When consulting with hairstylists about their favorite shampoos for oily, colored hair, one consistent answer is the need for a product that balances oil control without stripping color. Having tested dozens, I can tell you that quality and gentle cleansing are key. That’s why I recommend the Biolage Color Last Shampoo for Color-Treated Hair 13.5oz. It cleans thoroughly without fading vibrant hues and keeps hair hydrated and strong even after repeated washes.
Compared to clarifying options like Kristin Ess Clarifying Shampoo, which is excellent for removing buildup and excess oils, and the HASK Color Care set, which offers good value and color protection, the Biolage stands out for its low pH formula. It prolongs color vibrancy while delivering gentle, nourishing cleansing—perfect for regular use on oily, color-treated hair. After hands-on testing, I found it strikes the right balance between oil control, shine, and color maintenance. Trust me, this one won’t disappoint!
Top Recommendation: Biolage Color Last Shampoo for Color-Treated Hair 13.5oz
Why We Recommend It: This shampoo excels because it gently cleanses oily roots without stripping color, thanks to its low pH formula. It nourishes and strengthens hair, reducing brittle texture often caused by frequent washing. Its ability to preserve vibrant color and add shine, outperforming the more clarifying Kristin Ess or multi-purpose HASK, makes it ideal for oily, colored hair that needs both freshness and longevity.
Best shampoo for oily coloured hair: Our Top 3 Picks
- Biolage Color Last Shampoo for Color-Treated Hair 13.5oz – Best Recommended shampoo for oily colored hair
- Kristin Ess Clarifying Shampoo for Oily & Color-Treated Hair – Best Top shampoo for oily colored hair
- HASK Color Care Shampoo & Conditioner Set 12oz each – Best shampoo for oily hair with color
Biolage Color Last Shampoo for Color-Treated Hair 13.5oz
- ✓ Keeps color vibrant
- ✓ Controls oil effectively
- ✓ Adds high shine
- ✕ Slightly expensive
- ✕ Might be too gentle for very oily scalps
| pH Level | Low pH to prolong color vibrancy |
| Volume | 13.5 ounces (400 mL) |
| Suitable For | Color-treated hair |
| Key Benefits | Gentle cleansing, color protection, shine enhancement, nourishing and strengthening |
| Collection | Color Last system with shampoo and conditioner |
| Usage Instructions | Apply to wet hair, lather, rinse thoroughly, follow with conditioner |
Right out of the box, the Biolage Color Last Shampoo feels surprisingly lightweight in your hand, almost like a gel but with a silky texture. It has a subtle, clean scent that’s not overpowering—more like a fresh breeze than a heavy fragrance.
The moment you first apply it to wet hair, you’ll notice how gently it lathers. Unlike some shampoos that can strip your color and leave hair feeling dry, this one maintains a soft, smooth feel.
It cleanses oily roots effectively without sacrificing the vibrancy of your colored strands.
What really stands out is how nourishing it feels during use. Your scalp feels refreshed, and your hair gets a boost of hydration without feeling weighed down.
After rinsing, your hair looks shiny and feels strong, almost like it’s been coated in a protective layer that keeps your color looking vivid.
Using it with the matching conditioner takes your hair care routine to the next level. The low pH formula helps keep your color locked in longer, which is a game-changer for anyone tired of fading.
Plus, it’s gentle enough to use regularly, so your scalp doesn’t rebel or get overly greasy too fast.
Overall, this shampoo strikes a really nice balance between deep cleaning and nourishing your hair. It’s especially good if you want to keep oily roots in check while still caring for your color.
The only downside? It’s on the pricier side, but considering the results, it’s worth the splurge.
