Washing my hair after a busy day is one of the last things I want to do. But through all of the sweat, build-up and grime, my laziness becomes evident the more time that passes in-between washes. A good dry shampoo helps extend my hair styles, freshens my greasy strands and revives my flat hair when my schedule is the most hectic.
Before you skip wash day, don’t just opt for any dry shampoo. To find the best dry shampoos, I spent weeks reviewing aerosol, talc-free and aerosol-free formulas during my workouts, travel excursions and daily commute.
When testing the best formulas for oiliness, volume and all hair types, I based my findings on the features below:
- Application: Is it easy to dispense? Can you evenly apply the formula throughout? Does it leave any residue? Does it make the hair stiff or gritty?
- Efficiency: How well does it absorb oil? Does it require one or more applications?
- Scent: Does it come scented or unscented? How strong is the smell?
Keep reading to discover the best dry shampoos, plus expert tips on application and more you need to know.
Is it okay to use dry shampoo daily?
Dry shampoo is intended for maintenance, not as an everyday ritual. When I presented this question to hair experts, each responded with a flat out “no.” Unlike shampoo, “Dry shampoo does not remove debris or build up on the hair or scalp,” explains trichologist Bridgette Hill. “Dry shampoo serves an aesthetic cleanse to maintain volume and bounce, typically experienced on freshly shampooed hair fiber.” When overused, Hill adds that the hair can appear “dull and dirty, completely opposite of the result a great dry shampoo should provide.”
Thus, dry shampoo should be “a last resort on the last day before wash day,” shares trichologist Mandy Buechner. “If you need to use dry shampoo daily, go ahead and wash your hair.”
Best overall dry shampoo, tested by an editor
Jupiter Day 2 Dry Shampoo
Application: 4.5/5 | Efficiency: 5/5 | Scent: 4.5/5 | Overall average score: 4.67/5
Application: I typically try to steer clear of powder-based dry shampoos because of their lack of efficiency on my oily roots. In the past, I always thought aerosol sprays were the most effective for even application and high absorption. But after my testing, Jupiter’s Day 2 Dry Shampoo has persuaded me to give these types of formulas a second look.
The pump applicator allowed for a controlled, even application across my scalp. Just a pump or two into sections of my hair was enough to absorb any noticeable oiliness. When I accidentally added too many pumps (at first, I assumed I would need more based on prior experience), the product didn’t feel chalky like other formulas — especially those with talc — might. Plus, that all makes it an ideal option for those who prefer aerosol-free formulas.
As a natural brunette, invisible formulas are typically what I reach for. This formula goes on white, however, there was zero white residue or gray cast after blending. To my surprise, it was also one of the easiest formulas to blend in out of the bunch.
Efficiency: My current washing cycle is every two to three days, if I can push my hair that far. But even on the third day, my scalp can feel heavy with product (from both styling products and dry shampoo).
Fortunately, Jupiter designed this dry shampoo to effectively absorb oil without adding unwanted build-up on the scalp. It felt weightless on my strands, which didn’t effect how well it treated oiliness even on day three hair. I only noticed that the volume was better on day two hair than day three hair.
Another perk to this formula is that it puts scalp health at the forefront. It has an influx of skin care ingredients, including hyaluronic acid, biotin and postbiotics, to strengthen, hydrate and rebalance the scalp and hair even with frequent use.
Scent: According to the brand, this dry shampoo is formulated to neutralize odor by using corn starch and kaolin clay to control oil and sweat. It also masks any smell with notes of jasmine, bergamot and sandalwood so your hair smells fresh even after an intense workout.
As someone with hyperhidrosis (a condition that causes excess sweating), that claim seemed like a stretch. My scalp and nape of my neck are some areas that I sweat the most. So to put that claim to the test, I used the dry shampoo after a long day of traveling (when my flight had no AC during takeoff), and noticed no lingering odor. My hostess (aka my best friend) even confirmed!
More dry shampoos, tested by the editor
Best for extra oily hair:
Application: 4.5/5 | Efficiency: 5/5 | Scent: 4.5 | Overall average score: 4.67/5
Application: The Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo is an editor- and customer-favorite for a reason. It tackles multiple concerns in one, from absorbing oil, sweat and odor to adding body to limp strands.
It’s one of the more precise aerosol sprays on this list. Using a sweeping motion, the mist evenly dispenses the product without overpowering the air in your bathroom. The brand recommends waiting around 30 seconds before brushing out the product to get the most benefits. The formula adds a light texture for some body, which allows the hair to still move like day one.
