There’s nothing quite like the feeling of freshly washed hair, but realistically, I only shampoo my thick 3C curls about once every two weeks. That might surprise some, but it works well for me because I depend on my tried-and-true collection of the best dry shampoos to keep my hair feeling and smelling fresh and clean between those 14 days. These formulas help my scalp and strands feel refreshed and even extend the life of my blowouts, flexi-rod sets, and silk presses.
When I shop for a dry shampoo, I look for three things: it must leave my hair feeling soft and touchable (no stiffness or crunchiness), it needs to smell great without being overpowering, and it should add volume—especially when my days-old curls begin to fall flat. The right formula can also absorb excess oil at the roots, giving my style a little lift and making my hair look like I put in way more effort than I actually did.
Celebrity stylists also swear by using dry shampoo in your routine to prevent over-washing, which can strip moisture from hair—something curly textures like mine can’t handle. “Most people do best with dry shampoo two to three times a week. If your scalp feels coated and itchy, that’s your sign it’s time for a wash. Just don’t overdo it,” says Clayton Hawkins, celebrity hairstylist and brand ambassador for SexyHair.
So, to help you find your perfect match, I’ve gathered some of the best formulas, including sprays, powders, and tinted options, suitable for all hair types. With the right dry shampoo, you won’t need to redo your entire style every morning, and honestly, that’s a major win in my book.
The Best Dry Shampoos
- The Best Dry Shampoo Overall: Oribe Gold Lust Dry Shampoo
- The Best Dry Shampoo for Oily Hair: Kristin Ess Wicked Style Reviving Dry Shampoo
- The Best Drugstore Dry Shampoo: Batiste Light Dry Shampoo
- The Best Tinted Dry Shampoo: Briogeo Dry Shampoo Puff
- The Best Dry Shampoo for Volume: SexyHair Dry Shampoo
If there ever was a product that lived up to the hype, it's this guy. Not only do I appreciate the jumbo-sized bottle (it lasts me so long), but it genuinely makes my hair feel clean and fresh—not weighed down or coated in tacky product. It doesn't leave a white film and adds the perfect amount of volume.
Scent: Oribe’s signature scent
Type: Spray
What I Love: Big bottle; Adds subtle texture
What I Don’t: Has a higher price point
Review for MC: "I have hair that runs on the finer, thinner side, so I'm always looking for ways to prolong a blowout. My best-kept hack: spraying this dry shampoo on just-washed hair. It gives me substantial lift at my root and slows how quickly my hair gets oily. Instead of washing my hair every other day, I can get away with every three days. Plus, the scent is delicious." — Samantha Holender, Senior Beauty Editor
This dry shampoo is a fan favorite, and it’s easy to see why. The formula is safe for color- and keratin-treated hair, and it helps eliminate odors, absorb excess oil, and prolong the life of your blowout. The brand even mentions that it’s “ozdust-enriched,” so it’s easy to imagine Glinda using it to keep her long, voluminous blonde hair looking effortlessly whimsical in Wicked.
Scent: Light floral/ Ambrette seed, magnolia, pear water, New Caledonia sandalwood
Type: Spray
Shades: 1
What I Love: Smells lovely; Feels lightweight; Absorbs oil
What I Don’t: Some reviewers say the can doesn't have enough product
Review for MC: “I fell in love with the fragrance at first spray, it’s light and floral, not too overpowering, and it lingers in my hair throughout the day. I also like that the white residue was easy to massage and blend into my dark hair. It didn’t weigh down my curls, and I noticed a bit of volume after teasing my roots.” — Shauna Beni-Haynes, Freelance Beauty Contributor
“It really depends on your hair texture when deciding which dry shampoo would be best for you. If you have oily, fine hair, I’d go for a lighter, less heavy dry shampoo so it doesn’t leave residue and weigh down your hair,” suggests celebrity hairstylist Stephanie Angelone. And this Batiste formula is designed for those seeking a lightweight refresh. Its formula absorbs excess oil at the roots, making strands look clean and soft. It also provides a subtle boost of volume and movement.
Scent: Lightly scented notes of green tea and chamomile
Type: Spray
Shades: 1
What I Love: Has an invisible matte finish; Light and airy clean fragrance; Adds subtle volume
What I Don’t: Some reviewers note that the scent is overpowering
Review for MC: “I enjoyed using this dry shampoo. The overall formula and scent are very light compared to others I’ve tried on this list, and I love that it left no visible white residue.” — Shauna Beni-Haynes, Freelance Beauty Contributor
Available in translucent and tinted shades, this silky smooth dry shampoo powder will quickly become a staple in your haircare routine. It features a puff tool that helps you achieve a precise, mess-free application. The formula also contains 92 percent naturally derived ingredients and dries clear with no white cast. Over time, it may help promote hair growth (we love that) and make your hair look thicker. Sounds like a win-win to me.
