13 Best Dry Shampoos for Every Hair Type in 2024
The are the perfect time saver to skip washing hair but you can also use dry shampoo in other clever ways — here we’ve rounded up our favourites.
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Whether you need to refresh your hair for after work drinks or want to squeeze in an extra snooze in the morning, dry shampoo can be a quick solution for oily and greasy hair.
Dry shampoo has been a popular time saver since the 1940s, when a product called “Minipoo” made of talc, magnesium carbonate and fragrance was launched.
This dry shampoo marketed itself to women as reviving their hairstyles without “wetting or resetting”.
Dry shampoos now have more sophisticated formulas and still provide the original benefits of absorbing excess oil, adding volume and extending the life of your hairstyle without the need for wet hair and a half-hour tangle with your blow dryer and hot tools.
Plus, they now come in targeted formulas to cater for all hair types – fine hair, dry hair, oily hair, thick hair, greasy hair and options for dark hair so you don’t need to worry about white residue.
Dry shampoo can also be good for your hair by reducing the frequency of washing, which can lead to dry, damaged hair.
Our Top Picks
Best Dry Shampoo: Editor’s Picks
Klorane Dry Shampoo With Oat and Ceramide, $17.99 at Adore Beauty
Pros: Great value
Cons: For those with thick hair looking for volume, it may not provide enough grit and hold
Size: 150ml
Scent: A light floral aroma
Tried and Tested by Ruby Feneley, Beauty Expert
French pharmacy brand Klorane were the first to make aerosol dry shampoo commercially available, launching in 1972. They still have some of the best dry shampoos I’ve come across, at an affordable price point and their new release has become a constant in my hair rotation.
This affordable dry shampoo absorbs oil, extends your blow-dry, and keeps your hair soft and your scalp comfortable with ceramides and soothing oat extracts.
I have colour-treated hair that gets dry, plus oily roots. While dry shampoo is a product I love to reach for, it often leaves my hair feeling dry, coarse and crunchy. I’ve spent big on dry shampoos with conditioning ingredients that offset this sensation in the past, but Klorane have rescued my wallet with their new release. Klorane, Dry Shampoo with Oat and Ceramide has the same oil-absorbing properties as the traditional formula but is enriched with nourishing oat extracts and ceramides to protect and strengthen roots and keep the scalp conditioned. With this dry shampoo, I can comfortably extend my time between washes without my hair and scalp feeling dry and tight. It perks up my mane, leaving behind the same softness and shine as products I’ve tried that ring in at thrice the price. I couldn’t recommend this new release more.
Best budget dry shampoo
Batiste Original Dry Shampoo 200ml, $9.59 at Priceline
Pros: Very affordable
Cons: Some of the scents can be strong
Tried and Tested by news.com.au checkout editor Hannah Paine
Batiste is a bestseller for a reason – it's affordable and does the job. While I'm not a huge fan of the available scents (they can be quite strong) it's great for a quick pick me up, just make sure you shake the bottle well before spraying on your roots and comb through your hair so you don't have any white patches. I like to keep a bottle in my work bag for quick touch ups and the travel size is great to bring with you on holidays.
Best dry shampoo to add volume
Sachajuan Dry Shampoo Mousse 200ml, $50 at Adore Beauty
Pros: Leaves hair shiny and fresh.
Cons: Higher price point product for regular use.
Size: 200ml
Scent: clean and fresh
Key ingredients: Rice starch, red algae extract, glycerin
What You Need To Know
The innovative mousse formula is clear, leaving no residue and none of the crunch associated with powder-based dry shampoos. This dry shampoo mousse keeps hair fresh between washes with wheat protein that absorbs excess oil while leaving roots soft and scalp hydrated thanks to its foam-to-powder formulation, which contains hydrating glycerin and antioxidant-rich red algae extract.
It is suggested this product is blow dried out with a round brush, making this a little more fiddly than powder dry shampoos. It’s also important you don’t use too much as it may become sticky.
Best dry shampoo for dark hair
Moroccan Oil Dry Shampoo for Dark Tones 205ml, $51.50 at Adore Beauty
Pros: Enhances natural colour and covers greys or regrowth with no white residue
Cons: The tint means careful application is necessary to avoid getting the product on your face or staining your clothes
Size: 205ml
Scent: The signature Morrocanoil scent, a blend of spicy amber and warm florals
Key ingredients: Rice starch, argan kernel oil
What You Need To Know
White casts be gone. This tinted formula dry shampoo is perfect for darker hair tones. Thanks to its pigmented formula, it leaves no telltale grey cast and can act as a root touch-up in between hair appointments.
