When you’re in a hurry and you don’t have time to wash your hair, what’s a girl to do? There are a few solutions but the best thing to use is a good quality dry shampoo. They work by absorbing oil and grease at the root, giving hair a new lease of life and extending the time between washing.
They are also an excellent solution for you ladies who suffer with excessive oily hair and enable you to stretch out your shampoos so your hair looks fresh as a daisy ! However, there is a right and a wrong way to use dry shampoos and in this article we’ll give you the low down on what the best shampoos are, how to use them and whether or not they all work!
How Does Dry Shampoo Work?
Don’t be fooled into thinking that dry shampoo cleanses your hair. It’s not a replacement for a good hair wash with liquid shampoo although its name does suggest that it should be! As it so happens, you are effectively spraying something onto your scalp that you won’t wash out until you next get into the shower so you are adding residue to your hair.
The good news is it always washes out providing you use a good liquid shampoo and massage it well into the roots. What dry shampoo does is make your hair feel cleaner. Most are made out of various ingredients often including starch, silica and alcohol. Many are fragranced too and because they are “drying” in their nature, they are infused with conditioning type elements to control dryness and help hair to keep some hydration.
When you first spray on a dry shampoo you get a cool blast of air. This is nothing to worry about and is purely down to the gas held inside the can. As gas is pressurised, it naturally cools. The actual dry shampoo works by absorbing oil and grease on your scalp. This is usually down to the alcohol content which then disappears leaving the starchy ingredients.
It’s this starch that captures the oil and removes it so hair feels clean and doesn’t look greasy. As it so happens, the oil is still there it’s just hidden behind the particles in the starch ingredient.
How To Use Dry Shampoo
Have you struggled with dry shampoo? Maybe you’ve used it before but you’ve ended up with a powdery mess on top of your head! It could be you’ve used too much or you’ve been extra-cautious and used too little? Or perhaps you’re a novice and you’ve just decided to try it out but you’ve no idea where to start! Let us guide you so you become a dry shampoo pro:
- Separate your hair in sections and start at your hairline around your face. Hold the spray-can a few inches away from your face. If you hold it too close, you’ll distribute too much too quickly and end up with a tacky mess.
- Spray for a couple of seconds around the hairline – no more time required!
- Move onto the next section (side of your head) and then the next section (other side of your head). Then continue with the back but divide it into two sections.
- Tackle the roots, moving from front to back. Remember, just use short sprays approximately 2” from your head. You shouldn’t be able to see the powder on your hair.
- Turn your head upside down and then blend the powder with your fingertips.
- Wait a few minutes for the powder or spray to settle.
- Shake out your hair while upside down. This helps the dry shampoo to get right to the end of your hair.
- Finally, take a good quality boar bristle brush and comb through or if you don’t use a brush, use your fingers to style.
- You can also blow-dry it into style.
Spray Or Powder?
Normally dry shampoo comes in spray format or powder format so which is the right one for you? There is actually a dry shampoo for every hair type but it’s important to get to grips with what will work for you.
If you have finer, thinner hair you’re best off to choose a powder formula because this helps to add volume, texture and thickness too plus it won’t stiffen your hair. Powder is excellent for getting rid of oil and grease so perfect for those of you who suffer with oily, stringy locks.
For thick and unruly hair, you’re better off using the aerosol spray versions of dry shampoo because these don’t add volume or leave residue so you won’t end up with a bird’s nest on top! It’s also a good type of dry shampoo to use with blow-drying.
It’s worth mentioning that you can also buy dry shampoo to blend in with your hair colour. For example, Batiste has a collection of blonde, dark and red. Light tones are usually fine with regular no-colour spray or powder but dark haired girls or redheads should find a brand with a coloured powder so there’s no hint of residue left over.
How Long Does Dry Shampoo Last?
We’ve already established that used properly, dry shampoo is a Godsend for all hair types and yes, it works well but how long does it work for? Really, this is very dependent on your hair type although brand does play a large part in it. Choose the right product for your hair will make a difference so you might have to try a few before you settle on the best one for your hair type.
For those of you with extremely oily hair, dry shampoo will probably extend your hair washing by one extra day. For ladies with very thick or dry hair, dry shampoo could extend your hair washing by a good couple of days. It’s not a good idea to keep piling it on though because it does leave a residue which can build up in your scalp if you don’t carefully wash it out. The nature of the product means it is drying which is why it shouldn’t be used continuously on dry hair types.
