Stop Oil in its Tracks: The Best Shampoo for Oily Scalp

You know the feeling - that greasy sheen, the limpness, the "I need a shower" vibe. Oily scalp strikes again.

But no worries there is a solution that will make your scalp sing with joy.

The right shampoo can put oil slicks in their place while nourishing your mane. Excess sebum from overactive glands is often the culprit, but harsh cleansers aren't the answer.

Gentle, oil-absorbing ingredients like charcoal, tea tree oil, and menthol are your new best friends. Gym rats and summer warriors, this one's for you.

What causes an oily scalp?

Hormonal Fluctuations

Ever noticed your hair getting greasier during certain times of the month? That's thanks to those pesky hormones. According to WebMD, changing hormone levels - whether due to puberty, birth control, or just your monthly cycle - can seriously rev up oil production. Those surges tell your sebaceous glands to kick into overdrive, leaving you with a slick, shiny scalp.

Genetic Lottery

Some people are simply born oilier than others. As Healthline explains, genetics play a major role in how much oil your scalp churns out and how thick your hair is. If overactive sebum production runs in your family, chances are you've hit the oily scalp jackpot too.

Stress Strikes Again

There's a reason they call it a "bad hair day" - stress can absolutely contribute to scalp grease. Living Proof notes that when you're stressed, your body pumps out more cortisol, which has been linked to excess sebum secretion. So the next time you're rocking a particularly shiny 'do, blame it on that looming work deadline.

Hygiene Habits

How (and how often) you tend to your tresses matters. Going too long between shampoos or using heavy, oil-based products can lead to buildup. But washing too frequently with harsh sulfates can strip your scalp, causing a rebound effect where it overcompensates with more oil. Finding that perfect balanced routine is key.

How to choose the best shampoo for oily scalp

Say Goodbye to Grease

You're over the oily sheen, the lifeless strands, and the constant battle against your sebaceous glands. Fret not, for the right shampoo can transform your hair game. According to hair experts, oily scalps thrive on lightweight, clarifying formulas packed with oil-dissolving ingredients.

Focus on shampoos with ingredients like:

• Charcoal: Activated charcoal absorbs excess oil and impurities from the scalp without over-drying. Look for shampoos with charcoal as the second or third ingredient for best results.
• Tea Tree Oil: This natural oil has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties that help regulate oil production and soothe irritation. Opt for a shampoo with 5% tea tree oil concentration.
• Salicylic Acid: This beta hydroxy acid (BHA) exfoliates the scalp to unclog pores and remove buildup, allowing your sebaceous glands to produce oil at a normal rate.
• Zinc Pyrithione: This anti-dandruff ingredient has soothing properties that also help control oil secretion and promote a healthy scalp environment.

Aim for a lightweight, sulfate-free formula that rinses cleanly without residue. Gentle massage while shampooing can help work the cleansers deep into your roots without excessive scrubbing. And make sure to follow up with a lightweight conditioner that won't weigh your hair down.

Seek Out Shampoo Superpowers

Glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and apple cider vinegar are your new haircare heroes.

These potent clarifiers exfoliate the scalp, whisking away pore-clogging gunk and leaving you with a refreshingly clean slate. But don't overlook hydrating agents like glycerin – they'll quench parched strands without weighing them down.

Sulfates: Friend or Foe?

The great sulfate debate rages on, but the verdict is clear for oily tresses. These cleansing agents are masters at dissolving excess sebum, though they can strip moisture from drier manes.

You can choose to embrace their power, but make sure to rotate with a gentler, sulfate-free formula to maintain balance.

Go Natural

For an even gentler approach, consider natural shampoos made with simple, nourishing ingredients. These formulas rely on plant-based cleansers like coconut oil, aloe vera, and essential oils rather than harsh sulfates.

Natural shampoos tend to be more hydrating and pH-balanced for the scalp. They work slowly and steadily over time to regulate oil production, soothe irritation, and nourish your strands from within. Look for formulas with:

• Coconut Oil: This natural oil has cleansing properties while moisturizing your hair and scalp.
• Aloe Vera: The gel extract works as a conditioning cleanser and contains salicylic acid to exfoliate pores.
• Essential Oils: Peppermint, tea tree, and lavender essential oils have soothing, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory benefits for your scalp.

Opt for simple, fragrance-free formulas with a short list of recognizable, plant-based ingredients. Make sure to give your natural shampoo a few weeks to take effect as your scalp adjusts and oil production normalizes.

The best shampoos for oily scalp based on ingredients

Absorbing excess oil

To manage an oily scalp, look for shampoos with ingredients that absorb excess sebum and impurities. Activated charcoal is a powerful detoxifier that draws out oil and grime. Black clay is another mineral-rich cleanser perfect for deep pore cleansing.

Activated charcoal shampoos are effective for absorbing excess oil and impurities from an oily scalp. The Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo contains charcoal as the second ingredient to detoxify and purify the scalp while moisturizing coconut and argan oils prevent dryness. For a more affordable option, the Dove Dermacare Scalp Care Anti-Dandruff Shampoo with Activated Charcoal contains activated charcoal to remove oil and buildup for a clean, fresh scalp.

