The Only 3 Things You Need to Fix Oily Roots & Dry Ends in NZ, According to an Ex-Hairdresser

Millie Porter Adore Beauty Millie Porter Adore Beauty

Working in Adore's Customer Experience team, I field a lot of customer beauty questions.

But I swear to you, every second question goes something like this:

What is the best shampoo for oily scalp and dry ends in NZ?? I need oily scalp dry ends help!

Do you have a good shampoo for greasy hair and dry ends? How about the best shampoo and conditioner for oily scalp and dry ends in Aus?

The whole oily roots and dry ends conundrum is one of the most common concerns I saw working as a hairdresser, too.

Personally, I used to have to wash my fine hair every single day to manage my greasy scalp dry ends problems.

Even after using special purpose oily roots dry ends shampoo, my roots would still feel oily the next day.

And my ends? Thirsty AF.

Over the years, I've found the best shampoo for oily hair in NZ, tackling those common issues and dry ends to save on crunchy tips.

I’m talking natural shampoo for oily hair and dry ends, shampoo for oily scalp and dry ends, dry shampoo for greasy hair and even the best conditioner for oily hair in NZ.

Would you believe, I only wash my hair twice a week now, folks.

I’ve also learnt some tips and tricks that I think will transform your oily roots dry ends situation into desirably luscious locks.

Keep scrolling for the oily scalp dry ends mistakes you might be making, and the three simple steps to great hair days, every day.

Why Do I Have An Oily Scalp & Dry Ends?

The oily roots dry ends hair concern is widespread and usually comes down to two factors:

  • Seasonal or situational, meaning external factors like the weather and season can impact on how much oil your scalp produces.

  • Genetics - Your scalp sebaceous glands (the oil producers in the scalp) are naturally overactive.

Dry ends can be naturally dry, too. Or if you heat style a lot, or have bleached or lightened hair like mine, you might find your ends can get pretty crunchy.

We talk way more about oily roots and dry ends on this episode of the Beauty IQ Uncensored podcast below.

How to Fix Oily Roots and Dry Ends

Are you confused about why you simultaneously have an oily scalp but fizzy hair? From using the best shampoo for oily roots and dry ends to using natural shampoo made in NZ, here are some of the best ways to fix oily roots and dry ends:

1. Correctly brushing your hair. 2. Mix up your shampoo and conditioning routine. 3. Cut back on the amount you wash your hair. 4. Introducing dry shampoos. 5. Experiment with hair oils. 6. Avoid touching your hair. 7. Reduce your use of heat. 8. Introduce hair oil into your routine.

Oily Roots Dry Ends Mistakes.

Looking for ways to fix your oily roots and dry ends without any luck? It might not be your products. Here are some of the most common oily scalp dry ends mistakes I see people make:

  • Washing hair too much - If you're activating the scalp every day, you can strip the scalp and cause it to overcompensate by producing more oil,  resulting in the endless cycle of needing to fix oily roots and dry ends

  • Only shampooing once - Washing with one shampoo only lifts dirt and debris a couple inches off the scalp, rather than removing it from the hair completely.

  • Using hydrating products too close to the roots - The scalp produces oil to hydrate the hair and look after it, so you don't need to apply product there.

  • Using the wrong products for your hair can strip the scalp of moisture, causing it to create more.

Products For Oily Scalp Dry Ends in NZ.

Now onto the good bit – the product recommendations.

Are you ready to fix oily roots and dry ends? Mixing and matching your hair products and brands is the key to finding the best shampoo and conditioner for oily scalp dry ends.

Like you would with skin care, you can use different hair products from other brands - and at various price points - to manage an oily scalp, greasy roots and dry ends, all at the same time.

So, here are the three things you need in your oily roots dry ends toolkit:

  • A scalp scrub (not essential, but using one changed my life, just sayin).

  • A oily scalp dry ends shampoo, or a shampoo for oily scalp management.

  • Rather than the best conditioner for oily hair, you want a conditioner specifically for your dry ends or other hair concerns like frizz or blonde toning.

You can watch me explain what causes oily roots and some of my favourite shampoos to use in the YouTube video below..

What are the Best Shampoos for Oily Hair in NZ?

For those of us struggling with oily hair and dry ends, we are always looking for the best shampoo in NZ to transform our look. Natural shampoo for oily hair uses nourishing ingredients, such as plant oils and citric acids, that address the source of dry scalp and oily hair. Various products are also designed for oily scalp and dry ends, including specialised shampoos and conditioners that should be used regularly to manage oily hair.

What is Oil Control Shampoo?

