How does dry shampoo work?

Dry shampoos typically work by depositing oil-absorbing ingredients like silica, rice starch, charcoal, clay, or volcanic minerals into dry hair, generally at the roots. These absorb shine and excess product build-up without the need for water. The result is hair that looks and feels lighter and more voluminous.

How do you apply dry shampoo?

Hold your product 10 or so inches away from your head, spray into the root area (or wherever you want to reduce grease), and wait a full two minutes. Once done, work into the hair with fingers, a brush, or your hairdryer, then revel in your full, soft, clean hair.

How often can you use dry shampoo?

The overuse of dry shampoo can result in buildup on your scalp and even lead to inflammation, acne, or dandruff. Most hair experts warn against using dry shampoo for more than two days in a row and recommend using a clarifying shampoo or double cleansing your scalp on wash days to ensure that you're rinsing away any residue.

Is dry shampoo bad for your hair?

No, however, you must use it in moderation for best results. Too much dry shampoo can cause irritation or build-up in some hair types, so be sure to treat it as a backup to hair washing and not as a replacement (as tempting as it may be). "Long-term use of dry shampoo can cause a dry, itchy scalp," says Dr. Williams. Consider alternating between regular hair washing and dry shampoo to maintain a healthy scalp and keep your locks from getting dry and brittle.

When should you use dry shampoo?

When you use dry shampoo at night, before bed, it can help absorb oil while you sleep, so you wake up with a fresh head. Having said that, you can use dry shampoo anytime you need to add volume, absorb oil, or revitalize your tresses.

What hair types and textures does dry shampoo work best on?

People with all hair textures can use dry shampoo. Anyone with straight, wavy, curly, and coily hair are excellent candidates for using dry shampoo. However, it's also important to shop for products specifically created for your hair type. For example, formulas made especially for oily or fine types help add volume without weighing hair down. Do note, that people with tight coils should opt for a formula suited to natural hair, like the Kristin Ess Style Reviving Dry Shampoo . Those with dry hair should make sure to use dry shampoo at the scalp to absorb excess oils, or look for formulas specifically for drier hair, like OGX Dry Shampoo .

Where should you store dry shampoo?

Any dry shampoo that contains aerosol should be stored away from heat (like radiators or in direct sunlight). You should also avoid storing any products containing aerosol on the dashboard of a car where it can avoid getting too hot, or leave aerosol containers in a gym bag of your car for long periods of time where it can again, get too hot.

The 8 Best Dry Shampoos of 2023

Dry Shampoo Test — Byrdie / Tamara Staples

Whether you're looking to maintain a blowout, pump up your volume, or refresh your roots between washes, the best dry shampoo will have you covered—without leaving behind an unsightly powdery residue. "Dry shampoo makes hair less oily, absorbs sweat, and disguises odor," explains board-certified trichologist Dr. Kari Williams.

To help you find the best dry shampoo for your hair type and color, we tried more than 20 dry shampoos in The Lab, our testing facility in New York City. We rated each option on a scale of one to five—with one being the worst and five being the best—evaluating ease of use, oil-absorbing abilities, volumizing power, formulation, texture, and finish.

Important to Know

In light of the recent recalls concerning benzene-contaminated dry shampoos, we have removed any potentially impacted products from this round-up, including TRESemmé's Pro Pure Dry Shampoo, Dove Care Between Washes, and Nexxus Clean & Pure Dry Shampoo, which were in the original version of this list. We will continue to update these stories as more information becomes available.

