Imagine a world where you can refresh your hair without water, all while maintaining a fresh and vibrant look. Enter the realm of dry shampoos, a hair care savior designed for those on-the-go and in-between wash days. These innovative, time-saving formulas not only absorb excess oil but also add volume and texture to your tresses, keeping your hair looking fresh and fabulous. (Lazy day, anyone?) With various scents and formulations available, there’s a shampoo out there for everyone.
The magic behind dry shampoos lies in their oil-absorbing ingredients, such as starch or silica, which soak up the oil and leave your hair feeling clean and refreshed, says Los Angeles-based board-certified trichologist Helen Davis. “Dry shampoos work by absorbing the excess sebum produced by the scalp, helping to prolong the time between washes,” she explains. In addition, they can also provide a much-needed boost to limp and lifeless hair, giving it a fuller, more voluminous appearance.
Dry shampoos come in various formats (aerosol spray, powder, foam) and finishes (matte, invisible, tinted), catering to different hair types, colors, and preferences. So whether you’re a busy professional looking for a quick fix, a gym enthusiast needing a post-workout refresher, or just someone who wants to extend the life of their hairstyle, dry shampoos are the ultimate hair care multitaskers.
However, it’s essential to note that while dry shampoos are a fantastic addition to your hair care routine, they are not a replacement for regular shampooing. Over-relying on shampoo can lead to product buildup and potential scalp irritation. That said, when used in moderation, dry shampoos can be a real game-changer, making bad hair days a thing of the past. Now, explore our top picks that will leave your hair feeling revitalized, volumized, and ready to take on the day.
1. IGK First Class Dry Shampoo
It’s time to get creative with your dry shampoo.
With IGK‘s First Class Shampoo, you can go even longer between washes and still look fresh. It’s great for post-workout—the detoxifying charcoal powder lifts dirt and build-up, while the UV protection keeps your hair looking its best.
The white tea powder calms the scalp and strengthens hair follicles so that you’re left with nothing but smooth, shiny locks that smell like heaven. And if you’ve got chemically-treated hair? No worries! This product is safe for all types of hair.
“I love this dr shampoo and trust me, I’ve tried almost all of them! The scent is amazing, the texture is perfect, and the oil absorption is top-notch,” wrote one reviewer. “This extends my style for at least 3-4 more days! And it washes out easily once it suds up.”
2. amika Perk Up Talc-Free Dry Shampoo
When you need to look like you just came from the salon, but you don’t have time for a full wash, amika’s Perk Up Dry Shampoo is here to help.
With its talc-free formula and sea buckthorn and rice starch infusion, it absorbs oil and reduces odor while giving your hair a freshly washed look without a trace of white residue.
It’s also infused with nutrient-rich sea buckthorn and natural rice starch to bring flat hair back to life!
“I love the smell of this shampoo. Not only does it smell wonderful, but it works really well,” revealed one buyer. “It doesn’t leave your hair feeling like you have a layer of wax, nor does it leave a white residue.”
3. Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo
It’s time to get clean hair.
Living Proof’s Perfect Hair Day is a simple, easy way to clean your hair without the fuss. Just add a small amount of our shampoo to your hair and you’ll be ready for anything.
The shampoo absorbs oil, sweat, and odors from your hair so it can look, feel, and smell clean. And with the crisp, time-released fragrance that’s built right into each bottle—you’ll always look fresh no matter how long you’ve been out on the town!
And if you’re looking for an extra burst of freshness? Just wait 30 seconds for our powders to activate and cleanse!
According to reviews, “I was able to train my super oily hair which had to be washed every day, into hair that can be washed once or twice a week. This is the only stuff that works for me and it’s worth the price in the time it saves me alone.”
4. R+CO Spiritualized Dry Shampoo Mist
We’re not going to lie: we’re pretty obsessed with this shampoo.
It’s got suspended cleansing powder that leaves your hair feeling fresh and clean, but no powdery residue. This is great for in-between shampoo cleansing, and it helps remove build-up from your scalp so you can keep your hair looking healthy and shiny.
Glycerin retains moisture by maintaining the water balance of your hair—no frizziness here! Silica improves tensile strength and condition of hair, while castor oil adds fullness and shine to your mane.
5. Redken Deep Clean Dry Shampoo
It’s one of the biggest dilemmas of our time: how do you get your hair clean without the mess?
With Red Ken’s Deep Clean Dry Shampoo, you can have your cake and eat it too. This shampoo instantly absorbs excess oil for all hair types, leaving no residue even on dark hair.