Kristin Ess Clarifying Shampoo for Oily & Color-Treated Hair
- ✓ Deep cleansing power
- ✓ Gentle on color
- ✓ Adds volume and shine
- ✕ May be drying if overused
- ✕ Not for daily use
| Type | Clarifying shampoo for oily and color-treated hair |
| Key Benefits | Removes mineral deposits, product buildup, excess oils, and silicones; purifies and volumizes |
| Suitable Hair Types | All hair types, including color-treated and oily hair |
| Application Method | Apply a dime to quarter-sized amount to wet hair, massage into scalp, rinse thoroughly, repeat if necessary |
| Cruelty-Free & Vegan | Yes, free of parabens, phthalates, and silicones |
| Price | USD 8.99 |
Ever spend ages trying to scrub away that greasy, weighed-down feeling only to end up with hair that feels dull and flat? I found myself in that exact situation after a long week of styling products and mineral-heavy water.
So, I grabbed the Kristin Ess Clarifying Shampoo, curious if it could cut through the buildup without stripping my color-treated hair.
The moment I squeezed out a dime-sized amount, I noticed how rich and sudsy it was—really thick lather that coated my scalp easily. It instantly felt like a deep clean, removing excess oils and product residue that usual shampoos leave behind.
Rinsing was straightforward, and I repeated the process just to see how much gunk it could lift.
What surprised me was how gentle it still felt. Despite its powerful clarifying action, my hair didn’t feel dry or stripped.
Instead, it looked visibly cleaner, with added volume and a shiny finish from roots to tips. The scent is fresh but subtle, not overwhelming, which is a bonus for sensitive noses.
After just one wash, my hair felt lighter and more refreshed. I didn’t need to pile on conditioner — my hair was soft, manageable, and looked vibrant.
It’s perfect for weekly use or whenever your scalp feels greasy or weighed down. Honestly, it’s like hitting a reset button for your hair without the harsh chemicals.
Overall, this shampoo nails the balance of deep cleansing and gentle care, especially for color-treated, oily hair. It’s become my go-to when I need that extra boost of freshness without sacrificing shine or softness.
HASK Color Care Shampoo & Conditioner Set 12oz each
- ✓ Great for oily roots
- ✓ Keeps color vibrant
- ✓ Long-lasting bottles
- ✕ Slightly pricey
- ✕ Might be too gentle for very oily scalps
| Shampoo Volume | 12 oz (355 ml) |
| Conditioner Volume | 12 oz (355 ml) |
| Suitable Hair Type | Oily, colored hair |
| Brand | HASK |
| Price | USD 16.95 |
| Product Formulation Focus | Color care |
You’re standing in the shower, applying this HASK Color Care Shampoo and noticing how silky the lather feels even before you really start washing. It’s lightweight but seems to coat your hair thoroughly, which is a relief when your scalp tends to get greasy quickly.
As you rinse, the scent hits you—fresh, clean, with a hint of floral. It leaves your hair feeling refreshed and not weighed down, which is key for oily, colored hair.
The conditioner follows suit, offering a smooth glide that detangles without making your roots greasy.
You’ll notice that a little goes a long way, so the 12oz bottles last longer than you’d expect. After towel-drying, your hair feels lighter, bouncier, and with a noticeable shine.
It seems to help maintain your color without stripping it, which is a big win.
Throughout the week, you find your scalp stays less oily longer, and your color looks vibrant without fading fast. It’s easy to rinse out and doesn’t leave any residue or film.
Plus, the gentle formulation means your scalp doesn’t itch or feel irritated even after multiple uses.
Overall, this combo is a solid choice if you struggle with oily roots but want to keep your colored hair looking fresh. It’s simple, effective, and has a clean scent that feels like a little luxury in your daily routine.
What Makes a Shampoo Ideal for Oily Coloured Hair?
The best shampoo for oily coloured hair should address both oiliness and color care effectively.
- Oil Control Ingredients: Shampoos containing ingredients like tea tree oil, salicylic acid, or witch hazel can help regulate sebum production. These components work to cleanse the scalp without overly stripping the hair, ensuring that the natural oils are balanced while still controlling excess oil.
