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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.

Updated Apr 23, 2024
5 min. reading time
Image of four brands of dry shampoos

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. 

Read more: Shop the best hair brushes to style your hair with

First Class Charcoal Detox Dry Shampoo in aerosol bottle
Best overall
First Class Charcoal Detox Dry Shampoo
$32 at Sephora
Pureology Dry Shampoo in purple aerosol bottle
Best for colored hair
Pureology Style + Protect Refresh & Go Dry Shampoo
$32 at Sephora
Olaplex Dry Shampoo in white cylinder bottle
Best for active lifestyles
Olaplex No. 4D Clean Volume Detox Dry Shampoo
$30 at Amazon
Style Reviving Dry Shampoo with Vitamin C for Oily Hair in black bottle
Best for oily hair
Style Reviving Dry Shampoo with Vitamin C for Oily Hair
$15 at Ulta Beauty
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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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:

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.

Afina Najib Professional Headshot
Written by
Afina Najib

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.

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