Efficiency: My hair doesn’t just feel fresh after using this dry shampoo, but it also looks the part. The formula has odor neutralizers and fast-absorbing powders, among other beneficial ingredients, to actually clean hair as opposed to maintaining it. I love that it was easy to wash out the product and layer it with my other styling products.
Scent: The light clean scent has a time-release technology so it keeps your hair fresh all day. After a full work day, I could smell the dry shampoo lingering on my hair.
Best dry shampoo for volume:
Application: 4.5 | Efficiency: 4.5 | Scent: 5 | Overall average score: 4.67/5
Application: The bright packaging is worth all of the praise, but the most important detail in the highly-regarded Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo lies in its dispenser. Despite being an aerosol spray, the dry shampoo isn’t the traditional type that shrouds your room in fumes. The formula is talc-free, which helps eliminate the wide mist talc-base formulas typically dispense. Instead, the brand uses natural rice starch, an ingredient typically found in powder formulas. This product gives you the best of both formulas.
Despite having a white residue at first, the finish is translucent once you blend and brush out. There was zero to no grit when I applied the appropriate amount. Overuse of this dry shampoo did lead to some stiffness.
Efficiency: With a blend of sea buckthorn and natural rice starch, the brand says this dry shampoo tackles multiple concerns: Reducing odor, absorbing oil, extending styles and boosting volume. I can verify the product does all of its claims successfully. One of its key benefits is better than the rest: its volume-boosting results.
Without adding little-to-no grit (depending on how much you apply), this dry shampoo adds lasting lift and body. My limp strands that appear on day two turned into day one volume with just a few spritzes of this dry shampoo. I also have the tendency to play with my hair throughout the day, but the product was able to withhold its results against my fingertips.
Scent: A blend of vanilla and citrus give the dry shampoo an irresistible scent. It will mask any unwanted odor without being overpowering. My hair always feel as fresh as the first day when I use this product.
Best budget dry shampoo:
Application: 4/5 | Efficiency: 5/5 | Scent: 4.5/5 | Overall average score: 4.5/5
Application: The Batiste Original Dry Shampoo was the first dry shampoo I ever used, and it remains a staple in my cabinet even as a beauty editor. The applicator has a powerful yet even spray that dispenses a white powder onto your designated area. A little goes a long way with this classic formula. I found that if I applied too much product, the dry shampoo left my roots feeling stiff and dry. If you have dark hair like I do, be sure to blend the formula well or else it will leave patches of white across your hair.
Efficiency: When my hair is extra oily, it leaves my fine hair limp and lifeless. So, I’ve found myself frequently reaching for this product to give my strands a quick lift in-between wash days. It adds a decent amount of volume, body and texture that gives even third day hair the appearance of freshly washed hair. Not to mention, the dry shampoo is super effective at absorbing oiliness that you’ll notice results almost instantly.
Scent: The Classic Clean scent is one I could recognize in a blind test; it reminds me of my youth. Plus, it’s a crowd pleaser because it isn’t too strong or too light of a fragrance. However, the brand also has a scentless and other scented versions of the OG formula for those looking for additional options, which you can explore here.
Best dry shampoo for fine hair:
Application: 4.4/5 | Efficiency: 4.5/5 | Scent: 4.4/5 | Overall average score: 4.43/5
Application: If you don’t love a clunky bottle, this semi-petite Drybar dry shampoo spray leans toward the smaller size compared to similar options in this list. At just around 3.8 oz, it provides just enough product for occasional use and doesn’t take up too much space on your vanity.
When I first sprayed it, I was quick to notice that the product dispensed translucently. This gave peace of mind when I blended and brushed out the product, especially for those with darker hair. I experienced no stiffness in my hair, but I did find that the semi-matte finish gave it a dry appearance.
Efficiency: This formula is specifically designed for thinning hair. I have thinning mostly in my middle part, which is also where I have the least amount of body. I loved the subtle boost of volume this product gave, while also getting rid of any excess oil (the brand says it has a medium absorption level for context).
But most notably, the formula packs tons of benefits outside of a traditional dry shampoo. Keeping thinning hair in mind, its formula is full of hair-thickening ingredients to “plump” the hair follicle and support hair growth overtime. That includes peptides, biotin and caffeine, which our experts have previously praised for thin and fine hair types.