Dry Shampoo Before & After
https://web.archive.org/web/20210301102803if_/https://www.instagram.com/p/BQD6IqrAMxD/embed/captioned/?cr=1&v=9&wp=500&rd=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.oilyhairnomore.com&rp=%2Fbest-dry-shampoos-for-all-hair-types-and-how-they-work%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A0%2C%22os%22%3A15949.300000011921%7D
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So what can you expect from a good quality dry shampoo? Well firstly it’s not necessary to use it on clean hair so wait until your hair is dirty before trying it out. It’s a good idea to use it when you know your hair needs a wash to see if it’s right for you…so…
- Start with dirty hair!
- Spray it into hair, as described above
- Leave it to settle for a few minutes
- Shake your hair
- Brush through or blow-dry in
- Voila – beautiful clean-looking hair!
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Is Dry Hair Bad For Your Hair?
In short, used properly the answer to this one is No! Dry shampoo is a really convenient and effective way to pep up your hair especially when you’ve run out of time, you’re late or something comes up and you need to do something with your dirty hair!
Just remember that it is not an alternative to washing your hair – these shampoos do not wash your hair. If you use dry shampoo over and over again – prolonging your hair wash you will cause trauma to your scalp because it will build up with residue and dirt and you could even clog up your hair follicles and slow down hair growth. So use it sparingly, don’t overdo it and remember to shampoo your hair thoroughly afterwards.
Oh Baby!
Years ago, before dry shampoo was invented people used Baby Powder in their hair and you can still do this today as an alternative. However, there are things you need to remember. Firstly, talc is not designed for hair so it’s best not to use it too often. Talc often contains ingredients that could be bad for you, even carcinogenic so if you’re going to use it, be sparing.
Baby powder also leaves residue in hair so it’s very important to wash it out thoroughly and as it’s white, if you use too much, you’ll leave a powdery cloud in your hair so brush it through after distributing.
DIY Dry Shampoos
You could even make your own dry shampoo which means you don’t have to rush out to the supermarket or the pharmacy, just look in your kitchen for your own ingredients and get creative! Try this out for yourself, it works really well and is a cost-saving dry shampoo:https://web.archive.org/web/20210301102803if_/https://www.instagram.com/p/BPd58FgBG6-/embed/captioned/?cr=1&v=9&wp=500&rd=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.oilyhairnomore.com&rp=%2Fbest-dry-shampoos-for-all-hair-types-and-how-they-work%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A1%2C%22os%22%3A15961.59999999404%7D
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Ingredients
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp rubbing alcohol
- 4 drops of essential oil (one you love)
- 1 empty spray bottle
Method
- Mix all the ingredients together and pour into the spray bottle. Attach the spray nozzle and distribute in your hair as above.
The Best Dry Shampoos
So what are the best dry shampoos for your hair? We’ve done all the work for you and tried and tested over twenty different types and manufacturers. See our list below and choose the one you think is best for you:
The Best Dry Shampoos For Dark Hair
Batiste Dry Shampoo Dark, Deep Brown
This is light and airy with dark brown particles so there’s no risk of a powdery puff on your hair or roots.It also blends with root regrowth and guarantees no residue. Hair feels fresh, clean and full of body. This is ideal for use on the go,after the gym or a busy day when you’ve got no time to wash your hair!
The Best Dry Shampoos For Silky Hair
Moroccan Oil Dry Shampoo Dark Tones
This is an aerosol which delivers a light spray of dry shampoo. It’s so weightless, hair won’t feel heavy and it has a fabulous fragrance. Infused with original Moroccan oil it gives hair plenty of shine so hair feels soft, silky and clean after use.
The Best Dry Shampoos For Dark Hair
All Natural Vegan – Drop Dead Gorgeous Dry Shampoo Powder for Dark Hair Brunettes
This shampoo is chemical free with no parabens, no synthetic chemicals, no artificial preservatives and it’s 100% vegan so if you want something natural, this dry shampoo is the right one for you. It removes grease and oil and deodorizes too meaning your hair smells beautifully fresh. It’s great for in-between washes and doesn’t leave a nasty product build up either.
Best Dry Shampoos For Blonde Hair
Batiste Shampoo Light and Blonde
This refreshes hair without the use of water and with a slightly pigmented powder; it blends in blonde hair well. Hair is left feeling gorgeously refreshed with a pleasant scent and if you don’t’ have excessively oily hair, this will last well for over two days without leaving residue on your roots. Just be careful to use it very sparingly.
The Best Dry Shampoos For Light Hair
Keratin Complex Volumising Dry Shampoo Lift Powder
This is a powder rather than an aerosol and comes with its own application brush. It’s very gentle on the scalp and absorbs excess oil without stripping hair of its natural oils. The bottle says it can be used for up to 72 hours post wash (just one application needed) but this depends on your hair type. Use the applicator brush with just a little powder and blend it in using the brush or your fingers. Your hair will have instant lift and volume without any oil or grease.
