Does your vibrant hair color fade too fast, leaving you with dull locks? Or maybe your scalp feels like an oil slick just a day after washing? You’re not alone. Managing oily hair and keeping colored hair looking its best can feel like a constant battle. It’s tough to find a shampoo that tackles excess oil without stripping away that beautiful hue, and the wrong product can leave your hair looking greasy and your color looking washed out.
Choosing the right shampoo can feel overwhelming. You want something that cleanses effectively but also protects your precious color from fading. The fear of harsh chemicals that damage your strands or strip the pigment is real. But what if there was a way to achieve both clean, fresh hair and long-lasting, vibrant color?
This post is your guide to finding the perfect shampoo for oily colored hair. We’ll break down what to look for and what to avoid, so you can finally say goodbye to the greasy roots and hello to healthy, stunning hair. Get ready to discover the secrets to keeping your colored hair vibrant and your scalp balanced, wash after wash.
Top Shampoo For Oily Colored Hair Recommendations
No. 1
CeraVe Oil Control Balancing Shampoo, Clarifying Shampoo With Ceramides & Hyaluronic Acid, Removes Oil and Leaves Hair Feeling Hydrated, For All Hair & Scalp Types, Sulfate Free & Color Safe, 12 oz
- 72-HR Oil Balance With Refreshed Roots & Hydrated Hair*: Developed for oily hair & scalp, this shampoo for women & men removes excess oil and effectively cleanses. Purifies without stripping or disrupting the scalp barrier, leaving hair fresh & hydrated
- Gentle on Scalp & Hair: pH-balanced formula features three essential ceramides plus zinc PCA and hyaluronic acid to restore your scalp's natural barrier. Purifies oily scalp while delivering hydration to ends for balanced moisture from roots to tips
- Suitable for All Hair Types and Textures: Works on straight, wavy, curly, or color-treated hair. This sulfate free, fragrance free shampoo is non-comedogenic, allergy-tested & safe for sensitive scalps, making it ideal for daily use
- Lightweight Hydration: Instantly removes excess oil while providing moisture that won't weigh hair down. Wash hair using CeraVe Oil Control Balancing Shampoo. Apply Oil Control Balancing Conditioner to wet hair, working through ends. Rinse thoroughly
- Developed With Dermatologists: This shampoo for oily hair pairs with CeraVe Oil Control Balancing Conditioner for complete oily hair care. Gentle yet effective formula restores balance for Normal to Oily scalps
No. 2
Biolage Color Last Shampoo - For Color-Treated Hair, Nourishes, Strengthens, Hydrates and Adds Shine, Soybean Oil & Stearic Acid, Paraben & Mineral Oil-Free, Vegan, 13.5 Fl Oz
- Color Last Shampoo: Gently cleanses color-treated hair without stripping color. Nourishes and strengthens hair while hydrating. Ideal for maintaining vibrant color and high shine. Apply to wet hair, lather, and rinse thoroughly. Color Last Collection.
- Benefits: This shampoo gently cleanses, nouishes and strengthens hair, while protecting color depth and adding shine.
- Suggested Use: Apply to wet hair, lather, and rinse thoroughly. Follow with Color Last Conditioner.
- Color Last Collection: Color Last system of Shampoo and Conditioner, nourishes and protects to help maintain the shine of color-treated hair. Color Last Shampoo with low pH prolongs color vibrancy
- 2025 Allure Best of Beauty Winner
No. 3
Neutrogena Healthy Scalp Pink Grapefruit Shampoo for Oily Hair & Scalp, 12 fl oz
- Neutrogena Clarify & Shine Shampoo for Oily Hair: A pH-balanced, non-medicated shampoo designed to help bust through residue and buildup for all hair types, including color-treated hair
- This clarifying scalp shampoo is suitable for those seeking a shampoo for buildup to help remove product residue and excess oil while preserving color and leaving hair feeling clean and soft
- Nourishing, pH-balanced formula: Compatible with conditioner and helps maintain a refreshed scalp environment with every wash. Designed for those who want a clarifying shampoo for greasy hair, buildup, and oiliness; gives hair added shine
- Lightweight, non-drying approach: Ensures hair remains manageable and vibrant. Enjoy the refreshing pink grapefruit fragrance and the confidence of a shampoo that is formulated without parabens, phthalates, & sulfated surfactants
- With regular use: This Neutrogena clarifying shampoo for buildup helps keep hair looking fresh, clean, and full of shine, making it a smart choice for anyone seeking a scalp exfoliator for oily hair and scalp
No. 4
Kristin Ess Deep Clean Clarifying Shampoo for Oily Hair & Build Up | Detox Purifying + Cleansing Oily Hair Treatment - Sulfate Free + Vegan - Product for Thick, Curly + Color Treated Hair
- “Sometimes you just need a fresh start. This clarifying shampoo removes mineral deposits, product buildup, excess oils, and even silicones that can build up over time. Use this when needed to get a deeper clean.” - Kristin Ess
- Cleanse + Condition: A clean, well-conditioned canvas is essential. These universal products cleanse + deeply condition to leave hair feeling moisturized, full and looking shiny from root to tip.
