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The 15 Best Dry Shampoos of 2023
These must-have stylers make it easy to delay a hair wash day.
In our continued search for the best haircare products of all time, we find ourselves testing a whole lot of dry shampoo. That's because there's nothing like it to take oily, unwashed hair and make it look, smell, and feel fresh again. "Dry shampoo is a great way to save a style and can be a huge time-saver after a workout,” says hairstylist Bridget Brager. It saves us time, it saves water, and it saves blowouts.
However, don’t expect your hair to magically become clean with one spritz. "Dry shampoo does not replace real shampoo, but it’s a perfect place holder,” says Brager. “We know that scalp care is skin care, and just like you’d wash your face to remove debris from your pores, you have to do the same for your scalp, which is where healthy hair starts.”
The Best Dry Shampoos of 2023
How do experts apply dry shampoo? Spray it on six inches away from the scalp in sections, wait 20 seconds, and then use a brush to evenly distribute the powders. "Don’t spray one spot too long," says Brager. "It can cause a buildup of product."
If you've seen headlines about dry shampoo recalls due high levels of benzene, don't fret. "Dry shampoos with earth-friendly and cleaner ingredients like rice powder or natural clay are safe to use and effective,” says hairstylist and founder of his eponymous brand Frédéric Fekkai. “We vote for kaolin clay, used to make porcelain and also found in luxury skincare, because the ultra-fine particles absorb excess oils, dirt, and odor from the scalp without causing clogging buildup.”
We rounded up the 15 most effective–and safe–oil-absorbing dry shampoos on the market, from ones that calm the scalp to sprays that double as volumizer.
Olaplex No.4D Clean Volume Detox Dry Shampoo
Olaplex No.4D Clean Volume Detox Dry Shampoo
Pros
- Super lightweight
- Leaves hair feeling soft
- Color safe
Cons
Olaplex makes some of our favorite hair-healing products, so we were super curious about their new take on dry shampoo. This formula is by far the lightest on this list, and it doesn't leave that tell-tale powdery finish on hair. Micro starches help absorb oil without causing buildup that can inhibit healthy hair growth, and the brand's patented bond-building technology helps repair damage with each spritz. If you hate the feeling of dry shampoo, this is the one to try.
Customer Review:
"I love this dry shampoo!! I use dry shampoo all the time. I liked that this one didn’t feel like it caused my scalp to have a lot of build up. I have a very sensitive scalp so some dry shampoos tend to make my head itch and this didn’t." -SierraSparkle
Moroccanoil Dry Shampoo Dark Tones
Moroccanoil Dry Shampoo Dark Tones
Pros
- No white residue
- Adds volume
- Talc-free
Cons
- Strong smell
If you're a fan of Moroccanoil's iconic treatment oil, you'll love this oil-absorbing spray that boasts the same signature scent and argan oil, but with rice starch to draw out excess oil in the hair.
Customer Review:
"I LOVE this dry shampoo. I didn’t know how to use it at first, but if I use it when my hair just starts to go limp/flat/shows the first signs of grease or heaviness, not only does it revive it back right away but it extends my wash for several days after. Those days will have full, bouncy hair that looks like I didn’t miss any wash days." – nyfashionista
Perfect hair Day™ Advanced Clean Dry Shampoo
Perfect hair Day™ Advanced Clean Dry Shampoo
Pros
- Talc-free
- Protects against pollution
Cons
Living Proof's advanced version of their cult-favorite dry shampoo helps balance the scalp's sebum for fresher hair now and over time. It's the one dry shampoo on this list to try if you're seriously oily.
Customer Review:
"I have tried many many dry shampoos. They all break my scalp out and seem to make my hair worse. This is absolutely amazing!!! It has worked so well and no issues what so ever! It gives me volume and my hair looks and feels clean too!!!" – Kendall S.
Oribe Gold Lust Dry Shampoo
Oribe Gold Lust Dry Shampoo
Pros
- Nice smell
Cons
- Pricey
Not only does this Oribe dry shampoo provide a luxurious experience, but it expertly absorbs excess oil, dirt, and product buildup to bring life back to hair while adding mega volume.
Customer Review:
"First impression is wow this is beautiful packaging! I like the scent it’s luxurious and clean smelling, I tried a little bit and I’m happy with it" – Kristinal17
Fekkai Clean Stylers Sheer Dry Shampoo
Fekkai Clean Stylers Sheer Dry Shampoo
Pros
- Talc-free
- No white residue
Cons
- Strong smell
This invisible spray contains good-for-your-hair ingredients like apple extract to reduce shedding and kaolin clay, which calms scalp irritation and balances the pH of chemically-treated hair, Fekkai says.
Customer Review:
"I love it. I have very dark brown hair and a lot of dry shampoos leave visible residue but this one combs out great. For me this seems to last way longer in my hair that a lot of other dry shampoos I've tried. A bit pricey, but I'm willing to do that for the results." – C
Pros
- Nice smell
Cons
Hairstylist Jen Atkin's Ouai Super Dry Shampoo is a cult-favorite for good reason. It revives greasy hair with volcanic minerals and rice starch, but doesn't dry out your strands. Plus, it boasts the brand's signature scent, Melrose Place, which has notes of champagne, bergamot, and rose.
Customer Review:
"Love the smell of this dry shampoo. I try to stay away from fragrance in hair care but it's nearly impossible. This surprisingly didn't irritate my sensitive scalp. Slight residue after spraying but dissolves after massaging into scalp." – Betty1234
Batiste Original Dry Shampoo
Batiste Original Dry Shampoo
Pros
- Affordable
Cons
- Contains alcohol
With over 14,000 5-star reviews, this affordable dry shampoo adds body and texture, while removing the look of oil in seconds. Reviews advise to thoroughly rub in the white powder.
Customer Review:
"I have dark brown hair that is thin. It gets greasy after a day. I used this on day two and it kept my hair ungreasy looking for legit 2 days. The white powder needs a good rub in since I have dark hair but it works well and the bottle is massive!! Used very little for the amount of time this worked. I would recommend!" – Holly
R+Co Bleu Vapor Lotion to Powder Dry Shampoo
R+Co Bleu Vapor Lotion to Powder Dry Shampoo
Pros
- Weightless
- Adds volume
Cons
- Pricey
Hate the feeling of a chalky, drying powder? Opt for a lotion-to-powder formula. R+Co Bleu's weightless option not only addresses greasy hair, but it also reduces frizz and helps detangle hair with the brand's molecule complex and radish root ferment, respectively. Rub a small amount between your fingers and work into roots (this also adds texture and volume).
Customer Review:
"Smells like heaven. I’ve used this product in a preventive manner as opposed to using after my hair is greasy from being active, so I’m uncertain how if would perform on already very oily hair. I’m so happy to find this spray-alternative as I don’t want to breathe in more dry shampoo aerosols and am tired of white cast messes. This product keeps oil at bay and there’s no powdery mess." – AnnikaMM
Rodan + Fields REFRESH+ Dry Shampoo
Rodan + Fields REFRESH+ Dry Shampoo
Pros
- Nice smell
Cons
Look for a dry shampoo that has ingredients that benefit your scalp, says Brager, who recommends this Rodan + Fields's dry shampoo that has chamomile extract to calm and soothe skin. "Bonus that it gives you incredible body and washes out easily," she adds.
Customer Review:
"I love this dry shampoo. It refreshes my thin, often oily hair and doesn’t weigh it down. Definitely my new favorite!" – Trish_Yesalonis
amika Perk Up Talc-Free Dry Shampoo
amika Perk Up Talc-Free Dry Shampoo
Pros
- Talc-free
Cons
- Leaves gritty texture
Users says this dry shampoo is easy to use and requires little elbow greasy to blend it into hair. It has natural rice starch to deliver a bouncy style and sea buckthorn, which is packed with vitamin C, vitamin A, and fatty acids, to nourish hair between wash days.
Customer Review:
"Finally picked up one of these and OMG it is so worth the hype. I have tried a lot of different ones so far, and hate the heavy feeling that you are left with when using certain formulas. THIS DOES THE OPPOSITE!! My scalp and hair feels refreshed and clean and LIGHT" – Melody Ansari
Kaia Naturals Kaia Naturals Overnight Dry Shampoo
Kaia Naturals Kaia Naturals Overnight Dry Shampoo
Pros
- Nourishing
- A little goes a long way
Cons
- Messy application
This powder is a must-have to extend wash days and prevent greasy hair from the get-go. Apply it before bed, and let the clarifying charcoal, tapioca starch, and kaolin clay soak up oil, sweat, and dirt for a refreshed style come morning.
Customer Review:
"This is amazing for low maintenance hair! At first, I forgot to put it in at night (although it still works during the day!), but it's great to wake up with refreshed hair and be ready for the day. I love that it's not staining my sheets but blending in with my newly darkened roots." – Taylor
Better Not Younger Fresh Start Scalp Renewing Dry Shampoo
Better Not Younger Fresh Start Scalp Renewing Dry Shampoo
Pros
- Talc-free
Cons
- Hard to dispense
Promote thicker, fuller hair with this gentle-yet-effective powder that contains biotin (proven to improve hair growth) and konjac root extract to keep hair hydrated.
