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Dry shampoos use alcohol or starch to absorb oil. They are a great tool for giving your hair a fresh look after a long day of work, or livening up your strands for a date after a long day.

While you don’t necessarily want to use a dry shampoo every day, it can make an amazing addition to your hair care arsenal.

The 11 dry shampoos on this list are favorites among customers who use dry shampoo to give their hair a fresh feel.

To learn more about dry hair products, read on. You will find tips on choosing the right dry cleanser.

Dry shampoo works to absorb the dirt, oil, and grease on your hair and scalp — without the need to shower or use any water. Most dry shampoo products on the market use an alcohol- or starch-based formula to accomplish this goal.

Just keep in mind that when you use dry shampoo, you’re only masking the oils in your hair, not getting rid of them. In other words, dry shampoo doesn’t cleanse your hair or scalp, so it doesn’t replace a regular shampoo and conditioner routine.

Dry shampoo can also clog your hair follicles, so you may want to use it sparingly.

Many hair and skin care brands emphasize clean ingredients, which might lead you to wonder what clean means.

It can mean a lot of things. There is no standard definition of clean when it comes to skin and personal care products.

One brand might use the term to mean their product does not contain any of the above. A brand might include some of the harmful substances in their “No” list.

“The dry shampoo doesn’t contain clean.”

  • There is a substance called parabens.
  • The chemical phthalates.
  • Sulfates.
  • triclosan is a substance.
  • Silicones.
  • Release or use formaldehyde.

We looked at reviews and ingredient lists to find the best dry shampoos.

We considered:

  • Customer reviews: Does the product have mostly positive feedback from customers?
  • Ingredients: We aimed to include a range of products with clean ingredients. We expand on what this means below.
  • Price: Our picks hit a range of price points, so you have options regardless of your budget.

Pricing guide

Dry shampoos can be effective. There is some variation in cost among brands and product types.

Depending on the differences in the scent, ease of use, and brand name of the product, it may fall at the lower end of the scale.

We broke down the prices by the scale.

  • $ = under $9
  • $$ = $9-$16
  • $$$ = over $16

Best dry shampoo for oily hair

Klorane Dry Shampoo with Nettle

  • Price: $$$
  • Key ingredients: oat milk, nettle extract, corn starch, rice starch
  • Best for: normal to oily hair
  • Clean ingredients? yes
  • Pros: vegan
  • Cons: contains synthetic fragrance, may leave residue

If you have oily hair, your roots might appear drenched within just a few hours of washing, making it tough to go more than a day between washes. This is especially true for fine or thin oily hair.

The vegan dry shampoo with the name of kelrane works to absorb excess oil at the root without making your hair tacky.

Reviewers love the shine this dry shampoo gives their hair, and many people like the lack of flowery scent. Some people say it makes their hair look fresh and new for up to 2 days.

A few people mention the white substance left by the cleanser.

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Best dry shampoo for curly hair

Unwash Curls Dry Cleanser

  • Price: $$$
  • Key ingredients: vitamin E, panthenol
  • Best for: thick hair, curls
  • Clean ingredients? yes
  • Pros: boosts volume, reduces frizz
  • Cons: contains synthetic fragrance, may leave residue

Unwash Curls Dry Cleanser is designed to freshen and preserve curly and wavy hair. The light formulation aims to pump up volume and help reduce frizz without adding weight that might pull down or flatten your curls.

If you have thick hair, this dry shampoo may work well for loose or tight curls, but it might be a little heavy for curly or wavy hair.

Reviewers give this product an average of 4.3 stars on Amazon. People give mixed feedback about the substance. Some people say it leaves no trace, while others say it leaves a white trail.

If you have dark hair brushing the product thoroughly into it can help prevent any residuals.

“People have differing feelings about the scent. Some people love it, others don’t.”

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Best dry shampoo for natural hair

dpHUE Apple Cider Vinegar Dry Shampoo Powder

Price: $$$
Key ingredients: apple cider vinegar, glycerin, dandelion and lavender extracts, aluminum starch
Best for: waves, curls, coils
Clean ingredients? yes
Pros: color safe, no residue, moisturizing formula
Cons: contains synthetic fragrance

This non-aerosol dry shampoo contains moisturizing glycerin and oil-absorbing zeolite. It also contains apple cider vinegar, which may promote scalp health. This dry shampoo works well for any hairstyle, including weaves, extensions, box braids, and straightened hair.

