The 11 Best Conditioners for Oily Hair
While there are many factors that cause an oily scalp (i.e. genetics, stress and styling habits), there are simple ways to manage it—starting with finding the right products. Now, it’s easy to pick up the first bottle you see in the aisles, but keep in mind that many have harsh ingredients like sulfates and silicones that can make the problem worse.
Since we already covered the best shampoos for oily hair, let’s focus on conditioner now. When searching for a conditioner, you want to look for ingredients like clay, apple cider vinegar and peppermint oil, which cut through grease and build-up, without drying out the ends. Feeling overwhelmed by the prospects? We compiled a list of the 11 best conditioners for oily hair to get you started.
Our picks at a glance:
Scroll down for in-depth reviews of each.
Best Overall: L’Oréal Paris Extraordinary Clay Conditioner
Most Hydrating: OGX Tea Tree Mint Conditioner
Most Refreshing: Paul Mitchell Special Tea Tree Conditioner
Best for Volume: Rahua Voluminous Conditioner
Best Lightweight Formula: Ouai Fine Hair Conditioner
Best Budget: Desert Essence Tea Tree & Lemon Conditioner
Best Itchy Scalp: Maple Holistics Pure Tea Tree Oil Conditioner
Best Clean Pick: Superzero Conditioner Bar
Best for Shine: Sukin Oil Balancing Conditioner
RELATED: The 6 Best Shampoos for Oily Hair, According to Stylists
1. L’Oréal Paris Extraordinary Clay Conditioner
Best Overall
With over 8,000 5-star reviews, this silicone-free conditioner is praised for its ability to balance an oily scalp. Formulated with three different refined clays to clarify greasy roots, it also keeps the ends hydrated until the next wash. One reviewer shared how it completely transformed her wash routine: “I wish I would have found this years ago! My hair is so oily that I can never go more than one day without washing. But after the first time using this product, my hair was noticeably less greasy! I've used it two or three more times and it's still working great. I'm so happy with it!”
2. OGX Tea Tree Mint Conditioner
Most Hydrating
If you need a boost of hydration, look no further than this OGX pick. The tea tree oil and peppermint extract in the formula leaves your scalp feeling refreshed. It’s also infused with milk proteins to strengthen and soften the rest of your hair.
3. Paul Mitchell Special Tea Tree Conditioner
Most Refreshing
Having an oily scalp can lead to irritation, dandruff and greasy strands. This paraben-free conditioner tackles all those woes in one bottle. Ingredients like tea tree, peppermint and lavender oil refresh the scalp instantly and leave behind a cooling sensation. Plus, the botanical blend detangles, smooths and softens your hair. “I have an oily scalp [and] color-treated hair [that’s] straight and this stuff is so moisturizing yet light, not heavy or greasy! The scent is so refreshing and invigorating, and the tingle is really there!” says one commenter.
4. Rahua Voluminous Conditioner
Best for Volume
If voluminous is in the name, we expect body and bounce after every wash. Luckily, this conditioner lives up to its claims. The vegan formula includes rahua, lavender and eucalyptus oils to strengthen strands and improve shine, while balancing an oily scalp.
5. Ouai Fine Hair Conditioner
Best Lightweight Formula
The last thing you want is a product that further weighs your hair down and causes even more build-up on your scalp. Thankfully, the lightweight formula of this Ouai conditioner nourishes even the finest strands using biotin, keratin and chia seed oil. Plus, the scent (a blend of lemon, jasmine and white musk) adds a sweet bonus on wash day.
6. Desert Essence Tea Tree & Lemon Conditioner
Best Budget
There’s no need to break the bank when it comes to conditioners. This $9 pick clarifies and soothes the scalp without stripping your natural oils. And it’s all thanks to the key ingredients—jojoba oil, tea tree oil and lemon extract—that revitalize your hair and keep oil production at bay.
7. Truss Equilibrium Conditioner
Best for Softness
This conditioner has a goal—and that’s to eliminate excess oils and improve the appearance of your hair. The hydrating ingredients (i.e. amino acids and proteins) restore softness, repair split ends and target damaged areas, while components (like keratin and citrus acid) combat an oily scalp. One reviewer couldn’t recommend it enough saying, “My hair was oily, and my old shampoo wasn't working, but this really made my hair so soft. My hair is healthier than it's ever been and much less oily. 100 percent recommended.”
8. Maple Holistics Pure Tea Tree Oil Conditioner
Best for Itchy Scalp
Whenever tea tree oil is involved, you can expect less build-up, itching and dryness. This potent ingredient (along with lavender and rosemary oil) clears the scalp and improves dandruff over time. One buyer used this conditioner every time she experienced an itchy scalp: “I use this product when my scalp is itchy [and] it's perfect for it! My scalp feels revitalized! On top of it, your hair smells good and is shiny. For [best] results on your scalp if it's itchy, leave the conditioner on your hair for a while.”
9. Superzero Conditioner Bar
Best Clean Pick
If you’re looking to clean up your wash routine, add this conditioner bar to your shower. In each bar, you’ll find over 98 percent plant-based and vegan ingredients, including avocado oil, cocoa butter and macadamia oil to condition and detangle hair without weighing it down. Also, one bar is equivalent to two bottles of liquid conditioner, so not only will it save you money and time, but it’s a better choice for the environment as well.
10. Briogeo Superfoods Mango + Cherry Oil Control & Balancing Conditioner
Best Splurge
If you’re ready to drop some extra $$$ to combat oily hair, we recommend this $29 conditioner. The luxurious formula is filled with vitamins and minerals from papaya enzymes, mango extracts and cherry extracts to keep your hair healthy, hydrated and grease-free.
11. Sukin Oil Balancing Conditioner
Best for Shine
This natural conditioner features jojoba oil to tackle excess oils, improve split ends and boost the overall luster of your hair. Whether you have dry, processed hair or fine, limp locks, it’s great for all hair types.
RELATED: Dealing With an Oily Scalp? Here are 9 Ways to Manage It
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