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The 12 Best Dry Shampoos of 2024

The 12 Best Dry Shampoos of 2024

Washing your hair daily, even regularly, has been a topic of debate for quite some time. Whether you prefer to skip a few days or just don’t have the time to do a full wash, dry shampoo can come in handy to give you the refresh you need without getting your hair wet. This pretty-much-magic product is formulated to clean your strands by absorbing oil and odor while also adding volume and texture.

To find the best dry shampoos, we researched the highest-rated products while also evaluating their ingredients, formula, and scent. We also consulted Miwako Urasugi, Kyoto-raised and NYC-based hairstylist, for insight and tips on what to look for when shopping for the right dry shampoo for your hair type, texture, budget, and lifestyle.

PHOTO: Sephora

It can be a challenge when it comes to finding a dry shampoo for all hair types, especially one that works. Living Proof Perfect Hair Day (PhD) Dry Shampoo, on the other hand, is suitable for fine, straight to thick hair, coily hair—you name it. This dry shampoo is a must-have for absorbing odor, oil, and sweat to give your hair new life between washes. We especially like that it’s color safe and has a time-release scent so your hair can smell fresh all day. While it does not have a specific scent listed, it has a fresh fragrance that’s slightly floral.

We love the effectiveness of this shampoo and its versatility on different hair types—just note that it’s not available in an unscented version. You can get it in three sizes—mini, standard, and value—so you can just as easily pack this shampoo in your luggage or keep it in the cabinet of your bathroom vanity.

Formula: Spray | Size: 2.4, 5.5, and 9.9 ounces | Scent: Not listed

Kristin Ess Style Reviving Dry Shampoo
PHOTO: Amazon

For those who don’t want to splurge on dry shampoo, we recommend this one from Kristin Ess. It comes in standard and travel sizes, works for all hair colors from light to dark, and contains a proprietary strengthening complex that “zips up” split ends and smooths out their appearance. We also like how well it absorbs oil and eliminates odor to leave your hair feeling fresh. 

Despite the spray nozzle that can be hard to press or disperse the product evenly, it’s not necessarily a defect for every bottle. The vegan and vitamin-enriched formula definitely make this dry shampoo worth more than its value, so it’s a great option for those who’ve never used dry shampoo or want to switch to something more budget-friendly.

Formula: Spray | Size: 1.2 and 4 ounces | Scent: Sandalwood, pear, magnolia

Amazon Klorane Non-Aerosol Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk
PHOTO: Amazon

Dry shampoos typically come in three forms: spray or aerosol, powder, and foam. We love the Klorane Non-Aerosol Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk for its non-chemical and plant-based spray that’s still effective and easy to use. It’s made with oat milk to soothe and protect your hair and scalp as well as corn and rice starch that provide a cleansing action. Additionally, the bottle is fully recyclable, making this a truly eco-friendly choice. 

This may not be the best option for dark hair due to the light colored powder. However, we do still think it’s worth a try regardless of your hair color and type for its high-quality ingredients.

Formula: Spray | Size: 1.7 ounce | Scent: Not listed

IGK First Class Charcoal Detox Dry Shampoo
PHOTO: Amazon

An oily scalp or oily roots are typically the first indications that it’s time to whip out your dry shampoo. If this is an issue you deal with, the IGK First Class Charcoal Detox Dry Shampoo uses charcoal powder to absorb excess oil and neutralize odors. We like that it contains white tea powder to soothe the scalp and relieve that itchiness that comes with unwashed hair, too. 

Although the specific scent is not listed, we can describe it as a strong, peppery fragrance that may not be ideal for everyone. If you don’t mind a perfumed scent, have a naturally oily scalp, or want an efficient dry shampoo for post workouts, this is a great choice. 

Formula: Aerosol | Size: 1, 2, and 6.31 ounces | Scent: Not listed

Sephora Moroccanoil Dry Shampoo for Dark Tones
PHOTO: Sephora

Anyone with dark hair who has used dry shampoo has probably experienced a white cast or light residue that can be tough to thoroughly brush through. We like the Moroccanoil Dry Shampoo Dark Tones for its ultra-fine rich starches that work to absorb oil on dark hair. The argan oil-infused formula helps protect against UV damage, and we love the signature Moroccanoil scent of amber and floral notes.

If you prefer a plant-based dry shampoo, you may want to opt for another product since this contains a few ingredients that can cause sensitivities, including fragrance and alcohol. However, if those don’t bother you and you want a dry shampoo for medium to dark hair, we think it’s worth a try.