If you have dark hair, reviewers say it leaves little to no white residual. Some people say that thin hair can leave your roots feeling gummy.

“Reviewers rave about this product, and it has an average of over five stars on Amazon. People say it doesn’tirritating to the hair. If you have allergies or sensitivities, the fragrance could cause a reaction.”

Many reviewers say it is worth the price, despite a few people finding the price high for the bottle size.

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Best dry shampoo for dark hair

Batiste Dry Shampoo Dark Hair

  • Price: $
  • Key ingredients: rice starch
  • Best for: darker hair
  • Clean ingredients? yes
  • Pros: vegan, cruelty-free, no residue, can conceal thinning hair
  • Cons: may stain sheets or towels, contains fragrance

If you have dark hair, brushing is required for most dry shampoos. This option from Batiste is for hair with darker colors, and in a range of shades from chocolate brown to blackest black.

(Have light brown or red hair? Try Batiste Dry Shampoo Brunette, which has a lighter tint.)

Most reviewers love this product, saying it works as dry shampoo and as a cover for thinning or bald spots on the scalp. Some reviewers who experienced hair loss due to COVID-19 say this dry shampoo helped as their hair grew back.

Many people say that the added color can migrate to hands and towels if it gets wet. If you tend to touch your hair a lot, this dry cleanser may not be the right choice for you.

Shake the bottle vigorously to avoid getting a white powder.

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Best dry shampoo for fine hair

Dove Volume and Fullness Dry Shampoo

  • Price: $
  • Key ingredients: aluminum starch
  • Best for: oily hair, fine hair
  • Clean ingredients? no (contains cyclopentasiloxane, a silicone)
  • Pros: adds volume, budget-friendly
  • Cons: contains fragrance, leaves residue

If your hair is flat or fine, you may want to try Dove Volume and Fullness Dry Shampoo. It is safe for color-treated hair.

This shampoo works to add volume and shine while absorbing excess oil. Some reviewers dislike the added texture, which they compare to the feel of hairspray. But most reviewers praise this product, saying it does the job at an affordable price.

Not every reviewer noticed white residue, but some people say this dry shampoo can leave a white cast, especially if you saturate your hair. The fix? Make sure to spray it on your roots only, from at least 10 inches away.

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Best dry shampoo for color-treated hair

Suave Professionals Keratin Infusion Color Care Dry Shampoo

  • Price: $
  • Key ingredients: aluminum starch, hydrolyzed keratin
  • Best for: fine hair, oily hair
  • Clean ingredients? no (contains cyclopentasiloxane)
  • Pros: budget-friendly, sets quickly, absorbent
  • Cons: doesn’t work well on textured hair, contains fragrance

If you dye your hair regularly, you know that it can fade quicker. Between washes, using a dry shampoo can refresh your hair.

This budget-friendly dry cleanser from Suave Professionals helps add volume and shine without leaving your hair feeling wet, sticky, or cruisy. It contains a substance that can help revive hair.

“Many reviewers say that this product works well to boost limp hair. The scent is strong. Some reviewers think this product isn’t good for textured hair.”

If you use this product, spray from a distance.

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Best dry shampoo with UV protection

Bumble and Bumble Prêt-à-Powder Très Invisible Dry Shampoo

  • Price: $$$
  • Key ingredients: rice starch, glycerin, French pink clay
  • Best for: medium to thick oily hair
  • Clean ingredients? yes
  • Pros: adds volume, provides UV protection, cruelty-free
  • Cons: strong fragrance, may not work for fine hair

“Some people with fine hair say that the dry shampoo from Bumble and Bumble doesn’t do much for them. It adds volume and softness to hair, and can be used on color-treated hair.”

As a bonus, it also contains UV filters to help protect your hair if you spend a lot of time in the sun. However, these UV filters do not have an SPF rating.

“Many reviewers agree that the dry shampoo doesn’t leave a white cast like other dry shampoos, and that it has an invisible finish.”

Some reviewers recommend using this dry shampoo only a few times a week to prevent it from making your hair thick and tacky, but others say they had to use a lot of product to notice the difference.

Is it sensitive to fragrance? You may want to skip this. Reviewers found the scent pleasant and light, but others said it was too strong and lingered all day.

