Oh, dry shampoo, how we love you. When used properly, dry shampoo can be an incredibly helpful tool for boosting volume and texture—especially for people with fine hair that tends to fall flat easily. The key is to use it the way it's intended (which we’ll get into below), as well as, make sure you don’t skip the aftercare (which can lead to a buildup of residue on your scalp and strands).
The Best Dry Shampoo for Every Type of Hair
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Published Dec 15, 2021
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So, how exactly are you supposed to use dry shampoo?
1. Use as directed
Think about how you normally apply dry shampoo. You likely just spray it in and call it day, right? In order for it to be most effective, you actually want to follow the instructions on the back, which includes giving the can a good shake, spraying it from the recommended distance (8 to 10 inches away from your scalp), and letting it absorb before brushing out the excess.
2. Let the dry shampoo sit
This is typically where most of us go wrong: We don’t give the dry shampoo enough time to do its job and we don’t usually brush it out afterwards. This leaves us with extra product that sits on the surface of our strands and weighs it down, rather than give the intended boost.
3. Don’t use too much of it
Another common mistake we make with dry shampoo is that we use it excessively. It’s really only meant to be used in a pinch—for those moments when you don’t have time to shower or need a quick pick-me-up before, say, an event or an important meeting. Instead, many of us have come to rely on it daily as a way to cut down on shampooing altogether, which is what can lead to other issues like hair loss.
Rest assured, with proper application and thorough cleansing after each use, dry shampoo can serve as a nice addition to your styling regimen.
Ready to shop? We've chosen the best formulas for every hair type and texture ahead.
Oily Hair: Batiste Dry Shampoo Original
This drugstore standby has hundreds of glowing reviews—because it actually works. The matte finish helps to remove excess grease and shine while adding body and texture to help extend the life of your blowout by an extra day or two.
Walmart
Dry Hair: Amika Phantom Hydrating Dry Shampoo Foam
Just because your hair is dry doesn’t mean it won’t fall flat after a couple of days. Made with a blend of rice, tapioca and cornstarch, this dry shampoo foam absorbs dirt, oil and product buildup at the scalp, literally cleansing and hydrating your hair without the need to hop in the shower.
Color-treated Hair: Moroccanoil Dry Shampoo
It soaks up oil, conceals root growth and helps tone down brassiness at the same time. It also protects strands from UV rays, so you don’t have to worry about premature color fade, and it comes in two formulas: one for light hair and one for dark.
Sweaty Hair: Living Proof Perfect Hair Day (phd) Dry Shampoo
A midday spin sesh is no longer off-limits thanks to this dry shampoo, specifically formulated by MIT scientists to absorb and remove oil, sweat and odor. "The molecules are designed to thicken your hair and hydrate your scalp, so you get a smoother finish and more volume at the roots," says Jennifer Korab, a celebrity hairstylist and colorist in New Jersey.
Dark Hair: Verb Dry Shampoo For Dark Hair
Because dark hair tends to be naturally glossy, think about using a dry shampoo that absorbs oil without dulling your shine thanks to glycerin. This formula goes on totally clear, smells clean and adds softness for a fresh-out-of-the-salon look (even if you haven’t been in weeks).
Light Hair: Igk Jetlag Dry Shampoo
Having lighter hair doesn’t mean you can still get away with white, chalky roots. This one goes on clear and blends into hair without a trace of residue, so your locks never look powdery.
Fine Hair: Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray
Hear us out: This great alternative to dry shampoo is ideal for ladies with thin locks because it mattifies grease and adds all the volume and texture of a traditional dry shampoo, only without weighing down your strands. It’s a win-win.
Thick Hair: Ouai Super Dry Shampoo
This spray formula works especially well for thick hair because you can easily work it into your scalp and reach every last strand. Volcanic minerals and rice starch sop up excess oils instantly, giving day-two hair a refreshing boost.
Curly Hair: Milbon Wave Enhancing Mousse
"This wave enhancing mousse is used on second or third day waves and curls to help revive the curl pattern and hide odor with a clean and fresh scent. While not a true “dry shampoo” per say, this works great for curly clients that want to revive their style without washing. Apply mousse to dry hair in a scrunching motion and lightly diffuse into place," shares Kali Ferrara, a hair stylist at The Salon Project in New York.
All Hair Types: Klorane Dry Shampoo With Oat Milk
Another pick from Kali: "This is above and beyond my favorite dry shampoo. It absorbs oil and doesn’t leave a chalky appearance. It's great for all hair types and colors. The scent is clean and not overpowering. To get the best results, spray it at the roots, let sit for about five minutes and brush out the excess. Your hair will feel and look freshly washed."
