The Best Dry Texturizers Are Going to Add Grit and Volume Without Feeling Stiff
I’ve hit bottom on each of these bottles.
My hair has no volume and very little texture—but you would never know it. You see, my collection of the best dry texturizers has allowed me to become a master of hair disguise. “Dry texturizers add airy volume, grit, and texture to the hair,” explains Bumble and Bumble Global Artistic Ambassador Evanie Frausto. “Think of it as a blend of a dry shampoo and salt spray that expands the hair to have more fullness and texture.”
I’ve been using dry texturizers for quite some time, but up until recently, I considered them a necessary evil. More often than not, the formulations left my hair feeling stiff and, if I’m being completely honest, dirty. There were a few exceptions (you’ll find them below), but in recent months a handful of new dry texturizer innovations have made their way onto the market.
Dry texturizers can be applied either directly to the roots of the hair or throughout the entire mid-section.
It's a new day in the world of dry texturizers—brands like ROZ, ColorWow, and Unite have improved formulas that provide the volume-boosting, texture-adding properties, while still maintaining a flexible hold and clean feel in the hair.
To get the full breakdown on these new formulas, shop for a few of my other favorites, and see what celebrity stylists count as their can’t-live-without dry texturizers, scroll ahead.
The Best Dry Texturizers
- The Best Dry Texturizer Overall: Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray
- The Best Lightweight Dry Texturizer: Davines This is a Dry Texturizer
- The Best Dry Texturizer for Thin Hair: ROZ Thickening Spray
- The Best Dry Texturizer for Volume: Living Proof Full Dry Volume and Texture Spray
I firmly believe this is the best dry texturizer in the game. It creates volume and texture like all good dry texturizing sprays should, while also giving new life to my hair. It provides a fresh smell thanks to the Cote d’Azur scent, provides shine (something most dry texturizers do not do), and has a super-fine mist that allows me to customize the level of grit. If I hold the bottle far away from my head, the finish is super subtle and helps me get a few extra days out of my look. But if I hold it close? The volume it delivers is incredible.
Pros: Editor favorite; Smells great; Customizable finish
Cons: Expensive
Customer Review: “Whenever I'm in a rush or my hair needs a quick refresh, this dry shampoo comes to the rescue. It's super easy to use and instantly revitalizes my hair, making it feel clean and smelling fantastic. Plus, it adds volume, which is a big bonus for my fine hair. If you struggle with oily roots or just need a quick pick-me-up between washes, this stuff is a game-changer.” — Sephora
If you’re constantly running your hands through your hair, this is the dry texturizer for you. It’s the lightest weight option out there and doesn’t leave a powder-like residue behind. That being said, it does provide subtler results. When I use this, my hair is left a little less slippery and has a hint more volume, while remaining soft to the touch.
Pros: Makes hair look thicker; Lightweight
Cons: Not everyone likes the baby powder smell
Customer Review: “This is hands-down, the best dry texturizer out there! I have tried many other top brands, and this one leaves your hair soft and silky the next day even, not coarse and dry.” — Davines
Hairstylist Mara Rozak’s take on the dry texturizer flips current dry texturizer standards on their head. Instead of spraying this (non-aerosol) liquid onto dry, styled hair, you’re going to do a few spritzes directly out of the shower. It’s just as set on providing touchable texture and body to the hair, as it is nourishing every single strand. Rice protein strengthens hair, rice water adds shine, and mushroom root extract helps with hair growth.
Pros: Nourishing ingredients; Provides shine
Cons: Doesn’t give as much texture as others
Customer Review: “Air Thickening Spray is not sticky or heavy. It's light and adds great texture without weighting down my fine hair. It also has the same fabulous scent as the other products.” – ROZ
Treat this particular product like your dry texturizer, dry shampoo, and heat protectant—all in one. It’s my go-to for dirty hair because it not only contains starches that soak up oil, but it also includes volumizing properties (the lift is no joke) and heat protection up to 410 degrees. I spray a generous amount from root to tip, brush it out for a more lived-in feel, and add a new curl to refresh my style.
Pros: Multi-benefit; Provides heat protection
Cons: Can be a little powdery and white
Customer Review: “This doesn't make my hair greasy at all! It gives volume all day and night. Just keep pushing your hair up through the day and you won’t be sorry… It will continue to stay up with volume.” — Sephora
Also Recommended
Because dry texturizers use powder particles to create volume, they can make hair look dry. And if you’re already starting with dehydrated ends? Well, you might end up with a crunchy feel. Enter Color Wow’s Texture Spray, which has hydrating ingredients like glycerin that help hair maintain a soft, touchable feel. The product is also formulated with a color-safe complex, which prevents dyed hair from looking darker or duller.