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Best unscented dry shampoo

TRESemmé Dry Shampoo, Unscented

  • Price: $$
  • Key ingredients: aluminum starch, mineral clay
  • Best for: oily hair
  • Clean ingredients? no (contains cyclopentasiloxane)
  • Pros: fast acting, lightweight
  • Cons: may leave residue

Searching for a dry shampoo without a fragrance? This formula from TRESemmé offers one option to consider. It works to absorb oil and add some life back to thick, curly, and textured hair, without triggering fragrance allergies or sensitivities.

“Many reviewers say that this dry hair product does a great job of adding volume and stretching out the time between washes. Some people say they didn’t notice a difference in their hair after using it, while others say it leaves a mark.”

Some people say that this dry shampoo has a faint smell that disappears quickly.

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Best budget dry shampoo

OGX Refresh & Restore + Coconut Miracle Oil Dry Shampoo

  • Price: $
  • Key ingredients: aluminum starch, coconut oil, glycerin
  • Best for: all hair types
  • Clean ingredients? yes
  • Pros: cruelty-free, no residue
  • Cons: may leave hair stiff or sticky

“This dry cleanser has coconut oil and glycerin to help nourish and protect hair. It wants to absorb oil quickly so that it doesn’t leave your hair dry.”

“Reviewers said that the hair product doesn’t leave much hair product after spraying it on. It is a great budget pick because it is at the low end of the price range.”

Many reviewers rave about this dry hair product, which they say is their favorite dry hair product for no-wash days. People say it makes their hair look better.

Some people think that this product is too strong.

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Best dry shampoo for light hair

Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Joia Dry Shampoo

  • Price: $$$
  • Key ingredients: Brazilian kaolin clay, rice starch, pro-vitamin B5, coconut oil
  • Best for: blonde hair, gray hair
  • Clean ingredients? yes
  • Pros: vegan, cruelty-free, lightweight
  • Cons: added fragrance, may not work for all hair types

Chasing the feeling of freshly washed hair without all the effort? Sol de Janeiro has a dry hair product.

“Reviewers say it works well for blonde and gray hair. People say it doesn’t leave any messes on hair or clothes. It’s important to let it sit in your hair for at least 30 seconds after spraying.”

Some reviewers report some mild scalp irritation when using this product, so just make sure to do a patch test before applying the product to your entire head.

Many reviewers say that this dry shampoo does a great job absorbing excess oil and revitalizing hair, but others say it leaves hair greasy and may not work if you have very fine or oily hair.

Some people find the scent overwhelming, while others love it.

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Best foaming dry shampoo

Batiste Waterless Cleansing Foam

  • Price: $$
  • Key ingredients: glycerin, coconut oil
  • Best for: all hair types
  • Clean ingredients? yes
  • Pros: lightweight volume, no residue
  • Cons: leaves hair shiny, contains fragrance

Not a fan of dry hair spray? Why not use dry foam for hair? This foam is not dry, but it still works to give your hair a freshly washed appearance without the need to hit the shower.

Many reviewers prefer this product to traditional dry shampoo, because they feel refreshed without a wash. Others like the amount of foam it provides.

People say this dry cleanser works well for curly and textured hair. Some reviewers say that it does not make a difference for oily hair.

It may be helpful to start with a small amount of foam. Some reviewers say using a lot at once makes their hair sticky.

