What Is the Best Shampoo for Oily Hair? 5 Japanese Scalp-Cleansing Options
If you are asking what is the best shampoo for oily hair, start by thinking about your scalp rather than the ends of your hair.
Oily roots can come with different needs. Some people mainly want stronger cleansing for excess sebum and product buildup. Others have oily roots but dry lengths and therefore prefer cleansing that does not leave the rest of the hair feeling overly stripped. Oiliness can also appear alongside dandruff, itching, scalp odor, sweat, or flat roots.
That means the best shampoo for oily hair is not necessarily the strongest clarifying shampoo you can find.
Japanese scalp shampoos include formulas designed around dense cleansing foam, amino-acid surfactants, non-silicone textures, medicated dandruff care, scalp freshness, and moisture balance. Choosing among them is easier when you know exactly what you want your shampoo to accomplish.
At Japan Standards, the five options in this guide cover different oily-scalp needs, from deep root cleansing to medicated dandruff care and gentler amino-acid cleansing.
Browse the Japan Standards Shampoo Collection, explore Haircare, or view Scalp Treatments for complementary care.
What Is the Best Shampoo for Oily Hair? Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | Main Focus |
|---|---|---|
| MARO17 Collagen Shampoo Perfect Wash | Oily roots and buildup | Excess sebum cleansing + root volume |
| UL-OS Medicated Scalp Shampoo | Oily scalp with flakes or itch | Sebum cleansing + medicated scalp care |
| MARO Medicated Deo Scalp Shampoo | Oily scalp with odor concerns | Deep cleansing + freshness |
| BULK HOMME THE SHAMPOO | Oily scalp needing moisture balance | Amino-acid cleansing + hydration |
| Serapie Medicated Skin Care Shampoo | Dandruff-prone or itchy scalp | Gentle medicated cleansing |
The right choice depends on whether your priority is stronger cleansing, scalp freshness, dandruff care, root volume, or balanced everyday washing.
Oily Hair Shampoo Guide
What Should You Look for in Shampoo for Oily Hair?
A good oily-hair shampoo needs to remove scalp oil effectively while still fitting the condition of your hair.
Cleansing Power for Excess Sebum
If your roots become visibly greasy quickly, look for a shampoo specifically positioned to wash away sebum, dirt, and scalp buildup.
MARO17 and BULK HOMME both explicitly emphasize cleansing excess sebum or stubborn scalp dirt.
Lightweight Finish for Flat Roots
Oil and buildup can make hair appear flatter at the scalp.
A formula that cleans the roots thoroughly without leaving a heavy coating can help maintain a lighter-feeling finish. MARO17 also includes volume-supporting positioning for hair that feels fuller and more lifted at the roots.
Medicated Care When Dandruff or Itching Is Also Present
Oily scalp and dandruff are not the same issue, but they can occur together.
UL-OS, MARO Medicated Deo, and Serapie are medicated shampoos with specific dandruff or itch-related claims. Use those claims as intended rather than assuming every oily-hair shampoo treats dandruff.
Gentle Cleansing Can Still Matter
People with oily roots can also have sensitive or dry-feeling scalp areas.
An amino-acid cleansing formula can be useful when you want sebum removal without choosing the most aggressive-feeling cleanser.
Think About Your Ends Separately
If the scalp is oily but the ends are dry or damaged, concentrate shampoo mainly at the roots and use conditioner through the lengths.
The Best Formula Matches the Scalp Concern
Oiliness alone does not tell you whether you need clarifying, medicated, volumizing, or moisture-balanced shampoo.
5 Japanese Shampoos for Oily Hair & Scalp
Compare deep root cleansing, medicated dandruff care, refreshing scalp care, amino-acid cleansing, and gentler medicated washing.
1. MARO17 Collagen Shampoo Perfect Wash 350ml
The most directly oily-hair-focused shampoo in this comparison.
MARO17 is the strongest all-around choice here when the main concern is excess scalp oil plus buildup and flat roots.
Best Shampoo for Oily Roots and Buildup
MARO17 Collagen Shampoo Perfect Wash 350ml is the most directly oily-hair-focused shampoo in this comparison.
