These 15 Dry Shampoos Are Basically a Blowout in a Bottle

Elle

2 days ago

We all know the moment—freshly washed hair cascading in buoyant waves, brushing your shoulders with the kind of vitality that makes you want to cancel plans just to stare at yourself in the mirror. But then? Disaster. A rogue heatwave rolls in. Your Pilates class turns unexpectedly bootcamp-adjacent. Or worse: you're ambushed by a torrential downpour. That's when it's time to pick up a bottle of dry shampoo: the miraculous elixir in a bottle that revives, boosts volume, and rescues oily hair without dragging you through the full rigmarole of wash day.
Thanks to the beauty industry's relentless innovation, dry shampoo has undergone a metamorphosis. No longer limited to the classic aerosol, dry shampoo now arrives in the form of mists, balms, and finely milled powders tailored for every texture—from ultra-oily to fine hair. It's one of the rare essentials you can easily stash in your bag, ready to deliver a good hair day. 'The best part about a dry shampoo is that it's incredibly versatile and designed to suit your lifestyle, wherever you are. The best time to use it is when your roots start to feel oily, or your style needs a refresh. Typically, on day two or three after washing,' Akash Mehta, CEO and Co-Founder of Fable & Mane, tells us. 'But it's also perfect on the go, whether you're traveling, after a workout, or heading from day to night and need a quick reset. It's a must-have for your gym bag, carry-on, or everyday beauty routine to instantly revive your hair without water.'
Dry shampoo isn't just a quick fix for greasy roots—it's also a styling tool that adds effortless texture and volume with minimal effort. 'The obvious time to use dry shampoo is when you need to refresh your hair or if you're feeling a little oily,' explains Davey Matthew, New York based celebrity hair stylist. 'However, one of my favorite ways to use it is applying it after a fresh style to proactively absorb oils as they are produced.' Personally, I'm known to get a bit overzealous with hair oiling, so dry shampoo is my go-to remedy when my hair becomes too slick. And for those whose scalps seem to secrete oil all the time, a preemptive spritz or nightly use, as Matthew suggests, can keep styles fresher for longer.
Below, you'll find the best dry shampoos, selected by editors and experts who've seen (and spritzed) it all.
Fable & Mane's newest product in their hair care lineup is their Root Refresh Dry Shampoo, a guaranteed good hair day in a travel-friendly bottle. 'Our Root Refresh Dry Shampoo is more than just a quick fix, it's a new modern ritual for strong, silky, and soft hair in between washes. This non-aerosol, talc-free, travel-friendly, lightweight powder is infused with Bamboo and Rosemary Extract to help strengthen and soothe the scalp, while Tapioca Starch instantly absorbs oil, leaving no white cast behind,' explains Mehta. 'Like all our products, it brings ancient Indian wisdom into modern haircare, for hair that looks and feels truly revived.'
Key ingredients: Bamboo, rosemary extract, tapioca starch
Size: 1.16 oz
Sephora rating: 4.8/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: 'Never before have I used a dry shampoo that went on this clear! I have dark hair, so I usually have to spend ten minutes brushing out dry shampoo to keep my hair from appearing ashy, but Fable & Mane's applied like an invisible miracle. It also gives my hair amazing volume and does not leave my hair feeling heavy or sticky. Oh, and did I mention–it smells divine.'–Moriah Polk, contributing fashion & luxury editor
If you're looking for a more precise way to apply dry shampoo, a powder formula might be the way to go. Crown Affair's Refillable Dry Shampoo is especially well-suited for targeted use. It's perfect for treating specific areas like the hairline or part, where oil tends to accumulate more quickly than the rest of your strands.
Key ingredients: Persimmon-derived tannic acid, tsubaki seed oil, tapioca starch
Size: 1.1 oz
Sephora rating: 4.5/5 stars
Our expert says: 'If you'd prefer something that is in powder form this is a great option. I love the kabuki brush applicator to distribute the product easily.'–Davey Matthew, New York-based celebrity hair stylist
If you're after a dry shampoo that refreshes without the heavy buildup, Living Proof's Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo is worth a try. Its lightweight formula uses zeolite to absorb sweat, oil, and odors, leaving your hair feeling clean, like a dry cleaning session for your scalp.
Key ingredients: Rice starch, zeolite
Size: 5.5 oz
Amazon rating: 4.2/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: 'I have pretty thick, dark hair. I used this at night when I wanted to skip washing the next morning. I cant believe how light it feels and how clean and grease-free my hair feels! There is a good amount of white-cast, but I was able to use my hands to scrub it through and you cant see it at all. Next morning my hair felt clean and there was zero residue feeling.'
Craving sky-high volume without the hassle of a full wash day? Amika's Perk Up Dry Shampoo delivers instant lift and freshness. Infused with sea buckthorn, its formula nourishes your strands while skipping the dreaded desert-dry aftermath. Prefer your refresh with a twist? It's also available in the sultry Miami Nectar scent, plus two additional formulas: Perk Up Plus—ideal for stretching your style a little longer—and Perk Up Ultra, built for removing even more oil.
