Best Shampoo for Oily Colored Hair That Works? 7 Options for 2025

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably spent countless hours in front of the mirror, frustrated by hair that feels greasy at the roots but looks dull and faded from color treatments. It’s a common dilemma: how do you get rid of that oil and buildup without stripping away your precious hair color? I’ve been there, searching high and low for a solution, and let me tell you, finding the best shampoo for oily colored hair can feel like an impossible quest. You need something that effectively cleanses, tackles oil, and purifies the scalp, all while being gentle enough to protect your vibrant hues. After trying numerous products and doing extensive research, I’ve rounded up 7 reliable options that truly deliver. This guide is designed to help you navigate the confusing world of shampoos and find your perfect match, ensuring your oily colored hair looks fresh, clean, and vibrant. Let’s dive in!

IMAGE	PRODUCT NAME	AMAZON LINK
	Neutrogena Exfoliating Healthy Scalp Clarifying Shampoo for…	View on Amazon
	COLOR WOW Color Security Shampoo – Sulfate Free &…	View on Amazon
	Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two, Clarifying Shampoo, Deep…	View on Amazon
	Kristin Ess Deep Clean Clarifying Shampoo for Oily Hair &…	View on Amazon
	Biolage Color Last Shampoo – For Color-Treated Hair,…	View on Amazon
	OGX Clarifying Strength + Rosemary Mint Shampoo, Clarifying…	View on Amazon
	Tea Tree Special Shampoo, Deep Cleans, Refreshes Scalp, For…	View on Amazon

Neutrogena Exfoliating Healthy Scalp Clarifying Shampoo for…

This shampoo truly feels like a breath of fresh air for an oily scalp. It’s designed to give your hair a deep clean without that harsh, stripped feeling many clarifying shampoos leave behind. The star ingredient, pink grapefruit, not only smells incredible but also helps to gently exfoliate and remove residue, excess oil, and product buildup. What I particularly appreciate is its pH-balanced, sulfate-free formula, making it a safe bet for daily use, even on color-treated hair. It leaves my hair feeling incredibly light, clean, and surprisingly soft, all while preserving my color’s vibrancy. It’s a fantastic option for anyone who needs a regular reset for their scalp without compromising their dye job.

• Key Features:
  • Deeply cleanses oily hair and scalp to remove residue and excess oil.
  • pH-balanced cream formula is gentle, non-medicated, and non-drying.
  • Sulfate-free (no SLS, SLES), paraben-free, and phthalate-free.
  • Contains natural pink grapefruit extract for shine and a citrus scent.
  • Color-safe formula suitable for daily use on all hair types.
• Pros:
  • Excellent at clarifying without over-drying.
  • Pleasant, refreshing grapefruit scent.
  • Gentle enough for frequent use on color-treated hair.
  • Leaves hair feeling soft, clean, and manageable.
• Cons:
  • May not be strong enough for extremely heavy product buildup.
  • Some users might prefer a more intense lather.
• Best for: Daily clarifying and maintaining scalp health on oily, color-treated hair.
  User feedback summary: Many users rave about how this shampoo effectively reduces oiliness and leaves their scalp feeling refreshed without stripping color. They often mention the lovely scent and the gentle, yet effective, cleansing power.

COLOR WOW Color Security Shampoo – Sulfate Free &…

COLOR WOW truly understands the fear of color fade. This shampoo stands out because its primary mission is to protect your hair color by ensuring every ingredient rinses completely clean. Unlike many other shampoos, it’s formulated without silicones, conditioning agents, or anti-frizz ingredients that can linger on the hair and dull your color or irritate your scalp. What you get is a pure, residue-free cleanse that keeps your color looking fresh, bright, and sparkling, which is a huge relief when you’ve invested in a good color treatment. It creates a rich lather despite being sulfate-free, making the washing experience feel luxurious and effective.

• Key Features:
  • Rinse-clean formula protects against color fade and dulling.
  • Sulfate-free, residue-free formula for all hair types.
  • Every ingredient rinses off for optimal hair and scalp health.
  • Contains no silicones, thickening, conditioning, or anti-frizz ingredients that can weigh hair down.
  • Keeps color fresh, bright, and sparkling.
• Pros:
  • Exceptional at preventing color fade and dullness.
  • Leaves no residue, promoting scalp health and hair lightness.
  • Rich lather despite being sulfate-free.
  • Ideal for maintaining vibrant, salon-fresh color.
• Cons:
  • Some users with very oily hair might desire a deeper “squeaky clean” feeling.
  • Lacks specific oil-control ingredients, focusing more on residue removal.
• Best for: Protecting and extending the life of your hair color while ensuring a clean, residue-free scalp.
  User feedback summary: Users with colored hair frequently report that their color lasts noticeably longer and stays brighter when using this shampoo. They appreciate the clean feeling it provides without any heaviness or dullness.

Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two, Clarifying Shampoo, Deep…

When my hair feels weighed down and lifeless from too much product or natural oils, Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two is one of my go-to rescuers. This classic clarifying shampoo is a powerhouse for deep cleansing and removing dulling buildup. The lemony fresh scent is invigorating, and it really lives up to its promise of leaving hair squeaky-clean, shiny, and full of body. It’s surprisingly color-safe for such a potent clarifying formula, which is a big win for those of us with colored hair who still need serious oil control. It effectively strips away all the unwanted gunk, giving your hair a fresh start without stripping essential moisture from your color.

• Key Features:
  • Lemony fresh clarifying shampoo deeply cleanses.
  • Effectively removes dulling buildup from hair.
  • Excellent for oily hair.
  • Color-safe formula.
  • Leaves hair squeaky-clean, shiny, and full of body.
• Pros:
  • Highly effective at deep cleansing and removing oil.
  • Leaves hair feeling very clean and voluminous.
  • Invigorating lemon scent.
  • A long-standing favorite for clarifying.
• Cons:
  • Can be a bit drying if used too frequently on some hair types.
  • Contains sulfates, which some prefer to avoid for colored hair (though it’s color-safe).
• Best for: Those needing a powerful, occasional deep clean for oily, color-treated hair to remove significant buildup and restore volume.
  User feedback summary: Many loyal users praise its ability to thoroughly cleanse oily hair and remove product buildup, leaving hair feeling incredibly clean and lighter. They often note its fresh scent and the noticeable boost in volume and shine.

Kristin Ess Deep Clean Clarifying Shampoo for Oily Hair &…

Kristin Ess really hit the nail on the head with this “Deep Clean” shampoo. It’s like pressing a reset button for your hair and scalp. This formula is specifically designed to tackle everything from mineral deposits to product buildup, excess oils, and even silicones, which can truly weigh down oily colored hair over time. It delivers a purifying and volumizing cleanse that you can feel working, resulting in shine-enhanced hair. What’s even better is that it’s cruelty-free, vegan, and free of parabens, phthalates, and silicones, aligning with conscious beauty choices. I find it creates a super sudsing lather, making the cleansing experience feel very thorough and satisfying.

• Key Features:
  • Removes mineral deposits, product buildup, excess oils, and silicones.
  • Purifying and volumizing for all hair types.
  • Enhances shine and detoxifies minerals.
  • Super sudsing for a rich lather.
  • Cruelty-free, vegan, and free of parabens, phthalates, and silicones.
• Pros:
  • Extremely effective at deep cleaning and detoxifying.
  • Adds noticeable volume and shine.
  • Free from many undesirable ingredients.
  • Creates a satisfying, rich lather.
• Cons:
  • Should not be used daily on colored hair due to its deep cleansing power.
  • Some users might find it a bit too strong if their hair isn’t excessively oily.
• Best for: Occasional deep cleaning for oily colored hair that needs a thorough detox from heavy styling products and environmental buildup.
  User feedback summary: Users love how clean their hair feels after using this shampoo, often describing it as a “fresh start” for their scalp. They report significant reduction in oiliness and buildup, noting improved volume and shine without stripping their color.

Biolage Color Last Shampoo – For Color-Treated Hair,…

Biolage Color Last Shampoo is a true workhorse when it comes to maintaining colored hair, and it also does a commendable job for those with oily scalps. Its low pH formula is specifically engineered to prolong color vibrancy by preventing premature fading, which is crucial for colored hair. It gently cleanses without stripping, nourishing and strengthening the hair while providing much-needed hydration. While it might not have the intense clarifying power of some other shampoos on this list, it’s excellent for everyday use, keeping oil at bay without being overly aggressive. It’s a fantastic choice for those who prioritize gentle color protection above all else, but still need effective cleansing.

• Key Features:
  • Gently cleanses color-treated hair without stripping color.
  • Nourishes and strengthens hair while hydrating.
  • Low pH formula prolongs color vibrancy and adds shine.
  • Ideal for maintaining vibrant color and high shine.
  • Part of the Color Last system for comprehensive color protection.
• Pros:
  • Excellent for preserving hair color and shine.
  • Gentle enough for daily use.
  • Hydrates and strengthens hair.
  • Effectively cleanses without drying out the scalp.
• Cons:
  • Not a clarifying shampoo, so it won’t remove heavy buildup.
  • May not be strong enough for extremely oily hair types.
• Best for: Everyday gentle cleansing and color protection for oily colored hair, especially for those who want to maintain salon vibrancy.
  User feedback summary: Customers consistently praise this shampoo for its ability to keep their hair color vibrant and fresh for longer. They appreciate how gentle it is, leaving hair soft and shiny without making it feel greasy or weighed down.