It provides a cooling sensation for a deep clean feel, while also leaving your hair feeling hydrated and refreshed. The rice and potato starch in this formula provide higher oil absorption than other shampoos.
6. OAUI Super Dry Shampoo
When you’re on the go and don’t have time for a shower, dry shampoo is your best friend. It can keep you clean and volumized, and it’s easy to use—just spray it all over your hair and rub it in until your scalp feels refreshed.
OUAI uses volcanic minerals and rice starch to soak up oil flow, so your hair will look like you just washed it. It also has a fresh rose scent that will make you feel like you just stepped out of the salon.
Once applied all over, the label recommends to rub the blend into your scalp and hair.
7. Eva NYC Freshen Up Invisible Dry Shampoo
Your hair is like a party—it’s best not to show up late.
That’s why Eva NYC is here with the perfect solution for busy schedules and oily roots: Freshen Up Dry Shampoo! This unique formula can help keep your hair looking fresh longer and revive lifeless hair by absorbing excess oil and odor.
The invisible formula makes it easy to refresh your look without leaving behind any telltale signs of product or residue. According to the label, it works for all hair types, so you can get the volume you want without sacrificing a thing.
8. Billie Floof Dry Shampoo
Get ready to make a big statement with your hair.
Billie’s Floof is a non-aerosol dry shampoo that soaks up oil and blends in effortlessly. It dissolves as you work it into your roots, giving you the perfect amount of volume and bounce.
The secret to our formula? Biotin helps plump strands, coating the hair shaft for a smoother appearance, while rice starch gently soaks up oil and impurities. For an extra boost of volume and bounce, the brand also added baking soda to trap grease and give your scalp a deep clean.
Now you can go from bedhead to bedazzling in no time!
As one user points out, “Super cute packaging and very easy to use! Didn’t take too much effort to shake dry shampoo into hair and distribute throughout so I love using it.”
9. Crown Affair The Dry Shampoo
Tired of your hair looking like it hasn’t been washed in days? Crown Affair’s Dry Shampoo is here to help.
It’s a volumizing formula that gives the illusion of just-washed strands and gently absorbs oils and enriches the scalp. Plus, it’s accompanied by a brush so you can dab the fine powder into your roots.
The light scent combination of bergamot, yuzu, and lemongrass will make you feel like you’re at a spa—not stuck in traffic on your way to work. And if you have oily roots, fear not!
Also, the persimmon in this formula is a natural deodorizer that will keep any unwanted smells from getting out of hand.
10. Batiste Tropical Dry Shampoo
Batiste’s Tropical Dry Shampoo is another stunning solution for when you need to revitalize your hair, but don’t have time to wash it.
It absorbs dirt and grease, so you can feel confident about the way you look even if you haven’t had a chance to shower yet. The waterless formula works its magic in three simple steps: shake it up, spray it on, and massage it in!
Meanwhile, the fragrance contains hints of coconut, jasmine, and peach—it’s like a tropical vacation for your hair. Plus, it contains keratin so that your hair stays strong and healthy throughout the day.
“Great for the no hair washing days. It soaks up all the oil from you’re hair very well,” shared one shopper. “Love how fresh it makes my hair feel.”
How to Choose the Right Dry Shampoo
Hair Type
When shopping for a dry shampoo, the first consideration should be your hair type. Different products are tailored to different hair types, so understanding your own is crucial. For example, if your hair tends to be oily, you might need a shampoo with stronger oil-absorbing properties. Conversely, if your hair is dry, you’d want a product that is gentler and won’t further strip your hair of its natural oils.
Shampoo Type
Dry shampoos typically come in two main forms: aerosols and powders. Aerosols are easy to apply and distribute evenly, but they can also leave a white residue on darker hair. Powders, on the other hand, may require a bit more effort to apply evenly, but they often blend more seamlessly into the hair. You might prefer one over the other based on your hair color, hair texture, and personal preference.
Ingredients
The ingredient list is a critical aspect to scrutinize when shopping for shampoo. Look for products that contain absorbing agents like rice or oat starch, which can effectively soak up excess oil without leaving a heavy residue. On the flip side, avoid products with harsh alcohols, as these can be drying and damaging to the hair.
Additional Benefits
Many shampoos offer additional benefits beyond oil absorption. Some products may also provide volume, texture, or even a subtle fragrance to refresh your hair. If you’re seeking to add body to your hair, look for a shampoo that promises volumizing effects. Alternatively, if you’re interested in maintaining the integrity of your hair color, you might opt for a tinted shampoo that matches your hair color. Carefully assess your individual hair needs and lifestyle to determine which additional benefits you might require from your dry shampoo.
Published by Malcolm Trapp