Are you finding it challenging to manage your oily scalp and dry ends? Oil control shampoo helps to transform how your hair both looks and feels.

But what is oil control shampoo?

Well, these products contain formulas designed to remove excess sebum, or oil, from the hair and scalp (this is why dandruff is oily).

There are many natural oily roots dry ends shampoo and conditioners available across NZ to support the maintenance of oily hair. Here are some of our suggestions for the best oil control shampoos and products:

1. Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub with Sea Salt.

Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub took me from washing my hair daily to twice a week. It’s a great product to fix oily roots and dry ends.

The results I saw from just one little change was incredible.

The formula has little grains in it, and by massaging it into your scalp as your first wash, you're lifting everything off the scalp.

Then when you do your second shampoo, you're actually cleansing the hair.

2. Kérastase Chronologiste Pre-Cleanse Shampoo Régénérant.

Kérastase Chronologiste pre-shampoo Kérastase Chronologiste pre-shampoo

Kérastase Chronologiste Regenerating Pre-Shampoo is a bougie option, but you can't go past it with the beautiful packaging and gorgeous scent.

Some scalp scrubs can be harsh, but this one is a super fine scrub, so it feels like a grittier shampoo to fix oily roots and dry ends.

Not stripping. Also not great for the bank account.

Shampoo for Oily Scalp in NZ.

For your second shampoo, you want a shampoo that will look after your scalp and target oiliness, flakiness, or whatever your hair concerns are.

As a rule of thumb, if a shampoo says 'hydrating' or 'nourishing', I'd be wary.

As for the best shampoo for oily roots and dry ends in NZ, I actually have three favourites at different price points.

3. Kérastase Specifique Balancing Shampoo.

When it comes to knowing how to fix oily roots and dry endsKérastase Specifique Balancing Shampoo has been in my repertoire for around eight years.

It's the GOAT (greatest of all time). One of my all-time favourites,  I recommend this shampoo to fix oily roots and dry ends.

It's formulated by dermatologists and trichologists (hair doctors) to help prevent excess sebum levels in the scalp. It does exactly what it says on the bottle - formulated for oily roots and sensitised ends.

If you can't be bothered with a scalp scrub and only want to use one shampoo to fix oily roots and dry ends, that is it.

4. Kevin Murphy Maxi Wash.

KEVIN.MURPHY Maxi.Wash is another personal favourite for how to fix oily roots and dry ends.

All Kevin Murphy formulas are incredible. Plus, it smells great and looks cute in the shower.

Maxi Wash is a purifying and detoxifying shampoo, so it will help to not just get rid of excess sebum, product and dirt from the scalp, but also remove build up on the hair.

5. ELEVEN NZ Deep Clean Shampoo.

I like to have an affordable, accessible option in my back pocket - more accurately, in my shower - because Kérastase isn't always going to fit into the budget.

ELEVEN Deep Clean Shampoo is a great bargain option and one of my favourite detoxifying shampoos to fix oily roots and dry ends.

Conditioner For Oily Roots & Dry Ends.

Finally, the third step in your oily roots dry ends routine is a conditioner, but what are the best conditioners for oily roots and dry ends?

The best conditioner for oily roots and dry ends is one containing nourishing, hydrating formulas free of sulphates and other toxic ingredients. Avoid getting the conditioner on your roots; instead, apply from the ears down to rebalance your hair and make it more manageable.

Less is more, start wth 5 cent or 10 cent piece and apply ears down or an inch from the scalp. Any leftover can go near the scalp, but only focus on the ends to begin.

Conditioner's job is to soften and hydrate your ends.

So, forget about your roots. Pick your conditioner based on the rest of your hair.

The best conditioner for oily roots and dry ends is one containing nourishing, hydrating formulas free of sulphates and other toxic ingredients. Avoid getting the conditioner on your roots; instead, apply from the ears down to rebalance your hair and make it more manageable.

Combining the best conditioner for oily hair and proper washing techniques will help you to fix oily roots and dry ends over time. With that said, we all have different hair types and issues to overcome, so here are some suggestions that might help you out:

new blonde hair products new blonde hair products

Have blonde hair that needs toning? Try:

Got fine hair that still needs lightweight hydration? Try:

For thick hair or damaged hair, try:

A final word of wisdom, the oily roots and dry ends life is about ongoing management rather than a quick fix.

But if I can do it, so can you!

Want to find more of the best products for dry and damaged hair? Check out our guides:






More Shampoo for Greasy Hair and Dry Ends Options.

If you can't get enough of oily scalp dry ends product recommendations, here are some more options for:

  • Shampoo for greasy hair and dry ends.

