Dry shampoo is nothing short of magic in a bottle. This hardworking product is a catch-all solution for the days your locks look limp and lackluster, or lack the texture to create your signature French twist. Dry shampoo allows you to put off the blowdry one more day (or two) by absorbing oil, eliminating odors, and volumizing tresses to refresh and zhuzh up your hair.

There are endless formulations out there, and finding the best dry shampoo for your tresses is no easy feat. Do you choose between budget-friendly drugstore finds, color-correcting tints, or dry shampoo that caters to your curls? While we can’t determine what’s best for your hair, we can arm you with all the information you need to narrow down the search yourself

We spent hours comparing dry shampoos based on their ease of application, oil absorption, visibility, volumizing ability, and fragrance to curate a list of the best formulations for every hair color, texture, and style aspiration.

“My biggest tip for anyone using dry shampoo is to use it proactively,” shares Jasmine Houck Hinson. “Apply dry shampoo before your hair gets oily. I recommend applying it before bed or workout because if it’s in your hair already, it will help absorb oils as they are produced and prevent your hair from getting oily.”

Meet the Expert Jasmine Houck Hinson is a professional hair stylist and balayage expert based in Charlotte.

Read on for more insight from Hinson and shop our curated list of the best dry shampoos for all hair types.

Our Top Picks Best Overall Dry Shampoo : Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo at Amazon (See Price) Jump to Review Best Drugstore Dry Shampoo: Kristin Ess Style Reviving Dry Shampoo at Amazon ($15) Jump to Review Best Softening Dry Shampoo: René Furterer Naturia Invisible Dry Shampoo at Amazon ($38) Jump to Review Best Volumizing Dry Shampoo: R+Co Death Valley Dry Shampoo at Amazon ($7) Jump to Review Best Texturizing Dry Shampoo: Drybar Triple Sec 3-in-1 Finishing Spray at Amazon ($29) Jump to Review Best Dry Shampoo for Color-Treated Hair: Pureology Style + Protect Refresh & Go Dry Shampoo at Amazon ($32) Jump to Review Best Dry Shampoo for Dry Scalp: Klorane Dry Shampoo at Amazon ($24) Jump to Review Best Dry Shampoo for Fine Hair: Vegamour Gro Dry Shampoo at Amazon ($30) Jump to Review Best Dry Shampoo for Light Hair: Batiste Dry Shampoo Brilliant Blonde at Amazon ($18) Jump to Review Best Dry Shampoo for Dark Hair: Moroccanoil Dry Shampoo for Dark Tones at Amazon ($26) Jump to Review

　　 Best Overall Dry Shampoo

Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Walmart What’s Great About It Innovative formulation mirrors real shampoo

Neutral citrus scent

Cleanses scalp of oil, sweat, and odor

What Could Be Better It’s a splurge

May be too matte for some

Our Best Overall pick goes to the widely celebrated Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo. This winning dry shampoo leaves hair looking and feeling wash-day clean using Living Proof’s innovative, patented technology that narrows in on and absorbs oil, sweat, and odor from your hair while leaving your curl pattern and styling products intact. Along with cleansing, this dry shampoo is suitable for all hair types and delivers subtle texture and noticeable body to enhance your hair with each application.

The dry shampoo uses microporous minerals and starch to soak up excess oils and sweat without weighing down your roots. Better still, this hardworking dry shampoo combats the dreaded powder cast with an active power-removal technology that reduces particle adhesion to each strand. This allows you to remove excess product easily and avoid the visible cast that’s a telltale sign of dirty hair days.

Odor doesn’t stand a chance against the Living Proof PhD Dry Shampoo’s integrated neutralizer and time-release fragrance. Living Proof’s signature citrus fragrance lends lived-in locks a fresh slate and continues to block odor with a light, clean scent until the next wash day.

The Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo comes by its blue ribbon honestly because of its patented formula that cleanses oil, sweat, and odor from hair for a wash-day clean with just a few sprays. That said, the innovation comes at a premium, and this dry shampoo has a splurge price tag.