The Best Dry Shampoos For Lightest Blonde Hair
AG Hair Care Blonde Dry Shampoo
This hair is ideal for even the lightest blondes and gently absorbs hair grease and oil so you feel fresh and clean. It also covers up root regrowth and adds extra volume and lift to dull, lifeless hair. With a pleasant scent and no stickiness it’s the ideal solution to prolonging your blow-dry.
Best Dry Shampoo On A Budget
Acure Dry Shampoo
If you haven’t got much spare cash but want to prolong your shampoo you don’t need to break the bank with this Acure Dry Shampoo which gets excellent online reviews. It’s sulphate, paraben and phthalate free too and it promises not to clog pores. Working fast, it absorbs oil and gets rid of nasty dirt all without water and with keratin in its ingredients; it retains hair’s natural moisture. There’s no excuse not to have one of these close by!
The Best Dry Shampoos For Volume & Fullness Hair
Dove Refresh & Care Dry Shampoo, Volume & Fullness
This one is so inexpensive you won’t notice it, so better stock up on a few bottles that way you’ll never be caught short when you need a wash but there’s just no time. Dove is a well-respected brand and their technology is outstanding. This dry shampoo absorbs dirt, sweat and grease so hair feels delightfully clean, smooth and soft. After use, hair looks freshly washed with plenty of body and it’s so weightless that it doesn’t weigh hair down with product. Use it in between washes to revive tired looking, dirty hair.
Best Dry Shampoo For Fine Hair
Garnier Fructis Volume Extend Instant Bodifier Dry Shampoo
You can trust Garnier to deliver superior hair products for the mass market and this invisible dry shampoo guarantees an instant refresh and a glorious scent with plenty of volume and texture without build-up. Just for use for one extra day without hair washing, this is an excellent dry shampoo which won’t leave a sticky residue. Hair feels wonderful – as if it’s just been washed and the fragrance of orange, citrus and grape is simply divine.
Best Dry Hair Shampoo For Oily Hair
Klorane Dry Shampoo With Nettle
The nettle ingredient in this dry shampoo is excellent for regulating sebum production from sebaceous glands. It’s ideal for any hair type, even coloured and is very kind and gentle to hair, without drying it out. Hair is left refreshed, soft, silky and voluminous with all traces of oil removed. Use in between hair washes and distribute sparingly because a little goes a long way.
Best Dry Shampoo For Hair Loss
Not Your Mother’s Plump for Joy Thickening Dry Shampoo
When you’re suffering with hair loss, being kind to your hair matters even more than ever especially as clogging up your hair follicles can contribute to thinning hair and growth problems. This dry shampoo is excellent because it’s so fine it doesn’t clog follicles and neither does it leave a nasty residue on top of your head. However, you should only use it once or twice and then you must wash your hair as normal to avoid any over-use and product build-up. It absorbs oil and greasiness and helps to build volume which is vital when hair looks thin or lifeless.
Best Dry Shampoos For Lasting Hair
Living Proof Perfect Hair Dry Shampoo
This one comes with amazing technology time-release particles that pep up your hair with fragrance during the day. Plus it’s so good at absorbing dirt, grease and oil that there’s no need to worry about hair drooping or getting oily. Suitable for all hair types, this one is quite pricey, but it delivers plenty of money. We think it’s worth the money if you want something that keeps on going….and going! Just be careful not to over-spray because you might end up with a white, powdery residue.
The Best Dry Shampoos For Fine & Oily Hair
Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo
This is suitable for most hair types but especially for those of you with fine, oily hair. It is a powder that instantly absorbs oil and grease without leaving a residue, so long as you work it into the scalp. With a gentle fragrance, hair feels refreshed and “clean” plus it prolongs styling well into day three. Hair feels thicker, more voluminous and without any heaviness. Some people report they can use this for up to three days post-washing but just be careful not to overload with product as it could lead to blockages in your hair follicles.
Best Dry Shampoo For Bad Hair Odour
Not Your Mothers Clean Freak Dry Shampoo
This absorbs sweat, oil and grease in moments and while it doesn’t clean hair (no dry shampoo does) it gives the illusion of clean, fresh locks. If you suffer with bad hair odour then you need something that really overpowers it and this one has a fabulously fresh scent it’s a great fast solution when you need to have clean hair but you don’t have time. When you spray it on, it comes out white but after running your fingers through your hair, any residue should disappear. Just use it sparingly and build up as you need to
Best Dry Shampoo For Eco-Friendly & Gentleness
Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk – Non-Aerosol
This dry shampoo is environmentally friendly and is packaged in a non-aerosol can. It still delivers an excellent “clean” without water, absorbing oil and grease from sebaceous glands and leaving hair super-fresh looking. It is a powder rather than a spray so you might have to work the particles in a little more than other varieties however, start with a small amount and build up as you need to. Ingredients include oat milk and are all super-kind to hair and scalp so if you’re looking for something gentle, this one is for you.
