Many of us are well-versed in treating oily skin on our face, but an oily scalp can be a struggle, too. It’s not that surprising, given there are hundreds more oil glands on your head, but if you’re finding your hair gets greasy very quickly, your hair washing routine may need rethinking. Excess oil production can leave your strands lacking the shine and gloss we often associate with optimal hair health, and one of the best places to treat this is with one of the best shampoos for oily hair. I spoke to Dr Anastasia Therianou, consultant dermatologist and hair-loss expert, who revealed that oily hair is typically genetic, but it can also be influenced by stress, the use of the wrong products, excessive sweating, temperature changes, or environmental pollutants. Given that your shampoo is the first step in any haircare routine, I’ve spent the last few months testing products to narrow it down to the very best luxury, mid-range, and budget brands that made a difference. The way you wash your hair is important, too, says Dr Therianou: “Rather than simply giving the hair a quick lather then rinsing, leave the shampoo in for a few minutes to give it enough time to work.” She also advises steering clear of even the best sulphate-free shampoos as “sulphates are the ingredients that help clean the scalp properly.”Armed with this information, I tried and tested the best shampoos for oily hair. Read more: 24 best shampoos and conditioners, reviewed I tried each shampoo a minimum of three times (Louise Whitbread/The Independent)The best shampoos for oily hair 2026 are: Best overall – L’Oréal Professionnel scalp advanced shampoo: £22.50, Lookfantastic.comBest budget buy – Monday Haircare clarify shampoo: £4.99, Superdrug.comBest for dandruff – Vichy Dercos anti-dandruff shampoo for normal to oily hair: £16.50, Lookfantastic.comBest for exfoliation – Lush squeak shampoo: £10, Lush.comRead more: Best shower filters, tested