Size: 5.5 ounces | Scent: Citrus | Type: Aerosol

　　 Best Drugstore Dry Shampoo

Kristin Ess Style Reviving Dry Shampoo

View On Amazon View On Ulta View On Target What’s Great About It Vitamin C enriched for scalp circulation

Proprietary complex that repairs split ends

Accessible price point

What Could Be Better Requires a generous application for oily locks

Requires more product than most to see results

This drugstore dry shampoo will enrich your scalp with vitamin C, minimize the appearance of your peskiest split ends, and absorb oil to extend your blowout another day (or three). The Kristin Ess Hair Style Reviving Dry Shampoo stands apart from its drugstore counterparts because it works overtime, reviving your lived-in locks and setting your scalp up for success with vitamin C, which promotes collagen production and may encourage hair growth.

The Kristin Ess Style Reviving Dry Shampoo features a one-of-a-kind technology that brings split ends back together and actively strengthens weakened hair against environmental damage and color fading. The lightweight formula is buildable, designed to absorb excess oil for all hair types, and eliminates odor with luxurious ambrette seed, sandalwood, and magnolia bloom fragrance.

It’s cruelty-free, vegan, and free from parabens, phthalates, and sulfates, and better still, this drugstore dry shampoo comes in salon-worthy packaging that you won’t mind leaving on your vanity between refresh sessions.

While we appreciate the vitamin C-enriched formula, we wish this shampoo required less product application to achieve desired results.

Size: 4 ounces | Scent: Ambrette seed, sandalwood, and magnolia | Type: Aerosol

　　 Best Softening Dry Shampoo

René Furterer Naturia Invisible Dry Shampoo

View On Amazon View On Dermstore View On Renefurtererusa.com What’s Great About It Fine rice powder freshens scalp

No grittiness

Castor oil leaves locks hydrated

What Could Be Better Has a visible powder residue

Doesn’t provide grip for styling

Gone are the days when dry shampoo required that you sacrifice your silky tresses to a sandpaper texture to achieve a convincingly clean scalp. The René Furterer Naturia Invisible Dry Shampoo forgoes that heavyweight, gritty feel, instead using a natural, hyper-fine rice powder to absorb excess oil and a nourishing blend of castor oil and lavender water to ensure every curl, coil, and wave is left hydrated and happy between wash days. Aside from softness, the plant-based formula has a weightlessness that delivers volume by lifting locks from the root.  

The René Furterer Naturia Invisible Dry Shampoo is applied by spraying directly to the roots and left to work its magic for a minute or two before brushing through or massaging your scalp to work in excess product. It combats odor with a light, spa-inspired lavender fragrance that won’t overpower your signature perfume.

The René Furterer Naturia Invisible Dry Shampoo is for all textures and hair colors, but we feel this hydrating formulation is especially beneficial for those with naturally coarse, dry, or breakage-prone hair that becomes dehydrated or frizzy when stripped of its natural oils.

We adore its softening ingredients, but we wish it lived up to its name as an untraceable dry shampoo. The rice powder is naturally tinted but visible upon application and requires time to work the product into the scalp to achieve that freshly washed look.

Size: 4.4 ounces | Scent: Lavender | Type: Aerosol

　　 Best Volumizing Dry Shampoo

R+Co Death Valley Dry Shampoo

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Walmart What’s Great About It Creates mega texture

Adds body to hair

Provides grit for styling

What Could Be Better May strip some shine from hair

If big, bouncy, freshly blown-out-looking hair is your aim, the R+Co Death Valley Dry Shampoo will deliver. Unlike the softening René Furterer dry shampoo listed above, the R+Co formulation leans into the old adage that more is indeed more, and it does not shy away from grit and texture in order to take your locks to new heights—literally.

It’s formulated with rice protein for elasticity, silica to soak oil at the root, vitamin E for luster, and Pro-Vitamin B5 to thicken, lift, and expand your mane to your liking. The emphasis on volume and texture makes this a solid option for those with thin hair or fine strands who want to give hair a fuller appearance while cleansing the root. 

The sulfate, paraben, petrolatum, and mineral oil-free shampoo is also a winner for anyone who wants to add grip to their hair before throwing up a quick French twist before heading to work or high pony before hitting the gym. Notes of Bergamot, wild fig, cyclamen, lotus flower, cedarwood, and tonka beans lend the R+Co dry shampoo a fragrance so captivating, that you may be tempted to bathe in it.

