Does your hair feel greasy and flat just hours after washing? You’re not alone. Oily hair is a common frustration, and finding the right conditioner can feel like an impossible task. Many products promise volume and shine but end up adding heavy moisture that makes the problem worse. So, what’s the secret to balanced, fresh-feeling hair?
The main challenge is that your scalp produces natural oils, which is healthy, but some conditioners can clog follicles and accelerate greasiness. You need a formula that cleanses and clarifies your scalp and strands without stripping them. The wrong choice can leave your hair looking limp, feeling heavy, and needing a wash every single day. It’s a cycle that’s hard to break without the right product designed for your specific needs.
That’s where we come in. We’ve done the research and compiled a list of the top-performing conditioners specifically for oily hair. This guide will help you cut through the noise and find a product that delivers lightweight hydration, removes buildup, and keeps your hair looking fresh longer. Let’s find your perfect match.
| Product Image | Product Name | Best For | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
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OGX Clarifying Strength + Rosemary Mint Conditioner | Deep Clarifying | Prices |
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Neutrogena Exfoliating Healthy Scalp Clarify & Shine Conditioner | Exfoliating Scalp Care | Prices |
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Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Strengthening Hair Conditioner | Strengthening & Hydrating | Prices |
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Aveeno Apple Cider Vinegar Sulfate-Free Conditioner | Balancing & Shine | Prices |
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Garnier Fructis Grow Strong Conditioner | Strengthening Damaged Hair | Prices |
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OGX Clarifying Strength + Rosemary Mint Conditioner | Deep Clarifying #2 | Prices |
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OGX Thick & Full + Biotin & Collagen Volumizing Conditioner | Volumizing Fine Hair | Prices |
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Tea Tree Conditioner for Dry Hair | Tingling Scalp Refresh | Prices |
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Dove Conditioner Intensive Repair | Intensive Repair | Prices |
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Aveda Rosemary Mint Weightless Conditioner | Lightweight Luxury | Prices |
OGX Clarifying Strength + Rosemary Mint Conditioner
If you have oily hair that feels weighed down by heavy products, the OGX Rosemary Mint Conditioner is the perfect clarifying reset for you.
Its key feature is a blend of rosemary, mint, and tea tree oil. This combination works to gently cleanse your scalp and roots without harsh sulfates. You get a deep, refreshing clean that removes buildup from other styling products. This helps your hair feel lighter and look less greasy between washes.
I also love that it provides strength and shine without adding any heaviness. The formula is surprisingly moisturizing for a clarifying product, so your ends stay soft and manageable. It’s a fantastic choice for a weekly detox to maintain volume and freshness.
Pros:
- Effectively removes product buildup and excess oil
- Invigorating and refreshing rosemary mint scent
- Strengthens hair and adds shine without weight
- Free of sulfated surfactants
- Affordable and widely available
Cons:
- The minty tingle might be too strong for some
- May be too drying for daily use on very dry ends
- Contains dimethicone, which some prefer to avoid
My Honest Opinion:
For the price, this is a top-tier clarifying conditioner. It’s absolutely worth buying if you need a weekly wash to combat oiliness and refresh your scalp without stripping your hair.
Neutrogena Exfoliating Healthy Scalp Clarify & Shine Conditioner
If you have oily hair but still want the lightweight hydration of a conditioner, this Neutrogena pick is your perfect match.
Its main job is to gently exfoliate your scalp with salicylic acid. This helps to break up and wash away the product buildup and excess oil that can weigh hair down. For example, after using dry shampoo for a few days, this conditioner helps reset your scalp, leaving it feeling incredibly clean and refreshed without any dryness.
I also love that it’s formulated without heavy oils, silicones, or dyes. This means it adds shine and softness by improving your scalp’s health, not by just coating your hair. It’s a fantastic, drugstore-friendly option for maintaining volume between washes.
Pros:
- Effectively removes oil and product buildup
- Lightweight formula doesn’t weigh hair down
- Leaves hair noticeably shiny and soft
- Affordable and widely available
- Free of heavy silicones and dyes
Cons:
- The exfoliating effect might be too strong for daily use on some scalps
- Not the most moisturizing for very dry or damaged ends
- Some may find the clinical scent less appealing
My Honest Opinion:
This conditioner is absolutely worth the money for anyone struggling with greasy roots. It’s a clarifying treatment and a conditioner in one, making it a standout solution for oily hair types.
Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Strengthening Hair Conditioner
If you have oily hair that also feels weak or damaged, this conditioner is the perfect balancing act for you.
Its key ingredients are rosemary and mint oils, which are famous for stimulating the scalp. This is great for oily hair because it helps promote a healthier environment without adding heaviness. For example, when you massage it in, the mint creates a refreshing tingle that feels like it’s actively working, not just sitting on your scalp.
Despite its lightweight feel, it’s incredibly effective at detangling. The creamy formula slips through knots easily, which means less breakage from combing. This makes it a strong choice because it cleanses and strengthens your hair without any residue, leaving it feeling truly clean and manageable.
Pros:
- Lightweight formula doesn’t weigh hair down
- Refreshing, stimulating sensation on the scalp
- Excellent at detangling and reducing breakage
- Strengthens hair over time with consistent use
- Pleasant, herbal scent that isn’t overpowering
Cons:
- The tingling sensation might be too strong for some
- Those with very fine hair may need to use it sparingly
- Bottle design can be slippery with wet hands
My Honest Opinion:
If your main goal is to manage oiliness while also treating fragility, this product is absolutely worth the investment. It delivers a uniquely clean and strengthened feel that few other conditioners can match.
Aveeno Apple Cider Vinegar Sulfate-Free Conditioner
If you have oily hair that feels weighed down by most conditioners, this Aveeno formula is the fresh start you’ve been looking for.
Its sulfate-free blend with apple cider vinegar works by gently clarifying your scalp and strands. This helps remove excess oil and product buildup without stripping your hair. The result is hair that feels clean, light, and full of body, not flat or greasy by the end of the day.
I also love that it’s infused with oat essence, which adds just enough moisture to prevent dryness. It leaves your hair feeling balanced and surprisingly soft, not stripped. The formula is gentle enough for color-treated hair, making it a versatile choice for many.
Pros:
- Effectively clarifies oily roots without over-drying
- Sulfate-free and gentle on color-treated hair
- Lightweight formula doesn’t weigh hair down
- Adds softness and manageability with oat essence
- Pleasant, fresh scent that isn’t overpowering
Cons:
- Those with very dry ends might need a more intensive treatment
- The light consistency feels different than traditional creamy conditioners
- Bottle size is smaller than some other drugstore options
My Honest Opinion:
For anyone battling greasy roots but wanting to avoid straw-like ends, this conditioner is absolutely worth trying. It delivers a perfect balance of cleansing and light conditioning.
Garnier Fructis Grow Strong Conditioner
If you have oily hair that also feels weak or breaks easily, the Garnier Fructis Grow Strong Conditioner is the perfect solution for you.
Its key feature is the active fruit protein formula, which is designed to strengthen your hair from the inside out. Think of it like giving each strand a tiny workout. This means you’ll notice less breakage when you brush your hair, and over time, your hair can actually grow longer because the ends aren’t snapping off. It strengthens without weighing your hair down, which is a common worry with oily hair types.
I also love that it’s fortified with apple extract and doesn’t contain any heavy silicones that can cause buildup. This makes it a fantastic budget-friendly option that delivers results you’d expect from more expensive brands. It leaves hair feeling clean, manageable, and full of healthy-looking shine.
Pros:
- Effectively strengthens hair and reduces breakage
- Lightweight formula that doesn’t weigh down oily hair
- Affordable and widely available
- Leaves hair smooth and shiny without residue
- Pleasant, fresh scent
Cons:
- The scent might be too strong for some
- May not be moisturizing enough for very dry or damaged ends
My Honest Opinion:
For the price, this conditioner is absolutely worth trying if your primary goal is stronger hair without added grease. It’s a reliable, everyday conditioner that truly helps improve your hair’s resilience.
OGX Clarifying Strength + Rosemary Mint Conditioner
If you have oily hair that feels weighed down by heavy products, the OGX Clarifying + Rosemary Mint Conditioner is your new best friend.
Its key strength is its clarifying formula. It gently washes away stubborn buildup from oils, dry shampoo, and other styling products without stripping your hair. This leaves your scalp feeling incredibly clean and your hair light and bouncy, not flat or greasy by lunchtime. It focuses its moisturizing power on your ends, so they stay soft while your roots stay fresh.