Best dry shampoo for fine hair
Olaplex No. 4D Clean Volume Detox Dry Shampoo 250ml, $54 at Adore Beauty
Pros: A nourishing formula that reduces oil without overloading fine hair with product
Cons: Higher price point
Size: 250ml
Scent: Clean and fresh
Key ingredients: Bentonite, rice starch, rambutan seed extract, Olaplex bond-building technology
Tried and Tested by news.com.au checkout Shopping Writer Marina Tatas
As a self-proclaimed lazy hair girly, I’ve tried my fair share of dry shampoos. I am very glad to have found this pick from Olaplex because I absolutely adore the way it makes my hair feel. Other products make my hair feel super chalky, but this one actually absorbs oil while giving my hair that super clean feeling again. And the extra volume it gives … it is seriously next level. It is on the pricier side, but I do think it works much better – and is probably much better for your hair health – than more affordable picks.
VEGAMOUR Gro Dry Shampoo, $59 at Sephora
Pros: Suitable for all hair types, including chemically treated hair
Cons: Pricey
Scent: Citrus
Key ingredients: Rice starch, red clover, mung bean
Tried and Tested by news.com.au checkout editor Hannah Paine
Using too much dry shampoo (and who doesn't?) can sometimes make my scalp dry and itchy, but not this one. Yes, it's definitely more expensive than the average dry shampoo but it's worth it if you're someone like me who uses dry shampoo frequently to add volume to their fine hair. VEGAMOUR's Gro Dry Shampoo is talc-free and claims to give you thicker-looking hair in just three months. While I can't say I've noticed any difference in my hair thickness, this Gro Dry Shampoo absorbs quickly, adds volume and doesn't give your hair that 'tacky' feeling some dry shampoos do. My favourite way to apply it is at night before bed, combing it through my hair loosely before popping on my silk cap for sleep. You'll wake up with hair that feels freshly washed and blow-dried, trust me.
Best dry shampoo for thick hair
O&M Dry Queen Dry Shampoo 300ml, $41.95 at Adore Beauty
Pros: You get bang for your buck with this larger size, and a little goes a long way.
Cons: Formula won’t suit those who prefer unfragranced products.
Size: 300ml
Scent: Peony
Key ingredients: Rice starch, quandong fruit extract, lilli pilli extract, glycerin, silica, hectorite clay
What You Need To Know
Penetrating the roots of thick hair can be challenging and this dry shampoo is up for the job. With rice starch and lily pilli it instantly perks up hair absorbing excess oil and providing roots with a boost. Meanwhile, peony leaves a fresh scent, banishing any unwanted odours
SHOP HERE AT OZ HAIR AND BEAUTY
Best Dry Shampoo for Curly Hair
Amika Perk Up Plus Extended Clean Dry Shampoo 200ml $50 at Sephora
Pros: This dry shampoo is perfect for those using the curly girl method (a method that involves limiting washes). It features mandelic acid, an exfoliating acid that neutralises odour and detoxes the scalp along with zinc ricinoleate, another natural deodoriser.
Cons: Those with fine hair might not find this product volumising enough, as it’s designed to cater to dry, curly hair types. Some reviewers note the scent is pleasant but quite strong.
Size: 200ml
Scent: vanilla, citrus and clover
Key ingredients: Rice starch, arrowroot powder, mandelic acid, zinc ricinoleate, sea buckthorn oil
What You Need To Know
A dry shampoo for curly hair should consider the unique needs of curls and kinks. Typically these hair types are more prone to being dry and brittle. This dry shampoo receives rave reviews on curly hair forums, thanks to a formulation that balances the potentially drying effects of dry shampoo with hydrating rambutan seed extract and uses gentle arrowroot powder to absorb excess oil.
Best dry shampoo to avoid excess oil
Aveda Shampowder Dry Shampoo 56g $46 at The Iconic
Pros: Work into a greasy fringe that needs a refresh or scrunch through ends for texture.
Cons: Can get pricey with daily use. Applying loose powder can be more fiddly than using an aerosol spray.