We think R+Co Death Valley Dry Shampoo is an ideal addition to your medicine cabinet if you’re chasing after big, bold hair. But, if sleek and shiny tresses are more your style—this texturizing formula isn’t for you. 

Size: 6.3 ounces | Scent: Bergamot, wild fig, cyclamen, lotus flower, cedarwood, and tonka beans | Type: Aerosol

　　 Best Texturizing Dry Shampoo

Drybar Triple Sec 3-in-1 Finishing Spray

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Ulta What’s Great About It Creates texture for styling

Amplifies strands for a full look

What Could Be Better Very mattifying

Leaves hair feeling powdery

Drybar Triple Sec 3-in-1 Finishing Spray is the dry shampoo we recommend for reviving day-three waves, cranking up the volume, and adding grit for enviable updos that stay put all day. This finishing spray goes beyond the standard task of eliminating oil and does the job of three styling products in minutes: dry shampoo, volumizing spray, and texturizing spray.

It draws in light oils and replaces odor with a head-turning, perfume-inspired fragrance composed of notes of violet, sandalwood, and musk. The spray shampoo transforms tresses using clear microporous minerals that separate each strand to achieve a full-bodied blowout, no matter how fine or minimal the hair you’re working with. The same mineral property lends hair a matte texture ideal for achieving beachy waves or enhancing the beauty of your Botticelli curls.

Along with the Vegamour GRO Dry Shampoo, we feel the Triple Sec 3-in-1 Finishing Spray’s thickening formulation makes it a natural fit for fine or thin hair. It leaves hair with a gritty, grippy texture that works wonders for creating voluminous ponytails, braids, or buns. With that said, the gripping texture leaves locks looking extra-matte and feeling heavily powdered to the touch. If you love to run your fingers through your hair, we recommend using this spray sparingly or reserving it for your last stretch before wash day.

Size: 4.2 ounces | Scent: Violet, sandalwood, and musk | Type: Aerosol

　　 Best Dry Shampoo for Color-Treated Hair

Pureology Style + Protect Refresh & Go Dry Shampoo

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Sephora What’s Great About It Contains a patented Antifade Complex for color-treated hair

Supports enduring vibrancy

No visible residue

What Could Be Better Alcohol-based, may irritate sensitive scalps

Not the most volumizing

Color-treated hair is an investment worth protecting. We always recommend having a trusty heat protectant on hand, though we’d be remiss not to urge you to add a color-friendly dry shampoo to your hair regimen, too.

The Pureology Style + Protect Refresh & Go Dry Shampoo is our pick because it’s equipped with a one-of-a-kind patented technology, Antifade Complex, which caters to color-treated tresses. It promises to protect color-treated hair from dulling and extends the life and vibrancy of your color until your next appointment.

The lightweight vegan spray uses rice starch to absorb oil and product buildup from your roots while adding subtle body and texture to your mane when applied to your mid-lengths. It eliminates odors with an aromatic blend of cedarwood, almond milk, and tuberose. The best part? The ultra-fine rice starch formula doesn’t leave a visible residue, making this a top contender for brunette, raven, and auburn-haired beauties.

We admire this product because of its targeted approach to protecting color-treated hair with its patented Antifade Complex. With that said, we are disappointed that it's formulated with alcohol, as alcohol can be drying to hair and may lead to damage if applied in excess.

Size: 5.3 ounces | Scent: Tuberose, almond milk, and cedarwood | Type: Aerosol

　　 Best Dry Shampoo for Dry Scalp

Klorane Dry Shampoo

View On Amazon View On Ulta View On Macy's What’s Great About It Plant-based formula

Scalp-soothing oat milk

Lifts the roots

What Could Be Better Thick hair requires a heavy application

Expensive price point

Finding the best dry shampoo for your dry scalp may feel daunting, but we have you covered. Because dry shampoo draws in oil from the scalp, applying a heavy-duty formula, like the Amika Perk Up Plus Extended Clean Dry Shampoo, may exacerbate scalp dryness and lead to issues like inflammation, dermatitis, and flaking. Avoid discomfort while enjoying convincingly clean post-gym hair with the top-rated Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk.

This dry shampoo is our recommendation for dry scalps because it is formulated with scalp health in mind. Klorane employs organically farmed oat milk harvested in France to naturally soothe and balance thirsty scalps while softening hair with each application.