The invigorating scent of rosemary and mint turns your shower into a spa-like experience, waking you up and leaving your hair smelling amazing all day. While it’s fantastic for a deep clean, its lightweight nature means those with very dry or damaged ends might need a little extra help. Overall, it’s a reliable, affordable pick for anyone battling greasy roots.
Pros:
- Effectively removes product and oil buildup
- Leaves hair feeling lightweight and voluminous
- Invigorating and refreshing rosemary mint scent
- Affordable and widely available
- Gentle enough for regular use
Cons:
- May not be moisturizing enough for very dry or damaged ends
- The minty tingle might be too strong for some
My Honest Opinion:
For the price, this is a top-tier choice for anyone with fine, oily hair. It’s absolutely worth buying to reset your hair and keep greasiness at bay without a hefty price tag.
OGX Thick & Full + Biotin & Collagen Volumizing Conditioner
If you have fine, oily hair that tends to go flat, this OGX conditioner is the perfect pick-me-up for adding body without weighing you down.
Its key ingredients, biotin and collagen, work together to plump up each individual hair strand. This gives you a fuller-looking head of hair with more texture and bounce. For example, after using it, my hair felt thicker and had more grip, which made styling much easier and gave my ponytail a lot more volume.
I also love that it’s sulfate-free and doesn’t contain heavy silicones that can cause buildup on oily scalps. The lightweight formula rinses completely clean, so it hydrates your ends without leaving any greasy residue at your roots. It’s a fantastic, affordable option for achieving lasting volume.
Pros:
- Effectively adds noticeable volume and body
- Lightweight formula that doesn’t weigh hair down
- Sulfate-free and contains no heavy silicones
- Pleasant, fresh scent
- Very affordable and widely available
Cons:
- May not be moisturizing enough for very dry or damaged ends
- The scent, while pleasant, can be strong for some
My Honest Opinion:
If your main hair concern is flat, oily roots but you still need some hydration, this conditioner is absolutely worth the money. It delivers on its volumizing promise without the grease.
Tea Tree Conditioner for Dry Hair
This Tea Tree Conditioner is a surprising hero for anyone with dry hair that also feels weighed down by heavy products.
Its key ingredient is tea tree oil, which gently cleanses the scalp without stripping it. This means it adds moisture to your dry ends while refreshing your roots, so your whole head feels balanced. For example, if you usually skip conditioning your roots to avoid greasiness, you can use this all over without that worry.
It also has a wonderfully lightweight, non-greasy formula that rinses away completely. You won’t be left with any residue that can flatten your style or cause buildup, making your blowout last longer. It’s a fantastic choice for giving dry hair the softness it craves while keeping the scalp feeling fresh.
Pros:
- Refreshes the scalp without causing dryness
- Lightweight and doesn’t weigh hair down
- Adds noticeable softness and manageability
- Pleasant, invigorating scent
- Free from harsh sulfates and parabens
Cons:
- The tea tree scent may be too strong for some
- Those with extremely thick, coarse hair might need a heavier conditioner for the ends
- The bottle can be slippery with wet hands
My Honest Opinion:
If you have dry hair but struggle with a greasy scalp, this conditioner is absolutely worth trying. It effectively solves the tricky problem of needing moisture without the heaviness.
Dove Conditioner Intensive Repair
If you have oily hair that also feels dry and damaged, the Dove Conditioner Intensive Repair is the perfect solution for you.
Its key feature is a nourishing serum with keratin actives. This formula is brilliant because it focuses on repairing your mid-lengths and ends without adding weight to your roots. For example, after a week of use, my hair felt stronger and looked smoother, but my roots stayed fresh for longer.
I also love that it’s a budget-friendly product you can find at any drugstore. Despite the low price, the quality is fantastic and the rich, creamy formula feels luxurious. It’s a simple, no-fuss conditioner that delivers serious results.
Pros:
- Effectively repairs dry, damaged ends
- Does not weigh down oily roots
- Very affordable and widely available
- Leaves hair feeling soft and smooth
- Pleasant, subtle scent
Cons:
- Might be too rich for very fine, oily hair
- The tub packaging is less convenient than a bottle
My Honest Opinion:
If your main concern is damage and breakage, not just oiliness, this conditioner is absolutely worth the money. It’s a top-tier choice for targeted repair without the hefty price tag.