Size: 127g
Scent: Lavender and ylang ylang
Key ingredients: corn starch, tapioca starch, oat kernel flour, montmorillonite clay
What You Need To Know
A potent dry shampoo the powder formulation also allows for targeted application with fingers. You can work into a greasy fringe that needs a refresh or scrunch through ends for texture. Perfect for oily scalps, this powder formula contains five intensely oil-absorbing ingredients: montmorillonite clay, silica, oat kernel flour, corn starch, and tapioca starch. It will leave an oily scalp feeling squeaky clean whether it’s on it’s second, third or fourth day between washes. At $46 for 56g this is one of the most expensive dry shampoos by the gram, and can get pricey with daily use.
Best dry shampoo for after the gym
Klorane Detox Dry Shampoo with Organic Aquatic Mint 150ml, $16.99 at Adore Beauty
Pros: This dry shampoo combines the super-effective Klorane formula with a sensory boost that leaves hair and scalp feeling genuinely fresh. Plus, we can’t argue with the price.
Cons: If you’re sensitive to essential oils like eucalyptus, this product may not be for you
Size: 150g
Scent: Aquatic mint, eucalyptus and spearmint
Key ingredients: Aluminium starch, rice starch, 100 per cent organic aquatic mint
What You Need To Know
French pharmacy favourite Klorane are top of many best dry shampoo lists, and this minty take on their original formula is perfect for a post-sweat refresh. A dry shampoo detox in a bottle, aquatic mint and eucalyptus leaf oil clarifies the hair and scalp while providing a cool and clean sensation and neutralising odours.
Best dry shampoo for a sensitive scalp
KMS Conscious Style Cleansing Mist 100ml, $37.95 at Adore Beauty
Pros: A liquid product specifically designed to soothe a sensitive scalp, this formula contains none of the common irritants found in aerosol formulations
Cons: Liquid can be trickier to apply and looks best when blow-dried out. This adds a step to your lazy girl hair routine.
Size: 100ml
Scent: Fresh
Key ingredients: Bentonite clay, moringa oil, oat oil, lactic acid
What You Need To Know
If you have a sensitive scalp, you may find some of the ingredients in aerosol dry shampoos irritating. This innovative serum-style dry shampoo is formulated to balance the scalp’s pH while mopping up oil and reviving your style with oil-absorbing bentonite clay, hydrating moringa seed oil, and calming oat oil.
Best dry shampoo for a flaky scalp
Philip Kingsley Flaky/Itchy Scalp Dry Shampoo 200ml $56 at Sephora
Pros: Specifically formulated for flaky scalps
Cons: Expensive
Size: 200ml
Scent: Fresh and floral
Key ingredients: Zinc PCA, bisabolol, aloe vera, rice starch, glycerin
What You Need To Know
If you’re prone to a flaky scalp and irritation, skipping a hair wash can feel like a scaly disaster. This dry shampoo is designed to help soothe and calm irritated scalps with a formula containing zinc PCA, bisabolol and aloe vera.
Best dry shampoo with coconut oil
Hask Monoi Coconut Dry Shampoo 168ml, $12 at Priceline
Pros: Lightweight and conditioning rather than crunchy, at an approachable price point
Cons: If you don’t like the smell of coconut, this tropically-scented dry shampoo is not for you.
Size: 168ml
Scent: Coconut and gardenia
Key Ingredients: rice starch, coconut oil, gardenia (monoi) flower extract
What You Need To Know
This dry shampoo uses rice starch to gently soak up excess oil and conditioning coconut oil to keep hair soft and refreshed with a tropical scent.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A DRY SHAMPOO
There are many types of dry shampoo on the market, and which one works best for you will depend on your skin type, your natural hair type, if you have chemically treated hair and lifestyle. When choosing what dry shampoos to include in our list, we evaluated several factors:
Hair compatibility: Different hair types require different care, so choosing a dry shampoo that complements yours is crucial. Those with fine hair should look for volumising dry shampoos that provide lift without weighing the hair down. Those with thick hair might prefer a formula that focuses more on oil absorption and less on volume or has a particularly strong, targeted aerosol that will reach their scalp. For curly or textured hair, look for a dry shampoo with some hydrating and balancing properties that will enhance the natural curl patterns without causing frizz, crunch and dryness.