Best Dry Shampoo For Organic Use
Captain Blankenship – Organic Mermaid Dry Shampoo
This miraculous bottle contains powerful non-chemical ingredients made out of organic powders. It also contains absolutely no parabens or sulphate so it’s much kinder to hair and scalp. They work hard to absorb grease and oil on the scalp and instantaneously add lift and volume to dirty hair. With a gorgeously fragrant rose scent hair feels remarkably refreshed, soft and smooth.
Best Dry Shampoo For Softness & Manageability
Suave Professionals Dry Shampoo, Keratin Infusion
Promising the ultimate in convenience, this refreshing dry shampoo quickly absorbs excess grease and oil so hair feels instantly pepped up and ready to go. This particular product contains hair’s natural protein, keratin so it doesn’t dry hair out and leaves it feeling smooth, soft and manageable. The nature of the particles are such that there is no residue left on hair and it’s fairly weightless so you won’t feel that your hair is heavy with product.
Best Dry Shampoo For A High Street Brand
Pantene Pro-V Original Fresh Dry Shampoo
Pantene always deliver great hair products and this one is no exception. For super-soft and shiny hair without washing this dry shampoo absorbs hair so it feels refreshed and revitalised. It’s great for extending out a blow-dry and pepping up lifeless hair plus it has an invigorating scent. Just beware of the packaging because sometimes the nozzle clogs up which means you need to buy another, luckily it’s not expensive.
Best Dry Shampoo For Volume
Tresemme Fresh Start Volumising Dry Shampoo
Another brand you can always rely on to deliver is Tresemme and this spray product is an excellent dry shampoo delivering freshness and vitality to dirty hair. Designed for fine and oily hair it creates plenty of volume and fullness using mineral clay so hair looks clean and bouncy. It absorbs oil and grease keeping both at bay for hours on end. The pleasant scent stops any hair odour and it lasts too. Finally it’s a very soothing product to use on hair as it doesn’t aggravate the scalp.
Best Dry Shampoo For All Hair Types
Batiste Dry Shampoo Original
The first ever dry shampoo to come to market is still going strong and you can rely on Batiste to deliver a superior product, after all they’ve been doing it the longest! With a gentle scent that lasts it instantly removes any grease and oil and there’s no residue so long as you spray hair gently. Hair has plenty of movement, body and softness and this product is not tested on animals. Suitable for all hair-types, even coloured hair, you can’t go wrong.
Best Dry Shampoo For Non-Aerosol
Aveda New Shampure Dry Shampoo
This is a powder rather than a spray so does not come in an aerosol. It’s very gentle as it is made using 25 flower and plant essential oils. The powder absorbs grease and oil in your scalp, refreshing hair so it looks and feels clean in-between shampoos. Suitable for all types it won’t weigh hair down unless you over-apply it. So best advice is to use it sparingly and build it up if you need a little more. Don’t forget to distribute it evenly and massage it into your hair using your fingertips to avoid any powdery residue.
Best Dry Shampoo For Nourishment
Oscar Blandi Pronto Dry Shampoo
This award-winning shampoo absorbs oil, grease and dirt leaving hair feeling incredible soft, manageable with plenty of volume. It also nourishes the scalp with goodness so no danger of nasty gunk building up in your hair follicles. With a gentle yet pleasant scent this is a very effective dry shampoo suitable for all hair types. Despite being a white powder, it’s fine to use on all hair colours and providing your massage it in properly, it won’t leave any residue.
Best Dry Shampoo For No-Residue
Oscar Blandi Pronto Dry Shampoo Invisible Spray
If you do worry about residue and avoid dry shampoos because sometimes you get a little powdery puff on your hair then this is a good shampoo for you. It’s light, almost weightless and is completely invisible when you spray it. Just be careful not to go over-board as you can’t see where it’s being distributed. Nevertheless, this dry shampoo delivers good coverage, absorbs oil and grease and smells great. Hair feels refreshed, clean and has plenty of voluminous body and shine.
