The 10 Best Dry Shampoos - Tried, Tested, and Actually Worth It

Dry shampoo’s not new, despite what TikTok might have you think. People have been using powdered hair fresheners since the 1700s (yep, wigs and all). The modern spray-can version showed up around the 1970s but really took off in the 2000s when we all collectively realized: wow, not washing my hair every day might actually be better?

Dry shampoo is basically a powder or spray that soaks up excess oil from your scalp and gives your hair a refreshed, more voluminous look. It doesn’t actually clean your hair but it does make it feel cleaner and smell a lot better.

Let’s be honest. Life gets busy. Maybe your hair’s oily but your ends are dry. Maybe your curls take hours to wash and style. Or maybe your blowout cost $60 and you want it to last. Dry shampoo is perfect for:

• Extending time between washes
• Adding volume to flat or fine hair
• Reviving sweaty gym hair
• Freshening up bangs
• Saving a heat-styled look

Let’s be honest. Life gets busy. Maybe your hair’s oily but your ends are dry. Maybe your curls take hours to wash and style. Or maybe your blowout cost $60 and you want it to last. Dry shampoo is perfect for:

• Super quick to use
• Adds instant volume
• Great for travel or on-the-go
• Helps color-treated hair last longer (less washing = less fading)

• Doesn’t actually remove dirt or buildup
• Can clog pores if overused
• Some formulas leave a white cast (especially on dark hair)

Bottom line: it’s a great in-between product. But nothing replaces a proper wash.

Dry shampoo works best for oily scalps and fine or straight hair types. But don’t worry, there are formulas for curly, dry, thick, and even color-treated hair too. The key is choosing the right one. So let’s get into it!

This one’s a classic—and for good reason. It soaks up oil like a champ and adds noticeable lift at the roots.

• Hair Type: Normal to oily
• Natural?: Not really, but it gets the job done
• Scent: Fresh, clean
• Use: 1–2 times between washes
• Price: Around $10

This one actually cleans your hair using patented molecules. Feels luxe, smells like a salon.

• Hair Type: All, especially oily or fine
• Natural?: No, but silicone-free
• Scent: Light citrus and floral
• Use: 2–3 times a week
• Price: $30

Gentle and plant-based, this French pharmacy fave is a life-saver for irritated or dry scalps.

• Hair Type: Dry, sensitive, color-treated
• Natural?: Yes (botanical ingredients)
• Scent: Soft and powdery
• Use: 2 times a week max
• Price: $20

Smells amazing and gives a serious lift to flat roots without buildup.

• Hair Type: Fine to medium, color-treated
• Natural?: Talc-free, but not 100% clean
• Scent: Sweet, warm vanilla
• Use: As needed
• Price: $28

This powder adds grit, volume, and absorbs oil all in one. A hairstylist’s dream for updos or second-day styling.

• Hair Type: All, especially limp or flat
• Natural?: No
• Scent: Mild
• Use: A little goes a long way
• Price: $28

Infused with argan oil, this one blends beautifully into light hair and leaves no white cast.

• Hair Type: Light-colored, dry to normal
• Natural?: Partially
• Scent: Signature Moroccanoil scent (floral + musky)
• Use: 1–3 times a week
• Price: $26

Affordable, sleek, and smells like you just walked out of a $200 salon appointment.

• Hair Type: Fine to medium
• Natural?: Cruelty-free, but not all-natural
• Scent: Luxe + fresh
• Use: Anytime hair needs a refresh
• Price: $15

This one’s powerful, charcoal helps detox the scalp and it holds up after workouts or hot days.

• Hair Type: Very oily, thick, or sweaty-prone
• Natural?: Sulfate/paraben-free
• Scent: Herbal
• Use: 1–2 times a week
• Price: $32

100% plant-based, eco-friendly, and smells like eucalyptus. It refreshes and lifts without any harsh ingredients.

• Hair Type: All, especially sensitive or eco-conscious users
• Natural?: Yes
• Scent: Earthy + minty
• Use: Every few days
• Price: $34

Lightweight, smells good, and does the job without buildup. Ideal for teens, students, or anyone new to dry shampoo.

• Hair Type: Normal to slightly oily
• Natural?: No, but gentle enough
• Scent: Fresh and clean
• Use: Daily if needed
• Price: $6 – $8

Dry shampoo isn’t a replacement for real shampoo, but it’s an absolute lifesaver in between washes. Whether you’ve got curls, fine hair, dry scalp, or just want something fast, there’s a formula for you. If you’re looking for more about shampoos, you can check our best shampoo for oily hair readings.

And trust me, after two decades in this business, I’ve seen what works and what doesn’t. Choose smart, apply right, and your hair will thank you.

• Don’t spray too close—hold the can about 8–10 inches away
• Let it sit for 1–2 minutes before massaging it in
• Use a brush or fingertips to distribute evenly
• Don’t overdo it—dry shampoo builds up over time