"I have always been intensely jealous of the people on social media who rave about their “10-day hair,” showing off locks that look like a fresh blowout nearly a fortnight later. When it comes to my own hair, I consider myself lucky if I’m able to go for two days without it looking like I got lost coming out of a steam room. Perhaps it’s my lack of patience in oil training my hair, combined with the fact that I live in Florida, where intense humidity is a way of life. But my hair just refuses to behave without lots of coaxing. Namely, it needs the best of the best dry shampoos to get by.
And, as it turns out, I am very picky when it comes to dry shampoos. It needs to have enough hold to style my hair, but not so much that it feels chalky throughout the day (ick, I hate that feeling). It also needs to be easy to apply quickly since I have approximately 30 seconds in the morning to make my hair look halfway presentable. In my quest to find the perfect one, I have tested quite a few dry shampoos over the years, and these are the seven best that have outshined the rest by far.
Choosing the Right Dry Shampoo
Choosing the right dry shampoo can feel like navigating a maze, especially with how many options are available. But fear not! The key is to consider your hair type, texture, and specific needs. If you have fine hair, you’ll want a gentle, residue-free option like Dove. It’s light and won’t weigh your hair down. For those with thicker hair, a dry shampoo that adds texture and volume, such as Not Your Mothers Dry Shampoo, can work wonders. It gives that extra oomph without making your hair feel gritty.
If you have darker hair, finding a product that doesn’t leave a white residue is crucial. Captain Blankenship Refresh Dry Shampoo is a fantastic choice, designed specifically for darker locks. Beyond hair type, think about the ingredients, fragrance, and price point. Some dry shampoos come with delightful scents, while others focus on natural ingredients. Choose what aligns best with your preferences and budget.
I’m a Beauty Writer—Here Are the Dry Shampoos That Actually Work
Crown Affair The Refillable Dry Shampoo
The easiest dry shampoo application
Crown Affair’s The Refillable Dry Shampoo ($42, $32 for refill) comes with pretty unique packaging. The talc-free, refillable dry shampoo powder comes with a Kabuki brush, allowing you to pick up as much as you need and use it wherever needed. I can honestly say that this is my favorite way of applying dry shampoo because it makes it so incredibly easy to only use it where needed. While the product is expensive, a little goes a long way (I’m several months into my first container and still have plenty of formula to use). And, even better, it’s refillable, so you just need to buy the initial packaging one time.
The formula uses persimmon powder, which acts as a natural deodorizer and has a subtle scent of bergamot, yuzu, and lemongrass. Tapioca starch helps to absorb oils, while tsubaki seed oil hydrates and prevents irritation. It manages to keep my oily scalp at bay, all without any itchiness or irritation that some formulas can cause.
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R+Co Spiritualized Dry Shampoo Mist
The best dry shampoo for a mid-day refresh
The R+Co Spiritualized Dry Shampoo Mist ($32) is unlike any other formula on the market. Instead of your typical powder formula, this liquid spray suspends cleansing powder in a micellar formula. The result is a more watery spray that never feels like your hair is getting overwhelmed with powder.
My personal favorite way to apply this is to spritz all over to make my hair just slightly damp, and then give it a quick blow dry to really activate the formula. This is a great option for a mid-day refresh, especially after a workout or anytime you get particularly sweaty. It also works well as a texture spray to add volume and refresh hair.
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Rahua Voluminous Dry Shampoo
The best non-aerosol spray dry shampoo
Dry shampoo is most frequently distributed through an aerosol can, which provides a powerful spray to give you a concentrated amount of product. If you’re looking for a non-aerosol spray, though, I recommend the Rahua Voluminous Dry Shampoo ($32).
The non-aerosol dispenser makes this more environmentally friendly (because it can more easily be recycled), but the formula is also of note. It uses tapioca starch and cosmetic clay for oil absorption, with a beautiful fragrance provided by vanilla and star anise.