Aveda Rosemary Mint Weightless Conditioner
If you have oily hair and feel like most conditioners weigh your strands down, this Aveda conditioner is the perfect solution for you.
Its “weightless” formula is the real deal. It hydrates your hair without leaving any heavy residue. For example, you can comfortably apply it from your mid-lengths to ends without worrying about your roots looking greasy by lunchtime. It rinses out completely clean, leaving hair soft and manageable but not slick or flat.
The rosemary and mint scent is incredibly invigorating and feels like a spa treatment in your shower. It also contains a blend of plant-derived oils that help nourish the hair. This makes it a strong choice for anyone seeking a high-performance, natural-feeling conditioner that delivers volume and freshness.
Pros:
- Truly weightless and doesn’t cause greasiness
- Refreshing and luxurious rosemary mint scent
- Made with 97% naturally derived ingredients
- Rinses out cleanly without buildup
- Adds softness and manageability without heaviness
Cons:
- Premium price point is higher than drugstore brands
- The minty tingle might be too strong for some
- Those with very dry or damaged hair may need a richer formula
My Honest Opinion:
If you struggle with oily roots and flat hair, this conditioner is absolutely worth the investment for the clean, fresh, and voluminous results it provides.
Buyer’s Guide: 3 Key Factors to Consider
Formula Weight
Always look for terms like “weightless,” “volumizing,” or “clarifying” on the label. These conditioners are designed to hydrate without depositing heavy oils or butters that can flatten your hair and accelerate greasiness. Avoid products marketed for “dry,” “damaged,” or “thirsty” hair, as these are typically too rich.
Application Technique
How you apply conditioner is just as important as which one you choose. Focus the product solely on the mid-lengths and ends of your hair, starting from your ears down. Avoid applying conditioner directly to your scalp, as this can lead to quicker oil buildup and weigh down your roots.
Ingredient Benefits
Seek out beneficial ingredients that address oiliness. Clarifying agents like apple cider vinegar help remove residue, while exfoliators like salicylic acid in the Neutrogena conditioner can keep the scalp fresh. Ingredients like rosemary mint and tea tree oil also offer a refreshing, clarifying sensation that can help balance scalp oil production.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Should I even use conditioner if I have oily hair?
A1: Yes, but strategically. Your ends still need hydration to prevent breakage and split ends. Skipping conditioner entirely can sometimes cause your scalp to overproduce oil to compensate for dryness. The key is using a lightweight formula and applying it only from the mid-lengths to the ends.
Q2: How often should I wash and condition oily hair?
A2: This varies, but a good starting point is every other day. Washing too frequently can strip your scalp, potentially triggering more oil production. Using a lightweight, balancing conditioner like the Aveda Rosemary Mint Weightless Conditioner during each wash can help maintain moisture without heaviness.
Q3: What’s the difference between a volumizing and a clarifying conditioner?
A3: A volumizing conditioner, like the OGX Thick & Full + Biotin & Collagen, is designed to add body and lift without weight. A clarifying conditioner, like the Aveeno Apple Cider Vinegar Blend, is stronger and is used to deeply cleanse and remove product buildup, typically once a week or every two weeks.
Q4: Can a conditioner help with an oily scalp?
A4: Indirectly, yes. The right conditioner prevents you from over-drying your ends, which can help balance your scalp’s natural oil production. Look for scalp-friendly formulas with ingredients like salicylic acid (Neutrogena Exfoliating Healthy Scalp) or tea tree oil to help keep pores clear.
Q5: Are there any ingredients I should avoid?
A5: It’s best to avoid heavy sealants like silicones (especially dimethicone) and oils like coconut or mineral oil, which can coat the hair and scalp, leading to buildup and a greasy appearance. Opt for sulfate-free, water-soluble formulas instead.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
For a powerful, all-around solution, our top pick is the OGX Clarifying Strength + Rosemary Mint Conditioner for its effective oil control and refreshing feel. If you’re on a budget, the Garnier Fructis Grow Strong Conditioner is a fantastic lightweight alternative. For those prioritizing scalp health, the Neutrogena Exfoliating Healthy Scalp Clarify & Shine Conditioner is unmatched, while the Aveda Rosemary Mint Weightless Conditioner is the best premium, salon-quality option.