Best Dry Shampoo For Coloured Hair
Moroccanoil Dry Shampoo
This aerosol dry shampoo comes in two versions, one for light tones and one for dark tones so there’s something suitable for (almost) everyone. Infused with pure Moroccan oil this dry shampoo adds moisture without greasiness so hair is really hydrated without drying it out. Hair looks shiny and manageable without any dryness yet all oil instantly disappears. There’s also no residue either, unless you over-spray so use it sparingly. (Otilia this is mentioned earlier on too)
Best Dry Shampoo For Refreshing Hair
Herbal Essences Naked Dry Shampoo
This refreshing lightweight dry shampoo is formulated with natural tapioca and doesn’t contain any parabens or colourants. This ingredient gently absorbs any excess sebum from your scalp and reduces oil production so hair feels wonderfully fresh and fragrant. Infused with mint and grapefruit it’s a fabulously revitalising blend that gives hair that just-washed feeling and plenty of body and bounce.
Best Dry Shampoo For Thickening
Lush No Drought Dry Shampoo
This shampoo removes any oil and grease from your scalp while delivering plenty of volumising thickness so hair smells incredibly fresh and clean. Just massage a small amount into your scalp and run your fingers into your hair or brush it out. Ideal for use in between washing it softens hair so it’s manageable and helps your hair look cleaner for longer. It’s also excellent for delivering a gorgeous fragrance so hair not only looks clean, it smells clean too.
Best Dry Shampoo For Designer Brands
Bumble and Bumble Pret A Powder Shampoo
Bumble and Bumble know a thing or two about hair which is why they are one of the most highly respected brands in the business. Their Pret A Powder dry shampoo is a powder form rather than a spray and provides a miraculous transformation, even for the dirtiest hair! The powder penetrates dirt, oil and grease to remove it and revitalise hair so it looks as if it’s just stepped out of the salon. So if you want perfect hair that lasts well into day three post washing, this one is for you. Hair is manageable, soft, bouncy and voluminous – what more could you ask for?
Best Dry Shampoo For High Price & Awards
ORIBE Dry Texturizing Spray
Oribe is a designer hair brand so you expect to pay more but you do get the quality that comes with the price tag. This dry shampoo is so good that all the models at catwalk shows use it. It’s a spray format that delivers texture so hair looks clean, fresh and with plenty of volume. It really goes a long way to absorb grease and oil, extending the life of your blow-dry by days if you’re careful with distribution and with prestigious awards behind it (Beauty Innovator Awards Dry 2015 & BTC Stylist Choice Favourite Texturizing Styler 2015), it gets our vote even if it’s on the expensive side.
Best Dry Shampoo For Foam
OUAI Dry Shampoo Foam
If you hate powder and can’t work with spray why not try this innovative dry shampoo which comes in the form of a foam? It is expensive but it’s designed to take hair right up to day four post washing and beyond so think about all the money you’ll save on regular shampoo not to mention time! Completely waterless, this dry shampoo removes product build-up and oil plus the foam dries super quick so you’re ready to go in moments. Your hair feels unbelievably clean and fresh with silky-smooth finish and you can use your blow-dryer straight away to pep up your style. We love this new idea!
Best Dry Shampoo For Big Hair
Sexy Hair Big Sexy Hair Volumising Dry Shampoo
If you want big hair but you’re staring at your limp, dull and lifeless hair with desperation then you need this dry shampoo. In a spray format, not only does it remove grease, oil and product-build-up, it delivers huge volume although it’s quite drying so only suitable for oily hair. As it’s mineral based, it’s kind to scalp and hair so it won’t damage it. Remember, a little goes a long way but it does give plenty of bounce, fullness and hair feels superbly clean after using.
Best Dry Shampoo For Colour Protection
Aussie Total Miracle Collection
This dry aerosol shampoo from those Aussie hair specialists is an excellent all-round product. Formulated with natural tapioca, it works fast to eliminate grease and oil from your scalp and it delivers a clean-feeling head of hair that is easy to style. It smells great too and it’s so lightweight that it lifts hair from the root so giving it plenty of volume. This product works so well, it lasts well into day three post-washing (dependent on hair type) and it’s suitable for all hair types too. If you have coloured hair and want to protect it – this one’s for you.
Best Dry Shampoo For Dermatological Needs
Aveeno Active Naturals Pure Renewal Dry Shampoo
If you have a dry, itchy scalp dry shampoos can work against you. Luckily Aveeno has formulated this dry shampoo which is dermatologically recommended and refreshes hair beautifully between washes yet doesn’t build up on the scalp and exacerbate skin problems. The formula removes excess sebum production and boosts volume rather than weighing heavily in hair. It also has a light, pleasant scent so hair not only looks clean, it smells clean too.