Formula: Spray | Size: 1.7 and 5.4 ounces | Scent: Signature Moroccanoil scent of amber and floral notes

Vegamour Gro Dry Shampoo
PHOTO: Vegamour

Just like your favorite thickening shampoo, this formula from Vegamour GRO Dry Shampoo will give you the oomph you dream of. This dry shampoo is lightweight and contains clinically tested phytoactives that help add volume. We like the pleasant citrus scent and how well it absorbs oil, dirt, and sweat so your hair looks and smells fresh. It’s important to note that this particular dry shampoo is priced higher than others that contain more product, but if you have fine hair and have struggled to find the right dry shampoo for you, it’ll become a hair care staple. 

Formula: Aerosol | Size: 1.8 and 3.95 ounces | Scent: Citrus

Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo
PHOTO: Amazon

After going days without washing your hair, you may notice a loss of volume, especially at the root. A volumizing dry shampoo is a great way to refresh your hair while restoring body, and the Amika Perk Up Talc-Free Dry Shampoo does just that. We like that it works on all hair types, absorbs oil and odor, and is formulated with sea buckthorn to nourish and soothe your hair and scalp. It has an alluring scent combination of vanilla, clover, and citrus, too. 

While we do wish the nozzle didn’t get stuck after spraying it a lot over time, the quality of this dry shampoo more than makes up for this setback. Whether you’re looking to give your hair extra volume between wash days for work or a date night, this dry shampoo will be your new best friend. 

Formula: Spray | Size: 1.8, 5.3, and 7.3 ounces | Scent: Vanilla, clover, citrus

Ulta Batiste Texturizing Dry Shampoo
PHOTO: Ulta

The classic beachy waves aren’t just a summer hairstyle. If you love to have this look all year round, we recommend Batiste Texturizing Dry Shampoo. Formulated with rice starch and sea kelp, this dry shampoo is effective at absorbing excess grease and oil while the pleasant citrus scent makes hair smell fresh. Best of all, it adds light volume and rich texture so you can give your curling iron a break when you want to style your hair between wash days.

Keep in mind that this dry shampoo might be best for those with layered haircuts, which makes it easier to bring out those sultry, tousled waves. However, we also think it’s worth a try for those with blunt cuts, bobs, or naturally straight hair. 

Formula: Aerosol | Size: 3.81 ounces | Scent: Citrus

Dove Care Between Washes Volumizing Dry Shampoo
PHOTO: Walmart

Dry shampoos are often found at salons and specialty hair care stores, but if you want something efficient that’s also inexpensive, we recommend the Dove Beauty Volume & Fullness Dry Shampoo. Although it doesn’t add as much volume as other dry shampoos, we appreciate the lightweight formula and how effective it is at absorbing oil and refreshing your hair without water.

Formula: Spray | Size: 1.15, 5, and 7.3 ounces | Scent: Not listed

Crown Affair The Dry Shampoo
PHOTO: Sephora

For those looking for a high-end, refillable, and eco-friendly dry shampoo, we suggest this one. Unlike others that come in a can or bottle, this powder dry shampoo comes in a jar that includes a kabuki brush to dip in the powder and apply to your roots. The talc-free formula contains persimmon-derived tannic acid, which neutralizes odors, tsubaki seed oil to prevent scalp dryness and irritation, and tapioca starch, which absorbs excess oils. Our favorite feature about this dry shampoo, however, is that it’s refillable to reduce waste.

Despite the higher price tag, particularly in comparison to other powder dry shampoos, we think it’s more than worth it if you prioritize an eco-friendly formula and packaging, as well as high-quality ingredients to effectively refresh your hair when you need it. 

Formula: Powder | Size: 1.1 ounces | Scent: Citrus

Ulta Eva NYC Freshen Up Invisible Dry Shampoo
PHOTO: Ulta

Most dry shampoos are made with powder and starch-based ingredients that can feel quite heavy when applied, especially if you have thick or curly hair. We love the Eva NYC Freshen Up Invisible Dry Shampoo for its lightweight formula that efficiently absorbs excess oil and odors from different types of hair. Best of all, it has the Signature Eva NYC scent—top notes of freesia and plum, mid notes of white flowers, and base notes of amber, vanilla, and white musk—that’ll leave your hair smelling even better than it does on wash day.

While we appreciate that this dry shampoo does not leave a white cast most of the time, you do need to spray it from at least a foot away to ensure this. If you don’t mind this and prioritize lightweightedness in your dry shampoo formula, then this is the one for you. 

