The 15 Best Dry Shampoos to Banish Greasy Roots for Good
We’ve all been there—your alarm goes off and as you’re brushing your teeth you survey your oily roots in the mirror, lamenting over how dirty your hair looks. Unfortunately, you don’t have time for shampoo, conditioner, and styling because you need to actually start your day. So, what do you do? Reach for dry shampoo. If you were to survey the IPSY staff and ask them to share the hair products they use most, a good dry shampoo would be at the top of the list.
This miracle worker is the best hair care product you can have on your shelf for those days when you need to prolong the life of your blowout and add an extra day (or two) in between washes.
While dry shampoo can save time during your daily routine and will give you a good reason to not feel guilty when you hit the snooze button, not all formulas are created equal. In order to fake a fresh ‘do, you need to select the right dry shampoo for your hair type, taking your hair’s natural texture and color into consideration.
Unsure which dry shampoo is right for you? We’ve rounded up the best dry shampoos for each and every hair type, for those days when you just can’t even. Sometimes we’re all just operating on 9 ok 0% dry shampoo and a large cold brew. Consider this the lazy girl’s guide to faking your way to a good hair day.
1. Best drugstore:
BATISTE Dry Shampoo, Fresh Scent
This cult-favorite brand is known for their dry shampoo which comes in an array of scents that will instantly give you the look and feel of clean hair. It’s also sulfate-free and vegan, quick-drying, and soaks up excess oil, which makes it a great go-to for those mornings when you need an instant refresh.
2. Best clear dry shampoo:
DRYBAR Detox Clear Invisible Dry Shampoo
Greaseless roots without white residue? Look no further than this clear, cleansing formula that will mattify oily roots without leaving behind buildup. It’s also paraben-free, phthalate-free, and sulfate-free, making it a safe choice for sensitive scalps. Plus, it smells amazing.
3. Best to protect against pollution:
KÉRASTASE Fresh Affair Dry Shampoo
Not only does this dry shampoo provide an instant refresh, but it also coats your hair with protection against free radical damage. Vitamin E acts as a deep moisturizer to prevent breakage and fight oxidative aggressors. It also contains rice starch to add volume and freshen hair and neroli oil to give your tresses an irresistible scent that can mask sweat in no time.
4. Best-smelling dry shampoo:
AMIKA Perk-Up Dry Shampoo
When you’re dealing with dirty hair, it isn’t always enough to absorb excess oil. Sometimes you also need to mask that dirty hair smell. Don’t be embarrassed, we’ve all been there. This dry shampoo is an amazing multitasker that will make your hair look and smell amazing. There’s a reason why it’s referred to as the holy grail of dry shampoo, after all. Instantly refresh your roots and revive your hair with a heavenly scent that will mask sweat, dirt, and grime, thanks to a combination of rice starch and sea buckthorn.
5. Best for fine hair:
LIVING PROOF Perfect hair Day™ Dry Shampoo
If you want to cleanse fine hair and eliminate oil, sweat, and odor without weighing down your tresses, reach for this cleansing dry shampoo that will revitalize your hair. After a few sprays hair looks instantly refreshed without the hassle or time commitment associated with washing and styling. This powdery formula is quick-absorbing and quick-drying. After you spritz it on your roots, wait 30 seconds before you comb and massage it through to reap the benefits.
6. Best for color-treated hair:
ORIBE Gold Lust Dry Shampoo
This color-safe dry shampoo is vegan, sulfate-free, paraben-free, gluten-free, and cruelty-free, making it a suitable choice for practically everyone, especially if you dye your hair. This is especially helpful for anyone with light hair. The unique formula uses translucent powder to absorb dirt and oil and nourishes dry, damaged hair. The real reason we can’t get enough is because it keeps hair color looking vibrant, thanks to a unique combination of bamboo, rice silk, lavender, and chamomile. The result? Soft, smooth hair that feels just washed.
7. Best for sensitive scalps:
KLORANE Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk
If you have a sensitive scalp you might not think dry shampoo is for you, especially if after trying a new product you’ve experienced an itchy scalp or flaking. Instead, reach for this hypoallergenic powder formula which is made with organically-harvested oat milk to soothe and protect your hair and scalp. This gentle dry shampoo uses plant-based ingredients to eliminate oil, dirt, and odors, all while adding volume and texture without weighing down your hair.
8. Best volumizing:
AVEENO Fresh Green Blends Dry Shampoo
This volumizing dry shampoo will add body and height to your hair, all while providing an instant refresh. It absorbs excess oil, leaving you with voluminous hair that looks like you just got out of the shower. Not only will your hairstyles stay in place all day, but a potent combination of oats, rosemary, peppermint, and cucumber will revitalize your tresses.
9. Best for curly hair:
IGK HAIR First Class Charcoal Detox Dry Shampoo
If you need a powerful dry shampoo that can cleanse dense curls and tightly coiled locks, look no further than this potent formula. It can cleanse course hair with just a few sprays, thanks to white tea powder and charcoal powder that work together to erase oil and odors, providing a deep cleanse.
10. Best for dark hair:
MORROCANOIL Dry Shampoo Dark Tones
If you have dark hair, using a dry shampoo specifically formulated for your hair color is a necessity. Many powdery formulas can leave you with white buildup at the roots, which is even more evident on dark hair and can cause your color to look dull. To refresh dark hair without sacrificing your rich tone, reach for this argan oil-infused formula that offers UV protection and removes buildup and odor.
11. Best after a workout:
VIRTUE LABS Refresh Dry Shampoo
Dry shampoo is a serious lifesaver, especially when a shower just isn’t an option (like when you’re traveling or just jetted out of a workout class). Zap greasy hair with this lightweight aerosol spray that’s invisible, which means you can quickly spritz it on the go without stressing about any residue building up on your roots. A combination of kaolin clay and tapioca starch work together to absorb oil and remove impurities from your hair, leaving you with tresses that look and smell refreshed.
12. Best for texture:
R+CO Death Valley Dry Shampoo
If you want to infuse enviable tousled texture into your hairstyles and absorb excess oil, this texturizing dry shampoo is just what you need to bring your hair to new heights, thanks to a combination of rice protein, vitamin E, silica, and pro-vitamin B5.
13. Best powder version:
VERB Dry Shampoo
If you want an aerosol-free solution to dry shampoo, reach for this easy-to-apply dry shampoo powder, which works to remove oil and refresh hair, thanks to glycerin, super fruit antioxidant, and tapioca starch.
14. Most hydrating:
AVEDA Shampure Dry Shampoo
While dry shampoo is meant to absorb excess oil at the root, often it can further dry out your strands and mess with your natural oils. If you need to refresh your roots without overdrying, try this misting, non-aerosol formula that’s made with 25 pure flower and plant essences and naturally derived ingredients.
15. Best for beginners:
OUAI Super Dry Shampoo
New to dry shampoo? If you want to avoid dreaded white spots and product buildup, opt for this innovative formula that comes in a foolproof can that features a tilted nozzle that makes it easy to reach those tricky areas where oil always seems to accumulate, like the back of your neck and behind the ear.
If the idea of wash day is reason enough to block off time on your calendar, dry shampoo just might be the time-saving product you need. If you want a chance to try all of our favorites, be sure to sign up for the IPSY Glam Bag. Take our Beauty Quiz now to get started. Already an Ipster? Refer your friends to earn points, which you can use toward products. Either way, don’t forget to check us out on Instagram and Twitter @IPSY.
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