Kevin Murphy Hair Care

Shampoos for Oily Hair

If your hair feels greasy at the roots or flat through the crown, excess oil at the scalp may be the cause. Choosing the right shampoo helps remove build-up while maintaining balance. Our shampoos for oily hair deeply cleanse and regulate oil levels to keep hair fresh and lightweight. Explore targeted solutions in our oily hair collection .

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Our Top Choices For Oily Hair

Managing oily hair isn’t about washing more often it’s about choosing smarter formulations that support long-term scalp health. Using the right shampoo consistently can help regulate oil production over time and keep hair feeling cleaner between washes.

If you’re unsure how to build the right cleansing routine, our Shampoo Guide explains how to select shampoos based on scalp type, hair texture, and lifestyle factors.

Pairing your shampoo with a lightweight conditioner applied only to mid-lengths and ends can help keep hair soft without contributing to greasy roots. Explore options within our conditioner collection for formulas that won’t weigh hair down.

Identifying Oily Hair

Oily hair is typically characterised by greasy roots that appear shortly after washing, hair that feels limp or heavy at the scalp, and difficulty maintaining volume throughout the day. You may also notice increased build-up around the crown or hairline.

In many cases, oily roots coexist with dry or sensitised ends. Using a scalp-focused shampoo and avoiding heavy treatments near the roots can dramatically improve balance. Incorporating an occasional detox shampoo into your routine can also help reset the scalp and remove excess residue.

Understanding Oily vs Shiny Hair

Not all shine is a sign of oiliness. Healthy shine occurs when the hair cuticle is smooth and properly hydrated, allowing light to reflect evenly. Oily hair, on the other hand, appears slick or coated and often feels heavy at the roots. If your hair looks shiny but feels clean, airy, and touchable, your routine is likely well balanced. If it collapses quickly or feels greasy, switching to shampoos formulated specifically for oily scalps can make a noticeable difference. When styling, opt for lightweight formulas from our styling collection to avoid adding unnecessary weight.

Healthy Shine

  • Light reflects evenly across the hair shaft
  • Hair feels soft and manageable
  • Shine is consistent from roots to ends
  • Hair maintains volume throughout the day

Oily Appearance

  • Greasy sheen concentrated at the scalp
  • Hair feels heavy and limp
  • Roots appear darker or wet-looking
  • Hair flattens and loses body quickly

How To Know If Your Hair Is Naturally Oily

Oiliness is just one aspect of your overall hair profile. Understanding your hair’s texture, density, and porosity helps you choose products that work with your natural hair behaviour rather than against it.

Fine hair often shows oil more quickly, while thicker hair may mask oil but still experience scalp congestion. If your hair tends to look flat at the roots, exploring solutions designed for fine hair can help maintain lift without increasing oil.

How To Identify Hair Type

Naturally oily hair is often influenced by genetics, but daily habits can intensify the issue. Over-washing, heavy styling products, or skipping regular scalp cleansing may cause oil production to increase over time. To manage oily hair more effectively, use a clarifying shampoo weekly, avoid conditioning the scalp, and choose oil-free styling products. Between washes, a dry shampoo such as FRESH.HAIR can absorb excess oil and restore volume instantly. For more refresh options, browse the full dry shampoo collection to keep hair looking clean and lifted between washes.

Fine Hair

Often appears oilier due to smaller diameter strands

Pro Tip

"Oily hair benefits from balance, not over-cleansing. Washing too frequently or using harsh shampoos can strip the scalp and trigger increased oil production as compensation. Instead, alternate a gentle daily shampoo with a clarifying cleanser once a week to keep the scalp clean without disruption. Apply conditioner only to mid-lengths and ends, and avoid heavy styling products near the roots to maintain lift and freshness throughout the day."

— Kevin Murphy Education Team

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