  • Shampoo for oily scalp and dry ends.

  • Shampoo for oily scalp and dry hair.

  • Shampoo and conditioner for oily hair.

With its mild formula, ILES FORMULA Haute Performance Shampoo can be used as a daily shampoo to remove everyday grime while boosting shine.

With its mild formula, ILES FORMULA Haute Performance Shampoo can be used as a daily shampoo to fix oily roots and dry ends while boosting shine. Iles Formula Haute Performance Shampoo 200ml is a lightweight yet effective hair cleanser that removes even the most stubborn impurities without ever causing dehydration, dryness, or heaviness.

Perfect for dull hair, the sulphate-free formulation is free of harsh, damaging chemicals, making it suitable for all hair types including fragile locks.

This revitalising shampoo suits hair that has oily roots and dry ends. The balancing formula removes excess sebum and rejuvenates the scalp without drying out the hair strands. Instead, this product adds natural shine and vitality for a healthier look and feel.

Infused with Silk Proteins, Iles Formula Haute Performance Shampoo 200ml also helps tame flyaways and frizz for a sleeker and smoother appearance.


A Balancing Shampoo to Control Oily Roots and Dry Ends Without Fading Colour.

This shampoo harnesses the powers of botanical extracts to promote healthy hair growth and a balanced scalp.

A Balancing Shampoo to Control Oily Roots and Dry Ends Without Fading Colour.

This shampoo harnesses the powers of botanical extracts to promote healthy hair growth and a balanced scalp to fix oily roots and dry ends. Traditional shampoos are full of abrasive ingredients that strip pigments out of colour-treated hair. KEVIN.MURPHY Balancing.Wash has been specifically formulated for coloured hair.

You can still enjoy all the benefits of a thorough and effective balancing hair shampoo without destroying the vividness and luminosity of your colour. An overactive scalp can lead to excess sebum production and thus combination hair: greasy roots and dry ends.

It contains high concentrations of Ylang-Ylang Flower Oil, which helps rebalance the scalp, so the perfect amount of sebum is produced to fix oily roots and dry ends for healthy locks.

It also contains Sage Leaf Extract, which clears flakes from the scalp, making it on of the best shampoos for greasy hair. Grapefruit Extract adds natural shine.

To prevent colour fading, Balancing.Wash is infused with Superoxide Dismutase. And Green Tea Leaf Extract, which provides antioxidant protection against environmental aggressors.

Klorane Nettle Oil Control Shampoo is a nourishing shampoo that can be used daily. It’s particularly good for oily scalps or can be used after intensive workouts for a thorough cleanse.

Klorane Nettle Oil Control Shampoo is a nourishing shampoo that can be used daily to fix oily roots and dry ends. It’s perfect for oily scalps or can be used after intensive workouts for a thorough cleanse. Klorane Nettle Shampoo is a revolutionary hair cleanser. Klorane’s unique formula boasts a unique blend of botanicals to control excess sebum on the hair and scalp for a more balanced finish.

Perfect for tackling hair that has oily roots and dry ends, this rebalancing shampoo effortlessly removes impurities, everyday grime, and excess oil without ever leaving hair feeling dry and stripped.

The weightless shampoo is the perfect first step in your haircare routine, ahead of volumising treatments. At the heart of this natural formulation lie Nettle Extracts, which have proven oil control properties that promote a healthier scalp and, therefore, healthier tresses.

Klorane Nettle Shampoo always remains lightweight without ever weighing down thin and fine locks.


Wella SP Balance Scalp Shampoo is suitable for all hair types and can be used as a daily shampoo.

Wella SP Balance Scalp Shampoo is suitable for all hair types and can be used as a daily shampoo to fix oily roots and dry ends. Wella SP Balance Scalp Shampoo is an incredibly gentle shampoo, perfect for cleansing thinning hair and sensitive scalps without causing further irritation, discomfort, or hair loss.

Many traditional shampoos are packed full of harsh cleansing agents and nasty chemicals. But this mild cleanser from Wella uses a calming complex of botanicals and vitamins to purify hair without stripping it of essential moisture.

This shampoo will remove excess oil and impurities from the scalp without causing dehydration and dryness throughout the lengths of the hair.

This lightweight shampoo is formulated with a unique Dermacalm Complex. Dermacalm is made up of:

  • D-Panthenol, a moisturising vitamin that strengthens the scalp’s natural defences against environmental aggressors

  • Bisabolol, a pure form of Chamomile that soothes the scalp

  • DL-Valine, an amino acid known for its anti-inflammatory benefits

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