OGX Clarifying Strength + Rosemary Mint Shampoo, Clarifying…

The OGX Clarifying Strength + Rosemary Mint Shampoo is a fantastic option if you’re looking for a refreshing cleanse that tackles oil and residue head-on. The blend of rosemary and peppermint gives an invigorating scalp sensation while actively working to clarify and refresh oily hair. What sets this apart is its Lipi Pro Shield Technology, which offers 2x more protein and lipid protection, helping to strengthen strands and prevent breakage – a huge plus for colored hair which can be prone to damage. It’s formulated without sulfated surfactants, parabens, or dyes, making it a gentler choice. It leaves hair smelling wonderfully clean and feeling noticeably lighter and healthier.

• Key Features:
  • Visibly removes oil and residue to clear away buildup.
  • Infused with rosemary and peppermint for an invigorating cleanse.
  • Lipi Pro Shield Technology strengthens strands and protects against damage.
  • Formulated without sulfated surfactants, parabens, or dyes.
  • Leaves hair feeling fresh, weightless, and strong.
• Pros:
  • Excellent clarifying power for oily hair.
  • Refreshing rosemary and mint scent.
  • Strengthens hair and protects against damage.
  • Free from common harsh ingredients.
• Cons:
  • The clarifying effect might be too strong for very dry hair types.
  • Some users might find the mint tingling sensation intense.
• Best for: Oily colored hair needing a strong, invigorating clarifying cleanse that also provides strengthening benefits.
  User feedback summary: Users often highlight the refreshing tingle and deep clean feeling this shampoo provides, effectively reducing oiliness and buildup. They also notice that their hair feels stronger and looks shinier after consistent use, without negatively impacting their color.

Tea Tree Special Shampoo, Deep Cleans, Refreshes Scalp, For…

Paul Mitchell’s Tea Tree Special Shampoo is a legendary product, and for good reason. It provides an unparalleled sensory experience with its famous Tingle Complex of tea tree, peppermint, and lavender. This isn’t just a refreshing feeling; it actively invigorates the scalp and deeply cleanses away impurities and excess oil, which is exactly what oily colored hair needs. While it’s a powerful cleanser, it’s formulated to be gentle enough that it won’t immediately strip your color, especially if followed by a good color-safe conditioner. The fresh, herbaceous scent is truly unique and leaves your hair smelling fantastic. It’s a great option for those who love an intense, invigorating cleanse and scalp stimulation.

• Key Features:
  • Contains 100% Australian tea tree oil from responsibly sourced farms.
  • Famous Tingle Complex (tea tree, peppermint, lavender) refreshes the scalp.
  • Deeply cleanses and removes excess oil.
  • Invigorating scent.
  • Leaves a cooling feeling on the skin.
• Pros:
  • Unmatched invigorating and refreshing scalp sensation.
  • Highly effective at deep cleaning and oil control.
  • Unique and pleasant scent.
  • Leaves hair feeling incredibly clean and refreshed.
• Cons:
  • The tingle might be too intense for some sensitive scalps.
  • Can be slightly drying if used daily on very delicate color-treated hair.
• Best for: Oily colored hair that benefits from a stimulating, deep cleansing experience and refreshing scalp treatment.
  User feedback summary: Users consistently rave about the invigorating “tingle” sensation and how incredibly clean and refreshed their scalp feels. They report significant improvement in oil control and a reduction in scalp issues, all while maintaining their hair color well.

Comparison Insights for Oily Colored Hair

When choosing the best shampoo for oily colored hair, it’s all about balancing cleansing power with color protection. For those whose main concern is robust clarifying and scalp detox, Kristin Ess Deep Clean and Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two are exceptional choices, offering a powerful reset, though they should be used periodically rather than daily to protect color vibrancy. Neutrogena Exfoliating Healthy Scalp also provides excellent clarifying, but with a gentler, pH-balanced approach making it suitable for more frequent use.

If color longevity and residue-free cleansing are your absolute top priorities, COLOR WOW Color Security Shampoo stands out. Its unique formula ensures nothing is left behind to dull your color or weigh down your hair. Similarly, Biolage Color Last offers a very gentle, low pH cleanse focused on prolonging color vibrancy and nourishing the hair, making it ideal for daily use without fear of stripping.

For an invigorating and strengthening cleanse, OGX Clarifying Strength + Rosemary Mint delivers with its refreshing blend and hair-strengthening technology. And if you love a powerful, tingling scalp sensation along with deep oil control, Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special is an iconic choice that truly stimulates the senses while getting the job done. Ultimately, the best choice depends on how oily your hair truly is, how frequently you wash, and your specific color maintenance needs.