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Price Key ingredient(s) Best for Clean ingredients? Pro(s) Con(s)
Klorane Dry Shampoo with Nettle $$$ oat milk, nettle extract, corn and rice starch normal to oily hair yes vegan contains fragrance, may leave residue
Unwash Curls Dry Cleanser $$$ vitamin E, panthenol thick hair, curls yes volumizing, reduces frizz contains fragrance, may leave residue
dpHUE Apple Cider Vinegar Dry Shampoo Powder $$$ apple cider vinegar, glycerin, dandelion and lavender extracts, aluminum starch waves, curls, coils yes safe for color-treated hair, no residue, moisturizing formula contains fragrance
Batiste Dry Shampoo Dark Hair $ rice starch darker hair yes vegan, cruelty-free, no residue, can conceal thinning hair may stain sheets or towels, contains fragrance
Dove Volume and Fullness Dry Shampoo $ aluminum starch oily hair, fine hair no adds volume, budget-friendly contains fragrance, leaves residue
Suave Professionals Keratin Infusion Color Care Dry Shampoo $$ aluminum starch, hydrolyzed keratin oily hair, fine hair no budget-friendly, sets quickly, absorbent doesn’t work well on textured hair, contains fragrance
Bumble and Bumble Prêt-à-Powder Très Invisible Dry Shampoo $$$ rice starch, glycerin, French pink clay medium to thick oily hair yes volumizing, UV protection, cruelty-free strong fragrance, may not work for fine hair
TRESemmé Dry Shampoo, Unscented $$ aluminum starch, mineral clay oily hair yes fast acting, lightweight may leave residue
OGX Refresh & Restore + Coconut Miracle Oil Dry Shampoo $ aluminum starch, coconut oil, glycerin all hair types yes cruelty-free, no residue may leave hair stiff or sticky
Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Joia Dry Shampoo $$$ Brazilian kaolin clay, rice starch, pro-vitamin B5, coconut oil blonde hair, gray hair yes vegan, cruelty-free, lightweight added fragrance, may not work for all hair types
Batiste Waterless Cleansing Foam $ glycerin, coconut oil all hair types yes lightweight, no residue leaves hair shiny, contains fragrance

Dry hair can be damaged by frequent use of dry hair products.

Poor scalp health can also lead to hair It is breakage., so aim to cleanse your hair often and use a weekly clarifying shampoo to remove product buildup.

If you notice a sudden increase in There is a condition called DADDY., try pausing the dry shampoo for a bit to check whether it makes a difference.

Does talc in dry shampoo pose a cancer risk?

If you’ve come across information about the potential link between talcum powder and cancer, you might wonder whether dry shampoos containing talc could cause cancer.

To date, experts have found mixed results. Future research may offer more insight on whether talc increases your risk for cancer.

If you prefer to avoid dry shampoo and other personal care products that contain talc, you can find talc-free options.

Keep in mind the tips when buying dry hair products.

  • Be aware of flammable ingredients: Many dry shampoos use chemicals that are flammable when wet, such as propane and butane. Why? These chemicals act as a stable propellant in sprays. They evaporate quickly, but keeping your hair away from open flame — including candles and lighters — is always a good idea.
  • Buy for your hair type. Most dry shampoos leave some white residue, though most of this residue typically disappears after you thoroughly brush the product into your hair. Still, this white cast can show up pretty clearly on darker hair. To avoid a visible residue, you may want to opt for products designed for dark hair.
  • Read labels. If you’re allergic to certain ingredients, always check the label of any dry shampoo you buy. Product labels will also have more information about clean, fair trade, and organic ingredients, and you can also find out whether the brand is cruelty-free.
  • Test an area. If you have sensitive skin or a scalp condition, such as scalp psoriasis, do a patch test or talk with your dermatologist before using any new products, including dry shampoo.
  • Check the use date. Check the product’s expiration date to make sure you’re not buying something that may be past its prime. Expired products may not work as intended.

Have you still got questions about dry hair? Below are answers to questions.

What does dry shampoo do for your hair?

Dry shampoo can be used without the need for a shower or wet hair.

It can help revive limp locks. Dry shampoo can help keep hair looking clean for an extra day or two.

Is using dry shampoo the same as washing your hair?

Dry hair washing is not a substitute for dry hair washing.

“Dry shampoo can help your hair look clean and free of grease, but it doesn’t remove the dirt or oils on your head.”

Maintaining a healthy scalp and preventing product build up is an important step.

When should you use dry shampoo?

“If you don’t have time to wash and style your hair, dry shampoo can be a great option.”

  • You need to head straight to the office after a strenuous early morning workout.
  • Adding volume to your hair is something you want to do before a big event.
  • “You have to wake up late and know your hair won’t dry before you head out.”

You may not want to depend on it every day.

Can you use dry shampoo on textured hair?

It is helpful to use a dry cleanser specifically designed for textured hair. It may take a bit of experimentation to find the best dry hair product, but there are a lot of options for both natural and relaxed hair.

Even people with the same hair type will not have the same hair care products. It is always helpful to read customer reviews to learn what other people think about the product.

Dry shampoo can help your hair look fresh and clean between showers, and it can minimize the greasy feeling on your scalp. Many people find it a must-have for busy days and after vigorous workouts.

It is important to remember that not all dry shampoos will work for everyone. You have many options with the many products on the market.