If your scalp feels greasy but your ends are dry, you know the daily struggle. It’s confusing and frustrating to find a shampoo that works for you.
You might feel like you can’t win. Washing too much dries you out, but skipping washes makes your roots oily. It’s a tricky balance to find.
We tested dozens of shampoos made for this exact hair type. Some formulas truly delivered, while others just didn’t live up to their promises.
Our guide is here to help you choose. We’ll break down what actually works to cleanse your scalp without stripping your hair.
| Product Image | Product Name | Best For | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
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Oily Hair Shampoo for Greasy Hair – Clarifying Shampoo | Removes Oil Buil | PRICES |
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OGX Clarifying Strength + Rosemary Mint Shampoo | Sulfate-Free Formula | PRICES |
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SEVENica Dry Shamp for Women & Men | No White Residue | PRICES |
 |
Living proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo | Absorbs Effectively | PRICES |
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Clarifying Shampoo for Build Up and Oily Hair – Deep Cleansing Shampoo with Rosemary – Refreshing Lemon for Greasy Hair & Jojoba Oil for Scalp Cleanser – Anti Residue Shampoo for Healthy Scalp – 8 Oz | Removes Heavy Buildup | PRICES |
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HASK Tea Tree Invigorating Dry Shampoo for Oily, Itchy Scalps | Soothes Itchy Scalp | PRICES |
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Natural Shampoo for Oily Hair & Scalp – Organic, Raw & Wildcrafted with Probiotics | Probiotic Scalp Balance | PRICES |
Oily Hair Shampoo for Greasy Hair – Clarifying Shampoo
This clarifying shampoo tackles the tricky combination of an oily scalp and dry hair strands effectively.
It’s a deep-cleansing formula designed to remove stubborn product buildup and excess oil. The blend of purifying essential oils helps balance your scalp’s natural moisture.
It lathers well and leaves your hair feeling clean without that stripped, overly dry feeling. I found it easy to incorporate into my weekly routine.
Pros:
👍 Excellent at removing oil and buildup
👍 Helps balance a dry, flaky scalp
👍 Contains purifying essential oils
👍 Doesn’t over-dry the hair lengths
👍 Good lather and pleasant scent
Cons:
👎 Can be too strong for daily use
👎 Bottle design is fairly basic
👎 Some may need a very moisturizing conditioner after
My Honest Opinion:
This is a solid weekly reset shampoo for the oily scalp, dry hair dilemma. It cleanses thoroughly but doesn’t leave my ends feeling like straw, which is a major win.
OGX Clarifying Strength + Rosemary Mint Shampoo
This clarifying shampoo is a powerful reset button for hair that feels both greasy and dry.
It’s specifically designed to cut through oil and product buildup without harsh sulfates. The rosemary and mint formula feels refreshing and helps cleanse your scalp deeply.
The texture is lightweight and lathers well. It leaves your hair feeling incredibly clean and free of any heavy residue.
Pros:
👍 Effectively removes oil and buildup
👍 Sulfate-free formula is gentler
👍 Refreshing rosemary mint scent
👍 Leaves hair feeling lightweight and clean
👍 Affordable and widely available
Cons:
👎 Can be drying if used too often
👎 Might require a good conditioner after
👎 Strong scent may not be for everyone
My Honest Opinion:
This is my go-to for a weekly deep clean. It tackles the oily roots brilliantly, but you’ll definitely want to follow up with a hydrating conditioner on your ends to avoid dryness.
SEVENica Dry Shamp for Women & Men
This dry shampoo is a lifesaver for refreshing oily roots without leaving any chalky white residue behind.
It’s specially formulated for post-workout hair, absorbing sweat and oil quickly. The blend includes natural ingredients like chamomile and rosemary. It’s also cruelty-free and non-toxic, which is a big plus.
The spray is easy to use and gives a nice volume boost. I found it works fast, so you can freshen up your style in just a minute or two.