FYI: In our mission to find the best products for every Byrdie reader, we're currently testing more dry shampoos from brands like Living Proof, Batiste, and Taliah Waajid and will update this list with the results.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Klorane Dry Shampoo at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Powder:

Billie Floof Dry Shampoo at Mybillie.com

Jump to Review

Best Scent:

Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Blondes:

Moroccanoil Dry Shampoo Light Tones at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Splurge:

Oribe Gold Lust Dry Shampoo at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Dry Hair:

OGX Dry Shampoo at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Natural Hair:

Kristin Ess Style Reviving Dry Shampoo

Jump to Review

Best Volumizing:

Anomaly Dry Shampoo at Target

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
Final Verdict
How We Tested
Other Options We Tested
What To Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Byrdie

4.8

Ulta

View On Amazon View On Ulta View On Skinstore.com

I Tried Klorane’s Dry Shampoo To Spruce Up My Hair—Here’s My Review

What We Like

Award-winning formula
Excellent volume
Excellent oil absorption
Blends well

What We Don't Like

Temporary white residue

Our testers' number one pick is Klorane, hands down. Five reviewers tried it out in The Lab, and all in all, they were very pleased. This award-winning dry shampoo scored an average of 5/5 for ease of use, a 4.5/5 for oil absorption, a 4.6/5 for volume, and a 4.4/5 for invisibility. While one tester said it left a slight white residue, they also noted that it's easily brushed away and blends well.

Suitable for all hair types, this ultra-gentle, plant-based formula calls on starch and silica to tackle oil and odors while organically harvested oat milk soothes the scalp. Our testers liked that the fine powder soaked up grease from the roots but didn't leave hair feeling dry or chalky. One tester also commented that it felt as if she didn't use any dry shampoo at all.

Price at time of publish: $20

Size: 5.4 ounces | Scent: Generic | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Byrdie / Tamara Staples
Byrdie / Alex Jiang
Byrdie / Alex Jiang

What Our Testers Say

"This product made my oily patch blend in perfectly with the rest of my hair." —Samantha Aronson, Product Tester

4.2

Billie

View On Mybillie.com

What We Like

Two shades
Excellent oil absorption
Blends well

What We Don’t Like

Small amount
Inconvenient container

If you prefer aerosol-free powders, Floof is your best bet. After being tested by three people in The Lab, it earned an average rating of 4.5/5 for oil absorption, a 4.7/5 for invisibility, and a 4/5 for ease of use, which is pretty impressive for a loose powder.

This dry shampoo—which comes in a cute, round bottle—absorbs grease with baking soda and rice starch, then works on strengthening your strands with biotin. It also comes in a light- or dark-hair option, and upon trying the brunette version, one tester noted that the brownish-clay color blends beautifully.

Price at time of publish: $14

Size: 1.2 ounces | Scent: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes

What Our Testers Say

"Inside this unique shaped bottle is a perfect powder for brunettes." —Samantha Aronson, Product Tester

4.2

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Kohls.com

What We Like

Excellent oil absorption
Volumizing
Invisible finish

What We Don't Like

Leaves hair slightly stiff
Nozzle is tricky to press

Amika's Perk Up Dry Shampoo is effective at absorbing oil produced by the scalp that can weigh down hair. After application, we noticed that hair had extra volume and body. We also love this formula's clear finish which makes it completely invisible regardless of your hair color. This product does have a heavy vanilla scent, though it dissipates throughout the day, similar to perfume.

Note that because this formula contains aerosol, you'll have to take precautions about where you store it. Keep it out of direct sunlight and avoid storing on top of heated surfaces like a car dashboard or radiator.

Price at time of publish: $25

Size: 5.3 ounces | Scent: Fruity/vanilla | Cruelty-Free: Yes

4.7

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Sephora

What We Like

Excellent oil absorption
Volumizing
Invisible finish

What We Don’t Like

Potentially too heavy for fine hair

For those with blonde, platinum, white, or gray hair, we suggest Moroccanoil Light Tones. It includes rice starch, which soaks up grease and product buildup, while argan oil nourishes and smooths for healthier-looking locks.

This brilliant dry shampoo earned 5/5s for absorbency, texture, and invisibility, plus a 4.5/5 for volume. Our platinum-haired tester appreciated that the powdery formula sprays purple out of the can, like an in-shower purple toning shampoo that cancels brassiness. However, just a heads up—the oil content might weigh down fine hair.

