Do They Work? We Found The Best Dry Shampoo for Your Hair

I’m always looking for ways to make my morning routine as stress-free as possible, and dry shampoo is as easy as it gets. My hair is very processed so it can get a little frizzy, and for some reason the front of my hair is straight and the back and underside is curly (anyone else out there have this too!?). To get more time between washings, I add some waves on the top and front and then use my go-to dry shampoo: Living Proof PhD.

Personally, I like to avoid sulfates as they dry out my hair and irritate my scalp, and I’ve also considered going the “Nopoo” route (read up about ditching shampoo here). But for now, dry shampoo is a regular part of my routine. Finding the best dry shampoo for your hair can be a never-ending series of trial and error, so our team tried a few of the most popular products and reviewed them for you! 

- Amy, Printfresh Founder

1. For Fine Hair
Act + Acre - Plant-Based Shampoo ($22)
Vegan. Cruelty-free. Oh, and it comes in an aerosol-free can too! While this product is suitable for all hair (even color-treated), the lightweight formula is best for fine hair. We highly recommend that you watch the product tutorial on their website before use to learn about the recommended 5-minute waiting time between applying the product and massaging it in, which makes the difference between mediocre second-day hair and a salon-fresh day two look.

2. Clean Everything For Less
Odele Dry Shampoo ($11.99)
We love Odele’s air dry styler, so we knew we had to try their dry shampoo. It’s also not aerosol – better for the environment and to avoid that lingering smell in the room. You spray this close to the root and massage in. It is a bit difficult to get the product out of a sprayer, so it comes out in small bursts that make the application uneven. However, when you do get enough of this product on, the volume it creates is worth the extra application time. It’s so easy to find and comes at a great price point.

3. Great for Dark Hair
Moroccanoil - Dry Shampoo Dark Tones ($26)
This product is the epitome of hair transformation. The tinted formula is perfect for darker hair and people of color. While there is still a bit of lighter residue upon application, it’s much less than an untinted product and completely disappears after massaging it in. This product truly makes your hair look fresh and clean. 

4. Best for Hair Health 
Kristen Ess - Style Reviving Dry Shampoo ($14)
The draw of this product lies in its formula and its ability to repair split ends through use. While this claim is difficult to test in a short period of time, we can confirm the dry shampoo itself works great. The product doesn’t have the all-day staying power of other dry shampoos, but if hair health is a priority for you then you’ll want to have this by your side.

5. Best for Actually Getting Your Hair Clean
Living Proof Perfect Hair Day PhD Advanced Clean Dry Shampoo ($30) 
I’ve tried so many dry shampoos over the years - this one is amazing because it doesn’t have a residue feeling. I’m pretty sensitive to products and a lot of the options out there leave me with an itchy feeling, this one miraculously doesn’t - so it’s become my absolute favorite. It leaves hair looking clean and natural. 

6. Best Dual Purpose
R+Co Badlands Dry Shampoo Paste ($32) 
Great for thin hair, R+Co’s Badlands Dry Shampoo Paste gives oily roots a refreshed look, while also adding some texture and volume. With its paste-like consistency, it helps wrangle frizzy and dry ends, which many dry shampoos can exacerbate. A little goes a long way, so it’s totally worth the price-point!

More Tips from the Printfresh Team:
“Washing the top section of my hair can be a great way to sooth my scalp and not have to go through blowing my hair out entirely, saves water, and it really gives it some more bounce.”
- Amy, Founder

“I like mixing a few drops of apple cider vinegar into a spray bottle of water and just spray on my roots to absorb oil!”
- Molly, Sr. Design Operations Coordinator

“I condition only the very ends of my hair to avoid weighing down my fine hair with too much product. This lets me go a few days without having to wash before my hair feels heavy or greasy."
- Kaitlin, blog contributor

And if this wasn’t enough for you, here is another great round-up with more non-toxic options from our friends at the Filtery!

Enjoy This Article? Here’s More We Suggest! 
1. Establishing a Morning Routine
2. Easy DIY Avocado Face Mask
3. Building Your Nighttime Beauty Routine
4. Seeking Out & Supporting BIPOC-Owned Beauty Brands
5. Adding Mindfulness to Your Morning Routine