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Captain Blankenship Refresh Dry Shampoo
The best dry shampoo for darker hair
As someone with darker hair, I’ve found that a lot of white dry shampoos leave my hair looking ashy if they can’t blend in properly. If you also have this issue, the Captain Blankenship Refresh Dry Shampoo ($26) is a must-try. Available in both a light and dark formula, the simple ingredient list uses arrowroot, organic glacial marine clay, and aluminum-free baking soda to refresh your hair.
There’s a subtle scent of rose geranium and palmarosa as well, giving you volume, clean locks, and great-smelling hair. On top of that, I love the way it dispenses product. You simply dispense a bit into your hands and rub it into your hair. It makes it easy to get just the right amount, so you aren’t applying too much.
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Klorane Dry Shampoo
The best dry shampoo for volume
For a gentle formula that will absorb oil from even the most intense between-shampoo days, Klorane Dry Shampoo ($34) is your pick. The key ingredient for Klorane’s formula is oat milk, which helps to soothe, protect, and help with irritation. The oil is absorbed with a combination of corn and rice starch, as well as silica.
All of these together help to cleanse the hair and soak up any excess oil. For me, the really winning quality is how much volume this gives your hair. The formula is powerful, and adding a bit to your roots will create plenty of lift even on the most lifeless of strands.
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dae Fairy Duster Dry Shampoo
The best-smelling dry shampoo
When it comes to amazing-smelling hair products, no one does it quite like dae. The majority of their products come in a signature citrus scent, with notes of citrus, orange blossom, and vanilla. And the dae Fairy Duster Dry Shampoo ($30) is no exception, packed with the embodiment of the scent of summer.
But, aside from the great scent, the product itself really performs. It’s talc-free and transparent, with a fairly powerful non-aerosol spray. A little goes a long way, so you can spritz where needed for easy oil absorption and volume.
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Kristin Ess Hair Style Reviving Dry Shampoo
The best drugstore dry shampoo
For a drugstore option, the Kristin Ess Hair Style Reviving Dry Shampoo ($15) is pretty hard to beat. The formula is great at absorbing oil with a super powerful aerosol spray that will get a concentrated amount wherever you need it. I like to spray this all over and then rub it in with the heat of my fingers to really work it into the roots for some extra volume. The scent of this one is also great, with notes of sandalwood, pear, and magnolia that smell extra fresh.
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How to Use Dry Shampoo for the Best Results
Getting the most out of your dry shampoo is all about technique. Here’s a foolproof method to ensure your hair looks fresh and fabulous:
- Shake It Up: Before anything else, give the can a good shake. This ensures the formula is mixed well and ready to work its magic.
- Spray Smart: Hold the can about 4-6 inches from your head. This distance helps distribute the product evenly across your roots.
- Massage In: Use your fingertips to massage the product into your scalp. This helps it absorb excess oil and impurities effectively.
- Let It Sit: Give it a minute or two to fully absorb. Patience here pays off with cleaner, fresher hair.
- Brush It Out: Use a brush or comb to distribute the product evenly and remove any excess powder.
- Style Away: Now, style your hair as usual. You’ll find it easier to manage and with added volume.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Dry Shampoo
While dry shampoo is a lifesaver, there are a few common mistakes that can hinder its effectiveness. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Overuse: Using too much can lead to buildup and residue. Less is often more.
- Skipping the Shake: Not shaking the can well can result in uneven distribution. Always give it a good shake before use.
- Spraying Too Close: Holding the can too close can cause clumping and white residue. Keep a good distance to ensure even application.
- Skipping the Massage: Not massaging the product into your scalp can reduce its effectiveness. Take a moment to work it in with your fingertips.
- Using on Wet Hair: Dry shampoo is designed for dry hair. Using it on wet hair can cause clumping and a sticky residue.
By avoiding these pitfalls and following the tips above, you can make the most of your dry shampoo and keep your hair looking its best.