Welcome to How to Be a Redhead 
Updated: October 31st, 2023
Experiencing an oily scalp? It may seem like no matter how much you wash your red hair, you can’t seem to get rid of the excess oil. Did you know oil may intensify as the temperatures and humidity increase? We’re here to help!
The first way to combat oily scalps is to choose a ‘redhead friendly’ shampoo that is made specifically to clarify or rebalance the hair. Look for exfoliating ingredients such as tea tree oil to help properly cleanse your scalp and get rid of any build-up. After shampooing, make sure to condition your ends so they stay hydrated and healthy.
Here are our top 11 ‘Redhead Friendly’ approved shampoos to use if you have an oily scalp:
1. Acts as a scalp resetter: VERB Reset Clarifying Shampoo, $18
2. Most popular: Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Shampoo, $28
A cult-favorite shampoo powered by Living Proof’s patented Healthy Hair Molecule (OFPMA), which in this formula does four things: smooths hair, polishes and protects strands, creates visibly healthier hair over time and helps repel dirt and oil to keep hair cleaner, longer.
3. A salon favorite: R+CO OBLIVION Clarifying Shampoo, $26
Purifies the hair and removes unwanted buildup with key ingredients such as rosemary leaf extract, amino acids, coconut oil and witch hazel.
4. For excess oil: Klorane Shampoo Oil Control, $20
This is for those with extreme scalp oiliness — we recommend keeping a product like this handy during the summer months. This shampoo from Klorane is rich in scopoletine, a polycyclic compound that tacts on the enzyme which regulates excess oil and helps increase the time span between hair washes. Enhances volume without weighing hair down.
5. A color-safe option: Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two, $13
Shampoo Two from Paul Mitchell helps minimize oil and add the perfect amount of body to flat, lifeless hair. The color-safe formula cleanses oily hair and the scalp, leaving hair feeling fresh and looking shiny.
6. Another color-safe option: Tea Tree Lavender Mint Moisturizing Shampoo
Featured in the March H2BAR Box, this other Paul Mitchell product is a favorite for red hair. Whether you’re a ‘by choice’ redhead or a natural redhead, the tea tree ingredients will provide extra vibrancy to your locks and help get rid of excess scalp oil.
7. A great plant-based option: Max Green Alchemy Scalp Rescue Shampoo, $20
Scalp Rescue Shampoo is formulated with a proprietary herbal infusion together with various traditional botanicals to assist the treatment of dry, flaking and itching scalps often caused by dandruff, psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis.
8. Invigorating ingredients: Aveda Rosemary Mint Purifying Shampoo, $33
Another cult-favorite purifying shampoo infused with an invigorating aroma of certified organic rosemary and peppermint to purify and give life to your dull, thin hair.
9. Mega shine and hydration: Julien Farel Hydrate Shampoo, $25
Featured in the March Monthly H2BAR Box, this hydrating shampoo from celebrity hairstylist, Julien Farel, is a new favorite of ours. It contains Hyaluronic Acid to strengthen fine, thinning, dry or damaged hair with mega hydration, leaving it with enhanced body and healthy shine.
10. An affordable option: L’Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Clay Rebalancing Shampoo, $3
A great drugstore option that purifies oily roots and hydrates dry lengths.
11. Say goodbye to buildup: Desert Essence Lemon Tea Tree Shampoo, $9
Wash away excess oil and product buildup without stripping hair of its natural moisture with this Desert Essence shampoo. Infused with Australian tea tree oil and lemon peel extract.
If you are looking for a shampoo to add shine to your red hair, look no further:
Finally Glossy® Shine & Luminosity Shampoo for Redheads
It took many years to custom-make the Finally Glossy® formula and we’re so excited for redheads to enjoy it. We’re thrilled to release another clean redhead beauty product. It is paraben-free, cruelty-free, sulfate-free, petroleum-free, mineral-oil, and vegan. It also contains no perfume, is free of gluten and is silicone-free, phthalate-free, formaldehyde-free and cocamidopropyl betaine-free. This clean formula is formulated with Vitamin B3, olive oil, coconut oil and green tea.
Looking for the perfect hair towel to go with your new shampoo? Look no further!
BONUS: How to be a Redhead Soft Microfiber Hair Towel
When drying your hair opt to use a microfiber towel! Introducing the How to be a Redhead Soft Microfiber Hair Towel for Redheads. Because wet hair is at its most vulnerable, this custom microfiber towel gently and carefully absorbs moisture from your red hair and dries it quickly, all while protecting it from stretching and breakage. This design is uniquely shaped to wrap all of your hair securely (no matter the length), with an elastic strap to comfortably keep things in place. Your hair journey starts here, redheads.