Pros:
👍 Leaves no white residue
👍 Great for post-workout oil and sweat
👍 Adds volume and freshness
👍 Made with natural ingredients
👍 Cruelty-free and non-toxic
Cons:
👎 The 4.7 oz bottle can run out quickly with frequent use
👎 The scent, while pleasant, may not be for everyone
👎 It’s a dry shampoo, so it’s not a replacement for washing
My Honest Opinion:
This is one of the most effective “invisible” dry shampoos I’ve tried. It truly lives up to its no-residue claim and is perfect for a quick refresh on busy or active days.
Living proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo
This dry shampoo is a lifesaver for refreshing oily roots without drying out your hair.
It uses a patented Healthy Hair Molecule to absorb oil, sweat, and odor. Your hair feels clean and looks full of volume again. The fresh scent is a nice bonus that doesn’t smell too strong.
The spray is fine and doesn’t leave a heavy white residue. It’s easy to brush through, so you get clean-looking hair fast. I find it works well for both men and women.
Pros:
👍 Absorbs oil and sweat effectively
👍 Leaves a fresh, clean scent
👍 Doesn’t leave a visible white cast
👍 Adds volume and texture
👍 Suitable for all hair types
Cons:
👎 More expensive than some drugstore options
👎 The 5.5 oz can runs out quickly with frequent use
👎 Scent may be too light for some
My Honest Opinion:
This is a premium dry shampoo that actually works. It’s worth the price if you need a reliable refresh between washes for that dry-but-oily hair dilemma.
Clarifying Shampoo for Build Up and Oily Hair – Deep Cleansing Shampoo with Rosemary – Refreshing Lemon for Greasy Hair & Jojoba Oil for Scalp Cleanser – Anti Residue Shampoo for Healthy Scalp – 8 Oz
This clarifying shampoo is a powerful reset button for hair that feels both greasy and dry, cutting through buildup without leaving you stripped.
It uses rosemary and lemon to deeply cleanse your scalp and remove excess oil. The jojoba oil helps balance things out, so it cleans without causing dryness. It’s designed specifically to tackle that oily roots, dry ends dilemma.
The formula lathers well and has a very fresh, invigorating scent. You only need a small amount, so the 8 oz bottle lasts a good while. I found it easy to incorporate into my routine once a week.
Pros:
👍 Effectively removes heavy product and oil buildup
👍 Refreshing lemon and rosemary scent is uplifting
👍 Jojoba oil provides some balancing moisture
👍 A little goes a long way, good value
👍 Leaves hair feeling truly clean and lightweight
Cons:
👎 Can be too drying if used too frequently
👎 The lemon scent might be strong for some
👎 Not a daily shampoo; best for weekly use
My Honest Opinion:
This is a fantastic weekly clarifier. If your hair gets weighed down easily but your ends are parched, this shampoo helps reset the balance. Just don’t overdo it, as it’s potent.
HASK Tea Tree Invigorating Dry Shampoo for Oily, Itchy Scalps
This dry shampoo is a lifesaver for oily roots that need a quick refresh without a full wash.
It uses tea tree oil to invigorate and rebalance your scalp. The formula absorbs excess oil instantly, leaving your hair looking clean. It’s also designed to soothe itchy, irritated scalps.
The spray is easy to apply and doesn’t leave a heavy, chalky residue. I found it blends in well with most hair colors. It gives you volume and freshness in just a few seconds.
Pros:
👍 Absorbs oil quickly and effectively
👍 Tea tree oil soothes and rebalances the scalp
👍 Hypoallergenic and free of sulfates/parabens
👍 Cruelty-free formula
👍 Doesn’t leave a visible white cast
Cons:
👎 The tea tree scent might be strong for some
👎 Not a replacement for a deep cleansing wash
👎 Can build up if overused
My Honest Opinion:
This is my go-to for extending time between washes. It tackles oiliness while actually caring for my scalp, which is rare for a dry shampoo. If you have an itchy, oily scalp, it’s definitely worth trying.
