We’ve road tested the best dry shampoos so you don’t have to, from science-driven scalp saviours to the new game-changing cleansing wipes. Say hello to second, third, even fourth day hair and beyond – no judgment here.
1.
Moroccanoil, as a brand, is best-known for adding a hit of hydration and nourishment to lacklustre hair, so don’t be fooled into thinking their dry shampoo will make hair greasy. The clever combination of ultra-fine, oil-absorbing rice starch and their famous ingredient, argan oil, helps to freshen up hair from root to tip, without making it dull and flat like many dry shampoos can. rnrnIt’s also infused with UV protection – a must when on holiday, especially if you have coloured hair. The lightweight spray comes in different shades to best suit your colour. Oh, and did we mention it smells divine?
2.
If you have a sensitive scalp and struggle with the chalkiness of some dry shampoos that lead to itchiness and irritation, this one could be for you. The gentle formula is enriched with oat milk, renowned for its moisturising, softening and protective properties, helping to refresh hair on those in-between days.
3.
Texturiser, root lifter and dry shampoo all in one? Surely not. But Hersheson’s pioneering Zhoosh Foam does all three depending on how you work it into the hair. If applied to dry hair, it absorbs grease at the roots, lifts flat, second-day hair and can add instant body.rnrnIt feels like a mousse and looks like a mousse but it does genuinely work at revamping less than freshly washed locks.
4.
One of 2023’s most exciting haircare launches, the brand that changed the game when it comes to nourishing and protecting damaged or coloured hair at home, Olaplex, have just launched a dry shampoo.rnrnUnlike so many dry shampoos, this promises not to clog the scalp’s pores and 100% of customers in a poll described absolutely zero white residue after using. The spray uses light-as-air dry cleansing technology to give your scalp and hair that just-washed feeling. Perfect for giving secondy-day hair a new lease of life.
5.
OUAI founder Jen Aikin rose to fame as the Kardashian’s hairstylist – you’ve got to give it to them, they do give good hair. From there, she launched OUAI, the super cool, socially connected (it’s all over Instagram) haircare brand that delivers on hard working, relatable productsrnrnThe dry shampoo is one of the best we’ve ever tried, giving lifeless, lacklustre locks and greasy roots a pick me up. But it’s the smell that really sets it apart as it’s infused with the brand’s signature Melrose Place fragrance, a delicious fusion of Rose, Bergamot, Lychee, Cedarwood and White Musk.rnrnIf it’s good enough for Kim…
6.
There isn’t a beauty editor worth their salt who doesn’t rave about this dry shampoo. A genuine wonder product, it removes oil, sweat, and odour (rather than just masking it with scent), whist adding softness and shine from root to tip. In short, it quite literally washes your hair without actually washing it.rnrnPlus, top tip: if you use a little on the roots on day one of having clean hair, it can help to keep you locks fresh for longer, as it balances the scalps sebum levels. Genius.
7.
If you’ve never got on board with dry shampoo for fear of the dreaded chalky white residue, check out Amrika, one of America’s top selling dry shampoos. This is. DS with a difference. Firstly, you spray it onto the hair and let it sit for at least 30 seconds, to work its magic at absorbing any natural oils or grim that’s built up. Then rub it in at the scalp – literally like you’re washing your hair – and finally brush it out.rnrnThat magic comes from a nutrient-rich ingredients list like sea buckthorn as well as natural absorbers like rice starch and you’re left with clean, slightly volumised hair. Plus it smells divine – warm vanilla, spicy sweet clover and fresh citrus. Yum.
8.
As a brand that has been built on the principles of clinical trichology (that’s the science of structure, function and disease of human hair) rather than just styling, Phillip Kingsley specialises in products that are going to work hard. That’s why the One More Day Dry Shampoo wont’t leave that powdery, sometimes itchy, layer of product on the scalp thanks to its residue-free formula.rnrnSpray directly onto the scalp, leave for 10 seconds and then massage in to be left with refreshed locks that will put hair wash day off a little longer.
9.
This game-changing new product is rethinking how to clean your hair and scalp on those in-between days. Celebrity stylist, Sam McKnight, who has worked with the likes of Kate Moss, Lady Di, Madonna, every top fashion house and styled the hair for countless Vogue cover shoots, has come up with the ingenious hair cleansing cloth.rnrnMade from tree pulp cellulose, which is certified compostable, and brimming with hair-loving ingredients, these handy little cloths will give you one more day when you’re time poor in the bathroom. Simply wipe around the hairline and under the hair around the face in areas that tend to get greasier quicker and you’re good to go – just like a face wipe but for the hair.rnrnGreat for fringes and even better if you give the hair a quick blast with the hairdryer after use, for an extra boost of freshness. Oh, and they are 100% biodegradable in just six weeks.
10.
Sitting somewhere between a hairspray and a dry shampoo, Sachajuan’s Volume Powder is great if you love to wear your hair up or like to style it into a beachy wave between washes. It gives great hold, removes excess oils and a gives hair that kind of rock ‘n’ roll matte finish.
11.
Batiste is by far one of the best drugstore brands on the market. From sprays to match your hair colour, to an overnight deep cleanse, Batiste has so many unique formulas to offer. But, one line we are loving right now is the Naturally line. This carefully crafted formula uses 100% natural extracts and smells too good to be true.rnrnThe cans are made with 40% less packaging, so you can look and feel amazing while lowering the impact on the environment.
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The products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however, The Handbook may make a small commission on some products purchased through affiliate links.
