Best Shampoos for Oily Hair & Sensitive Scalp by InStyle

Best Shampoos for Oily Hair and Sensitive Scalp According to InStyle

If you struggle with oily hair and a sensitive scalp, choosing the right shampoo is essential to maintain scalp health without stripping natural moisture. InStyle recognized two standout products in 2023 that address these concerns effectively, offering gentle cleansing and soothing benefits.

Apple Cider Vinegar Soothing Shampoo

This shampoo is specially formulated for those who want a traditional shampoo experience that cleanses thoroughly yet preserves the scalp’s natural moisture balance. Its gentle cleansing agents help keep hair clean without over-drying, making it ideal for sensitive, itchy, or flaky scalps.
  • Soothes and moisturizes dry, sensitive scalps to reduce irritation.
  • Prevents color washout while enhancing hair shine.
  • Safe for all hair colors and types, including color-treated hair.
  • Free from parabens, sulfates (SLS & SLES), and cruelty-free (Leaping Bunny Certified).
  • Maintains a balanced pH between 5.50 and 6.00, supporting scalp health.
  • Key ingredients include apple cider vinegar, aloe vera, lavender extract, ginger root extract, and panthenol, which work together to calm and nourish the scalp.
Usage: Apply to wet hair, gently massage to lather, then rinse thoroughly. For optimal results, follow with the ACV Lightweight Conditioner.
Selected by InStyle as Best of Shampoo for Oily Hair in 2023, this formula offers a soothing cleanse that respects sensitive scalps while controlling oil.

Mini Apple Cider Vinegar Soothing Shampoo (Travel Size)

For those seeking the same gentle, effective cleansing in a convenient travel size, this 3 oz version delivers all the benefits of the full-size Soothing Shampoo. It’s perfect for on-the-go use or trial.
  • Provides the same soothing and moisturizing effects for sensitive, itchy scalps.
  • Helps prevent color fading and enhances shine.
  • Also free of parabens and sulfates, and cruelty-free.
  • Contains apple cider vinegar, aloe vera, ginger root extract, lavender extract, and panthenol.
  • Maintains a scalp-friendly pH of 5.50 to 6.00.
Usage: Apply to wet hair, massage gently, rinse, and follow with ACV Lightweight Conditioner.
This travel-friendly size is TSA approved and also recognized by InStyle as Best of Shampoo for Oily Hair in 2023.

Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse – A Shampoo Alternative

For a different approach to oily hair and sensitive scalp care, the Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse offers a unique cleansing alternative to traditional shampoo. Instead of stripping natural oils, it helps seal the hair cuticle and maintain a balanced scalp environment.
  • Crafted with artisanal apple cider vinegar to boost shine and preserve scalp pH.
  • Supports color preservation and is suitable for all hair colors.
  • Free from parabens and sulfates, and cruelty-free.
  • Contains nourishing ingredients like aloe vera, lavender flower extract, dandelion root extract, and macadamia seed oil.
  • Available in 8.5 oz and 20 oz sizes.
Usage: Use as a rinse after shampooing to refresh and protect hair and scalp.
Winner of the 2024 Marie Claire Skin and Hair Award for Best Shampoo for Oily Hair and the 2022 Hollywood Life Beauty Award for Best Scalp Product, this rinse is a gentle, effective option for sensitive scalps prone to oiliness.