Price at time of publish: $26

Size: 5.4 ounces | Scent: Clean/fresh | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Moroccanoil Dry Shampoo for Light Tones — Byrdie / Tamara Staples

What Our Editors Say

"Not to be dramatic, but my jaw dropped when I realized this formula was purple and left an actual tint on my hair. I feel icier than ever and completely oil-free, too." —Taylor Rock, Associate Editor

4.4

Nordstrom

View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Bloomingdales

What We Like

Volumizing
Invisible finish
Smells amazing

What We Don’t Like

Expensive

Hairstylist Sophia Nawabi is a big fan of this Oribe dry shampoo. "It absorbs product buildup, oil, and impurities with translucent powders," she tells Byrdie. The brand's Gold Lust Dry Shampoo was a hit with our testers, too: It earned a 4/5 for absorbency, a 4.5/5 for volumizing power, and a 4.75/5 for invisibility.

Though it's undoubtedly pricey, it might be worth the splurge. "I loved this product," said one tester. "It looks and feels luxurious. And, most importantly, it was effective at absorbing oil and adding volume at my roots." Our testers also thought that the brand's signature Côte d'Azur scent was pretty incredible, too.

Price at time of publish: $23

Size: 8.7 ounces | Scent: Côte d'Azur | Cruelty-Free: Yes

OGX Extra Strength Refresh & Restore + Coconut Miracle Oil Dry Shampoo

Amazon

View On Amazon

What We Like

Budget-friendly
Invisible finish
Surprisingly absorbent

What We Don’t Like

Potentially too heavy for fine hair

For those dealing with dry, brittle strands, we recommend OGX. After hands-on testing in The Lab by three people, the brand's Coconut Miracle Oil formula was awarded a 4.8/5 for ease of use, a 4.7/5 for feel, a 4.3/5 for volume, and a perfect 5/5 score for invisibility.

Since it contains coconut oil, it might be too heavy for folks with thin hair. However, our testers noted that it doesn't leave you with a greasy feel and does a great job refreshing second-day hair.

Price at time of publish: $11

Size: 5 ounces | Scent: Coconut/floral | Cruelty-Free: No

OGX Coconut Miracle Oil Dry Shampoo — Byrdie / Tamara Staples

What Our Testers Say

"Adding an oil-based product to oily hair may seem like a disaster waiting to happen, but it is the opposite! My hair feels healthy while looking cleaner than before." —Samantha Aronson, Product Tester

4.6

Amazon

View on Ulta View On Amazon View On Target

What We Like

Sets quickly
Invisible finish
Strengthening

What We Don’t Like

Not ideal for daily use

Our tester, who has 4b curls, was a fan of how this Kristin Ess dry shampoo worked for her hair. She awarded it a 4.5/5 for ease of use and absorbency, and a 5/5 for invisibility, noting that it dried quickly and didn't leave behind a white residue. "I think it sucked up excess oil and gave my hair a bit of volume," she noted. "I can imagine using it when I have a ton of product buildup and need a refreshed look."

In addition to absorbent starch, the sleek, moody can is chock full of strengthening ingredients like keratin, wheat protein, and pea protein. Since it contains alcohol, our tester said she'd use it sparingly as not to dry out all the oils produced naturally by her scalp.

Price at time of publish: $15

Size: 4 ounces | Scent: Fresh | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Kristin Ess Style Reviving Dry Shampoo — Byrdie / Tamara Staples

What Our Testers Say

"It sucked up excess oils and gave my coils some volume at the root." —Latifah Miles, Product Tester

4.6

Target

View On Target View On Walmart View On CVS

What We Like

Budget-friendly
Dries quickly
Invisible finish

What We Don’t Like

Not ideal for daily use

If it's fullness you're after, go with Anomaly. After trying it out in The Lab, our testers gave it a 4.5/5 for volumizing power, with one noting that it leaves a crazy amount of Dolly Parton-level volume. With a 4.25/5 for absorbency, this user-friendly dry shampoo also does excellent work soaking up grease.

