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The 11 Best Conditioners for Oily Hair

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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.

best conditioner for oily hair loreal
Amazon

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!”

best conditioner for oily hair ogx
Amazon

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.

best conditioner for oily hair paul mitchell
Ulta Beauty

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.

best conditioner for oily hair rahua
Amazon

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.

best conditioner for oily hair ouai
Amazon

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.

best conditioner for oily hair desert essence
Amazon

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.

best conditioner for oily hair truss
Amazon

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.”

best conditioner for oily hair maple holistics
Amazon

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.”

best conditioner for oily hair superzero
Superzero

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.

best conditioner for oily hair briogeo
Sephora

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.

best conditioner for oily hair sukin
Amazon

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.



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Associate Editor, Ultimate Fangirl, Aspiring Beauty Guru

Chelsea Candelario is an Associate Editor at PureWow. She has been covering beauty, culture, fashion and entertainment for over a decade. You'll find her searching the internet...