The ultra-gentle shampoo uses fine powder to absorb excess oil without stripping your scalp of protective oils. It’s plant-based, vegan, and free from over 100 controversial ingredients to provide your hair and scalp with optimum health and safety.

You may also enjoy the Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk if you’re sensitive to fragrances. While it does have a subtle fragrance, it’s a light, fresh scent that balances odor without overpowering your senses.

We love that this dry shampoo prioritizes scalp health with a soothing oat milk formula. The one drawback of this product is that the ultra-fine powder requires a heavy-handed application for thick hair, and because it’s a pricier option, applying extra product to your hair becomes expensive over time.

Size: 5.4 ounces | Scent: Fresh | Type: Aerosol

　　 Best Dry Shampoo for Fine Hair

Vegamour Gro Dry Shampoo

View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Vegamour.com What’s Great About It Features phyto-actives found in hair growth serum

Promotes hair density and thickness

Scalp-balancing kaolin clay

What Could Be Better White cast may be visible on dark hair

Lacks texture for styling

Give your fine hair a boost between wash days with the Vegamour GRO Dry Shampoo. This standout product is our go-to for breathing life into fine or thin hair because it features the same vegan phyto-actives found in Vegamour’s hair growth serum to encourage hair thickness and fullness with each application. The formula removes the oils weighing down your locks from the root and promotes growth and vitality for thicker hair over time.

Vegamour developed the GRO dry shampoo to give hair a thicker appearance and reduce shedding by protecting scalp integrity with quality ingredients. It’s free from talc and benzene and uses natural, vegan ingredients like rice starch and kaolin clay to draw in oils while calming and balancing your scalp. Red clover is another key player in the Vegamour GRO Dry Shampoo that works to combat hair thinning or loss.

No artificial fragrances here. This volumizing dry shampoo rids your hair of odors with Vegamour’s signature Bergamot scent formulated entirely 100% from essential oils.

This dry shampoo is a standout option for fine hair because of its phytoactive ingredients that promote growth and density. We are disappointed that there are only 3.95 ounces of product in each aerosol can, and the formula leaves a residue on dark hair that requires extra time to achieve an untraceable finish.

Size: 3.95 ounces | Scent: Bergamot | Type: Aerosol

　　 Best Dry Shampoo for Light Hair

Batiste Dry Shampoo Brilliant Blonde

View On Amazon View On Ulta View On CVS What’s Great About It Budget-friendly price

Tint color-corrects roots between trips to the salon

What Could Be Better Lacks luxurious packaging

Warm tone may clash with cool blondes

Maintain your golden locks between wash days with our favorite blonde dry shampoo: Batiste Brilliant Blonde Dry Shampoo. The drugstore formula is worth its weight in gold for blondes (pun intended) because its tinted formula absorbs oil from your hair for a squeaky-clean finish and disguises your dark (or gray!) roots in one fell swoop.

While traditional dry shampoos leave a white cast, the Brilliant Blonde formula sprays out a soft, light honey yellow that blends seamlessly with light and dark blonde tones. The spray-on application makes the Batiste dry shampoo especially easy to use for covering roots because it allows you to target your part and adjust coverage based on how close you hold the bottle to your scalp.

Root rescue aside, the Batiste Brilliant Blonde Dry Shampoo absorbs oil and blocks odor with a mandarin, white peach, and vanilla fragrance that leaves locks looking and smelling fresh after each application. Even better, this formula adds a touch of texture to your strands for styling and amplifies hair for a fuller appearance.

With its cleansing and root-disguising capabilities, it’s difficult to find a drawback with the Brilliant Blonde formula. The biggest con for this product is that the packaging looks and feels less luxurious than other dry shampoos on the list, including our top drugstore dry shampoo. This may be a drawback if you care about aesthetics and keep your products on your counters between uses.

Size: 4.23 ounces | Scent: Mandarin, white peach, and vanilla | Type: Aerosol

　　 Best Dry Shampoo for Dark Hair

Moroccanoil Dry Shampoo for Dark Tones

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Sephora What’s Great About It UV protection

Eliminates oil and odor

No white cast

What Could Be Better Does not offer root coverage

Brunettes and raven-haired beauties rejoice! The Moroccanoil Dry Shampoo Dark Tones can clean your day-three hair without dulling your richly colored tresses with a powdery finish. This specially formulated shampoo offers the classic benefits expected of dry shampoos, like absorbing oil, lifting at the root, and restoring weighed-down hair. But this revolutionary formula takes things a step further to cater to dark hair.

It coats locks with UV protection to combat fading from sun exposure or heat styling. The fine rice starch formula is infused with argan oil to keep your strands balanced, hydrated, and silky. Argan oil lends this dry shampoo Morroccanoil’s signature amber-floral fragrance, too.

The best part? This brunette-friendly dry shampoo is tinted and won’t leave white residue in sight. It applies a light brown tone that blends into dark hair for an undetectable finish that won't stain your hands or pillowcase.

Moroccanoil Dry Shampoo Dark Tones stands out from the rest of the dry shampoos on our list because it protects dark hair from UV-related fading and does not leave a cast on deep hair colors. The tinted formula does not offer the same color-correcting root coverage as the Batiste Brilliant Blonde Dry Shampoo, which would be a plus for extending the time between salon appointments.

Size: 5.4 ounces | Scent: Spicy amber, and sweet florals | Type: Aerosol

　　 Best Lightweight Dry Shampoo

Eva NYC Freshen Up Invisible Dry Shampoo

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Ulta What’s Great About It Feels weightless on the scalp

Hydrates hair with vitamin-infused argan oil

Silky finish

What Could Be Better Lacks volumizing and texturizing properties

Not ideal for updos

The Eva NYC Freshen Up Invisible Dry Shampoo proves that sometimes less is more. The cheerfully packaged dry shampoo is a drugstore find that holds its own against luxury formulas on this list. It has a lightweight, plant-powered formula that rids your waves of oil and keeps curls looking clean without weighing them down.

Unlike gripping formulas like the Drybar Triple Sec 3-in-1 finishing spray, this dry shampoo is formulated with ultra-fine rice starch for a truly weightless feel without a mattifying or texture-altering finish. The rice starch grabs oil and neutralizes odors with the signature Eva NYC fragrance composed of vanilla, musk, jasmine, and amber notes. It’s infused with plant protein that claims to smooth damage and enriched with hair-loving argan oil to promote hydrated locks through vitamins A, E, and C.

We love this lightweight dry shampoo for extending wash days for all hair types, but it’s an especially good product for curly hair or fine hair that falls with excess product. Though the lightweight formula is the draw for this product, it does not provide the volume or texturizing benefits that some may seek for their day two or three hair.

Size: 5.3 ounces | Scent: Vanilla, musk, jasmine, and amber | Type: Aerosol

　　 Best Powder Dry Shampoo

Oribe Serene Scalp Oil Control Dry Shampoo Powder

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Dermstore What’s Great About It Eliminates excess oil

Uses soothing kaolin clay and mango extract

Regulates scalp sebum and oil production

What Could Be Better Offers the least amount of product

Most expensive per ounce

Don’t let the application deter you from trying out a powder shaker—you may miss out on the dry shampoo of your dreams if you do. The Oribe Serene Scalp Oil Control Dry Shampoo Powder stands out from the rest because of its exceptional ability to rid hair of oil while regulating the scalp sebum and oil production, naturally extending wash days over time.

“My absolute favorite dry shampoo on the market is the Oribe Serene Scalp Oil Control Dry Shampoo Powder,” shares Hinson. “I use it daily because it regulates sebum and oil, helping support a healthy microbiome. It leaves hair looking freshly washed, but also still feeling silky smooth. And being an Oribe product, it smells amazing.”

This innovative powder employs a starch and kaolin clay blend to soak up oil, dirt, and product build-up, without leaving your layers parched. As Hinson said, the floral-scented formula leaves hair silky to the touch (never sticky or gritty), making this a great option to keep on hand for daily use.

While it may seem daunting to apply, the Serene Scalp Oil Control Dry Shampoo Powder has intelligent packaging that controls powder flow during application. The tube lid features a single puncture that ensures you don’t lose too much powder at once or over saturate an area when you’re in a rush.

We are fans of the scalp-balancing benefits and silky results this powder shaker shampoo offers, but the results come at a hefty price point. It comes with the least amount of product and the highest price tag of all the dry shampoos on our list, so this may not be the best option for someone who uses dry shampoo frequently or requires a lot of product to achieve their desired result.  

Size: 1.6 ounces | Scent: Light floral | Type: Powder

　　 Best Foam Dry Shampoo

Batiste Waterless Cleansing Foam

View On Amazon View On Walmart What’s Great About It Hydrates dry, wavy, and curly hair types

Doesn’t weigh down curl pattern

What Could Be Better Less effective at oil elimination

Not ideal for fine or thin hair

Give your curls a clean slate between wash days with this texture-loving foam dry shampoo. The Batiste Waterless Cleansing Foam is formulated to bring moisture, fragrance, and softness back to curls while maintaining the natural bounce and volume of your hair.

While it offers a gentle cleanse, the Batiste Foam Dry Shampoo doesn’t absorb excess oil the way standard, powder-based dry shampoos do. Instead, this water-based formula focuses on rehydration using cactus water and a weightless foam application.

It’s applied by dispensing a swirl of the cream into the palm of your hand, then massaging the product into your scalp like you would your favorite volumizing mousse. Bonus: Because it’s formulated sans power, you can rest easy knowing you’ll run out the door rocking the powdered wig look thanks to a visible cast. 

This unconventional dry shampoo is a standout option for reviving curly or dry locks on no-wash days. That said, the water-based formula doesn’t have the same oil-absorbing power you get from a traditional dry shampoo to extend your blowout another day. 

Size: 3.6 ounces | Scent: Cactus water | Type: Aerosol

　　 Best Dry Shampoo Scent

Amika Perk Up Plus Extended Clean Dry Shampoo

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Sephora What’s Great About It Best for extra dirty hair

Pretty packaging

Perfume-worthy vanilla and citrus scent

What Could Be Better Gritty texture

Prone to white cast

Requires time to work into dark hair

Treat yourself to hair that smells like you just left the salon with the Amika Perk Up Plus Extended Clean Dry Shampoo. While this formula earns our pick for Best Scent thanks to decadent notes of warm vanilla, sweet clover, and fresh citrus—it has far more to offer your mane than fragrance alone.

“This one has true power,” says Hinson. “I love Amika Perk Up Plus Extended Clean Dry Shampoo for my clients and myself. It’s perfect for days when you don’t have enough time or mental energy for a whole wash, blow dry, and style routine. And yes, it smells amazing.”

Amika Perk Up Plus Extended Clean won’t let you down, even on day three hair. In fact, this fragrant dry shampoo is designed to cater to days three to five hair on your wash cycle. 

The hardworking formula strips your scalp of built-up oil, dirt, and grime to leave you with volumized locks that look like you just put down your blowdryer and round brush. It gives you bouncy, resuscitated hair using scalp-loving ingredients that target unique needs for a holistic approach.

Arrowroot powder soaks up oil, mandelic acid balances the scalp, and peptides boost scalp health. Rambutan seed extract is another MVP, upping the hydration to promote hair buoyancy.

This dry shampoo offers a dynamic and sophisticated fragrance only to be overshadowed by its hard-working formulation that removes oil and build-up on ultra-dirty hair. Though we can’t get enough of the rich vanilla scent, the Amika Perk Up Plus Extended Clean Dry Shampoo does leave a gritty texture on hair and requires elbow grease to blend powder into chocolate or raven tresses.

Size: 5.3 ounces | Scent: Warm vanilla, sweet clover, and fresh citrus | Type: Aerosol

　　 The Bottom Line

After comparing the ease of application, oil absorption, visibility, volume, and scent we feel that Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo is the Best Overall dry shampoo because of its invisible application and innovative formulation that mirrors regular shampoo to remove oil, sweat, and odor from the hair.

For a drugstore option that provides comparable results, we recommend the Kristin Ess Hair Style Reviving Dry Shampoo as it leaves locks feeling touchable and clean, enriches the scalp with vitamin C, and uses a patented technology to repair split ends for healthy, hydrated hair.

　　 Tips for Choosing the Right Dry Shampoo

Ingredients Dry shampoos are rice starch- or alcohol-based to dry the scalp and formulated with absorbent ingredients that draw out excess oils to leave your hair feeling fresh and clean. The most common oil-absorbing ingredients for dry shampoo include kaolin clay, charcoal, silica, tapioca, and baking soda.

As dry shampoo has evolved over the last decade, formulations have shifted focus from solely soaking oil from the hair and began incorporating nourishing ingredients like argan and castor oil or oat milk a la our Best for Dry Scalps pick, the Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk.

Scent When selecting the best dry shampoo scent for your hair, consider your aim for the product. Dry shampoo is available in richly-scented formulations designed to hide lingering odors on third-day hair, and unscented options that cleanse the scalp without disturbing sensitive skin or noses.

If you are looking for a hard-working product to eliminate exercise and environmental odors, opt for a dry shampoo with a clean scent like the bright citrus Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo or the dynamic vanilla of the Amika Perk Up Plus Extended Clean Dry Shampoo.

By contrast, if you have reactive skin or are prone to developing headaches on planes thanks to your heavily perfumed seatmate, go ahead and skip the fragranced dry shampoos, like Drybar Triple Sec 3-in-1 Finishing Spray, and stick to minimalist options like Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk or Batiste Waterless Cleansing Foam.

Color and Finish Your hair color is a key factor to keep in mind when searching for your ideal dry shampoo. High-powered dry shampoos, like Amika Perk Up Extended Clean Dry Shampoo, may leave a powdery trail on your tresses that requires extra attention to blend out before leaving your bathroom mirror.

While the powdery finish is a resounding con for brunettes, it can be a positive attribute for blondes, platinum, and silver-haired shoppers as the powder aids in disguising roots between hair appointments.

Don’t worry, dark hair beauties. Tinted dry shampoos, such as the Moroccanoil Dry Shampoo Dark Shades, offer the same cleansing benefits as traditional formulas without leaving a trace of evidence on your mane. Blondes have honey-tinted dry shampoos, like the Batiste Brilliant Blonde Dry Shampoo, to offer the same seamless results for their creamy curls.

　　 Questions and Answers

How often should you use dry shampoo? Dry shampoo can be applied two days in a row before you should hang up your shower cap and give yourself a nice lather with a clarifying shampoo. Though it’s tempting to push off your blow-dry routine for one more day, it’s critical to use dry shampoo in moderation to preserve the integrity of your scalp and hair.

Overuse may leave your scalp vulnerable to inflammation issues, including acne and dermatitis, product build-up that weakens the hair shaft, and clogged pores that may result in hair loss.

Is dry shampoo good for your hair? Dry shampoo is safe in moderation and can be a quick substitute for washing hair one to two days a week but is not a healthy replacement for washing hair with water. Unlike a traditional clarifying shampoo, dry shampoo doesn’t wash away the oil and pollutants from your hair, but absorbs them as it remains against the scalp. For this reason, over-application may lead to scalp inflammation, clogged pores, weakened hair, and thinning.

That said, dry shampoo has styling benefits that extend beyond its purpose of oil absorption, such as giving clean hair malleable texture and grip to create long-lasting updos, providing structure for backcombing, and lifting at the root for fuller-looking hair.

How do you apply dry shampoo? Application methods vary based on the type of dry shampoo. For a traditional dry shampoo, such as the Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo, hold the product at least 6 inches from your scalp and spray the product directly on your roots. Concentrate the product where you experience the most oil build-up, and leave the shampoo on the hair for two minutes minimum before brushing through and massaging into the scalp and hair.

Work in sections of hair when applying powder shaker dry shampoo, such as the Oribe Serene Scalp Oil Control Dry Shampoo Powder, to thoroughly coat your hair and avoid product waste. Section hair using a tail comb, lift to reveal your scalp, and shake product onto your part as you go. As with spray shampoo, leave the powder on for a few minutes before working it into your hair to ensure it absorbs as much oil as possible.

To apply foam dry shampoo, dispense a swirl of the cream into the palm of your hand, then massage the product into your scalp like you would your favorite volumizing mousse. Allow to dry, then style as usual.

　　 Why Trust Southern Living

This article was written by Maria Conti, a contributing writer for Southern Living with eight years of experience writing shopping guides and lifestyle content for digital home publications. To compile this list, Maria spent hours comparing dry shampoos based on their ease of application, oil absorption, visibility, volume, and fragrance. She consulted Jasmine Houck Hinson, a Charlotte-based hair stylist and balayage expert, for her expert tips for applying dry shampoo and her favorite formulas on the market.