Just when we’ve managed to wrap our heads around the fact that certain oils really are good for our skin, we are confronted with a new crop of oil-based shampoos hitting the market. If you’re prone to greasy roots and hate the thought of unwashed hair, just the mere suggestion of combining “oil” with “shampoo” sounds a bit like an oxymoron.
Surprisingly, oil-based shampoos don’t leave your hair looking, well, oily. The best oil-based shampoos are designed to clean hair, nourish the scalp and wash out with no greasy residue. Traditional cleansers and shampoos can strip the skin and scalp of natural oil, which in turn makes them produce more oil. By using an oil-based shampoo or facial cleanser, oil, dirt and impurities are rinsed away without disturbing skin’s oil balance.
Oil-based shampoos work for all types of hair but are especially beneficial for medium, coarse, chemically dependent, curly or wavy, and super-parched hair. Read on for 14 oil-based shampoo formulas that will moisturize without weighing hair down.
14 Oil-based Shampoos That Won’t Make Your Hair Greasy
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Bumble and bumble
Argan oil, sweet almond oil, coconut oil, macadamia nut oil, grapeseed oil and safflower seed oil help smooth out straggly ends. The shampoo even offers UV protection, which is something hair needs in the warmer weather.
Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Shampoo, $31 at Sephora
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Chi
Tea tree oil isn't just for clearing up pimples. Its antiseptic and calming properties make it a brilliant option for sorting out any scalp problems. Combined with peppermint oil, silk and chamomile, the invigorating formula soothes, removes buildup, and balances your scalp's natural oil levels.
Tea Tree Oil Shampoo, $16 at Ulta
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Moroccanoil
Moroccanoil has helped convert everyone to oil-based shampoos by nourishing one strand at a time. If you've long been singing the praises of the original formula, try this rose version. The shampoo is still infused with argan oil to cleanse and hydrate locks, but the addition of rose makes it smell like the best floral fragrance.
Shampoo in Fleur de Rose, $26 at Sephora
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Shu Uemura
This shampoo gently cleanses your hair without stripping it of its own natural oils. It helps that the product is formulated like a true fragrance complete with top notes of mandarin and citrus, middle notes of yuzu and waterlily and base notes of cedar and musk.
Art of Hair Cleansing Oil Shampoo, $57 at Shu Uemura Art of Hair
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Kérastase
You won't have to deal with many bad hair days once you start using this oil-based shampoo. Instead of relying on silicone, it takes advantage of argan, maize, pracaxi and camellia oils to cleanse, purify and strengthen strands.
Bain Elixir Ultime Sublime Cleansing Oil Shampoo, $43 at Kérastase
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Schwarzkopf
There is a fine line between shiny hair and greasy locks and you definitely don't want to be on the wrong side of it. This affordable shampoo is formulated with a whopping eight beauty oils plus keratin to ensure your strands stay silky and smooth. The formula goes down deep to tackle split ends, but you won't have to worry about a greasy residue.
GLISS Hair Repair Oil Nutritive Shampoo, $6.25 at Walmart
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Dove
Don't mistake this for a hand cream. The shampoo comes in an easy-to-apply pump bottle so you get just the right amount of the hydrating formula every time. And you only need a little bit to tackle frizz. Argan, almond and coconut oils in the shampoo take the job of a silicone frizz serum. Just wash, style and go.
Nutritive Solutions Shampoo Anti-Frizz Oil Therapy, $4.89 at Target
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Fresh
Argan oil, coconut oil and jojoba oil are getting a lot of attention, but seaberry oil (or sea buckthorn oil as it's sometimes called) is another one you should have on your radar. It's the star ingredient in this shampoo along with moringa extract and cranberry seed oil. The nourishing formula is rich in omegas 3, 6, 7 and 9, which work to bring some life back into parched hair. FYI: The formula is also gentle enough to use on color-treated hair.
Seaberry Revitalizing Shampoo, $27 at Sephora
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OGX
People have been singing the praises of coconut oil for a few years now, but it's worth discussing how amazing this wallet-friendly shampoo is. It may be an extra strength formula, but there's nothing harsh about it. The combination of coconut oil, vanilla bean extract and essence of tiare helps bring fried strands back to life. Remember it for after you overdo it with your heat styling tools.
Coconut Miracle Oil Shampoo, $8.99 at Ulta
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Phyto
Besides greasy roots, the other big fear of oil-based shampoos is whether they will weigh down hair. And when you're craving volume, that's the last thing you want. This sulfate-free shampoo has the balance just right. It hydrates strands thanks to jojoba oil, while cornflower and mallow extracts help rebuild elasticity and keep your hair nice and full.
Phytojoba Intense Hydrating Brilliance Shampoo, $24 at Sephora
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IGK
This innovative formula makes use of coconut oil and sweet almond oil to gently cleanse your scalp and hydrate your ends. Simply apply it to wet hair like you would your regular frothy shampoo. There's no need to condition after because the oil packs in plenty of hydration.
Smoke & Mirrors Conditioning Cleansing Oil, $29 at Sephora
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Matrix
Scratching your head about what a "micro-oil" could possibly be? Well, the shampoo contains micro-sized particles of Moroccan argan oil. That means you still get hydration, but without that greasy scalp feel. What's more, it makes the product suitable for all hair types.
Oil Wonders Micro-Oil Shampoo, $18 at Ulta
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Christophe Robin
Prickly pear oil is an ingredient that is popping up in more and more beauty products thanks to its antioxidant and regenerative properties. Add in the fact that Christophe Robin has a dedicated following of many beauty lovers and you have a splurge-worthy shampoo. The formula hydrates and helps restore shine in your mane without a drop of sticky silicone.
Regenerating Shampoo With Prickly Pear Oil, $40 at Sephora
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L'Oréal Paris
This shampoo actually lives up to its name. It is formulated with a blend of six different oils, including argan, soja, sunflower and coconut. It promises to deliver results in just one wash, so imagine what it will do to dry, damaged locks with regular use.
Hair Expert Extraordinary Oil Shampoo, $3.97 at Walmart
