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Best hair treatment
Best for oil control run but we doubt your hair feels the same way. Your training session means scalps become greasy twice as quick, thanks to excess sweating, Runners World, Part of the Hearst UK Wellbeing Network.
We tested shampoos that claim to tackle oil, dirt and grime to find the ones that restore your scalp and lengths back to their full shiny glory. Scroll down to discover the winners.
How often should you wash your hair if you exercise?
We know it’s tempting to wash your hair every day, but unless you’re doing daily hardcore training sessions, try to stick to three times a week.
It may not sound like a lot but - unless you're a heavy sweater - washing your hair every day can cause dandruff and, worst-case scenario, hair loss.
Still worried about greasiness? Finding the best oil-control shampoo for you should give your scalp a good scrub and keep greasiness at bay for longer. Take a look at our top picks below...
How we test
Our testing panel of 350 men and women tried 23 brands of shampoo for two weeks. Each tester tracked how well each shampoo cleaned their hair and whether there were any long-lasting benefits. They also reported back on how hydrated, smooth and shiny hair was after washing.
In the Hearst Institute lab, we applied artificial sebum to hair switches and used a sebumeter to measure oil and sebum levels after using each shampoo, to see how well each one eliminated oil.
Below, we’ve noted whether each shampoo contains parabens, sulphates and silicones too, in case that’s important to you.
OGX Refreshing Scalp + Tea Tree Mint Shampoo
Nothing feels cleaner than a minty-fresh scalp after a workout, and our testers rated this mint shampoo best on test for how well it tackled excess oil, while still being gentle on hair. Nearly all felt it rebalanced hair texture by controlling unwanted grease. In fact, the majority said it was so effective they didn’t have to wash their hair as often.
Key specifications
Volume: 385ml
Paraben free: Yes
Silicone free: No
Sulphate free: Yes
Head & Shoulders Citrus Fresh Anti Dandruff Shampoo
This shampoo won in the lab, as it eradicated oil by a whopping 99.5%. All our testers reported how clean it left hair, with nearly all agreeing scalps felt rejuvenated. As a result, some who struggled with dandruff noticed less flakes too.
Key specifications
Volume: 500ml
Paraben free: Yes
Silicone free: No
Sulphate free: No
This high-performing shampoo claims to reduce oiliness in just two weeks. All of our testers loved the vigorous lather it created, effectively managing to clean hair at the roots. Nearly all said it helped reduce oiliness and made hair appear healthier too, while our lab results showed it reduced oiliness by 86%.
Key specifications
Volume: 500ml
Paraben free: Yes
Silicone free: Yes
Sulphate free: Yes
Bumble and bumble Sunday Shampoo
This one is so powerful at ridding hair of oil that Bumble and bumble advises only using it once a week as a treatment. It detoxes the scalp of everything, from product residue to pollutants, and our testers said it provided a super-effective clean. Save this one for after that particularly sweaty run.
Key specifications
Volume: 250ml
Paraben free: Yes
Silicone free: Yes
Sulphate free: No
Lush Jumping Juniper Shampoo Bar
Ideal for popping in your gym bag when you’re on the go, this eco-friendly shampoo bar provides a rich lather that cleanses hair of any dirt and sweat, without leaving hair feeling dry or itchy. In our lab test, we found it helped reduce oil by an impressive 84%.
Key specifications
Volume: 55g
Paraben free: Yes
Silicone free: Yes
Sulphate free: No
Natura Siberica Shampoo - Volume and Freshness for oily hair
This was voted best on test for keeping hair cleaner for longer, reducing the need to reach for the shampoo after every workout. Our panel said it wasn’t too harsh on scalps and didn’t leave any unpleasant residue in its wake. Nearly all testers were satisfied with what an effective job this shampoo did at cleansing hair.
Key specifications
Volume: 400ml
Paraben free: Yes
Silicone free: No
Sulphate free: Yes
Tresemmé Deep Cleansing Shampoo
Not only will this supersized shampoo last you a long time but our testers found it did a great job at preventing greasy hair. This was backed up in the lab, which reported a 97% reduction in oiliness to hair strands.
Key specifications
Volume: 800ml
Paraben free: Yes
Silicone free: No
Sulphate free: No
Vichy Dercos Technique Anti-Dandruff Dermatological Shampoo
No one wants a flaky scalp. Enter Vichy’s shampoo, which claims to eliminate the problem and relieve roots from any inflammation. Nearly all of our testers found it left scalps feeling invigorated without any irritation, finding hair looked fuller as a result. Our lab found it reduced oiliness by 95%, too.
Key specifications
Volume: 200ml
Paraben free: Yes
Silicone free: No
Sulphate free: No
Earth Kind Citrus Leaf Shampoo Bar for Frequent Use
This plastic-free bar was designed to be used after sports to gently cleanse without stripping hair of its natural oils. Testers found the bar comfortable to hold and felt hair looked less brittle after washing. Overall, they were satisfied with the cleanse it provided and our lab found it reduced oil by 80%.
Key specifications
Volume: 50g
Paraben free: Yes
Silicone free: Yes
Sulphate free: Yes
The goal here is to blitz away any sweat and dirt without sucking moisture from the hair. Our panel found it did the trick, describing their hair as more balanced after using. The result? Testers noticed locks were not only cleaner but fuller too.
Key specifications
Volume: 236ml
Paraben free: Yes
Silicone free: Yes
Sulphate free: Yes
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