- For all hair types, Buildup removing, Purifying + volumizing, Shine enhancing, Mineral detoxifying, Super sudsing
- How To: Depending on the thickness of your hair, squeeze a dime to quarter-sized amount of shampoo into your palm. Apply to wet hair, massaging into the scalp to create a rich lather. Add more shampoo if desired. Rinse thoroughly and repeat if necessary.
- Cruelty free + vegan, free of parabens, phthalates + silicones
No. 5
L'Oreal Paris Elvive Color Vibrancy Protecting Shampoo and Conditioner Set for Color Treated Hair, 28 Fl Oz (Set of 2)
- Color Protecting Shampoo and Conditioner Set: Powered by our Anti-Oxidant system and Linseed Elixir, this shampoo and conditioner protect hair color and shields color from fading, keeping color treated hair shiny and beyond brilliant
- Anti-Fade Formula: Delivering color protection and high-shine for up to 8 weeks*, this anti-fade range instantly nourishes hair and offers a sophisticated scent with a floral, creamy blend
- Expert Treatments: Our Elvive line features powerful treatments formulated with superior technology to revive all forms of hair damage, whether it’s from heat styling, color processing, or dryness
- Custom Hair Solutions: From treatments, masks and serums to leave in conditioners and frizz defying shampoos and conditioners, we've got what you need; Try our thickening, moisturizing and volumizing products
- L'Oreal Paris Beauty: A leading total beauty care company based in Paris, we offer innovative products and unique expertise from beauty experts in makeup, skin care, hair care, styling and hair color
No. 6
Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two, Clarifying Shampoo, Deep Cleanses + Removes Buildup, For All Hair Types, Especially Oily Hair, 10.14 fl. oz.
- Deeply cleanses and removes dulling buildup
- Leaves hair squeaky clean, shiny and full of body
- Ideal for use before a deep conditioning treatment
No. 7
L'Oreal Paris Elvive Hyaluron + Pure 72H Purifying Shampoo for Oily Hair, Clarifying Shampoo with Salicylic Acid and Hyaluronic Acid, 28 Fl Oz
- Non-Stripping Clarifying Shampoo for Oily Roots and Dehydrated Lengths: Elvive Hyaluron + Pure features dual-action formula with Salicylic and Hyaluronic Acid to instantly remove up to 100% of residue leaving the scalp feeling refreshed and reinvigorated up to 72H
- Inspired by Skincare: Infused with Salicylic and Hyaluronic Acids for up to 72H of purified roots and hydrated lengths. From the Number 1 Skincare Serum Brand. Scented with bright berries, cherry blossom, sweet vanilla, and sandalwood
- Purifying and Hydrating Routine: First, gently exfoliate with the Hyaluron + Pure Oil Erasing Serum. Then, clarify with the Hyaluron + Pure 72H Purifying Shampoo. Finally, rehydrate with the Hyaluron + Pure 72H Rehydrating Conditioner
- Custom Hair Care Solutions for All Hair Types: From expertly formulated hair treatments, masks and serums to nourishing leave-in conditioners and frizz-defying shampoo and conditioner, we've got what you need
- L'Oreal Paris Innovation: We are a total beauty care company that combines the latest in technology with the highest in quality for the ultimate in hair color, hair care, hair style, skin care and cosmetics
No. 8
MONDAY HAIRCARE Clarify Shampoo and Conditioner Set 12 oz for Oily Hair Made with Grapefruit Extract, Coconut Oil, Shea Butter, Vitamin E and Pro-Vitamin B5
- CLARIFY SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER: Monday Hair care CLARIFY Shampoo and Conditioner incorporates active ingredients, antioxidant Grapefruit Extract and essential Ceramides to provide a deep cleanse for hair with excess oil and build-up—leaving it feeling refreshed and balanced.
- MODERN FORMULAS: Our CLARIFY formula is dermatologically tested, PH balanced, and free of SLS, parabens, and phthalates. Grapefruit Extract helps to cleanse and balance while Ceramides are lipid molecules that help protect hair from environmental factors.
- AWARD-WINNING: Our range of haircare has 16 major beauty awards and counting, including an Allure 2023 Best of Beauty Award, InStyle 2022 Best Beauty Buy Award, Glamour 2021 Beauty Award and a Cosmo 2021 Holy Grail Beauty Award.
- CERTIFIED CRUELTY-FREE: All of MONDAY’s products are approved as cruelty-free under the Leaping Bunny programme by Cruelty Free International. We’re also proud to be recognised by PETA as a brand that does not test on animals. 100% RECYCLABLE BOTTLES: Not only do our little pink bottles look great in your shower, they’re made from 100% recyclable plastic to help minimise carbon footprint and reduce landfill. A win for your hair and for the environment.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Taming Oily, Vibrant Hair
Keeping your colored hair looking its best can be tricky. If your hair gets oily fast, you need a shampoo that cleans without stripping your color. This guide helps you find the perfect shampoo for your oily, colored hair.