Scalp sensitivity: Your scalp’s health is just as important as your hair. If you have a sensitive scalp, avoid dry shampoos with harsher chemicals like alcohol and sulfates that can cause irritation or dryness. Look for ingredients found in some of the products mentioned above, like oatmeal or aloe vera that can soothe sensitive skin. If your scalp is oily, look for products that contain clays and natural starches that will provide concentrated absorption. Finally, if your scalp is very dry and flaky, look for dry shampoos with serum-like consistency and ingredients like ceramides and oils that you may already use in your skincare routine.
Ingredients and potential irritants: The ingredients list can tell you a lot about how a dry shampoo will perform and affect your scalp and hair. Avoid products with parabens, phthalates and artificial fragrances if you’re prone to reactions (dry shampoos will usually advertise what they are free of). If you’re concerned about potentially irritating ingredients, look for dry shampoos labelled “non-toxic dry shampoo” or “benzene-free dry shampoo”, as these exclude many of the most potentially harmful ingredients. This is especially worth considering if you use dry shampoo on a very regular basis.
If you’re particularly prone to irritation, avoid dry shampoos that come in aerosols, as these are more likely to contain alcohol and drying agents. Natural ingredients and hypo-allergenic formulas can be gentler and beneficial for maintaining healthy hair and scalp. Finally, brands like those in this article will make their ingredient lists readily available, so shop with reputable retailers.
Scent: The scent of the dry shampoo is a significant part of the product to consider, as it will linger in your hair. If you prefer something low-key or want to avoid your dry shampoo’s fragrance clashing with your favourite signature scent, look for unscented or mildly scented options. However, if you view your dry shampoo as a way to refresh not just the look but the smell of your hair, numerous fragrance options are available. Just ensure the scent aligns with your preferences!
Application method: Dry shampoo comes in various forms: aerosol sprays, powders, foams, and liquids. Each has its pros and cons. Aerosol sprays are easy to apply and portable. They offer a uniform distribution but can be less eco-friendly. Powder forms are great for targeted applications and usually provide more control over the amount used. This can benefit those with darker hair who want to avoid residue or finer hair who want to avoid product build-up.
HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW DOES DRY SHAMPOO WORK?
Dry shampoo simplifies your hair care routine by using absorbent ingredients to soak up oil and dirt, which are then brushed out, leaving your hair refreshed. These ingredients can include clays and plant starches or synthetic ingredients like silica, usually combined with alcohol. Becc Snow, Creative Hair Artist and Founder of Alchemy Salon, explains, “Dry shampoo prevents and absorbs the natural oils from the scalp that create greasy hair. It’s a fantastic way to prolong the wear of your wash or blow-dry.”
WHAT ARE THE ADDITIONAL BENEFITS OF USING DRY SHAMPOO?
Snow notes that the benefits of dry shampoo aren’t limited to quick fixes pre-dinner date. “It’s not just about oil absorption; these products can also serve as styling aids, providing volume and texture to the root area.” She says dry shampoo can help you avoid overwashing if you have a very oily scalp, and if you have colour-treated hair, this can extend the time between touch-up appointments. “Those who struggle with oily scalps frequently wash their hair more often, which can lead to dry, damaged ends. Dry shampoo can cut reliance on overwashing,” explains Snow.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF DRY SHAMPOO?
Dry shampoos come in various forms, including aerosol sprays, dust-on powders, foams, and pastes. You can even find liquid dry shampoos. Each type has its benefits, from the convenience of a quick spray to a targeted powder application or a gentle serum formula.
ARE DRY SHAMPOOS HEALTHY FOR HAIR?
Becc Snow explains that dry shampoo isn’t bad for your hair. “It is a product that only sits on the surface of your hair and will not affect the health and condition of your hair.” That said, if you use dry shampoo formulated with ingredients unsuitable for your scalp, it can cause irritation, so it’s important to understand your hair and scalp type and keep an eye out for common irritants. If you use dry shampoo very regularly, you should also consider looking for a gentler formulation to reduce the risk of irritation.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I USE DRY SHAMPOO?
How often you use dry shampoo depends on your hair type and lifestyle. People who spend many hours at the gym and like to limit wet-washing their hair may reach for dry shampoo every time they work out. Meanwhile, others like to incorporate it into their blow-dry routine or use it every now and then as a quick fix. Experts recommend not using dry shampoo more than two days in a row and giving your hair “breaks” as while dry shampoo isn’t bad for your hair, leaving it unchecked can result in product build-up and scalp irritation (more on that below).