Scent: Fresh floral greens and warm musk
Type: Powder
Shades: Translucent, Tinted
What I Love: Custom puff applicator; Absorbs oil; Promotes hair growth
What I Don’t: Doesn’t add a ton of volume
Review for MC: “This dry shampoo powder was really easy to use. It comes with a puff applicator that lets me control the powder output and apply it to specific target areas of my scalp, rather than all over. The formula also includes biotin, which helps strengthen the hair follicles and prevent breakage. Plus, it's super easy to toss in my bag for on-the-go reapplication” — Shauna Beni-Haynes, Freelance Beauty Contributor
You can count on SexyHair to deliver exactly what the name promises—ahem, sexy hair! But, seriously, this dry shampoo is no joke. The lightweight formula absorbs oil and sweat, leaves a residue-free finish, adds volume, and works on all hair types. So, if you're looking for a dry shampoo that will give your hair a good boost, this one won’t disappoint.
Scent: Light floral
Type: Spray
Shades: 1
What I Love: Pleasant fragrance; Adds volume; No residue
What I Don’t: Some reviews note that it can make hair feel hard, making it challenging to brush through
Review for MC: “I’m a big fan of SexyHair products; they’ve always done a good job at making my curls look super voluminous, and I’m so glad they created this dry shampoo that can help bring life back to my flat curls on days three and four. I also don’t have to stress about blending the product in since it leaves no residue.” — Shauna Beni-Haynes, Freelance Beauty Contributor
If you’ve ever skipped a gym day to protect a fresh hairstyle, I can relate. That’s why I recommend keeping a can of this dry shampoo in your gym bag. It works wonders on sweaty, post-workout hair and helps get rid of lingering odors, especially if you’ve been wearing a hat. The formula uses a type of starch to absorb oil and lift your roots, so you can refresh your hair without washing after every workout session.
Scent: Rose florals
Type: Spray
Shades: 1
What I Love: Long-lasting fragrance; Weightless formula; Softens the hair
What I Don’t: The fragrance can be overpowering with the first few sprays
Review for MC: “This dry shampoo has a very strong fragrance, but it is long-lasting, which I appreciate. The formula also works well at adding body and bounce to my curls after they’ve been flattened under my hat, which makes it a true lifesaver.” — Shauna Beni-Haynes, Freelance Beauty Contributor
If we're going to talk about true innovation, this dry shampoo deserves our attention. The formula is more wet than most others I've tried. You spray your roots, let it soak in for a minute, then grab a boar-bristle brush to brush the flakes out. The result? Genuinely clean-feeling hair.
Scent: Slightly floral
Type: Spray
What I Love: Gets hair genuinely clean; Doesn't have a crunchy feel
What I Don’t: You need to have a brush nearby to use
Review for MC: "I had some plastic surgery earlier this year and couldn't wash my hair for a good week, which seemed like the perfect time to put this dry shampoo to the test. I used it multiple times over a week period, and my hair never once felt product heavy. It actually felt like I have just given myself a blowout. It's quickly become one of my all-time favorite dry shampoos—and I've tried them all. " — Samantha Holender, Senior Beauty Editor
This dry shampoo is great for on-the-go use. It’s small and comes in a tube that has a brush applicator. The formula neutralizes odors (a huge win), adds natural volume and softness, and is made with natural ingredients such as superfood roots and mushrooms. It also has a vanishing tint, so there's no need to worry about blending the product into the hair.
Scent: Rosemary, peppermint, chamomile essential oils
Type: Powder
What I Love: Vanishing tint; Refillable packaging; Easy-to-use brush
What I Don’t: Reviewers say there's very little product for the price
Review for MC: “My favorite part about using this powder is the brush that comes with it. The brush makes it an easy, mess-free process and lets me control how much powder I use, which was extremely helpful. It also doesn’t leave any visible white residue on darker hair.” — Shauna Beni-Haynes, Freelance Beauty Contributor
If you’re dealing with greasy roots from oil buildup or need something mild for a sensitive, dry scalp, this option is a great choice. Its micellar formula, made with gentle ingredients, helps remove debris and buildup that can cause itchiness and dryness. It can also be used to refresh protective styles like braids, weaves, and wigs.