Scent: According to some customer feedback, the scent of this dry shampoo was strong. I experienced no issues with the scent, but this is something to consider if you are sensitive to smells.
Best non-aerosol dry shampoo:
Application: 4.2/5 | Efficiency: 5/5 | Scent: 4/5 | Overall average score: 4.4/5
Application: This isn’t your typical dry shampoo and it’s certainly one that can’t be replicated. I tried K18’s AirWash Dry Shampoo when it first launched in 2024 and it has remained one of my favorite dry shampoos. Although damp, the non-aerosol, “wet” formula doesn’t disrupt your hair style. It only takes a few seconds to dry down before turning into a soft powdery texture as you rub it in (and leaves no white residue on your hair or hands). However, if you apply too much, the product can make your hair feel stiff and difficult to run your hands through, so a little goes a long way.
Efficiency: My hair feels the most clean when I use this dry shampoo. It feels like wash day without the hassle. Out of the picks in this round-up, this dry shampoo is the most effective non-aerosol formula for absorbing oil. I prefer to use it on day three hair to get the freshest feel (though I wouldn’t use it twice in a row to prevent dryness). When my hair is extra oil by this point, my strands can separate — this product prevents that. Plus, I love the volume it leaves!
Scent: The scent of this one doesn’t stand out which isn’t a good or bad thing in my opinion. It is light and not overpowering, which is ideal for those who are sensitive to smells.
Most lightweight:
Application: 4.5/5 | Efficiency: 3.5/5 | Scent: 5/5 | Overall average score: 4.33/5
Application: From opening to the first spray, the Gold Lust Dry Dry Shampoo from Oribe is nothing but a luxury experience. The bottle alone is worth the display, with a sleek, slender body and a fragrance that makes you look forward to the application.
Upon spritzing, I was quick to notice the nearly invisible formula. It is ultra-fine, is practically weightless and left absolutely no stiffness to my roots. There was even some added softness and shine, which is a huge plus when it comes to extending the life of your hair styles.
Efficiency: This formula is incredibly lightweight, which comes with both pros and cons. A weightless and hydrating formula like this one allows for natural movement and is less likely to dry out your hair. On the other hand, I did find that on extra oily days, the dry shampoo wasn’t sufficient at absorbing enough grime to last all day. I preferred using it on day two hair when my hair just needed a touch-up, as opposed to on day three oily locks or sweaty hair post-workouts.
Scent: No salon trip required — this is like a visit in a bottle. The dry shampoo has the signature Oribe Gold Lust scent, which has warm notes of bergamot, sandalwood and amber. According to the brand, the product also contains a Fragrance-Retention Technology which helps prolong the scent for all-day wear.
Best dry shampoo without white cast:
Application: 4/5 | Efficiency: 4.4/5 | Scent: 4.5/5 | Overall average score: 4.3/5
Application: If you’re searching for a true invisible finish, this pick is your perfect match. With a unique Micellar Bi-phase Cleansing System, the brand says micelles break down oil upon contact to absorb oil with a weightless feel. Upon application, you’ll notice the formula is wet and translucent. It does take a few seconds longer to dry compared to other formulas I tested. But once dry, my hair did not look greasy despite the formulation.
This formula did have some stiffness once you blend the product in. While this does give it some body, it did make it difficult to run my hands through my hair. I’d recommend just using a few spritzes to reduce the risk of stiffness.
Efficiency: Compared to the original formula, I did not find this recent launch as effective for my oily scalp. The OG controlled oil production for longer, gave my hair a cleaner feel and had more manageability overall. This formula required a touch up before end of day. If I were to differentiate the two formulas, this new launch is successful at weightless absorption and delivers on its promise of an invisible finish.
Scent: The citrus-based scent helps the formula feel and smell clean on dirty hair. It is one of the more lighter scents in this list, and even lighter than the original.
Best K-Beauty dry shampoo:
Application: 4/5 | Efficiency: 4.5/5 | Scent: 4/5 | Overall average score: 4.17/5
Application: Powdered dry shampoos typically come with a nozzle or puff applicator. The version from K-Beauty brand Mise En Scene is a little out of the ordinary, designed to be applied with a cushion applicator for mess-free refreshes.
TODAY producer Mirjam Lablans reviewed the product for our recent 2026 Hair Awards. At first, she was skeptical by the process. The formula itself goes on wet, but dries down “almost instantly” without leaving any white cast or residue. Dabbing it with the included sponge also felt unusual at first, as it was difficult for Lablans to see how much product she was exactly applying.