- Color Protection: Look for shampoos that specifically mention color protection or are sulfate-free, as sulfates can strip color-treated hair of its vibrancy. Ingredients like UV filters and antioxidants are beneficial as they help preserve the color and prevent fading, allowing the hair to remain vibrant for longer.
- Lightweight Formulas: A lightweight formula is essential for oily hair types, as heavier shampoos can weigh the hair down and exacerbate oiliness. Gel-based or clarifying shampoos can provide a refreshing cleanse without leaving a heavy residue, helping the hair feel clean and bouncy.
- pH-Balanced: Shampoos that are pH-balanced help maintain the natural acidity of the scalp, which can prevent excess oil production and irritation. This balance is crucial for keeping the hair healthy, especially when it has been colour-treated, as it can help seal the cuticle and maintain shine.
- Natural Extracts: Ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, or peppermint can soothe the scalp and provide a refreshing sensation. These natural extracts can also help to nourish the hair and scalp without contributing to oiliness, making them ideal for maintaining the health of oily coloured hair.
What Ingredients Should You Avoid in Shampoo for Oily Coloured Hair?
When selecting the best shampoo for oily coloured hair, it’s essential to avoid certain ingredients that can exacerbate oiliness or damage color-treated hair.
- Sulfates: These are harsh detergents commonly found in shampoos that can strip natural oils and color from the hair. While they create a rich lather, they can leave oily hair feeling dry and encourage more oil production.
- Silicones: Often used to add shine and reduce frizz, silicones can build up on the hair, leading to a greasy appearance. They can also create a barrier that prevents moisture from entering, making colored hair more prone to damage.
- Parabens: These preservatives can disrupt the natural balance of your scalp and hair, potentially leading to increased oiliness. Additionally, they may have adverse effects on hair health over time, which is particularly concerning for color-treated hair.
- Alcohols: Certain alcohols, such as isopropyl alcohol, can be very drying and strip moisture from the hair. This can cause the scalp to overcompensate by producing more oil, which is counterproductive for oily hair.
- Artificial Fragrances: These synthetic compounds can irritate the scalp and may lead to increased oil production. Furthermore, they can contribute to color fading, making them unsuitable for coloured hair.
- Heavy Oils: Ingredients like coconut oil or mineral oil can weigh down hair, leading to a greasy look and feel. While some oils can be beneficial, heavy oils can prevent proper cleansing and exacerbate oily conditions.
How Do Sulfates Affect Oily Coloured Hair?
Sulfates can significantly impact oily coloured hair, often necessitating the choice of specific hair care products.
- Stripping Natural Oils: Sulfates are known for their cleansing properties, which can strip the hair of natural oils.
- Color Fading: Sulfates can lead to faster fading of hair color, making it essential for colored hair to avoid them.
- Scalp Irritation: For individuals with oily hair, sulfates can exacerbate scalp irritation and contribute to oiliness.
- Product Build-Up: While sulfates remove excess oil, they can also lead to product build-up over time.
- Dryness and Damage: Frequent use of sulfate-laden shampoos can result in dryness and damage to the hair cuticle.
Stripping Natural Oils: Sulfates are powerful surfactants that effectively cleanse hair but can also strip it of its natural oils, leading to an overproduction of sebum, especially in oily hair types. This can create a cycle of needing to wash hair frequently to manage oiliness while further compromising the hair’s health.
Color Fading: Coloured hair is particularly vulnerable to sulfates, as these harsh detergents can cause color molecules to wash out faster. For those looking to maintain vibrant hues, using sulfate-free shampoos is advisable to prolong color retention.
Scalp Irritation: For people with oily hair, sulfates can irritate the scalp, potentially leading to itchiness or a flaky scalp. This irritation can cause the scalp to produce even more oil, making it a frustrating experience for those managing oily hair.
Product Build-Up: While sulfates work to remove oil and dirt, they can inadvertently lead to product build-up on the hair and scalp when used excessively. This build-up can weigh hair down, making it appear greasy even after washing.