It is designed for oily hair and scalp, producing dense foam that washes away excess sebum, buildup, and everyday impurities. The non-silicone formula also includes volume-supporting ingredients for a fuller, more lifted feel at the roots.
Why It Works for Greasy Roots
A scalp that accumulates oil, sweat, or styling residue can make freshly washed hair lose volume quickly.
MARO17 focuses first on cleansing that root area.
Its formula includes sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate alongside additional cleansing agents, plus menthol for a refreshing feel.
Moisturizing Ingredients
The formula also contains collagen, sodium hyaluronate, royal jelly extract, jojoba oil, avocado oil, evening primrose oil, and several botanical extracts.
These ingredients do not change the fact that this is primarily a scalp-cleansing shampoo, but they give the formula a conditioning component.
Best For
Choose MARO17 if you have:
- Oily roots
- Scalp buildup
- Flat-looking roots
- Hair that loses freshness quickly
- A preference for non-silicone shampoo
Buying Cue
MARO17 is the strongest all-around choice here when the main concern is excess scalp oil plus buildup and flat roots.
2. UL-OS Men's Medicated Scalp Shampoo Refill 420ml
Combines excess-sebum cleansing with medicated care for dandruff, itchiness, and sweat-odor concerns.
Choose UL-OS when oily scalp comes with dandruff, itching, or sweat-odor concerns rather than oiliness alone.
Best for Oily Scalp With Dandruff, Itchiness, or Sweat Odor
UL-OS Medicated Scalp Shampoo Refill 420ml combines excess-sebum cleansing with medicated scalp care.
It gently removes excess sebum and impurities while its medicated actives are used for dandruff, itchiness, and sweat-odor prevention.
Medicated Scalp-Care Formula
The active ingredients listed are 5-cymenol and dipotassium glycyrrhizinate.
The formula also uses plant-derived amino-acid cleansing agents and is designed to leave hair smooth even without silicone.
Why This Combination Matters
People who have oily roots plus flakes or itching may need more than a standard clarifying shampoo.
UL-OS combines the cleansing of oily scalp with specifically labeled medicated scalp-care functions.
Best For
Consider UL-OS when you want:
- Excess sebum removal
- Daily scalp cleansing
- Dandruff care
- Itch-related scalp care
- Sweat-odor prevention
- Amino-acid cleansers
- Silicone-free finishing
Buying Cue
Choose UL-OS when oily scalp comes with dandruff, itching, or sweat-odor concerns rather than oiliness alone.
3. MARO Men's Medicated Deo Scalp Shampoo Refill 400ml
A medicated shampoo focused on deep scalp cleansing, freshness, and odor care.
Choose MARO Medicated Deo if freshness, deep root cleansing, and scalp-odor care are major priorities.
Best for Oily Scalp Freshness and Odor Care
MARO Men's Medicated Deo Scalp Shampoo Refill 400ml is another medicated option, but its positioning leans strongly toward deep scalp cleansing, freshness, and odor care.
The non-silicone shampoo helps prevent dandruff, itching, and unpleasant scalp odor while deeply cleansing the roots. It has a green mint fragrance and includes menthol.
Cleansing Plus Moisture
Although it has refreshing and deep-cleansing positioning, the formula also contains moisturizing and conditioning ingredients.
These include sodium hyaluronate, water-soluble collagen, avocado oil, olive oil, jojoba oil, evening primrose oil, tea leaf extract, and other botanical extracts.
Good for Hot or Sweaty Conditions
People whose scalp feels oily or less fresh after sweating may prefer a shampoo with a stronger refreshing profile.
The menthol and green-mint positioning distinguish this product from the softer cleansing approach of BULK HOMME or Serapie.
Best For
- Greasy scalp
- Scalp odor concerns
- Sweat-prone scalp
- Dandruff-prone scalp
- Itch-related scalp care
- People who like a refreshing wash
Buying Cue
Choose MARO Medicated Deo if freshness, deep root cleansing, and scalp-odor care are major priorities.
4. BULK HOMME THE SHAMPOO Amino Acid Non-Silicone 200g
A non-silicone amino-acid shampoo that cleans stubborn sebum while maintaining a hydrated feel.
