The Best Dry Shampoos To Give Your Hair An Instant Refresh

Living Proof’s advanced iteration of its popular dry shampoo does more than make your hair look clean—it actually cleanses. The updated formula’s powders absorb oil, dirt and sweat from the scalp and strands, which are then easily removed with a quick brush-through, shake or blow-dry. And a touch of weightless conditioner bumps up your shine to mimic the effects of freshly washed hair.

What our staffers say: Partnerships manager Jessica Weisman is a fan of both Living Proof’s original dry shampoo as well as this latest version. “I have fine hair but a lot of it,” she says. “It gets oily after one day so I depend on dry shampoo. I found that using a little bit every day helps to maintain my scalp getting oily. I like this one because it doesn’t weigh my hair down, and it doesn’t have an overpowering strong smell to it either.”

This dry shampoo from Philip B is one of the more luxurious options for refreshing strands. The formula is infused with a gorgeous amber scent that lingers in your hair all day. Aside from the fancy fragrance, the product absorbs excess scalp oils and leaves hair with a fresh, lush, volumized look—without leaving any traces of residue.

Klorane’s dry shampoo is designed for all hair types, but its soothing oat milk-infused formula is especially great for those with sensitive scalps. Another bonus is its fine powders that don’t feel heavy in your hair but still do a great job at absorbing oil. It can be purchased in a non-aerosol bottle as well.

What our editors say: “My hair type is in the middle of changing—for most of my life, I’ve had pin-straight fine-but-thick hair that got oily by dinner; volume was always my number one concern,” says senior distribution strategist Kristina Bornholtz. “I was in college when I first tried the Klorane dry shampoo, which sucked up all the excess oil and added volume within 2 minutes of application. While my hair has changed (now a 2b/c wave) and most of my routine with it, I’ve kept the klorane as my top choice. I love its clean formula and the fine mist of the spray.”

Bastiste’s cult-favorite dry shampoo formulas garner thousands and thousands of five-star reviews. Fans give it glowing compliments and praise for its fresh scent, reliable oil-absorbing ability and volumizing power.

What the staffers say: Weisman is also a fan of this one, favoring the subtler, clean scent of the Bare version of the brand’s dry shampoo. “Similar to Living Proof I really like the light smell of this one,” she says. “I like the way the Bare Batiste sprays out more evenly too. It doesn’t leave my hair feeling as sticky as other dry shampoos. It’s also great to be able to get it at most stores and at an affordable price since I use it almost daily.”

Most dry shampoos contain aluminum starch and talc to aid in oil absorption. This formula is one of the few sprays made without those ingredients and it’s just as effective for lifting oil from your hair. If you’re on the natural beauty wave, this dry shampoo will be your fave.

What the editors say: “I really like Amika,” says managing editor Emmy Favilla. “I’ve had plenty of experience testing dry shampoos, and Amika was one of the standouts. I think it’s great at volumizing without leaving any sort of chalky feeling.”

Not only is this plant-based dry shampoo a godsend for freshening up dirty tresses, it’s also one the best products for beefing up fine or flat hair. It makes your hair appear fuller by getting rid of the oils that weigh your strands down.

The super fine rice starches in this pick are tinted, so they blend in seamlessly on dark hair without leaving behind the dreaded white residue. Spray it on and then massage it in to help absorb oil and product buildup. 

Act+Acre’s ultra-popular plant-based dry shampoo has a loyal following among clean beauty fans who give it 5 stars for being lightweight, non-scented and calming to the scalp. It’s made with fulvic acid, a healing nutrient extracted from organic plant matter that restores your scalp’s microbiome to prevent irritation.

The Binchotan charcoal in this dry shampoo from Briogeo detoxifies and draws out impurities from the scalp and hair, while botanicals help normalize oil production and nurture the hair follicle. This not only mops up oil and grease, but actually prevents an oily scalp from happening in the first place—making this dry shampoo more than just a temporary fix.

This silicone-free dry shampoo leaves zero visible residue behind, just a mellow, fruity  fragrance. It gets high marks from obsessed reviewers who love how it doesn’t make hair feel “stiff or chalky while still taking care of the oil.”

It is not what’s on the outside that counts (although the sleek packaging will draw you in), it is what’s on the inside that matters. This dry shampoo is silicone-free, which means it won’t dry out your hair, and it’s formulated with rice starch to give hair grip and moldable texture.

If scent is the deciding factor, then this is the dry shampoo for you. It offers everything you would expect from the hardworking product and a little more. The decadent notes from top to bottom create a rich rosy scent, while volcanic minerals detoxify the scalp and give the hair body.

Between professional blowouts and the serums that keep them smooth and sleek, haircare can be expensive. Fortunately, the Sephora Collection features a range of affordable products that will help you maintain your favorite hairstyles without breaking the bank. The newest addition to the cost-saving lineup is this vegan dry shampoo that gives oily hair a fresh look and feel. Shake and spray the product onto the lifeless parts of your hair for an instant revival.