Pros: Good for color-treated hair; Hydrating ingredients
Cons: Can feel a little sticky
Customer Review: “This spray is fantastic! It makes my impossible dry, thin, fine hair shine and it actually holds a curl all day long which is a miracle!! Plus it stays softer to the touch than hairspray.” — Sephora
There's nothing I hate more than a crunchy feeling, which is in part why I love this newly launched texturizer so much. I have thinner hair, but still find myself reaching for this product on day one of styling because it gives me a boost of volume without too much grit. My hair ends up feeling clean and fresh, so I can prolong my blowout.
Pros: Very lightweight and flexible, Hairstylist-approved
Cons: Doesn’t add volume
Customer Review: “Bumble and Bumble never misses with their new launches! This Dryspun Light Texture Spray gives my hair the perfect amount of volume and texture for an everyday look. It lasts as long as my blowout does (several days), but you can definitely reapply if you want to. I love this for my thick hair!” — Sephora
Even the best dry texturizers sometimes leave white powder flakes along the scalp, which is particularly troublesome if you have dark hair. That’s where Unite’s dry texturizing spray stands out. No matter how much product you use or how many layers you apply, there will never be residue left behind. Plus, the citrus-floral scent gives day two (or three) hair a clean smell.
Pros: Provides heat protection; Good for all hair colors
Cons: Feels a little heavy
Customer Review: “I love this texturizing spray for my long hair, especially when I curl it. Gives me a textured, beachy wave look. I also like to use it when I keep my hair straight. It gives the layers a separated look, adding texture to my straight hair.” — Ulta
This doesn't just give hair grit—it enhances shine and radiance. The formula contains nourishing ingredients that protect hair from free radicals that can distort color and cause a dry texture. They work their way into the hair cuticle to create stronger, healthier hair over time. While most dry texturizers should be used after styling, I like to spray this one before I take a hot tool to my hair—it helps the style hold.
Pros: Smells great; Hairstylist-approved; Versatile
Cons: Expensive
What Is a Dry Texturizer?
As the name indicates, a dry texturizing spray is a dry-to-touch hair product that adds texture. “It’s typically an aerosol form and is built to add grit to the hair, allowing the hair to move more freely than your typical paste-style texturizer," explains hairstylist Rodger Azadganian. "It is a very versatile product that can be used on all hair types, providing hold and grit without the commitment of a hair spray.”
Typically, you'll find micro-fine powders, like zeolite, in the formula—it's what provides grit. "Zeolite is a naturally derived mineral that's incredibly absorbent and helps create that gritty texture," says Madison Garrett, hairstylist at Spoke & Weal Salon in New York City. "Because of it's ability to absorb oils, it can be drying." Make sure you choose a formula that counteracts the drying effects with moisturizing ingredients like glycerin.
Adding dry texturizer to the roots of your hair before pulling it into an updo will allow your style to stay in place.
Do I Need a Dry Texturizer?
Dry texturizers are a want, not a need, but it’s important to note that every hair type can use one to build more texture into their style. "They're really great for those with fine hair or those who have hair that falls flat easily," explains Garrett. "It gives them lift and hold while still being pliable to styling."
Those with curlier or coily hair might want to incorporate a dry texturizer, too—especially if they’re trying to achieve a more dramatic style.
How to Use a Dry Texturizer
Even the most lightweight and airy dry texturizing formulas can feel crunchy if you don’t apply them properly. First and foremost, you’ll want to use a dry texturizer after completely styling your hair. “Once your hair is dried in curls, waves, blown out or pulled up, spray the product where you want to see more volume and texture,” advises Frausto. “I usually start at the ends and work my way through the hair.”
Make sure you’re holding the bottle at least six to eight inches away from the hair, too. "Move in a back and forth or circular motion while spraying to make sure the product is evenly distributed," explains Garrett.
Meet the Experts
Madison Rae Garrett is a master colorist and educator at Spoke & Weal Salon in Soho NYC.
Based in New York, Evanie Frausto began his career training under the celebrated hairstylist, Jimmy Paul. Frausto works regularly with publications and has shot covers with Kendall Jenner, Bella Hadid, Karlie Kloss, and Joan Smalls, and campaigns for Fenty Beauty, MAC, Estée Lauder, Nike, and Glossier. In 2023, Frausto was appointed Global Artist Ambassador at Bumble & Bumble.
A 35-year veteran in the beauty industry, who is the Founder of äz Craft Luxury Haircare for the discerning hairdresser who aims to inspire creativity, while fueling their passion for their profession. Rodger is a master hairstylist, product formulator and has owned several salons, including Salon 8 in Seattle.
