Choose The Right Shampoo For You
Dry shampoo can be a total lifesaver—but not all bottles bring that same magic. A few can leave your hair sticky or flat, and some just don’t absorb oil well. However, the right pick refreshes without the fuss of regular shampoo. Here, we’re separating the disappointments from the reliable standouts. Let’s start with dry shampoos that are sure to let you down.
1. Not Your Mother’s Clean Freak Original
What starts as a clean boost can end in itchiness. The formula dries out the scalp fast and struggles to handle oil on thicker strands, and even with minimal application, its powder shows through. Instead of blending in, it announces its presence with every brushstroke.
Not Your Mothers Clean Freak Refreshing Shampoo by The Internet Sorcerer2. Garnier Fructis Invisible Dry Shampoo
Freshness is hard to find with this one. Though the scent feels pleasant at first, it fades without doing much else. Oil remains where it started, and the fine mist creates a dulling film. Neither thin nor fine hair sees much payoff after each spray.
Garnier Fructis Invisible Dry Shampoo Coco Colada Review + Try On | Tracey Violet by Tracey Violet
3. Pantene Never Tell Dry Shampoo
The fragrance takes over quickly and hangs around longer than expected, and sticky strands feel weighed down almost immediately. Brushing through becomes a task, especially on second-day hair that just needed a boost, not a battle. While promises are high, results may disappoint.
4. TRESemmé Fresh Start Dry Shampoo
One spritz promises clean hair, but the results don’t match. There’s a heavy layer that lingers, and the light scent vanishes before you notice it’s gone. Some have even linked it to scalp discomfort, and what’s left behind feels stale.
5. Herbal Essences Bio: Renew Dry Shampoo
Fragrance leads the charge here, leaving cleaning power behind. Even freshly washed hair doesn’t hold up well with it. Buildup appears faster than expected, and styles start to fall flat. Shine turns dull before you know it, especially for those with straight or delicate textures.
Dg Herbal Essences Dry shampoo! by Mississippi Beauty6. Batiste Tropical Dry Shampoo
The vacation-like scent sounds inviting, but the results go sideways. A grayish tint shows up clearly on darker tones, and sensitive scalps may react. Instead of subtlety, it creates a look and feel that’s difficult to tone down once it sets in.
Batiste Tropical Dry Shampoo | Our Point Of View by WTI7. Cake The Do-Gooder Dry Shampoo
Pretty packaging can’t hide poor performance. Here, the nozzle clogs without warning, and the formula feels thick even with gentle use. After spraying, hair may appear flat instead of fresh, and its refresh power doesn’t stand a chance against grease buildup.
The 'Do Gooder Dry Shampoo from Cake Beauty Review & Demo | CORRIE V by Corrie V8. Love Beauty And Planet Dry Shampoo
Light and eco-friendly on paper, but lackluster in practice. Oil stays put, especially near the roots, and though the mist feels fine going on, there’s minimal change in volume or texture. For those with oily scalps, it barely makes a dent in daily maintenance.
Love Beauty and Planet Murumuru Butter & Rose Dry Shampoo Review + Demo | Tracey Violet by Tracey Violet9. Kristin Ess Style Reviving Dry Shampoo
This one tends to leave behind noticeable buildup, especially on darker tones. The white cast appears quickly and doesn’t blend easily. Shine disappears soon after application, making freshly styled hair look dull instead of refreshed.
KRISTEN ESS STYLE REVIVING DRY SHAMPOO REVIEW by Blonde Amy
10. Aussie Clean Volume Dry Shampoo
After use, hair feels gritty instead of bouncy. Grease remains stubborn at the roots, and the scent leans toward overly synthetic. For a daily refresh, it creates more fuss than finish. Volume may be in the name, but texture takes a hit.THE BEST DRY SHAMPOOS | Kirby Rose by Kirby RoseWe’ve cleared the air on what to avoid. Now, let’s talk about the shampoos that actually do their job.
1. Klorane Dry Shampoo With Oat Milk
This gentle formula refreshes hair without irritating the scalp and skips any powdery residue. Oat milk helps soothe sensitive skin, and the oil control holds up through the day. It disappears into the roots, leaving zero visible trace.
Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk | Our Point Of View by WTI
2. Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo
A single spray on the scalp, and you’ll find the grease fading fast. Rice starch kicks into action immediately, making it perfect for thick or curly textures. The scent has a soft vanilla warmth, and by the end, hair feels fresh without a powdery layer.
Amika Dry Shampoo by House The Smiths Built
3. Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Shampoo
Designed to do more than mask oil, this one actually cleans. It lifts away grime while softening your strands. A subtle scent stays just long enough, and thanks to odor-neutralizing tech, your scalp smells freshly washed.
LIVING PROOF Perfect hair Day (PhD) DRY SHAMPOO REVIEW by Yana Irbe4. IGK First Class Charcoal Detox
Perfect for greasy or post-gym hair, the formula handles buildup with ease, and its strong oil-absorbing power keeps styles intact for longer. With a light matte finish and subtle scent, the results feel clean and weightless. One use often stretches freshness for another full day.
IGK First Class Charcoal Detox Dry Shampoo Review + Demo | Tracey Violet by Tracey Violet5. Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Biotin
This one offers both detox and refresh in one step. Charcoal pulls impurities from the roots, while Biotin gives strength to strands. The result is a cleaner, more balanced scalp. If itchiness or buildup has been an issue, it helps restore comfort quickly.
BRIOGEO Scalp Revival Dry Shampoo Review by Svetlana Kobaliya6. Moroccanoil Dry Shampoo Dark Tones
Tailored for brunettes, this blend avoids the dreaded white streaks. It absorbs grease and adds shine due to its argan oil infusion. Freshness comes without dryness, and the finish blends beautifully with deeper hair colors.
Say Goodbye to Oily Hair: Moroccanoil Dry Shampoo Review by Evolushen UGC 7. DpHue Apple Cider Vinegar Dry Shampoo Powder
Skip the spray and reach for this natural powder instead. Apple cider vinegar helps rebalance the scalp, cutting down on buildup. Perfect after sweaty workouts or long trips, it offers a clean feeling fast.
Testing dpHUE ACV Dry Shampoo Powder + the BEST application method! by Summer Riley8. Bumble And Bumble Prêt-À-Powder
This powder version plays a double role—styling boost and oil control. Great for short hair, it adds lift right at the roots. No aerosol means a longer shelf life, too. It’s easy to tap in with fingers, giving targeted refresh exactly where needed.
Bumble and Bumble Pret A Powder - My Holy Grail Dry Shampoo Honest Review by Shop With Siena Product Reviews9. Ouai Super Dry Shampoo
Hair looks instantly brighter once this hits. With oil-absorbing ingredients that work fast, it leaves no mess behind. Also, the scent feels elegant and light. Made by a celebrity stylist, it provides you with results worthy of the spotlight.
Ouai Super Dry Shampoo Review + Demo | Tracey Violet by Tracey Violet
10. Eva NYC Freshen Up Dry Shampoo
Stylish packaging meets serious performance. Argan oil nourishes strands, while rice starch helps clear out excess oil. You won’t see flakes or buildup, even with daily use. It’s also a cruelty-free choice with great affordability.
How to: Dry Shampoo + Best Dry Shampoo by EVA NYC @ ULTA by Maddy Kupiec