Customer Review:
"Awesome product. It absorbs oil very easily and it has a subtle smell. I liked it better than spray dry shampoos and I feel like the product can be better distributed this way!" – jorgefranco
Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk
Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk
Pros
- Light, clean scent
Cons
This French-girl staple utilizes oat milk to clean and soothe hair in just a single spritz.
Customer Review:
"It feels super light on your hair and gives you a ton of volume. I consider it one of my holy grails because I am always on the go and don't always have time to wash my hair every other day. If you spray it on your scalp, the night before, it makes your hair look even better!" – Lizzie Chen
Pros
- Natural finish
Cons
- Picey
Just when you thought applying dry shampoo couldn't be chic and luxurious, Crown Affair launched its innovative take on refreshing hair. This superfine powder comes with a kabuki brush to lightly dust the formula into roots while Japanese persimmon powder acts as a natural deodorizer.
Customer Review:
"I really enjoy using this product. I mainly use it in the front of my hair (hairline and bangs) and dust a little on my center part and the sides, so I don't have problems working this into my hair like some other reviewers mention. I find that it does just the job to keep me looking less oily on the days that I don't wash my hair. The best thing is that because I'm not using as much product as I would if the product was a spray applicator, I don't find that it makes my hair feel dirty with dry shampoo residue like it does if I use other products." –Archie123
Pureology Style + Protect Refresh & Go Dry Shampoo
Pureology Style + Protect Refresh & Go Dry Shampoo
Pros
- Adds shine
- Provides heat protection
- Affordable
Cons
- Strong smell
For under $10, snag this shine-boosting dry shampoo that can be used days in a row without building up on the scalp. Pro tip: Let the product sit for 30 to 60 seconds to fully absorb oil before working into roots.
Customer Review:
"Smells good and lasts longer than any other dry shampoo I’ve ever used. Totally with the cost. I’m blonde so I haven’t noticed any problems with white residue but that misfit be something to consider if you have darker hair" – hayleyk1
Dry shampoos absorb excess oil and sweat from the hair and scalp, which gives the appearance of clean, fresh hair. They can be a lifesaver if you’re in a time crunch to extend your hairstyle, in humid climates, or between wash days. Dry shampoo can also be used to add texture and volume when styling. Some dry shampoos contain technology that actually capture oil and remove it from the scalp, but will need to be applied with extra care. Be sure to always read the instructions on the dry shampoo bottle.
Is using dry shampoo good for your hair?
Dry shampoo can do wonders for extending wash days and refresh the hair. However, it shouldn't be a replacement for regular shampooing because "it doesn’t remove oil, pollution, scalp flakes, or product buildup from the scalp and hair," Fekkai warns. "This buildup combined with dry shampoo can clog the hair follicles, leading to scalp irritation, inflammation, increased hair fall and thinning of the hair shaft as nutrients are blocked from the follicle."
Experts wax poetic that scalp care is alike skin care. "Just like you would wash your face to remove debris from your pores, you must make sure to do the same for your scalp, which is where healthy hair starts," says Brager. Try a scalp scrub or clarifying shampoo weekly to ensure no dry shampoo residue is left behind.
How often should you use dry shampoo?
Resist the urge to use dry shampoo every day, experts say. "I recommend using dry shampoo no more than two or three days in a row," Brager explains. "Make sure it is evenly distributed." Before applying dry shampoo, the stylist suggests brushing hair using a boar bristle brush to help move around product (without contributing to frizz) that may be sitting on the scalp; then go in with dry shampoo.
How can you avoid white residue from dry shampoo?
While white residue is pretty normal when wearing dry shampoo, some types are less likely to leave marks. "Avoid talc or tapioca-based dry shampoos," Fekkai says. But if your current dry shampoo rotation leaves a residue, don't worry. There are a few ways to mitigate the white hue. "Spray the dry shampoo on your roots the night before, then the dry shampoo will absorb the oil, and your pillowcase will shake away the white cast," Fekkai adds.
Another tip is to avoid spraying heavily directly to the top of your hair. "Instead, start at ear level and lift layers of the hair, spraying gradually upward." And when it doubt, flash cool air from your hair dryer to disperse any traces of white. "Fingers have a lot of natural oils, and using your hands to rub away the residue inadvertently adds more oil," Fekkai says.
Meet The Experts
- Bridget Brager is a celebrity hairstylist who works with clients like Priyanka Chopra, Kristen Stewart, and Zoey Deutch.
- Frédéric Fekkai is a renowned hairstylist, salon owner, and founder of his eponymous haircare brand.
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