Choose BULK HOMME when you want sebum cleansing with a more moisture-conscious amino-acid formula.
Best for Oily Scalp With Moisture-Balance Concerns
BULK HOMME THE SHAMPOO takes a different approach.
It is a non-silicone amino-acid shampoo that creates dense foam to lift stubborn sebum and dirt from pores while leaving the scalp and hair clean but hydrated.
Amino-Acid Cleansing
Sodium lauroyl methylalaninate is one of its key cleansing agents.
The formula also contains glycerin, hydrolyzed silk, green tea leaf extract, yuzu fruit extract, collagen-related ingredients, and a hyaluronic-acid derivative.
This makes BULK HOMME useful when you want oily-scalp cleansing but do not necessarily want a strongly cooling or medicated formula.
Good for Oily Roots and Drier Hair
An oily scalp does not guarantee oily ends.
If you have greasy roots but want the hair to maintain a moisturized feel, the balance of sebum cleansing and conditioning ingredients may make BULK HOMME more appealing.
Best For
- Oily scalp
- Scalp dirt and buildup
- People preferring amino-acid cleansers
- Non-silicone hair care
- Oily roots with moisture-balance concerns
Buying Cue
Choose BULK HOMME when you want sebum cleansing with a more moisture-conscious amino-acid formula.
5. Serapie Medicated Skin Care Shampoo 230ml
A medicated dandruff-care option for oily scalps that also feel uncomfortable, flaky, or itchy.
Choose Serapie when dandruff and scalp comfort matter more than aggressive sebum removal.
Best for Dandruff-Prone or Itchy Scalp Needing Gentle Cleansing
Serapie Medicated Skin Care Shampoo 230ml is not positioned primarily as a heavy oil-removal shampoo.
Instead, it is better suited to people whose scalp concerns include dandruff and itching and who want a gentler medicated cleansing approach.
Serapie contains piroctone olamine and is formulated to help control dandruff-related scalp concerns and itching while creating a rich cleansing foam. It also contains moisturizing agents and is suitable for daily use.
Sensitive-Scalp Positioning
The shampoo is paraben-free, described as hypoallergenic, and has a soft natural fragrance.
That gives it a different role from stronger refreshing products.
When to Choose Serapie
If your scalp gets oily but also becomes uncomfortable, flaky, or itchy, selecting shampoo only by maximum cleansing power may not be ideal.
Serapie gives you a medicated dandruff-care option with moisture-oriented scalp care.
Best For
- Dandruff-prone scalp
- Itchy scalp
- Daily cleansing
- People wanting medicated care with a gentler profile
- Oily scalp accompanied by flakes
Buying Cue
Choose Serapie when dandruff and scalp comfort matter more than aggressive sebum removal.
Which Is the Best Japanese Shampoo for Oily Hair by Need?
MARO17 Perfect Wash
It has the clearest combination of oily-scalp cleansing, buildup removal, and root-volume support.
UL-OS Medicated Scalp Shampoo
It combines excess-sebum cleansing with medicated dandruff and itch care.
MARO Medicated Deo Scalp Shampoo
Its medicated odor-care positioning and minty, menthol-containing formula make it the most freshness-focused option.
BULK HOMME THE SHAMPOO
Its amino-acid cleansing system targets stubborn sebum while maintaining a hydrated feel.
Serapie Medicated Skin Care Shampoo
It focuses on medicated dandruff and itch care with moisturizing agents and daily-use positioning.
What About Oily Roots and Dry Ends?
Keep shampoo concentrated on the scalp and roots, where oil and buildup accumulate.
Use Conditioner Through the Lengths
Browse the Japan Standards Conditioner Collection if your ends need additional softness or manageability.
Need Targeted Scalp Care?
Explore the Scalp Treatment Collection.
How to Wash Oily Hair Properly
Even a good shampoo works better when used correctly.
Thoroughly Wet the Scalp
Use lukewarm water and fully saturate the scalp and hair before adding shampoo.
Focus Shampoo on the Roots
Massage the foam gently over the scalp with your fingertips rather than aggressively scratching.