“Only criticism is that it’s hard to tell how much product is left because it’s hidden by this pad,” she says. “Also, [it] took a few tries to understand how much product to use because of how it’s applied.” Thus, application overall will require some trial and error as you adjust to its design.
Efficiency: Considering it’s truly compact design, Lablans was impressed by how well the dry shampoo’s puff applicator worked to dispense the product on her thick hair. She’s active on most days, and only washes her hair about once a twice a week. A dry shampoo that can tide her over between washes is a must, which this pick’s formula succeeded. The moisture-binding formula helps absorb excess sebum on oily parts, so only just a few dabs suffice.
Scent: There are virtually zero scents to this dry shampoo. It’s best for light touch-ups as opposed to refreshing your strands.
Best dry shampoo for brunettes:
Application: 4/5 | Efficiency: 3.5/5 | Scent: 5/5 | Overall: 4.17/5
Application: Designed specifically for darker hair, Moroccanoil’s Dry Shampoo Dark Tones eliminates the fear of a white cast with a color-friendly formula. Compared to similarly marketed formulas, the finish does not have any pigment. According to the brand, this helps accommodate vibrant colors from dark browns to reds.
The formula is incredibly fine, so I experienced no stiff or dull residue after smoothing the product into my hair. The addition of argan oil in its ingredients gives the strands a subtle sheen without the greasiness.
Efficiency: In terms of efficiency, this dry shampoo gets the job done. However, it isn’t anything remarkable to me in terms of how well it controls oil long term. The volume was subtle, the blend was seamless and the clean was refreshing. For me, the main selling point is the scent, so I loved it most for masking smell from sweat or grime.
Scent: If you’re familiar with Moroccanoil products, the dry shampoo smells has the signature scent of their bestselling Argan Oil Treatment. The mix of amber and florals gives my hair the same smell of a fresh salon treatment.
Best dry shampoo for a refresh:
Application: 3.8/5 | Efficiency: 4.5/5 | Scent: 4/5 | Overall average score: 4.1/5
Application: For an aerosol option, I appreciated that this one had a smooth, clean mist for precise application. Although it goes on white, I found that the product blends with ease even on my dark brown hair. I also noticed no white cast and no rough residue on my strands and hands post-blend. So on days when I was in a rush, all of the above came in handy.
Efficiency: This is a great dry shampoo option for a quick touch-up post-workout, after heat styling and whenever else you may need it. It’s incredibly light, leaves no residue and adds subtle volume when your hair (like mine) goes flat from oiliness. I used it on days when I was going to be extra sweaty, such as after my pilates workout and an intense commute home. It does what it promises and gives your hair the same movement you had on day one.
Scent: The Floral Fusion scent adds a refreshing touch to the overall experience. Although I didn’t have any sensitivities to the scent, some online reviewers found it overwhelming. If scent is a priority for you in a dry shampoo, I’d test the product in-store before purchasing.
Best powder dry shampoo:
Application: 3.8/5 | Efficiency: 4/5 | Scent: 4.2/5 | Overall average score: 4/5
Application: For a pump applicator, the formula did not ‘poof’ everywhere in my bathroom, nor did it get clogged after a few pumps. I was surprised that the white formula appeared almost translucent on my strands. It took a bit longer to blend compared to my favorites on this list, but not nearly as difficult as some others.
Be warned that the bottle is very small. The size was convenient when I threw the product in my work bag in case a touch-up was needed (spoiler: I did) or if you’re traveling. Considering the efficiency for my hair type, I had to use more product than the brand recommends (they say “less is more”). I’d go through the dry shampoo quickly if I was using it normally outside of testing.
Efficiency: I didn’t find this product overly effective for long-term oily absorption. Results are instant, but not long-lasting. I did find that my day two hair felt oily and appeared flat by the mid-point of the day. I had to use another formula to revive my roots.
However, that doesn’t mean it isn’t effective at all. I’d argue this is best for someone with low-density hair as the formula is very lightweight and gives the hair a minor boost of volume. I have thin hair but lots of it, plus extensions, so I need a dry shampoo that equally lifts the weight of my hair and controls the amount of oil it produces. I can appreciate, though, that this formula allowed me to run my hands through my hair without getting tangled in any grit or stiffness.