Scent: Bergamot, Wild fig, Cedarwood, Tonka beans
Type: Spray
Shades: 1
What I Love: Light scent; No powdery residue; Noticeable lift at roots
What I Don’t: It makes hair feel damp and requires drying time
Review for MC: “This dry shampoo felt very similar to a hairspray, which I liked. The nozzle gives an even amount of coverage, but it does require some dry time since it makes the hair damp. Once it dries, my hair looks and feels great." — Shauna Beni-Haynes, Freelance Beauty Contributor
There’s a reason this dry shampoo is called “Fairy Duster”: the formula features an ultra-fine powder that smells absolutely delicious, thanks to a blend of orange blossom, citrus, and vanilla notes. Beyond its scent, it helps cleanse and gently exfoliate the scalp, prevent breakage, and repair damage with moringa leaf and cactus flower extracts. To use it, spray the powder directly onto your roots, let it sit for 30 seconds, then massage it in with your fingers or a brush.
Scent: Sweet, warm citrus
Type: Powder
Sizes: Full, Brush Duo
What I Love: Pleasant fragrance; Non-aerosol powder formula; Repairs damage
What I Don’t: Too much product is dispensed in one pump
Review for MC: “This dry shampoo powder was easy to use and blended seamlessly into my dark hair. The scent lingers lightly, and it works fast. After massaging the powder into my roots, I immediately noticed less oiliness and a boost in volume.” — Shauna Beni-Haynes, Freelance Beauty Contributor
If you’ve ever struggled with a dry shampoo that refuses to blend in, especially at the hard-to-reach crown of your head, you’re not alone. That’s why I love this Paul Mitchell formula. It blends easily into the hair, absorbs oil at the roots, adds body and shine, and neutralizes odor for a complete refresh. The best part? It dries to a soft, touchable finish, so your hair still moves and bounces as you want.
Scent: Gourmand notes of coca, vanilla, and musk
Type: Spray
Shades: One
What I Love: Adds shine; Touchable finish; Safe for color-treated hair
What I Don’t: Some reviewers note that you need to apply plenty of product to see results
Review for MC: “Out of all the dry shampoos I’ve tried, I have to say this one truly smells the most luxurious. The fragrance is made from a blend of gourmand notes of coca, vanilla, and musk, which gives it a very grown-up vibe. I also love that it also adds shine and body.” — Shauna Beni-Haynes, Freelance Beauty Contributor
What Should I Look for in the Best Dry Shampoo?
- Consider Your Hair Type and Needs
Hawkins recommends selecting a dry shampoo based on your specific hair needs. “Look for oil absorption if you have an oily scalp, gentle formulas for dry scalps, translucent options for dark hair, and lightweight versions for fine hair,” he says.
Because dry shampoo isn't applied to hair while wet, it doesn't lock into your cuticle while it's open, says Angelone, which makes it a safe bet for all hair types. "Dry shampoo is primarily for the scalp and roots to absorb excess oil and freshen your blowout,” he adds.
- Know When to Apply It
As mentioned previously, when using dry shampoo, stylists recommend starting with dry hair—either dirty hair to absorb oil, or clean hair to amp up volume and add texture. Begin by sectioning the hair and applying the product to each area. “Spray at the roots from six to 10 inches away from the hair; this will prevent product buildup and allow for more even coverage. Then, let the dry shampoo sit for 30 seconds and massage it into the scalp with your fingers or a brush," explains Angelone. Hawkins also suggests giving the hair a blast of cool air for a shiny and sleek finish.
Why Trust Marie Claire
For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion, and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.
How We Tested
For this story, we sourced editor and hair artist-beloved dry shampoos and tested dozens of the top-selling formulas. We evaluated each dry shampoo based on oil-absorbing abilities, volumizing power, formulation, texture, and overall results.
Meet The Experts
Stephanie Angelone is the Master Celebrity Stylist at RPZL Hair Extension & Blowout Bar in NYC. She has over 14 years of experience behind the chair and specializes in bouncy, bombshell blowouts that last and hair extensions. She’s worked with celebrities and influencers such as Paris Hilton, Nicky Hilton, Danielle Bernstein, and Serena Kerrigan.
Clayton Hawkins is a celebrity hairstylist and brand ambassador for SexyHair. He specializes in wigs, extensions, and the art of transformation. Clayton's clients include Olivia Rodrigo, Elizabeth Olsen, Jenna Ortega, Maddie Ziegler, Dove Cameron, Rachel Zegler, and Elizabeth Banks.
