The Dry Shampoos You Can Count On

(Image credit: Francois Durand/Getty Images)

published 7 May 2021

Look, I love the feeling of a shower-fresh, squeaky clean scalp (opens in new tab) as much as the next person, but most days, I end up throwing my hair in a messy bun on top of my head during my daily shower. The extra effort of getting my hair wet, shampooing (opens in new tab) twice, waiting for it to towel dry, then blow drying (opens in new tab) it into submission just seems far too daunting when I don't plan on leaving the house. But I have fine hair, (opens in new tab) so even on day two I can start to notice a little unwanted oil in my scalp. And days three and four? I need to bring in reinforcements. When things get a little greasy, I'll often reacher a silk scrunchie or elevated hair accessory, but my everyday fix remains the same: a solid dry shampoo.

I've searched high and low for the best and the brightest in the category, and I've realized that there is no one answer. Dry shampoos are totally contingent on what type of roots they're being spritzed on. While some are perfectly formulated to absorb oil and add volume to fine wispy strands while others are geared towards overflowing curls or breakage-prone manes. But luckily, there now are near-endless options on the market for every single hair type. Here, we've rounded up the absolute best formulas available for bringing your scalp back to its fresh self.

The Classic

Batiste Dry Shampoo

$9 for a spray that always gets the job done? Sold. This cult-favorite waterless option uses rice starch to absorb excess oil.

For Thick Hair

Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo

If you've let your typical wash day come and go, you'll need a heavy-duty formula. This one truly cleans the hair rather than just masking a congested scalp.

For Wavy Hair

Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo

Texture is key for reviving day-three strands, and this formula delivers. It adds bounce and a little grit while cleansing, and hey—we love multitasking.

For Volume

Drybar Detox Original Scent Dry Shampoo

You know that fresh-out-of-the-salon, blown-out attitude your strands hold onto for days? Consider this that effect, bottled. It blends into even the darkest strands, and imparts bouncy, brushable volume.

For Fine Hair

Klorane Detox Dry Shampoo with Aquatic Mint

Think of this air-light option as a stick of gum, but for your scalp: refreshing with a shot of cool mint. The formula is gentle on the scalp and shakes out with ease, taking all your unwanted grease with it.

For Brunettes

Verb Dry Shampoo for Dark Hair

Some dry shampoos can leave a chalky cast on darker strands, but this pigmented formula blends right in with your deep, dark hue.

For Boosting

OUAI Dry Shampoo Foam

Hear us out: Foam is the new mousse. This innovation won't disrupt your curl pattern, but will still give you a voluminous refresh. And it smells like an Italian garden, to boot.

For Sensitive Scalps

Kérastase Fresh Affair Refreshing Fine Fragrance Dry Shampoo

Rice starch gives this spray its oil-absorbing powers, but follows it up with Vitamin E to nourish the scalp, too. Its fresh, floral neroli scent gives it an elegant tilt, too.

For Volume

Bumble and bumble Prêt-à-Powder

Dry shampoo isn't all about cleansing—it gives roots an extra volumizing bump. Massage this powder formula right into your scalp for a stylish boost.

For Dry Hair

Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal Biotin Dry Shampoo

If breakage is a big concern, excess build-up of grease and product can contribute to it. This formula's formula contains charcoal to absorb oil, while biotin strengthens and nourishes your roots to prevent further damage.

For Congested Hair

IGK First Class Charcoal Detox Dry Shampoo

When things are dire, reach for this heavy-duty powerhouse. Potent charcoal deep cleans the scalp and your roots for a quick rinse, minus the shower.

For Volume

R+CO Death Valley Dry Shampoo

It's named after the driest place on earth for a reason: the formula adds grip and volume to the hair while zapping unwanted moisture from sweat or oil.

For Texture

Oribe Gold Lust Dry Shampoo

This luxe classic has stuck around for a reason. It soothes the scalp while cleansing, and its addictive scent clings to strands all day to hide any unwanted odors.

For Damaged Hair

Kristin Ess Style Reviving Dry Shampoo

Ess' formula is super affordable, but it blows some of its more swanky competition out of the water thanks to the brand's proprietary strengthening complex designed to reverse split ends and target damaged strands.

For Warm Nights

Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Joia Dry Shampoo

It's summer, and scalps can be a little more slick than usual. Brazilian kaolin clay and rice starch pair suck up all that extra oil, while the brand's signature scent leaves a lingering waft of sweetness that screams 'just left a Brazilian beach and I'm in the mood to dance.'

For Brunettes

Sachajuan Dark Dry Powder Shampoo

White cast? What white cast? This formula is specifically made to be undetectable on dark tones, and potato starch adds a natural lift to the roots for extra volume.

Taylore Glynn is the Beauty and Health Editor at Marie Claire, covering skincare, makeup, fragrance, wellness, and more. If you need her, she’s probably roasting a chicken, flying solo at the movies, or drinking a bad Negroni at JFK.