Key ingredients: Rice starch, sea buckthorn
Size: 5.3 oz
Our expert says: 'My go-to for traditional aerosol dry shampoos. It comes in a variety of scents and strengths so it's easy to find something that suits your taste, preference, and needs.'–Davey Matthew, New York-based celebrity hair stylist
Anyone with dark hair knows the struggle of finding a dry shampoo that does its job without leaving behind a telltale white cast. This dry shampoo by Moroccanoil features a subtle tint, that won't leave hair looking chalky or dull.
Key ingredients: Argan oil, rice starch
Size: 5.4 oz
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: 'This dry shampoo is gentle enough to keep from completely drying your your scalp (thanks to the Argan oil) but still makes my hair look so much bouncier than before. Plus, this is one of the few dry shampoos made for dark hair that doesn't make my hair look dull or dirty.'–Moriah Polk, contributing fashion & luxury editor
Batiste offers a dry shampoo for nearly every hair type in its lineup—from formulas designed for dark hair to options that add volume or texture. If you're unsure where to begin, the Original remains a longtime customer favorite. It's affordable, widely available, and a reliable choice for anyone looking to try dry shampoo for the first time
Key ingredients: Rice starch
Size: 5.71 oz
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: 'When I work out, I sweat a lot. Great for my endorphins, not so great for my hair. On days when I don't have time for a full wash (or frankly, just don't want to strip my hair with over-washing), Batiste Dry Shampoo is my go-to It soaks up the fresh sweat, revives my roots, and gives my hair a much-needed second wind.'–Moriah Polk, contributing fashion & luxury editor
Non-aerosol? Check. Residue-free? Check. Smells amazing? Absolutely. Bumble and Bumble's Pret-a-Powder Dry Shampoo ticks all the boxes. Both customers and experts love it for its quick effectiveness, even on thick, hard-to-refresh hair, and for its clear application that leaves no visible trace behind.
Key ingredients: Bamboo extract, silica
Size: 4 oz
Our expert says: 'This is a great option to refresh your hair after physical activity. I hear all the time, I have to shampoo because I work out all the time. This solves that problem. A mist that drys almost instantly powered bamboo extract and silica–which is particularly powerful at removing oils, but can be concerning if in powder form because of the potential to inhale. However, because of its mist form, this makes an amazing product.'–Davey Matthew, New York-based celebrity hair stylist
The Ouai Super Dry Shampoo—a cult-favorite staple—was off the shelves for what felt like an eternity, leaving Reddit threads and TikTok comment sections in collective mourning. But it's finally back, now available in two of the brand's signature scents, Melrose Place and Cape Town. The fan-favorite formula still delivers the same oil-absorbing power that made it a must-have in the first place.
Key ingredients: Rice starch, panthenol
Size: 4.5 oz
Sephora rating: 4.7/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: 'The Ouai Dry Shampoo has quickly become a staple in my hair routine—especially on busy mornings or after workouts when washing isn't an option. What I love most is how it actually cleans my scalp without leaving behind that heavy, chalky residue that so many other dry shampoos do. It absorbs oil really well, adds a light boost of volume, and has a clean, subtle scent that doesn't overpower. My hair feels refreshed and touchable rather than stiff or gritty.'
Badlands Dry Shampoo Paste has been making the rounds on TikTok—and for good reason. This unconventional formula swaps the typical spray for a balm-like texture that's massaged directly into the hair. It's ideal for targeted application, adds noticeable volume, and doubles as a styling aid for a more lived-in, textured look.
Key ingredients: Volcanic ash, coconut oil, zeolite, argan oil, sunflower seed extract
Size: 2.2 oz
Our expert says: 'One of the most innovative styling products in recent times, this is great for fringe or shorter hairstyles where its duality can act as a dry shampoo and styling product.'–Davey Matthew, New York-based celebrity hair stylist
If you're hoping to stretch the time between washes, Kérastase's Fresh Affair Refreshing Dry Shampoo is a strong contender. It absorbs excess oil without leaving behind residue, while vitamin E and neroli help nourish the hair and leave behind a divine scent.
Key ingredients: Rice starch, vitamin E, neroli
An Amazon reviewer says: 'It's my new go to dry shampoo. I love that it doesn't make my hair feel heavy or powdery like other dry shampoos. It absorbs the oil and does it without a white cast. This is the first dry shampoo I've used that gets me through 3 days of no washing. I'm sure I could go a few days more but I like to wash and massage my scalp 2-3 days a week. You can't go wrong with anything from Kerastase, I'm a huge fan of the shampoos and conditioners as well!'
Drybar's Detox Dry Shampoo is a smart choice for those with damaged or fragile hair. It contains golden root extract, which supports the hair's structural integrity and encourages healthier, shinier growth, while the rice starch absorbs oil, sweat, and daily buildup.
Key ingredients: Rice starch, golden root extract
Size: 3.5 oz
Amazon rating: 3.7/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: 'I am so impressed with Drybar Dry Shampoo! I've tried a lot of dry shampoos over the years, and this one is by far my favorite... I have thick, oily hair, and this stuff absorbs excess oil really well, making my hair look and feel fresh, even on day three (or sometimes four!) after washing. It adds volume without weighing my hair down, which is a major plus. I've also noticed it doesn't leave any buildup like other dry shampoos, so my scalp doesn't feel gross after a few uses.'