Final Verdict: Finding Your Oily Colored Hair Hero

Choosing the absolute best shampoo for oily colored hair isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation, as it truly depends on your specific needs and how your hair reacts.

• For the everyday deep clean that’s still gentle on color, I’d lean towards the Neutrogena Exfoliating Healthy Scalp Clarifying Shampoo. It strikes a fantastic balance.
• If your primary goal is maximum color preservation with a clean, light feel, the COLOR WOW Color Security Shampoo is an absolute standout. It’s specifically engineered to keep your color looking fresh.
• For those intense “reset” days when your hair is heavily burdened by oil and product, both Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two and Kristin Ess Deep Clean Clarifying Shampoo are incredibly effective. Just remember to rotate them with a gentler option.
• If you need consistent, gentle color protection with a light cleanse for daily use, the Biolage Color Last Shampoo will be your best friend, nourishing your hair while keeping color locked in.
• For an invigorating experience that also strengthens your strands while clarifying, the OGX Clarifying Strength + Rosemary Mint Shampoo offers a great combination of benefits.
• And for that legendary, refreshing scalp tingle and deep cleanse, you can’t go wrong with Tea Tree Special Shampoo.

Ultimately, think about how often you wash your hair, how much product you use, and how sensitive your color is. Each of these options brings something unique to the table, ensuring you can find the best shampoo for your oily colored hair to keep it looking fabulous and vibrant.

Frequently Asked Questions about Best Shampoo for Oily Colored Hair

Q1: Can I use a clarifying shampoo daily on my colored hair?
A: It depends on the specific clarifying shampoo and your hair type. While some, like Neutrogena’s Exfoliating Healthy Scalp, are formulated to be gentle enough for frequent use, more potent clarifying shampoos (like Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two or Kristin Ess Deep Clean) should generally be used only once or twice a week to avoid stripping your hair color or over-drying your scalp. Listen to your hair; if it feels dry or your color starts to fade quickly, reduce frequency.

Q2: What ingredients should I look for in the best shampoo for oily colored hair?
A: Look for ingredients that help control oil and clarify without being overly harsh. Natural extracts like tea tree oil, peppermint, rosemary, and grapefruit are excellent for scalp purification. For color protection, opt for sulfate-free formulas (like those from COLOR WOW or OGX) and shampoos with a low pH (like Biolage Color Last) which help seal the hair cuticle to lock in color. Ingredients that promise “residue-free” cleansing are also beneficial.

Q3: How often should I wash oily colored hair?
A: This varies by individual, but generally, washing every other day or every two days is a good starting point for oily colored hair. Overwashing can sometimes stimulate more oil production, while washing too infrequently can lead to buildup. Experiment to find what works best for your hair, using a reliable best shampoo for oily colored hair to manage oil effectively without compromising your color.

Q4: Will these shampoos strip my hair color?
A: The shampoos on this list are generally considered safe for colored hair, with many being specifically formulated to protect color. Sulfate-free options are particularly known for being gentler on color. However, any shampoo, especially clarifying ones, can potentially cause some minor fading over time if used excessively. Always follow up with a good color-safe conditioner to help seal the cuticle and lock in moisture and color.

Q5: Are sulfate-free options always better for oily colored hair?
A: Not necessarily “always better,” but often preferred. Sulfates can sometimes be harsher detergents that may strip natural oils and accelerate color fading. Sulfate-free shampoos tend to be milder, but still effective at cleansing. For oily hair, a good sulfate-free formula (like COLOR WOW or OGX) can offer a balanced cleanse that removes oil without being too aggressive on your color. Some traditional shampoos (like Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two) are still color-safe despite containing sulfates.

Q6: What’s the difference between a clarifying shampoo and a regular color-safe shampoo for oily hair?
A: A clarifying shampoo (e.g., Kristin Ess Deep Clean, Tea Tree Special) is specifically designed for a deeper cleanse, targeting stubborn buildup from products, minerals, and excess oil. They often leave hair feeling “squeaky clean.” A regular color-safe shampoo for oily hair (e.g., Biolage Color Last, COLOR WOW) aims for a gentle, everyday cleanse that effectively manages oil without stripping color, usually focusing on maintaining vibrancy rather than deep detoxification. Using a combination of both can be the best approach for oily colored hair.

Q7: Can I use dry shampoo in between washes to help with oiliness in my colored hair?
A: Yes, dry shampoo can be a great way to extend time between washes for oily colored hair. It absorbs excess oil at the roots, adding volume and freshness. Just be mindful not to overuse it, as it can lead to its own form of buildup. Look for dry shampoos that don’t leave a heavy white cast, especially if you have darker colored hair.