Key Features to Look For
When picking a shampoo, look for these important features:
- Color-Safe Formulas: This is the most important thing. Good shampoos protect your hair dye. They use gentle ingredients that don’t fade your color quickly.
- Gentle Cleansing Agents: Shampoos have things called surfactants. You want mild ones. They clean away oil and dirt without taking out all the natural oils your hair needs. Sulfates can be too harsh for colored hair.
- Oil-Balancing Ingredients: Look for shampoos with ingredients that help control oil. Things like tea tree oil, salicylic acid, or witch hazel can help. They keep your scalp from getting too greasy.
- Moisturizing and Strengthening Ingredients: Even oily hair needs moisture. Ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or plant-based oils (like argan or jojoba) add hydration. They also help keep your hair strong and less likely to break.
- UV Protection: The sun can fade your hair color. Some shampoos have UV filters. These protect your hair from sun damage and keep your color vibrant.
Important Materials
The ingredients in your shampoo matter a lot. Here are some to look for and some to watch out for:
- Beneficial Ingredients:
- Natural Extracts: Aloe vera, chamomile, and green tea can soothe your scalp and add shine.
- Proteins: Keratin and silk proteins help repair and strengthen damaged hair.
- Vitamins: Vitamin E and B vitamins nourish your hair.
- Ingredients to Avoid (or Use Sparingly):
- Sulfates (SLS/SLES): These are strong cleaning agents that can strip color and dry out your hair.
- Parabens: Some people prefer to avoid parabens.
- Alcohol: Certain types of alcohol can dry out your hair.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes a shampoo great or not so great?
- Quality Improvement:
- pH Balance: Shampoos with a balanced pH are gentler on your hair and scalp. They help keep your hair cuticle closed, which locks in color and shine.
- Concentrated Formulas: A little goes a long way with good quality shampoos. You might use less product per wash.
- Thoughtful Formulation: Brands that test their products and use high-quality ingredients often create better shampoos.
- Quality Reduction:
- Harsh Chemicals: Too many strong chemicals can damage your hair and fade your color.
- Cheap Fillers: Some shampoos use a lot of water or inexpensive ingredients that don’t do much for your hair.
- Lack of Testing: Products not properly tested might not perform as well or could cause irritation.
User Experience and Use Cases
How will this shampoo work for you?
- Daily Use: If your hair gets oily very quickly, you might wash it every day. A gentle, color-safe shampoo is essential for this. It cleans without making your scalp produce more oil.
- Post-Salon Care: After you color your hair, you want to keep that fresh salon look. This type of shampoo helps your color last longer between salon visits.
- Busy Lifestyles: For people on the go, a shampoo that effectively cleans oily hair while protecting color saves time and worry. You get clean, vibrant hair with less fuss.
- Sensitive Scalps: Many oily-hair shampoos can be drying. A good color-safe option for oily hair is also formulated to be kind to your scalp.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Will this shampoo fade my hair color faster?
A1: A good shampoo for oily colored hair is designed to prevent color fading. It uses mild ingredients that gently clean without stripping your dye.
Q2: Can I use this shampoo every day?
A2: Yes, if your hair gets oily daily, a gentle, color-safe shampoo is suitable for everyday use. It won’t over-dry your hair or fade your color.
Q3: What should I do if my scalp still feels oily after using this shampoo?
A3: Try washing your hair twice. The first wash can remove excess oil, and the second can cleanse more deeply. Ensure you’re rinsing thoroughly.
Q4: Are sulfate-free shampoos better for my colored hair?
A4: Yes, sulfate-free shampoos are generally better for colored hair. Sulfates can be harsh and strip away your hair color.
Q5: How do I know if a shampoo is truly “color-safe”?
A5: Look for labels that specifically state “color-safe,” “color-protecting,” or “for colored hair.” These shampoos are formulated to be gentle on your dye.
Q6: Can this shampoo help with dandruff on oily hair?
A6: Some shampoos for oily hair contain ingredients like salicylic acid that can help with mild dandruff. Check the ingredient list for these benefits.
Q7: Will this shampoo make my colored hair dry?
A7: A high-quality shampoo for oily colored hair balances cleansing with moisturizing. It should clean without stripping essential moisture.
Q8: How much shampoo should I use?
A8: You usually only need a small amount, about the size of a quarter. Lather it in your hands before applying it to your scalp.
Q9: Can I use a regular shampoo if I have oily colored hair?
A9: It’s not recommended. Regular shampoos might be too harsh and can cause your color to fade much faster and dry out your hair.
Q10: What’s the best way to wash oily colored hair?
A10: Focus the shampoo on your scalp to clean oil. Gently work the lather down the lengths of your hair. Rinse very well with lukewarm water.