If you’ve got oily hair, chances are you’re sick of contending with lank tresses that flatly (sorry) refuse to lift. Oily locks can prove challenging, as it often feels like no matter how much you lather up in the morning, by 3pm your hair has somehow regressed to the same greasy feeling that made you want to wash it in the first place.
But good news – there are products that can help to correct a scalp that’s perhaps a little too overenthusiastic on the oil production. From the best products to try, to the tricks and techniques that will help your hair to last just that little bit longer between washes, here’s how to clarify and rebalance an oily scalp.
Invest in a scalp scrub
A scalp scrub should be the MVP in your anti-oil haircare line-up, as it’s the easiest way to ensure your locks are getting the most thorough cleanse. Scalp scrubs are designed to deeply purify and remove build-up at the roots, which not only ensures that your hair follicles are healthy, but also revives lift and volume at the same time. Try adding one in as a treatment every week to slough away that slick feeling.
Opt for a volumizing shampoo
Oily hair often means lank, lifeless locks, so you’ll want to be using a shampoo that adds serious lift. Make sure that you’re doing a double wash – the first to cleanse, the second to purify and treat – for the best results. Rinse and repeat with Redken’s Volume Injection Shampoo, which works to bring back volume to oily, flat hair, restoring movement and body for that coveted fresh-from-the-salon bounce.
Lightweight conditioner only
Using too much conditioner – or the wrong conditioner, that’s perhaps too intense for your hair type – will only add unnecessary weight and heaviness to your already-oily hair. Choose a lightweight option that’s designed for frequently-flattened strands, and ensure that you’re focusing your application from the mid-lengths of your hair down. Use sparingly – around a 20c piece is a good rule of thumb – to hydrate and nourish your ends, and always rinse thoroughly to avoid build-up.
Always dry your hair
Leaving your locks to air-dry might be the easier option, but unfortunately, oily hair can require a little extra effort. If you’re finding that your hair stays greasy even after a good wash, give it a helping hand by blow-drying it completely as soon as you step out of the shower. You’ll notice your hair is less inclined to look lank and it’ll also stay fresher for longer.
Try: Dyson Supersonic
Enlist the right tools
Speaking of blow-drying, a good volumizing brush will help to give your hair some air. Focus on the roots as you roll and lift the brush away from the face, gently pulling your hair in different directions to tease your tresses skyward. Silk Oil Of Morocco’s multi-purpose brush works to style, smooth and elevate your hair, while simultaneously giving your scalp a delicate massage that won’t cause damage.
Try: Silk Oil Of Morocco 6 in 1 Professional Volumizing and Teasing Brush

When in doubt, dry shampoo
Of course, as anyone with oily hair no doubt knows, dry shampoo is always a fast and convenient answer. Keep one on hand for midday touch-ups or days when you can’t be bothered doing the whole hair-wash process. Aveda’s cult Shampower Dry Shampoo instantly transforms tresses from an oily mess to clean, refreshed locks without causing bulk or build-up at the roots.
Fast delivery – free over $50 – and free returns.