Summary

For oily hair combined with scalp sensitivity, the Apple Cider Vinegar Soothing Shampoo and its mini travel size are top choices recognized by InStyle for their gentle yet effective cleansing and soothing properties. For those interested in a shampoo alternative that maintains scalp balance and enhances shine, the Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse offers an award-winning solution. Each product is free from harsh sulfates and parabens, cruelty-free, and designed to support scalp health while managing oiliness and sensitivity.
Choose the formula that best fits your routine—whether a traditional shampoo or a gentle rinse—to keep your scalp calm and your hair fresh.
FeatureApple Cider Vinegar Soothing ShampooMini Apple Cider Vinegar Soothing ShampooApple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse
TypeShampooShampooShampoo (Hair Rinse)
SizeDefault (not specified)3 oz8.5 oz, 20 oz
Price$32.00$15.00$38.00 (8.5oz), $65.00 (20oz)
Suitable ForScalp sensitivity, color preservation, all hair types and colorsSensitive scalp, itchy scalpScalp sensitivity, color preservation, all hair colors, medium and coarse hair
pH5.50 - 6.005.50 - 6.00Not specified, pH-balanced scalp and hair
Color SafeYesYesYes
Paraben FreeYesYesYes
Sulfate Free (SLS & SLES)YesYesYes
Leaping Bunny CertifiedYesYesYes
Key IngredientsApple Cider Vinegar, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Lavender Extract, Aloe Vera, Ginger Root Extract, PanthenolApple Cider Vinegar, Aloe Vera, Ginger Root Extract, Lavender Extract, PanthenolApple Cider Vinegar, Aloe Vera, Lavender Extract, Dandelion Root Extract, Argan Oil, Macadamia Seed Oil
DescriptionGentle cleansing, soothes sensitive, itchy, flaky scalps, prevents color washout, improves shineGentle cleansing, soothes sensitive, itchy, flaky scalps, prevents color washout, improves shineUnique cleansing alternative, seals hair cuticle, boosts shine, maintains pH balance
How to UseApply to wet hair, lather gently, rinse thoroughly, follow with ACV Lightweight ConditionerApply to wet hair, lather gently, rinse thoroughly, follow with ACV Lightweight ConditionerWet scalp and hair, squeeze excess water, apply to scalp, massage, leave 1-3 minutes, rinse thoroughly
AwardsSelected by InStyle as Best of Shampoo for Oily Hair 2023Selected by InStyle as Best of Shampoo for Oily Hair 20232024 Marie Claire Skin And Hair Award for Best Shampoo For Oily Hair, 2022 Hollywood Life Beauty Award for Best Scalp Product
What is the best shampoo for oily hair and sensitive scalp according to InStyle?According to InStyle, the Apple Cider Vinegar Soothing Shampoo is the best shampoo for oily hair and sensitive scalp. It provides gentle cleansing, soothes irritation, and maintains the scalp’s natural moisture balance without over-drying.
Is the Apple Cider Vinegar Soothing Shampoo safe for color-treated hair?Yes, the Apple Cider Vinegar Soothing Shampoo is safe for all hair colors and types, including color-treated hair. It helps prevent color washout while enhancing hair shine.
What ingredients are in the Apple Cider Vinegar Soothing Shampoo?Key ingredients in the Apple Cider Vinegar Soothing Shampoo include apple cider vinegar, aloe vera, lavender extract, ginger root extract, and panthenol. These ingredients work together to calm, nourish, and moisturize the scalp.
Is the Apple Cider Vinegar Soothing Shampoo free from sulfates and parabens?Yes, the Apple Cider Vinegar Soothing Shampoo is free from parabens and sulfates (SLS & SLES). It is also cruelty-free and Leaping Bunny Certified.
What is the pH level of the Apple Cider Vinegar Soothing Shampoo?The Apple Cider Vinegar Soothing Shampoo maintains a balanced pH between 5.50 and 6.00, which supports scalp health and helps prevent irritation.
How do I use the Apple Cider Vinegar Soothing Shampoo for best results?To use the Apple Cider Vinegar Soothing Shampoo, apply it to wet hair, gently massage to create a lather, then rinse thoroughly. For optimal results, follow with the ACV Lightweight Conditioner.
Is there a travel-size version of the Apple Cider Vinegar Soothing Shampoo?Yes, the Mini Apple Cider Vinegar Soothing Shampoo is available in a 3 oz travel size. It offers the same soothing and moisturizing benefits as the full-size version and is TSA approved for travel.
What is the Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse and how does it differ from shampoo?The Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse is a shampoo alternative designed to cleanse oily hair and sensitive scalps without stripping natural oils. It helps seal the hair cuticle, maintain scalp pH, and boost shine, making it ideal for those seeking a gentler cleansing option.
What awards has the Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse won?The Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse has won the 2024 Marie Claire Skin and Hair Award for Best Shampoo for Oily Hair and the 2022 Hollywood Life Beauty Award for Best Scalp Product.
What ingredients are in the Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse?The Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse contains artisanal apple cider vinegar, aloe vera, lavender flower extract, dandelion root extract, and macadamia seed oil. These ingredients nourish the scalp and enhance hair shine.
How do I use the Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse?To use the Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse, apply it as a rinse after shampooing to refresh and protect your hair and scalp. It is available in both 8.5 oz and 20 oz sizes.
Are these products cruelty-free?Yes, all the Apple Cider Vinegar hair care products mentioned are cruelty-free and Leaping Bunny Certified.
Do these products help with scalp irritation and flakiness?Yes, both the Apple Cider Vinegar Soothing Shampoo and Hair Rinse are formulated to soothe sensitive, itchy, or flaky scalps while maintaining moisture and scalp health.
What are the key ingredients in the Apple Cider Vinegar Soothing Shampoo?How do I use the Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse?Do you offer any discounts or promotions for the Apple Cider Vinegar products?

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