CAN DRY SHAMPOO REPLACE A REGULAR SHAMPOO?
While dry shampoo is a miracle worker for extending your blow-dry, reviving your style and saving you from greasy, limp hair when you’ve misjudged time between washes, it should not be considered a full-time substitute for shampoo and conditioner. While dry shampoo cleanses and soaks up oil, giving the appearance of cleaner hair it doesn’t remove oil, dirt and pollution from your scalp or hair. Like all hair products, it also leaves residue on your scalp that will build up over time and must be removed with water and a cleansing agent.
The skin on your scalp is much like your face and requires cleansing and treatment to stay healthy and balanced. Using a shampoo with hydrating or clarifying properties will help cleanse away yeast and bacteria that can cause rashes, inflammation and dandruff if left unchecked. Ingredients in shampoos and conditioners are selected to treat specific conditions, from nourishing conditioners with plant butters, oils and ceramides designed to strengthen hair and add shine to shampoos with clarifying and balancing agents designed to get to work on irritated scalps. While you’ll find plenty of dry shampoos on this list with additional beneficial ingredients, there’s no substitute for the thoroughness of a shampoo and condition.
How frequently you wash your hair with shampoo depends on your hair type. If your hair is neither overly dry nor oily, you might want to wash it two to three times a week. But for those with curly or textured hair, routines that involve less washing with shampoo are popular for maintaining hair health. If you’re unsure what routine will work best for you, speak with your hairdresser or even a dermatologist.
HOW DO I APPLY DRY SHAMPOO CORRECTLY?
How to apply dry shampoo depends on the type of shampoo you’ve chosen and your needs. Always focus your dry shampoo at the roots of the hair where the oil is densest. And, ensure you brush it out, as this prevents a crunchy texture and allows for a genuine “dry wash” as the oil-absorbing particles are brushed loose.
Snow has an extra tip. “One of my favourite tricks with dry shampoo is to apply it throughout the roots of the hair straight after a fresh blow-dry; this will not only provide extra body and texture to the look but keep your hair looking fresher for longer as it absorbs the oils as they come through. This stops your hair from getting oily in the first place!”
Of course, the correct application of dry shampoo varies depending on the product type, but it always starts at the roots of the hair where you’re producing oil to avoid drying out your ends. If you use a wet-to-dry shampoo formula like foam or liquid, apply it evenly at the roots, and then blow dry it out to refresh your style and avoid a sticky or flat finish.
For loose powders, spray directly, or dust into your hands (depending on whether they have a nozzle or a “pepper shaker” style applicator).
Then, work through with your fingers. You can concentrate more powder on areas where you know you get greasiest like your fringe, or work through your ends for added texture.
For a traditional aerosol dry shampoo roughly six to eight inches from your scalp and spray it in sections. Leave for a few minutes, then brush clean. If you’re concerned about a white cast, there are easy workarounds. “Not all dry shampoo will leave a white cast,” says Snow, “if it does, it’s easily removed by brushing the dry shampoo through after application. If you’re still struggling with removing the dry shampoo, try using less product by working through your hair in light layers and brushing as you go.”
WHICH IS THE BEST DRY SHAMPOO?
The best dry shampoo while depend on different factors such as hair type and scalp sensitivity. If you have fine hair a dry shampoo that adds volume and provides lift without weighing the hair down will be best. Those with thick hair might be better to try a dry shampoo that focuses on oil absorption and less on volume. For curly or textured hair, look for a dry shampoo with some hydrating and balancing properties. If you have a sensitive scalp, avoid dry shampoos with harsher chemicals like alcohol and sulfates that can cause irritation or dryness.
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Ruby Feneley is a Sydney-based beauty, sex relationships and lifestyle journalist and contributing beauty editor at Body+Soul. Her writing has appeared in publications Refinery29, Dazed, POPSUGAR, The Australian Financial Review, The Age, and Body+Soul. With a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Sydney, majoring in Gender and Cultural Studies, she’s particularly interested in issues that affect women in and out of the bedroom. She has written about reproductive healthcare, sex and relationships for several titles and is the best person to go to for advice on everything from the best lubes with skincare benefits to sex positions to try (or skip) on holidays and toxic relationship TikTok trends.
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