The all-star ingredients list includes tried-and-true absorbers like rice starch and kaolin clay, plus plumping tapioca and scalp-cleansing charcoal. It also earned a perfect 5/5-5 score for invisibility. Our testers gave it a 4.5 for texture and feel, explaining that it doesn't leave hair feeling crispy.

Price at time of publish: $6

Size: 5 ounces | Scent: Fresh/light | Cruelty-Free: Yes

What Our Testers Say

"My thin hair has never experienced this much volume before. It was a shock to see a product lift my hair so much while looking and feeling natural." —Samantha Aronson, Product Tester

Final Verdict

Klorane's Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk was the clear winner in our testing in The Lab. It offered superb oil absorption and excellent volume, plus it blends easily on various hair types, colors, and textures. For those on a budget, we highly recommend TRESemmé's Pro Pure Dry Shampoo, which scored 5/5 for ease of use, oil absorption, and invisibility and leaves hair feeling exceptionally clean.

How We Tested

We took our time researching dry shampoos, reading product reviews, and interviewing multiple experts, including a trichologist and a hairstylist, for recommendations and insight into formulations. Our in-house team selected more than 20 formulas and tested them in The Lab on different hair types, lengths, textures, thicknesses, and colors.

Each product was rated on a scale of one to five based on its ease of use, oil absorption, texture/feel, volume, and visibility/chalkiness. Then we compiled our insights and narrowed down our favorites.

Other Options We Tested

IGK First Class Detoxifying Charcoal Shampoo

Considering it contains charcoal, this IGK dry shampoo was unfortunately not very absorbent and left a bit of greasiness behind. Though it was easy enough to use and dries clear, our testers also noted that it's reminiscent of hairspray on account of the flowery fragrance and sticky consistency.

L'Oreal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Air Volume Dry Shampoo

This L'Oreal Paris Elvive drugstore dry shampoo gets the job done in terms of absorbing grease and sweat, and it doesn't leave behind a white residue. However, our testers said it comes out a little too fast and smells a bit perfumy. In the end, it just wasn't our favorite.

Not Your Mother's Clean Freak Dry Shampoo

Not Your Mother's Clean Freak deposits a mild white residue, which isn't ideal for non-blondes. Though it has a decent texture and a nice light scent, it wasn't the most absorbent. Overall, our testers felt this dry shampoo was nothing special.

Briogeo Charcoal + Biotin Dry Shampoo

We appreciate the pleasant scent, clean formula, and aerosol-free container of Briogeo's dry shampoo. However, applying it was a bit messy—it tends to spray onto your hands, not your hair—and has a somewhat chalky texture. Also, while the silvery color could be OK for light and cool-toned hair, it's not ideal for brunettes.

Meet the Expert

Dr. Kari Williams is a board-certified trichologist, licensed cosmetologist, Black hair care expert, and the creator of Goddess Locs. She is based in Los Angeles and has extensive experience with all hair types and textures. She is also experienced with using dry shampoo on her clients and will often recommend its use when necessary to help revitalize hair when used correctly.

What To Look For When Buying Dry Shampoo

Ingredients

Whether alcohol- or starch-based, dry shampoos deliver drying agents like silica, clay, charcoal, tapioca, or baking soda to absorb oils, refresh your hair, and make it appear cleaner. We love the Oribe Gold Lust Dry Shampoo, which contains starch and rice powder to help zap up oil. Our top pick, Klorane Dry Shampoo also contains starch and silica for oil absorption, with the added benefit of oat milk to help soothe the scalp.

If you have a sensitive scalp, you might want to avoid using a dry shampoo that contains a fragrance. We love the Billie Floof Dry Shampoo, which is scent-free and also does not contain aerosol. Aerosol sprays, which often contain butane or propane, can also be irritating—fortunately, there are dry shampoos available in gel, foam, and tinted powder form.

We also love formulas that contain hair-healthy ingredients to fortify your strands when you spritz. We love the Kristin Ess Style Reviving Dry Shampoo, which contains keratin, wheat, and pea protein.

