Best Products for Oily Curly Hair

If you’re struggling with oily curly hair, you’re probably wondering if you’re using the right wash products - and switching up your shampoo and conditioner is a great place to start.

When it comes to the best shampoos and conditioners for curly, greasy hair, there’s no one- size-fits-all routine - everyone’s different, and it can be tricky to know which products will be a good fit. We’ve compiled a list of the top-rated shampoos and conditioners for curly hair, so you’ve got a great place to start - just remember that it may take some trial and error to find the shampoo and conditioner combo that works for you.

We’ve written several guides to help you manage greasy curly hair - here’s how to manage oily curls , and don’t forget to read our feature on how to make your curls less greasy .

Best Shampoo for Oily Curly Hair

There are a variety of shampoos to effectively cleanse greasy curly hair - here are just a few of the best available to revamp your curl-cleansing routine.

Cantu Refresh Apple Cider Vinegar Root Relief

Why we like it

This no-wash cleanser is designed to help remove excess build-up from the scalp and hair, while also soothing and hydrating the scalp. It refreshes your scalp and hair without washing or water, and it’s great for weaves, braids, locs and extensions.

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Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Shampoo

Why we like it

This curl-friendly sulphate-free cleanser is designed to strengthen and nourish curly, oily hair, making it a great choice for curly girls with hair prone to breakage. It’s infused with natural ingredients like castor oil and peppermint oil, which help to remove excess oil and build-up from the scalp and hair.

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OGX Purifying + Charcoal Detox Shampoo

Why we like it

This deeply-cleansing shampoo contains activated charcoal, which helps to absorb excess oil and impurities from the scalp and hair. The balanced blend easily washes away greasy product build-up so your strands aren’t weighed down, and is sulphate-free.

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Aveda Scalp Benefits Balancing Shampoo

Why we like it

Designed to balance and soothe all types of greasy hair and scalps, Aveda’s super-popular clarifying shampoo removes excess oil and build-up without irritation. Natural ingredients like burdock root, echinacea and sage nurture and calm sensitive skin, and this cult classic is infused with Aveda’s own pure-fume™ aroma with vetiver, rosemary, and cinnamon for the ultimate post-wash pampering treat.

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Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo and Conditioner Set

Why we like it

This clarifying shampoo for curls is designed to cleanse and hydrate hair without leaving it weighed down or greasy. It’s formulated with coconut oil and shea butter to nourish and define curls, while also controlling oiliness.

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Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil Shampoo

Why we like it

Designed to cleanse without stripping hair of natural moisture, this shampoo nourishes and hydrates hair while also controlling oiliness. It contains a blend of coconut, argan and macadamia oils to help smooth and protect curly hair.

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Aveda Be Curly CoWash Shampoo

Why we like it

This co-wash (short for ‘conditioner wash’) is a gentle, non-foaming cleanser that’s specifically designed for oily curly hair. It contains a blend of plant oils and butters to help effectively hydrate and define curls without leaving them greasy.

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Best Conditioner for Oily Curly Hair

When it comes to finding the best conditioner for oily curly hair, you want to look for a lightweight, nourishing product which won’t weigh your curls down - leaving them bouncy, shiny and ready for styling. Here’s our pick of the best non-greasy conditioners for curly hair:

Not Your Mother's Naturals Tahitian Gardenia Flower & Mango Butter Curl Defining Conditioner

Why we like it

This hugely-popular conditioner contains natural ingredients like mango butter and gardenia flower extract to nourish and define curls. It’s lightweight and won’t leave your hair feeling limp, making it a great option for people tackling occasional oily roots and strands.

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DevaCurl One Condition Delight Lightweight Cream Conditioner

Why we like it

This bestselling treatment helps to moisturise your hair while detangling and taming frizz. Its Green Oasis fragrance opens with natural notes of green leaves and nashi to leave your curls cleansed, cared-for and smelling great.

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John Frieda Frizz Ease Dream Curls Conditioner

Why we like it

This conditioner is perfect for people with oily roots and dry lengths. It deeply nourishes strands for frizz-free, defined curls with finger-combable detangling. Rosehip oil and John Frieda’s Curl Enhancing Technology define and bundle your curls for bouncy, voluminous styles.

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Bounce Curl Light Hold Creme Gel

Why we like it

Lightweight and specially-designed for curly hair, this sulphate-free favourite leaves hair feeling weightless, locking in your curl shape and reducing frizz. It contains Ginseng Root Extract to encourage new hair growth, and aloe extract to soothe and hydrate.

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OGX Weightless Hydration Coconut Water Conditioner

Why we like it

Nourish and care for your strands with this lightweight conditioner. It’s formulated with coconut water, coconut oil and electrolytes, which help to hydrate and nourish hair for effortless, weightless hydration.

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Living Proof Perfect hair Day Conditioner

Why we like it

This mid-range conditioner is designed to provide weightless hydration and improve hair manageability, thanks to its patented Healthy Hair Molecule (OFPMA) technology. It’s sulphate and silicone-free, and gradually improves your hair and scalp over time to eliminate excess oil production.

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Bumble and bumble Seaweed Conditioner

Why we like it

Enriched with marine extracts and seaweed to hydrate and nourish hair without weighing it down, Bumble and bumble’s mild gel conditioner with Sea Silk Extract easily penetrates the hair shaft to helps seal in moisture, detangle and strengthen hair.

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Kiehl's Amino Acid Conditioner

Why we like it

Designed for daily use and formulated with Wheat Protein and Amino acids, this lightweight conditioner’s creamy texture adds hydration and nourishment without weighing curls down. The silicone-free formula helps maintain your hair’s natural moisture balance to strengthen and add shine without over-conditioning.

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