily hair work the same. The best results come from a shampoo that matches your scalp and hair type.

1) Normal to slightly oily hair For daily freshness without drying out your hair, choose a mild, balancing shampoo such as Keune Derma Regulate Shampoo. It removes sebum and residue gently yet effectively and respects scalp comfort.

2) Persistent oiliness or lots of product build-up Wash twice: start with Keune Perfect Clarity Shampoo for a detox that thoroughly removes styling residue, dry shampoo, and pollution. Follow with Keune Derma Regulate Shampoo to balance sebum without drying out the hair. Finish with a nourishing conditioner or mask on the lengths so your ends don’t dry out.

3) Oily roots + dry ends Cleanse the roots with a balancing shampoo like Keune Derma Regulate Shampoo. Then apply conditioner or a hair mask from ear level to the ends. This keeps the roots light.

4) Sensitive scalp that looks oily quickly Go for mild, fragrance-free, and soothing, such as Keune Scalp Sensitive Shampoo, and avoid harsh degreasers with strong sulfates. Follow with Keune Scalp Sensitive Conditioner to hydrate the lengths. A calm scalp is less likely to become unbalanced and therefore less likely to get oily.

• Oily roots, normal lengths: Derma Regulate keeps roots fresher for longer; ideal for frequent use.

• Heavy product build-up: Perfect Clarity removes heavy build-up for visibly lighter hair. Always wash a second time with a balancing shampoo (e.g., Derma Regulate).

• Sensitive, reactive scalp that looks oily: Scalp Sensitive calms and reduces oiliness on a reactive scalp.

Unsure whether you need balancing, detox, or calming? Have your scalp assessed in-salon; a stylist will align wash frequency and products with your scalp and lifestyle. Find a Keune salon near you!

Start by washing every other day and gradually reduce to 2—maximum 3—times per week. Between washes, use Clean Slate dry shampoo targeted at the roots and blow-dry briefly on the cool setting to create volume.

1. Wet hair and scalp thoroughly with lukewarm water.

2. First wash: use a small amount of shampoo and massage for 30–60 seconds. Rinse.

3. Second wash: repeat; it will lather better and cleanse oily hair more deeply.

4. Apply conditioner or mask only to the lengths. Avoid the roots.

5. Rinse well and finish with lukewarm-to-cool for a fresh feel.

• Too hot water – stimulates sebum and keeps the cuticle raised, so roots appear greasier.

• Washing too often – frequent, intensive washing can dry the scalp and trigger more sebum.

• Scrubbing with nails – irritates the scalp; always massage with fingertips in small circles.

• Too much or too heavy product at the roots – rich creams, oils, or wax at the roots weigh the hair down. Choose light leave-ins or volume products at the roots, and apply hydrating care from ear level down to the ends.

• Spraying regular perfume on hair – alcohol can upset scalp balance. Want to use a fragrance? Use a dedicated hair perfume, such as So Pure Hair Fragrance.

• Applying mask from the roots – use mask/conditioner only on lengths and ends.

• Anti-dandruff formulas when not needed – can unnecessarily strip color and shine; only use for real dandruff concerns.

• Overly harsh cleansers – “hard” stripping dries the scalp, which can drive excess sebum. Choose mild, pH-balanced care and add a clarifying step once a week for deep cleansing.

• Use volume powders, texture sprays, or light mousses at the roots.

• Avoid serums or oils at the roots; apply them only to the ends.

• Always use heat protection when blow-drying or styling; heat can spread sebum faster.

• Sun/pool: rinse out salt/chlorine and protect scalp and hair in summer with a hat or cap.

Can you use shampoo for oily hair every day? You can, if the formula is mild and skin-friendly. Still, we recommend phasing out daily washing gradually. This gives your scalp time to self-regulate and prevents hair from appearing oilier due to over-washing.

What is the best shampoo for oily hair? The best shampoo balances the scalp without stripping. Use a mild, pH-balanced shampoo for regular use such as Keune Derma Regulate Shampoo. Add a weekly clarifying step to reduce build-up with Keune Perfect Clarity Shampoo. Apply conditioner only to the lengths so the roots stay light and fresh.

I work out a lot, do I need to wash every day? After a workout, rinse the scalp with water or do a quick wash with a mild shampoo; on other days, use dry shampoo.

Oily roots, dry ends, is that possible? Yes, it's very common. The scalp produces sebum quickly while lengths dry out from heating tools, chemical treatments, or sun, wind, and friction. Wash with a balancing shampoo and focus on the scalp/roots. Apply conditioner or a mask from ear level down to nourish ends without weighing down the roots.

Help, clarifying makes my hair feel drier. Limit clarifying shampoo to every other week and alternate with a mild shampoo. After washing, use a light conditioner or mask on the lengths and rinse lukewarm. You’ll remove build-up without drying your ends.