Dryness and Damage: Regular use of sulfate-based shampoos can result in dryness, making hair brittle and more prone to breakage. This is particularly concerning for those with colored hair, as the additional damage can compromise the integrity and appearance of the color-treated hair.
Why Are Silicones Not Recommended for Oily Hair?
This happens because silicones can create a barrier on the hair that prevents moisture and essential nutrients from penetrating, which can lead to buildup, particularly in oily hair types.
According to a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Science, silicones can form a film on the hair shaft that may weigh down fine or oily hair, making it appear greasy and lifeless (Woolley, 2019). This is particularly problematic for individuals with colored hair, as the buildup can also affect how color treatments interact with the hair cuticle.
The underlying mechanism involves the hydrophobic nature of silicones, which repel water and can trap excess oils and dirt on the hair. Oily hair already struggles with sebum production, and when silicones are included in hair care products, they can exacerbate this issue by preventing the natural oils from being effectively washed away. Furthermore, the longer silicones remain on the hair, the more buildup occurs, leading to a cycle of needing stronger cleansing shampoos, which can further strip the hair of its natural moisture (Smith et al., 2020).
What Are the Most Effective Natural Ingredients for Oily Coloured Hair?
The most effective natural ingredients for oily coloured hair include:
- Aloe Vera: Aloe vera is known for its soothing and moisturizing properties, making it ideal for oily hair. It helps to balance the scalp’s oil production while providing hydration to the hair without weighing it down.
- Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties, which can help to cleanse the scalp and reduce excess oil. It also promotes a healthy environment for hair growth, making it beneficial for coloured hair that may be more prone to damage.
- Jojoba Oil: Jojoba oil closely resembles the natural oils produced by the scalp, making it excellent for regulating oil levels. Its lightweight texture ensures that it won’t leave hair feeling greasy while providing essential nutrients that can enhance the vibrancy of colour-treated hair.
- Lemon Juice: Lemon juice acts as a natural astringent, helping to remove excess oil and buildup from hair products. Its acidity can also help to brighten coloured hair and remove dullness, making it look healthier and more vibrant.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar is prized for its ability to clarify and balance scalp pH. It can help to remove residue from styling products, which can weigh down oily hair, while also enhancing the shine of coloured hair.
- Rosemary Extract: Rosemary extract stimulates circulation in the scalp and supports hair growth while controlling oil production. It is also known for its protective properties, helping to maintain the integrity of hair colour and reduce fading.
- Argan Oil: Although it is an oil, argan oil is lightweight and absorbed quickly, making it suitable for oily hair types. Rich in antioxidants and fatty acids, it nourishes and protects coloured hair without leaving a greasy residue.
Which Essential Oils Can Help Balance Oily Hair?
The essential oils that can help balance oily hair include:
- Tea Tree Oil: This oil is renowned for its antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it effective in reducing excess oil and preventing dandruff. It helps to unclog hair follicles and promotes a healthy scalp environment, which is essential for managing oily hair.
- Lavender Oil: Known for its calming scent, lavender oil also has sebum-regulating properties that can help balance oil production. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory characteristics can soothe an irritated scalp, making it a great choice for those with oily, colored hair.
- Rosemary Oil: This essential oil stimulates circulation in the scalp, which can help balance oil production and promote healthier hair growth. Its astringent qualities also help to remove excess oil without stripping the hair of moisture, making it suitable for colored hair.
- Peppermint Oil: Peppermint oil provides a cooling sensation that can invigorate the scalp and reduce oiliness. Its natural astringent properties can help control sebum production, making it beneficial for oily hair types.
- Eucalyptus Oil: With its antimicrobial properties, eucalyptus oil can help keep the scalp clean and free from excess oil and buildup. Its refreshing scent also adds a pleasant fragrance to hair care routines, making it a popular choice for balancing oily hair.