Scent: This dry shampoo also doesn’t have much of a scent. The smell has the subtle clean notes of any traditional dry shampoo but is just less intense than most.
Most travel-friendly:
Application: 3.8/5 | Efficiency: 4/5 | Scent: 4/5 | Overall average score: 3.93/5
Application: Although I didn’t love patting my head with the sponge applicator, I was able to appreciate the convenience of the packaging when traveling with it on a recent trip. Not only is it aerosol-free, the puff’s top twists to lock and unlock when in/not in use.
Its size also makes it rather small. As someone who uses dry shampoo a few times weekly, size matters. This makes it best for touch-ups and on-the-go use, as opposed to an every/every other day essential.
The puff itself doesn’t distribute product very evenly (and requires a few extra pats to get more out), but its wide shape allowed me to quickly target large surfaces when I was in a rush.
Efficiency: Briogeo checks all of the boxes when it comes to adding subtle volume and refreshing roots with this dry shampoo. I did prefer other formulas for these needs, though.
What I did enjoy about using this formula was its tinted option. White-based dry shampoo can leave a “cast” of sorts on brown and black hair. As a solution, the formula comes in two shades: universal and brunette. The second shade was a perfect match to my color (if you have slightly lighter or darker hair than me, be sure to blend well). It not only gave me a piece of mind if I didn’t massage the formula in well, but it also filled in sparse areas in my middle part and temples. That is something you cannot get from many tinted formulas.
Scent: The dry shampoo has a musky floral scent that is surprisingly faint, but still manages to eliminate any unwanted odor. Some users say they didn’t even notice the dry shampoo had a smell.
Frequently asked questions
“Dry shampoo should be sprayed directly onto the roots of the hair to help absorb oil from the areas it’s most likely to accumulate” to start, explains hairstylist Anari LaBoard.
If you're using an aerosol, she says shake the can first and hold the bottle 6-10 inches away from your head, spraying in short bursts. "This will prevent you from using too much product. Let the dry shampoo sit for two to three minutes, allowing it to soak up the excess oils on your scalp, before brushing the product out of your hair,” LaBoard says.
After brushing, “If you do not see natural sheen on the hair fiber and only see a powdered chalky result, that means that there is build up and the hair is need of a shampoo with a cleansing agent,” Hill suggests.
As an added tip: Buechner emphasizes that dry shampoo should be used after any heat application, including before using a blow dryer or flat iron. “Think of your grandma’s roux, she starts with oil in the hot pan and adds flower to make a roux base — This is the same concept with your hair,” she says. “Use heat protector and touch up if needed with your hot tools, then use the dry shampoo at the very end to absorb extra oil or product.”
“Overuse of dry shampoo can cause product buildup on the scalp making it hard for your scalp to breathe,” says LaBoard. “This can result in an unbalanced scalp environment.”
Buechner adds, “Once follicles become over clogged, they will shrink and eventually become dormant. Also, many aerosol dry shampoos are made with propane or butane (they have to in order to be aerosol), which are harmful carcinogens that can cause endocrine disruption and/or long-term effects on the scalp and follicles.”
To the scalp: “Buildup of the dry shampoo can trap unwanted bacteria and create unhealthy yeast leading to developing abnormal scalp conditions,” Hill says. “The product build up slows down cellular turn over and distribution of nutrients which weaken the hair follicles.”
To the cuticle on the hair fibers: When the hair fibers are coated with dry shampoo, it can cause build up, dryness or breakage. This is because “the dry shampoo build up coating blocks necessary moisture from adhering to the hair fiber,” Hill explains.
That doesn’t mean dry shampoo isn’t a useful styling product to have on hand. The key is just to use it in moderation.
How we tested the best dry shampoos
I tested 12 dry shampoos over the course of several weeks, using each at different points of my hair wash cycle, typically from day three onward.
While testing, I scored each dry shampoo in the previously shared categories on a scale of 1-5 (1 being the worst, 5 being the best).
Why trust Shop TODAY?
Madison San Miguel was an associate editor for Shop TODAY where she covered a wide range of topics, specializing in beauty. She previously tested lip liners and makeup brush cleaners for our Ranked series.
Meet our experts
- Anari LaBoard is a hairstylist and licensed cosmetologist based in New York City.
- Mandy (Mandy B. Beauty) Buechner is a certified trichologist at Thairapy Wellness Center in Crescent City, California.
- Bridgette Hill is a certified trichologist and scalp therapist.