Color and finish

Depending on your hair color and personal preferences, you may want a clear finish, a tinted formula, or something in between. Those with blonde hair might opt for a tinted formula like the Moroccanoil Dry Shampoo Light Tones, which has purple undertones and works as a toner to ice out any brassy tones.

Bear in mind that many dry shampoos leave a chalky residue, and while this can work for those with blonde, platinum, silver, or otherwise light hair, the dark-haired set will want to look for a tinted or "invisible" dry shampoo to avoid a powdered-wig look. We love the OGX Dry Shampoo, which features an invisible finish, so it's worth trying if you have darker toned hair so it won't show up.

Scent

Some dry shampoos are heavily fragranced, so if you're sensitive to strong perfumes, it might be best to opt for an unscented formula. On the flip side, if masking the odor of second- or third-day hair is your endgame, try an option with a fresh, clean scent (we won't tell if you don't). We love the vanilla-scented Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo, for its delicious fragrance that lasts all day long.

FAQ

How does dry shampoo work?

Dry shampoos typically work by depositing oil-absorbing ingredients like silica, rice starch, charcoal, clay, or volcanic minerals into dry hair, generally at the roots. These absorb shine and excess product build-up without the need for water. The result is hair that looks and feels lighter and more voluminous.
How do you apply dry shampoo?

Hold your product 10 or so inches away from your head, spray into the root area (or wherever you want to reduce grease), and wait a full two minutes. Once done, work into the hair with fingers, a brush, or your hairdryer, then revel in your full, soft, clean hair.

LEARN MORE: If You Aren't Using Dry Shampoo Like This, Are You Really Using It?
How often can you use dry shampoo?

The overuse of dry shampoo can result in buildup on your scalp and even lead to inflammation, acne, or dandruff. Most hair experts warn against using dry shampoo for more than two days in a row and recommend using a clarifying shampoo or double cleansing your scalp on wash days to ensure that you're rinsing away any residue.
Is dry shampoo bad for your hair?

No, however, you must use it in moderation for best results. Too much dry shampoo can cause irritation or build-up in some hair types, so be sure to treat it as a backup to hair washing and not as a replacement (as tempting as it may be). "Long-term use of dry shampoo can cause a dry, itchy scalp," says Dr. Williams. Consider alternating between regular hair washing and dry shampoo to maintain a healthy scalp and keep your locks from getting dry and brittle.
When should you use dry shampoo?

When you use dry shampoo at night, before bed, it can help absorb oil while you sleep, so you wake up with a fresh head. Having said that, you can use dry shampoo anytime you need to add volume, absorb oil, or revitalize your tresses.
What hair types and textures does dry shampoo work best on?

People with all hair textures can use dry shampoo. Anyone with straight, wavy, curly, and coily hair are excellent candidates for using dry shampoo. However, it's also important to shop for products specifically created for your hair type. For example, formulas made especially for oily or fine types help add volume without weighing hair down. Do note, that people with tight coils should opt for a formula suited to natural hair, like the Kristin Ess Style Reviving Dry Shampoo. Those with dry hair should make sure to use dry shampoo at the scalp to absorb excess oils, or look for formulas specifically for drier hair, like OGX Dry Shampoo.
Where should you store dry shampoo?

Any dry shampoo that contains aerosol should be stored away from heat (like radiators or in direct sunlight). You should also avoid storing any products containing aerosol on the dashboard of a car where it can avoid getting too hot, or leave aerosol containers in a gym bag of your car for long periods of time where it can again, get too hot.

Why Trust Byrdie

Byrdie contributor Theresa Holland is a freelance writer and copywriter specializing in cosmetics. With insight from a board-certified trichologist and a hairstylist in mind, she compiled testing insights from The Lab, combed through product specs, checked ingredients lists, referenced several peer-reviewed studies, and rounded up our favorites. From the above, she is a fan of Klorane, Oribe, and Amika. Theresa covers haircare, skincare, makeup, and fitness products at Byrdie.

The 11 Best Sea Salt Sprays to Score Beach Waves

Article Sources

Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.