Formula: Aerosol | Size: 7.3 fluid ounces | Scent: Signature Eva NYC

Amazon Batiste Hydrating Dry Shampoo
PHOTO: Amazon

It may seem counterintuitive to use dry shampoo on dry hair, but the Batiste Hydrating Dry Shampoo is perfect for anyone who needs extra hydration for their hair without a wash. The formula refreshes hair without drying it out, which is typical of most dry shampoos as it absorbs oil and moisture. The spray formula is enriched with avocado extracts to provide hydration, and it’s lightweight and doesn’t leave a residue, so you don’t have to worry about dusting off your roots.

Depending on your hair type or how dry or dirty your hair is, you may need to spray a lot of product to get the desired results. However, we think this is the best option for anyone with dry hair who needs to clean and hydrate their hair without taking a full shower.

Formula: Aerosol | Size: 6.73 fluid ounces | Scent: Not listed

Final Verdict

Our top pick is the Living Proof Perfect Hair Day (PhD) Dry Shampoo for its versatility on all hair types and textures, and its pleasant time-released scent. If you want something just as effective at a more budget-friendly price, we also recommend Kristin Ess Hair Style Reviving Dry Shampoo. 

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Ingredients

When it comes to ingredients,Urasugi recommends researching dry shampoo ingredients before making your decision. Some dry shampoos can be plant-based, containing rice starch and plant extracts, while others contain irritating although effective chemicals such as alcohol, talc, and petroleum. 

“Using a dry shampoo with high alcohol content, especially in spray form, can irritate sensitive skin,” she says. “Additionally, if you’re concerned about scent, keep in mind that you’ll be surrounded by the lingering fragrance after application, so it’s best to choose one that you find pleasant or one that is unscented.”

Formula Type

Dry shampoos typically come in three forms: spray or aerosol, powder, and foam. While Urasugi recommends sprays, she says the best dry shampoo for you can depend on a few factors. If you have thick or coily hair, a dry shampoo foam might work best for you, but if you have thin or light-colored hair, a powder could be your best option.

“Although I do recommend products that don’t contain a lot of alcohol, it mainly depends on the condition of your scalp and the quality of your hair,” she says. 

Scent

Whether synthetic or natural, dry shampoos usually contain fragrance to contribute to the freshness of your hair when applying it. If you have sensitivities, Urasugi recommends choosing an unscented dry shampoo or one with a subtle scent like the Klorane Non-Aerosol Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk. Otherwise, she loves the Amika Perk Up Talc-Free Dry Shampoo for its pleasant scent, which is a combination of vanilla, clover, and citrus. 

Questions You Might Ask

Is dry shampoo bad for your hair? 

It’s all about moderation when it comes to dry shampoo. Too little may not give you the cleanse and refresh you’re looking for, while too much or using it too often can clog up your hair follicles. Urasugi recommends researching ingredients and choosing ones that are eco-friendly and safe for your scalp and hair type.

“Not all dry shampoos are problematic,” she says. “The key factor is whether the dry shampoo suits your scalp. Find one that you like and that works well for you, as the scalp is part of your skin and needs specific care.”

How often should you use dry shampoo?

Dry shampoos are not a product you should use daily, the same way you may not want to wash your hair everyday. It’s best to think of dry shampoo as a temporary quick fix instead of a replacement to regular hair washing. 

“If you wash your hair thoroughly once a week, it’s best to use dry shampoo every two or three days,” Urasugi says. “Using a large amount daily can damage the scalp and hair by causing a buildup of powder, so be sure to use the appropriate amount.”

When should you use dry shampoo?

Most people use dry shampoo when their hair is greasy, smelly, lacking volume, and a regular wash doesn’t quite fit into their schedule or routine. Urasugi says it’s most common to use after a workout or when you want your hair to look presentable and refreshed for work or a date.

“The frequency of dry shampoo use depends on your scalp’s condition, but it’s generally recommended to use it a few days after shampooing, when your hair feels oily or lacks volume due to sebum buildup on your scalp,” she says.

Take Our Word for It

This article was written by L. Daniela Alvarez, a contributing writer for Real Simple with three years of experience writing about lifestyle content and product reviews. To compile this list, she spent hours researching dry shampoos and considering factors such as ingredients, formula type, and scent. She also received tips on how to shop for dry shampoos from Miwako Urasugi, Kyoto-raised and NYC-based hairstylist. 


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