Thick, curly hair is no match for Hask's Coconut Oil Nourishing Dry Shampoo. It effectively absorbs excess oil that can weigh curls down, while still leaving behind a light, healthy sheen. The result? Fresh, bouncy curls that look defined—not matted.
Key ingredients: Coconut oil, rice starch
Size: 8.1 oz
An Amazon reviewer says: 'I love this stuff for that 4th day hair. I have thick curly hair so it's the type you don't wash everyday. This is awesome for putting right at the temples and on your part to soak up some of that greasy or sweaty stuff that gets in your hair. I also love that it is clear so it blends in with my red hair. I also appreciate the scent.'
If excess oil tends to make your fine hair appear even thinner, Dove's Advanced Volume & Fullness Dry Shampoo could be a game changer. It not only absorbs buildup and grease but also adds a boost of volume and texture to revive limp strands.
Key ingredient: Cassava starch
Size: 7.3 oz
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: 'This is my favorite dry shampoo! I've tried a handful of other brands from $4 a bottle to $35 a bottle and this takes the cake for me. It smells lovely and it works great. Your hair smells great and it actually volumizes. One thing my stylist taught me is that you have to work dry shampoo into your hair like you would normal shampoo... so work it in to get the results. That advice mixed with this product is a recipe for success!'
Sometimes, oil and buildup are concentrated right at the roots. In those cases, Briogeo's Style & Treat Dry Shampoo Puff is a smart solution. Its puff applicator allows for precise application, targeting only the areas that need a touch-up without overloading the rest of your hair with product.
Key ingredients: Rice starch, tapioca starch, biotin, copper peptides
Size: 0.5 oz
Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: 'I was pleasantly surprised how well the powder blended with my hair. I have dark hair but got the translucent powder so I could share it with my daughters, too. Some dry shampoos take some natural shine out of your hair and make it look more dull but I didn't think that this did that. It blends well and still looks nice. It has a scent to it which was not overwhelming but my other dry shampoos have a scent as well, so no difference there.'
Admittedly, this dry shampoo sits at a higher price point, but it's well worth it for extending the time between wash days. Its formula features microalgae to help regulate excess oil production over time, along with odor-neutralizing biotechnology that eliminates unwanted scents without relying on heavy fragrance.
Key ingredients: Marine microalgae, silica, peptides
An Amazon reviewer says: 'This is my new favorite dry shampoo. My hair is fine and gets oily very quickly (like 12 hours after washing). I was able to wear a day 2 style with this! It smells really nice. I like that it's a non aerosol, you can definitely tell it is going to last a lot longer than typical cans, which makes the higher price point make sense.'
Dry shampoo aims to absorb excess oil and sweat from the scalp, giving hair a cleaner, fresher appearance without needing to wash it with water. 'Dry shampoo is a quick and easy solution to absorb excess oil and refresh your scalp and hair between washes,' says Mehta. 'It helps extend your style, reduce the need for daily shampooing, and gives your hair an instant lift when it starts to feel limp or greasy.'
Dry shampoo comes in many forms to maximize the efficacy for individual needs. 'Most commonly thought of in aerosol form, they come in a multitude of mediums ranging from aerosol and powder to wet spritz and paste,' explains Matthew.
Dry shampoo should be used between washes to absorb excess oil, freshen hair, and add volume, especially after a workout. It can also be used for styling touch-ups or to add texture to fine hair. 'For best results, dry shampoo should be applied directly to the roots where oil tends to build up. Typically, at the crown, temples, and nape of the neck,' Mehta explains. 'Hold the product a few inches from the scalp, apply in short bursts, and let it sit for a minute or two before massaging it in or brushing it through. This allows the product to fully absorb the oils and refresh your scalp without buildup.'
When shopping for dry shampoo, it's important to look for products with ingredients that will both absorb excess oil from your scalp and benefit the overall health of your hair. 'It's important to choose ingredients that are kind to your scalp. Look for natural absorbents like rice starch or tapioca starch, as they soak up excess oil without clogging follicles or leaving behind heavy buildup,' Mehta says. 'At Fable & Mane, we're rooted in Ayurvedic rituals, which means we prioritize clean, nourishing ingredients that support a healthy scalp and hair. We stay away from talc and sulfates, which can cause irritation or throw your scalp off balance.'
Moreover, it's important to avoid ingredients that might be damaging or cause irritation. 'The key point here is to avoid talc which has the potential to cause respiratory issues. This is particularly problematic because of where we're applying dry shampoo,' Matthew explains. 'Friendly, safe, and effective ingredients include starch (corn, rice, tapioca, etc.), clays, and ash.'
Akash Mehta is the CEO and Co-Founder of Fable & Mane
Davey Matthew is a New York-based celebrity hair stylist
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, contributing fashion & luxury editor Moriah Polk consulted a celebrity stylist, a hair care expert, and fellow beauty editors to select the best products. She also tested several dry shampoo products herself and pored through customer reviews.