MARO17, UL-OS, MARO Deo, BULK HOMME, and Serapie all direct people to apply shampoo to wet hair or scalp, lather, massage, and rinse thoroughly.
Rinse Thoroughly
Residual shampoo or styling products can leave the roots feeling less clean.
Do You Need to Shampoo Twice?
Not always.
A second wash can be useful when there is substantial styling-product or dry-shampoo buildup, but routine double shampooing is not automatically necessary for everyone.
Apply Conditioner Mainly Where Needed
If your scalp gets greasy quickly, concentrate richer conditioner on mid-lengths and ends rather than automatically coating the roots.
Adjust Frequency to Your Scalp
There is no universal wash schedule for oily hair. Choose a frequency that keeps the scalp comfortable and clean without repeatedly over-cleansing it.
Oily Hair in Humid Weather
Heat and humidity can make oily roots, sweat, and flat hair feel more noticeable.
If frizz is also a problem, read the Hair Care for Frizz and Humidity Guide.
If your scalp is oily but your lengths feel dry or damaged, a targeted treatment on the lengths can also help. See the Hair Mask Complete Guide.
The key is separating scalp care from length care: cleanse the oily roots effectively, then condition or treat dry areas where needed.
Where to Buy Japanese Shampoo for Oily Hair
Japan Standards offers Japanese shampoo for different scalp and hair needs, including excess-sebum cleansing, dandruff care, moisture balance, root volume, and everyday hair washing.
Browse more Japanese formulas.
Explore shampoo, conditioner, treatments, masks, oils, and styling products.
Add care for dry or damaged lengths.
Explore complementary targeted scalp care.
You can also visit Japan Standards for the wider Japanese beauty selection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Shampoo for Oily Hair?
For excess oil and buildup, MARO17 Perfect Wash is the strongest fit in this comparison. If oiliness occurs with dandruff or itchiness, UL-OS may be more appropriate. If you want amino-acid cleansing and moisture balance, consider BULK HOMME.
What Shampoo Is Good for Oily Scalp and Dandruff?
UL-OS and Serapie both have medicated dandruff-care positioning. UL-OS additionally emphasizes excess-sebum cleansing, while Serapie has a gentler scalp-care focus.
What Shampoo Is Best for Greasy Roots and Flat Hair?
MARO17 is designed for oily scalp and buildup and includes volume-supporting ingredients for a lifted root feel.
Is Amino-Acid Shampoo Good for Oily Hair?
It can be. BULK HOMME demonstrates that an amino-acid shampoo can still be formulated to remove stubborn sebum and pore dirt while maintaining moisture.
Can Oily Hair Still Have Dry Ends?
Yes. Scalp oiliness and the condition of the lengths are separate issues. You can focus shampoo at the roots while applying conditioner or treatment mainly to dry mid-lengths and ends.
Does Shampoo Permanently Stop an Oily Scalp?
No shampoo in this guide should be described as permanently stopping sebum production. These formulas cleanse excess oil, impurities, or buildup while supporting different scalp-care needs.
Final Thoughts
So, what is the best shampoo for oily hair?
Choose MARO17 Collagen Shampoo Perfect Wash when excess sebum, buildup, and flat roots are your main concerns.
Choose UL-OS Medicated Scalp Shampoo when oiliness occurs alongside dandruff, itchiness, or sweat odor.
Choose MARO Medicated Deo Scalp Shampoo when you want deep cleansing with refreshing odor-care and medicated scalp benefits.
Choose BULK HOMME THE SHAMPOO if you prefer amino-acid, non-silicone cleansing that removes stubborn sebum while maintaining a more hydrated feel.
Choose Serapie Medicated Skin Care Shampoo when dandruff, itching, and scalp comfort are more important than aggressive oil removal.
The best approach is to match your shampoo to the actual concern: excess sebum, scalp buildup, dandruff, odor, sensitivity, moisture balance, or flat roots.
Browse the Japan Standards Shampoo Collection, explore Haircare, shop Conditioner, browse Scalp Treatments, or visit Japan Standards.
Find the Right Japanese Shampoo for Your Scalp
Compare Japanese shampoos for excess sebum, scalp buildup, dandruff, freshness, root volume, moisture balance, and everyday cleansing.
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