Regulating oil production

While cleansing is crucial, you'll also want ingredients that regulate sebum production over time. Eucalyptus, rosemary, and mint oils have antimicrobial benefits to balance the scalp's microbiome. Lemongrass provides an astringent effect to minimize oil secretion.

Two brands that contain these natural oils to help regulate oil production are Davines NaturalTech Sea Salt Spray and Klorane Mango Butter Shampoo.

Gentle yet effective cleansing

Traditional sulfates can strip too much oil, triggering overproduction. Opt for gentler surfactants like those from Redken Oily Scalp Shampoo and Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo that effectively cleanse without compromising your scalp's protective barrier. These brands use ingredients like hydrolyzed proteins and amino acids to prevent dryness.

What shampoo to avoid for oily scalp?

Ditch the silicones and sulfates

If your scalp is a veritable oil slick, steer clear of shampoos loaded with silicones and sulfates. Silicones like dimethicone can form a barrier on the hair shaft, trapping impurities and excess oil. Sulfates are harsh detergents that strip your hair of its natural oils, causing the scalp to overcompensate by producing even more grease.

Watch out for irritants

Artificial fragrances, parabens, and other synthetic additives can irritate the scalp, triggering excess oil production. Opt for gentle, plant-based cleansers instead.

Skip the moisture overload

Heavy conditioners and hydrating shampoos are a recipe for flat, greasy locks. Avoid too many conditioning agents which can contribute to oil buildup on the scalp.

Icy Peaks Shampoo Bar to the Rescue

Tame the Grease Beast

You know the feeling - waking up to limp, stringy strands weighed down by a day-old oil slick. Oily hair can quickly turn into a greasy, lifeless mess that has you reaching for the dry shampoo bottle every few hours. But what if we told you there's a better way? According to experts, the right shampoo can help reset your scalp's oil production and leave you with fresh, voluminous locks.

Charcoal's Deep Clean

The key? Icy Peaks' activated charcoal shampoo bar. This little black bar packs a serious punch, using ultra-fine charcoal powder to draw out impurities and absorb excess sebum like a tiny haircare sponge. But it doesn't stop there - invigorating menthol derived from peppermint oil adds a refreshing tingle that awakens your senses.

Balance is Everything

Of course, over-stripping your hair of its natural oils can lead to an irritated, thirsty scalp that overcompensates with even more grease. That's why Icy Peaks finds the sweet spot, gently clarifying while infusing moisture from nourishing botanical oils. The result? Hair that feels squeaky clean yet supple, not a dried-out strand in sight.

Simple Swaps, Serious Impact

Making the switch to a shampoo bar is one easy way to lighten your environmental footprint. Each zero-waste bar is a little eco-warrior, replacing up to 2-3 bottles of traditional liquid shampoo. And with Icy Peaks' deliciously fresh fragrance blend, you'll be that person leaving a subtle, invigorating scent trail everywhere you go. Sustainability has never smelled (or looked) so good.

FAQ on best shampoo for oily scalp

Why does my scalp get so oily?

An oily scalp happens when your sebaceous glands produce excess sebum (oil). This can be caused by genetics, hormones, diet, stress levels, or even using the wrong hair products. According to dermatologists, oily hair is often the result of your body's natural response to having its oils stripped away by harsh shampoos.

What ingredients should I look for?

To control oil and grease, you'll want a shampoo with clarifying ingredients like tea tree oil, apple cider vinegar, or salicylic acid. These cut through built-up sebum without causing further irritation. Avoid heavy, creamy shampoos loaded with oils and butters - these will only add to the problem.

How often should I wash?

There's no one-size-fits-all answer, as washing frequency depends on your hair length, texture, and activity levels. But as a general rule, those with very oily hair may need to shampoo daily or every other day. Use a gentle, sulfate-free formula to prevent your scalp from overcompensating with more oil.

What's the best shampoo for oily hair?

Look for shampoos with ultra-clarifying natural ingredients like:

• Charcoal to draw out impurities and product buildup
• Tea tree and menthol to mattify grease
• Clays to absorb excess oil

Our new Icy Peaks Shampoo Bar ticks all these boxes. This jet-black bar is packed with activated charcoal, invigorating menthol, and mineral-rich clays to deep clean and re-balance troubled scalps. Stay cool under pressure!

Conclusion

So, you ready to slay that oily scalp once and for all?

Ditch those harsh sulfates and reach for activated charcoal or clay-based shampoos - they'll soak up excess oil like a sponge. Apple cider vinegar rinses are a game-changer too.

And if you really want to turn heads, try Icy Peaks Shampoo Bar. This bad boy packs a punch with activated charcoal and menthol for an invigorating deep clean. Whether you just crushed a HIIT session or battled sweltering heat, Icy Peaks has your back (and scalp). Get ready for strangers to stop you on the street, desperate for your hair secrets.