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Want good hair day, every day? Get it with the best dry shampoos
Want fresh, clean-looking hair in between washes? A good dry shampoo will do the trick.
Having a dry hair shampoo handy can instantly transform your hair from looking lifeless and oily to fresh and bouncy. Not only does it keep your hair fresh in between your clarifying shampoo and conditioner routine, but it also provides a quick fix for those who are constantly active and on the go.
With so many dry shampoo brands to choose from, picking the right one for you can be confusing. Thankfully, we’ve got your back. From top-rated dry shampoos to a budget option, we’ve listed our favorites to help you find one that suits you best.
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Best overall
Pros & Cons
Free from parabens
Eliminates odor
Works on different hair types
Smell may be unpleasant for some
Whether you have colored or black hair, you’ll love the First Class Charcoal Detox Dry Shampoo from IGK. Free from parabens, it’s made with charcoal powder to absorb oil and eliminate odor and white tea powder to soothe itchy scalps.
In a consumer perception study done on First Class, more than 90% of participants agreed that they can go up to three days without washing their hair while still maintaining volume when they use First Class dry shampoo. Plus, it works well on all hair types and textures, making it our top pick overall.
Best for colored hair
Pros & Cons
Color safe
Includes UV filter
Provides light texture
May not suit natural hair
May leave some residue
Designed for those who like experimenting with their hair color, this Pureology Style + Protect Refresh & Go Dry Shampoo contains a signature aromatherapy blend of tuberose, almond milk and cedarwood to protect color vibrancy while absorbing excess oil.
Made without Sulfates SLS, SLES and parabens, it’s safe to use if you have a normal or oily scalp. It also includes a UV filter and vitamin E to help protect your colored hair from environmental radicals that could dim your shade.
Best for active lifestyles
Pros & Cons
Leaves no residue
Helps to detoxify scalp
Doesn’t clog pores
Works on curly hair
May be too lightweight for some
This volumizing dry shampoo from Olaplex will leave you feeling clean and weightless from the moment you spray it on. Because it provides light cleansing, it won’t build up even with daily use.
It contains Rambutan Seed Extract that helps to not only hydrate the hair but also neutralize odors to keep your hair smelling good all day. Thanks to its Ultra-Fine Micro Starch, the spray does well to absorb oil and sweat after a heavy workout.
If you’re constantly on the go, this is the dry shampoo for you.
Best for oily hair
Pros & Cons
Enriched with vitamin C
Color and keratin-safe
Cruelty-free
Reports of issues with spray nozzle
Scent can be overpowering for some
This dry shampoo with Vitamin C from Kristin Ess is perfect for those with oily hair, thanks to its vitamin-enriched formulation. Free from harmful chemicals like phthalates and sulfates, this dry shampoo is even safe to use on color-treated hair.
Using Zip-Up Technology, it’s designed to close split ends and protect hair from environmental stressors. It even helps to extend your blowout. If you’re looking for the best dry shampoo for oily hair, this is it.
Best for blonde hair
Pros & Cons
Neutralizes silver tones and brass in blondes
Free from benzene
High in vitamins and antioxidants
Not suitable for dark brown hair
Looking for a hair product that is suitable for your light-toned hair? Look no further than the Verb Dry Shampoo Light Tones. Using rice starch to cleanse hair and absorb oil, this product is designed to disappear on blonde hair, leaving your strands looking healthy and fresh.
Its purple-tinted formula neutralizes silver tones and brass in blonde strains while the bilberry and pomegranate extracts provide vitamins and antioxidants for healthier hair. To use, spray eight to ten inches away from the roots, massage it into the scalp and brush out the product evenly.
Best for UV protection
Pros & Cons
Protects from UV rays
Contains argan oil for frizz control
Alcohol-free
Might be too heavy for oily scalp
When you purchase Sailor Talk Argan Oil and Mineral Infused Superior Dry Shampoo, you’re not only prolonging your need for a hair wash but you’re also protecting your hair from UV rays.
The argan oil ingredient helps with frizz control while the rice starch strengthens strands to avoid hair breakage, which can prevent hair growth. Safe to use on all hair types, application only takes less than a minute, making it a must-have product if you’re always on the go.
Best scented
Pros & Cons
Certified vegan
Talc-free formula leaves no residue
Vibrant scent
Some reports of issues with spraying nozzle
Not only is this the best-smelling dry shampoo on our list but it’s the safest dry shampoo for those with sensitive scalps. Certified vegan and cruelty-free, this product contains plant sources of the fatty acid omega 7, which is known to provide hydration and elasticity in hair.
Not only is it easy to wear, but it leaves your hair smelling good all day. We also love that this talc-free formula leaves no residue, so it’s suitable for all hair colors. With the amika perk up talc-free dry shampoo by your side, you’ll always have a good hair day.
Best drugstore dry shampoo
Pros & Cons
Affordable
Not tested on animals
May not absorb oil as well as other brands
If you’re looking for a reliable drugstore dry shampoo that is affordable, try this Advanced Repairing Dry Shampoo from Dove. This coconut-scented spray is easy to use on all hair types and quickly absorbs oil to revive your hair.
You’ll also love the fact that this product is PETA-approved, which means it isn’t tested on animals. It’s also safe to use on color-treated hair.
What to know about dry shampoo
Is dry shampoo good for your hair?
Is it OK to use dry shampoo every day?
Which dry shampoo gets our top vote?
Adding any of these dry shampoos to your personal care routine is a great way to keep your hair presentable, especially if you’re active. But if you’re still indecisive about choosing one, here are our two favorites to get:
First Class Charcoal Detox Dry Shampoo: Free from parabens, soothes itchy scalp and eliminates odor on top of being suitable for all hair types. Do we need more reasons to love this product?
amika perk up talc-free dry shampoo: We love that this product smells great and is vegan-friendly. Plus, it’s a talc-free formula that guarantees no residue.
What are you waiting for? Add them to your cart and say goodbye to bad hair days!
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Prices updated on 04/23/2024. We are not responsible for any changes to the prices mentioned above.
A journalism graduate from Curtin University, Afina Najib specializes in writing tech, finance, automotive and wellness content. Now residing in Kuala Lumpur, Afina spends her weekends hitting the gym or watching Formula 1 races.