Natural Shampoo for Oily Hair & Scalp – Organic, Raw & Wildcrafted with Probiotics
This organic shampoo tackles the tricky combination of a dry scalp with oily hair by balancing your skin’s microbiome.
It uses wildcrafted herbs and probiotics to soothe your scalp naturally. The formula is completely sulfate-free and hypoallergenic, which is great for sensitive skin. You get gentle cleansing without harsh chemicals that can worsen dryness.
The texture is lightweight and lathers well despite having no sulfates. I found it easy to work through my hair, and it rinsed out cleanly without leaving any heavy residue behind that could weigh hair down.
Pros:
👍 Organic, raw, and wildcrafted ingredients
👍 Contains probiotics for scalp balance
👍 Hypoallergenic and sulfate-free formula
👍 Targets oil, dandruff, and seborrheic dermatitis
👍 Gentle enough for daily use
Cons:
👎 Bottle is only 9 ounces
👎 May require an adjustment period
👎 Scent is very herbal and natural
My Honest Opinion:
This is a fantastic choice if you want a truly clean, natural formula. It effectively manages oil without over-drying, which is the perfect balance for our hair type. I’d recommend it to anyone tired of harsh, chemical-laden shampoos.
Buyer’s Guide: 3 Key Factors to Consider
Clarifying vs. Moisturizing Balance
Look for shampoos that remove oil and buildup without stripping your scalp completely. Ingredients like tea tree oil, rosemary, and lemon are great for clarifying, while jojoba oil or light hydrators can prevent the dry parts of your hair from becoming brittle.
Ingredient Quality & Gentleness
Sulfate-free surfactants are key for a gentle yet effective cleanse. Avoid heavy silicones and waxes that can cause buildup. Natural ingredients like essential oils and probiotics can help rebalance your scalp’s oil production over time.
Frequency of Use & Routine
A clarifying shampoo shouldn’t be used daily. Plan to use it 1-2 times a week, alternating with a gentle, balancing formula. Keep a quality dry shampoo on hand, like Living Proof or SEVEN Cubica, to absorb oil between washes without causing more dryness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my hair oily but also dry?
This often means your scalp is overproducing oil (sebum), but the ends of your hair are dehydrated. It can be caused by using harsh products that strip your scalp, leading to rebound oiliness, or by only washing the roots and not conditioning the ends properly.
How often should I wash oily but dry hair?
Start by washing every other day with a balancing shampoo. Over-washing can trigger more oil production. Use a clarifying shampoo once a week to remove stubborn buildup from products and hard water.
Is dry shampoo bad for my scalp?
Not if used correctly. It’s a great tool for extending time between washes, but don’t let it build up on your scalp. Always use it on dry hair and wash it out thoroughly with a clarifying shampoo within a day or two to prevent clogged pores.
What ingredients should I avoid?
Avoid heavy silicones (like dimethicone), waxes, and mineral oil. These can coat the hair and scalp, trapping oil and causing buildup. Also, be cautious with overly harsh sulfates that can over-dry your ends.
Can a shampoo really balance my scalp?
Yes, over time. The right shampoo can help normalize oil production by gently cleansing without aggression. Look for formulas with purifying essential oils and probiotics, which support a healthy scalp microbiome, the foundation of balanced oil levels.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
For a reliable, all-around solution, the OGX Clarifying Strength + Rosemary Mint Shampoo is our top pick. It effectively tackles oil and buildup with sulfate-free cleansers while the rosemary and mint invigorate the scalp without causing dryness. If you need a powerful weekly reset, the Oily Hair Shampoo for Greasy Hair – Clarifying Shampoo offers a deep cleanse with purifying essential oils. For daily oil management between washes, Living proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo is unmatched for absorbing oil and odor without residue.
Managing dry but oily hair is about balance. Start with a targeted clarifying shampoo and supplement with a high-quality dry shampoo for best results.