Quizience is supported by you the audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Whether you’re looking to maintain a blowout, pump up your volume, or refresh your roots between washes, the best dry shampoo will have you covered—without leaving behind an unsightly powdery residue. “Dry shampoo makes hair less oily, absorbs sweat, and disguises odor,” explains board-certified trichologist Dr. Kari Williams.
Just don’t expect a dry shampoo to clean your hair. And remember, like overwashing your hair in the shower, using dry shampoo too often can cause buildup, damage and irritation. “Long-term use of dry shampoo can cause a dry, itchy scalp,” says Dr. Williams. Consider alternating between regular hair washing and dry shampoo to maintain a healthy scalp and keep your locks from getting dry and brittle.
To help you find the best dry shampoo for your hair type and color, we tried more than 20 dry shampoos in The Lab, our testing facility in New York City. We rated each option on a scale of one to five—with one being the worst and five being the best—evaluating ease of use, oil-absorbing abilities, volumizing power, formulation, texture, and finish.
Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk
Our testers’ number one pick is Klorane, hands down. Five reviewers tried it out in The Lab, and all in all, they were very pleased. This award-winning dry shampoo scored an average of 5/5 for ease of use, a 4.5/5 for oil absorption, a 4.6/5 for volume, and a 4.4/5 for invisibility. While one tester said it left a slight white residue, they also noted that it’s easily brushed away and blends well.
Suitable for all hair types, this ultra-gentle, plant-based formula calls on starch and silica to tackle oil and odors while organically harvested oat milk soothes the scalp.1 Our testers liked that the fine powder soaked up grease from the roots but didn’t leave hair feeling dry or chalky. One tester also commented that it felt as if she didn’t use any dry shampoo at all.
Size: 5.4 ounces | Scent: Generic | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo
Amika’s Perk Up Dry Shampoo is more than just a pretty container. This dry shampoo scored a 4.5/5 for its oil-absorbing capabilities and a 5/5 for visibility, thanks to the totally clear finish.
While our tester said the fruity-vanilla fragrance is strong, she loved it and appreciated that it dissipated throughout the day, similar to perfume. But the formula really worked, too. Our reviewer noted that it left her hair feeling clean with a little extra oomph: “It absorbed the oil quickly and my hair and scalp felt more refreshed,” she said.
Size: 5.3 ounces | Scent: Fruity/vanilla | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Moroccanoil Dry Shampoo Light Tones
For those with blonde, platinum, white, or gray hair, we suggest Moroccanoil Light Tones. It includes rice starch, which soaks up grease and product buildup, while argan oil nourishes and smooths for healthier-looking locks.
This brilliant dry shampoo earned 5/5s for absorbency, texture, and invisibility, plus a 4.5/5 for volume. Our platinum-haired tester appreciated that the powdery formula sprays purple out of the can, like an in-shower purple toning shampoo that cancels brassiness. However, just a heads up—the oil content might weigh down fine hair.
Size: 5.4 ounces | Scent: Clean/fresh | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Oribe Gold Lust Dry Shampoo
Hairstylist Sophia Nawabi is a big fan of this Oribe dry shampoo. “It absorbs product buildup, oil, and impurities with translucent powders,” she tells Byrdie. The brand’s Gold Lust Dry Shampoo was a hit with our testers, too: It earned a 4/5 for absorbency, a 4.5/5 for volumizing power, and a 4.75/5 for invisibility.
Though it’s undoubtedly pricey, it might be worth the splurge. “I loved this product,” said one tester. “It looks and feels luxurious. And, most importantly, it was effective at absorbing oil and adding volume at my roots.” Our testers also thought that the brand’s signature Côte d’Azur scent was pretty incredible, too.
Key Ingredients: Starch, rice powder | Size: 8.7 ounces | Scent: Côte d’Azur | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes