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Whether you’re looking to maintain a blowout, pump up your volume, or refresh your roots between washes, the best dry shampoo will have you covered—without leaving behind an unsightly powdery residue. “Dry shampoo makes hair less oily, absorbs sweat, and disguises odor,” explains board-certified trichologist Dr. Kari Williams.
Just don’t expect a dry shampoo to clean your hair. And remember, like overwashing your hair in the shower, using dry shampoo too often can cause buildup, damage and irritation. “Long-term use of dry shampoo can cause a dry, itchy scalp,” says Dr. Williams. Consider alternating between regular hair washing and dry shampoo to maintain a healthy scalp and keep your locks from getting dry and brittle.
To help you find the best dry shampoo for your hair type and color, we tried more than 20 dry shampoos in The Lab, our testing facility in New York City.
Best Overall
Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk
Pros:
- Award-winning formula
- Excellent volume
- Excellent oil absorption
- Blends well
Cons:
Our testers’ number one pick is Klorane, hands down. Five reviewers tried it out in The Lab, and all in all, they were very pleased. While one tester said it left a slight white residue, they also noted that it’s easily brushed away and blends well.
Suitable for all hair types, this ultra-gentle, plant-based formula calls on starch and silica to tackle oil and odors while organically harvested oat milk soothes the scalp. Our testers liked that the fine powder soaked up grease from the roots but didn’t leave hair feeling dry or chalky. One tester also commented that it felt as if she didn’t use any dry shampoo at all.
Best Scent
Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo
Pros:
- Excellent oil absorption
- Volumizing
- Invisible finish
Cons:
- Leaves hair slightly stiff
- Nozzle is tricky to press
Amika’s Perk Up Dry Shampoo is more than just a pretty container. The oil absorbing power of this dry shampoo is also great.
While our tester said the fruity-vanilla fragrance is strong, she loved it and appreciated that it dissipated throughout the day, similar to perfume. But the formula really worked, too. Our reviewer noted that it left her hair feeling clean with a little extra oomph: “It absorbed the oil quickly and my hair and scalp felt more refreshed,” she said.
Best for Blondes
Moroccanoil Dry Shampoo Light Tones
Pros:
- Excellent oil absorption
- Volumizing
- Invisible finish
Cons:
- Potentially too heavy for fine hair
For those with blonde, platinum, white, or gray hair, we suggest Moroccanoil Light Tones. It includes rice starch, which soaks up grease and product buildup, while argan oil nourishes and smooths for healthier-looking locks.
Our platinum-haired tester appreciated that the powdery formula sprays purple out of the can, like an in-shower purple toning shampoo that cancels brassiness. However, just a heads up—the oil content might weigh down fine hair.
Best Splurge
Oribe Gold Lust Dry Shampoo
Pros:
- Volumizing
- Invisible finish
- Smells amazing
Cons:
Hairstylist Sophia Nawabi is a big fan of this Oribe dry shampoo. “It absorbs product buildup, oil, and impurities with translucent powders,” she tells us.
Though it’s undoubtedly pricey, it might be worth the splurge. “I loved this product,” said one tester. “It looks and feels luxurious. And, most importantly, it was effective at absorbing oil and adding volume at my roots.” Our testers also thought that the brand’s signature Côte d’Azur scent was pretty incredible, too.
Best for Dry Hair
OGX Extra Strength Refresh + Restore Coconut Miracle Oil Dry Shampoo
Pros:
- Budget-friendly
- Invisible finish
- Surprisingly absorbent
Cons:
- Potentially too heavy for fine hair
For those dealing with dry, brittle strands, we recommend OGX.
Since it contains coconut oil, it might be too heavy for folks with thin hair. However, our testers noted that it doesn’t leave you with a greasy feel and does a great job refreshing second-day hair.
Best for Natural Hair
Kristin Ess Style Reviving Dry Shampoo
Pros:
- Sets quickly
- Invisible finish
- Strengthening
Cons:
Our tester, who has 4b curls, was a fan of how this Kristin Ess dry shampoo worked for her hair. She noting that it dried quickly and didn’t leave behind a white residue. “I think it sucked up excess oil and gave my hair a bit of volume,” she noted. “I can imagine using it when I have a ton of product buildup and need a refreshed look.”
In addition to absorbent starch, the sleek, moody can is chock full of strengthening ingredients like keratin, wheat protein, and pea protein. Since it contains alcohol, our tester said she’d use it sparingly as not to dry out all the oils produced naturally by her scalp.
What To Look For When Buying Dry Shampoo?
Ingredients
Whether alcohol- or starch-based, dry shampoos deliver drying agents like silica, clay, charcoal, tapioca, or baking soda to absorb oils, refresh your hair, and make it appear cleaner. If you have a sensitive scalp, you might want to avoid using a dry shampoo that contains a fragrance. Aerosol sprays, which often contain butane or propane, can also be irritating—fortunately, there are dry shampoos available in gel, foam, and tinted powder form.
Color and finish
Depending on your hair color and personal preferences, you may want a clear finish, a tinted formula, or something in between. Bear in mind that many dry shampoos leave a chalky residue, and while this can work for those with blonde, platinum, silver, or otherwise light hair, the dark-haired set will want to look for a tinted or “invisible” dry shampoo to avoid a powdered-wig look.
Scent
Some dry shampoos are heavily fragranced, so if you’re sensitive to strong perfumes, it might be best to opt for an unscented formula. On the flip side, if masking the odor of second- or third-day hair is your endgame, try an option with a fresh, clean scent (we won’t tell if you don’t).