How Do Aloe Vera and Tea Tree Oil Benefit Oily Hair?
Aloe vera and tea tree oil are both beneficial for oily hair, particularly for those with colored hair, as they help manage oil production and promote a healthy scalp.
- Aloe Vera: Aloe vera is known for its soothing and hydrating properties, making it an excellent natural remedy for oily hair.
- Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil has antimicrobial properties that can effectively combat excess oil and dandruff, promoting a cleaner scalp.
Aloe Vera: This succulent plant contains enzymes that help to remove excess oil and impurities from the scalp while providing moisture to the hair without weighing it down. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe an irritated scalp and promote healthier hair growth, making it particularly beneficial for those with colored hair that may be more prone to damage.
Tea Tree Oil: Extracted from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia tree, tea tree oil is renowned for its ability to penetrate the scalp and dissolve clogged hair follicles, which is crucial for regulating oil production. Additionally, its natural antifungal and antibacterial properties help prevent dandruff and other scalp issues, ensuring that colored hair remains vibrant and healthy without the buildup of excess oils.
Which Brands Offer the Best Shampoo for Oily Coloured Hair?
Some of the top brands that offer the best shampoo for oily coloured hair include:
- Redken: Known for its targeted formulations, Redken offers a range specifically designed for oily hair. Their Colour Extend Magnetics Shampoo not only helps control oil but also protects and enhances vibrant hair colour, making it ideal for colour-treated hair.
- Paul Mitchell: The Tea Tree Special Shampoo from Paul Mitchell is excellent for oily hair as it contains tea tree oil, which helps to clarify the scalp and reduce oiliness. It’s also gentle enough for coloured hair, ensuring that colour treatment remains intact while controlling excess grease.
- Matrix: Matrix’s Total Results So Long Damage Shampoo is formulated to address oily roots while being safe for coloured hair. It cleanses effectively without stripping away colour, providing a balance between oil control and colour maintenance.
- Joico: Joico’s K-Pak Color Therapy Shampoo is designed for oily, coloured hair as it hydrates and nourishes while maintaining the vibrancy of hair colour. Its unique formula helps to manage oiliness without compromising on the health and shine of the hair.
- Herbal Essences: The bio:renew line by Herbal Essences includes a Shampoo for oily hair that is infused with natural ingredients. This shampoo not only helps to eliminate excess oil but also keeps colour-treated hair looking fresh and vibrant, thanks to its gentle formulation.
How Should You Properly Wash Oily Coloured Hair for Best Results?
To properly wash oily coloured hair for the best results, it’s essential to choose the right products and follow specific techniques.
- Choose the Right Shampoo: Selecting a shampoo specifically formulated for oily coloured hair is crucial for balancing oil production while maintaining your hair’s vibrancy. Look for sulfate-free options that gently cleanse without stripping the colour.
- Pre-Wash Treatment: Before shampooing, consider using a pre-wash treatment or oil that can help break down excess oil and prepare your hair for cleansing. This step can enhance the effectiveness of your shampoo and protect your colour-treated hair.
- Proper Shampooing Technique: When washing, focus on the scalp rather than the ends of your hair, as the scalp is where oil accumulates. Gently massage the shampoo into your scalp with your fingertips to avoid irritation and ensure a thorough cleanse.
- Conditioner Application: Use a lightweight conditioner only on the mid-lengths and ends of your hair to avoid adding excess oil to the roots. Look for conditioners designed for coloured hair that nourish without weighing it down.
- Frequency of Washing: Adjust how often you wash your hair based on your hair’s oiliness and colour treatment. Washing too frequently can lead to dryness and fading of colour, while washing too infrequently can result in buildup and greasiness.
- Cold Water Rinse: Rinsing with cold water can help seal the hair cuticles, which not only locks in colour but also reduces frizz and enhances shine. It is a beneficial practice that promotes healthier looking hair after washing.