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Get the Best Dry Shampoo for Oily Hair

Corey Majeau

Are you tired of planning your every hair washing session so you can have fresh-looking hair in time for your appointments? Or perhaps you had an impromptu meeting and were embarrassed about not having time to wash your hair. 

Whatever the case, we’re here to help you solve that problem. We’ll teach you how to find the best dry shampoo for oily hair, so you’ll never have to feel apprehensive about greasy strands again!

You might want to read: Protective Hairstyles for Sleeping and Tips for Saving Your Hair

1. OGX Purifying + Charcoal Detox Dry Shampoo – Editor's Choice

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  • Price Range: $5 – $10
  • Quantity: 5 oz.
  • Scents: fig, amber, bergamot

2. Dove Dry Shampoo

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  • Price Range: $20 – $25
  • Quantity: 3 bottles x 5 oz.
  • Scents: unscented/coconut/floral

3. R+Co Badlands Dry Shampoo

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  • Price Range: $25 – $30
  • Quantity: 2.2 oz.
  • Scents: eucalyptus, lemon

4. Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk

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  • Price Range: $20 – $25
  • Quantity: 3.2 oz.
  • Scents: floral

5. Handmade Heroes Dry Shampoo Powder

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  • Price Range: $10 – $15
  • Quantity: 2.4 oz.
  • Scents: floral

6. ACURE Dry Shampoo

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  • Price Range: $5 – $10
  • Quantity: 1.7 oz
  • Scents: rosemary

7. Klorane Dry Shampoo with Nettle

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  • Price Range: $10 – $15
  • Quantity: 1 oz.
  • Scents: floral

8. OGX Extra Strength Refresh Restore + Dry Shampoo

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  • Price Range: $5 – $10
  • Quantity: 5 oz.
  • Scents: coconut

Top 8 Best Dry Shampoo for Oily Hair

Oily hair is very common, and often unavoidable. But the right dry shampoo can definitely help. This list contains a variety of dry shampoo types for every need.

1. OGX Purifying + Charcoal Detox Dry Shampoo – Editor's Choice

Highlights

  • Price Range: $5 – $10
  • Quantity: 5 oz.
  • Scents: fig, amber, bergamot

Pros

  • Works with different hair types.
  • No sulfated surfactants.
  • Safe for dyed hair.

Cons

  • You need to apply a lot for efficiency.

One of the best dry shampoos is this one by OGX. I love the bottle’s golden finish, making it a premium product. It combines fig and bergamot for a very specific and pleasant scent that isn’t too overpowering. It uses the power of charcoal and kaolin clay to absorb hair oils and delay your next hair washing session.

This charcoal dry shampoo gives the appearance of fuller, healthier hair without the need for typical shampooing and conditioning. It gives the hair more body and improves its fullness. The OGX dry shampoo is proudly prepared with all of the good stuff and not a single sulfated surfactant in its formulation.

2. Dove Dry Shampoo – Runner up

Highlights

  • Price Range: $20 – $25
  • Quantity: 3 bottles x 5 oz.
  • Scents: unscented/coconut/floral

Pros

  • Multiple fragrance options.
  • Cruelty-free formula.
  • Convenient pack of 3 spray cans.

Cons

  • Some claim the scent is very strong.

Dove is a true champ in making amazing and fair-priced products for your body and hair. So it shouldn’t be surprising that they also make good quality dry shampoo. With a cruelty-free formula, this dry shampoo will win you over, just like it did with so many other customers across the globe.

After giving the can of dry shampoo, spray a good vigorous shake, hold it about 8 to 10 inches from your head and spritz it straight into the roots of your hair using quick bursts of air. After letting it to sit for a few minutes, brush it through your hair to reveal revitalized and full-bodied strands.

3. R+Co Badlands Dry Shampoo – Best paste

Highlights

  • Price Range: $25 – $30
  • Quantity: 2.2 oz.
  • Scents: eucalyptus, lemon

Pros

  • Cruelty-free formula.
  • Fresh scent.
  • Offers UV protection.

Cons

  • Doesn’t leave hair particularly soft.

In contrast to typical dry shampoo, paste can be used for various purposes beyond simply revitalizing the hair in a hurry. When used on wet or dry hair, this product, which combines the functions of dry shampoo and dry styling, can provide the appearance of undone, natural texture.

Even while the paste can be used as a dry shampoo, you can apply it to hair that has been just washed and style it with it.

R+Co Badlands dry shampoo paste has fresh citrus and minty scent because it uses eucalyptus and lemon as its primary ingredients. What you’ll love is that they use formulas that are safe for colored hair.
Furthermore, their ingredients will protect your hair against UV radiation. This dry shampoo is vegan and cruelty-free, which is always a bonus.

4. Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk – Best plant-based dry shampoo

Highlights

  • Price Range: $20 – $25
  • Quantity: 3.2 oz.
  • Scents: floral

Pros

  • Easy to apply.
  • No parabens.
  • Moisturizes hair.

Cons

  • Leaves a lot of white residues.

Imagine you’re back home from work, ready to relax for the evening. You get a call from a friend who’s in town for the night and hits you up to get some drink. Washing your hair can take a long time, and this meeting was on short notice. This is where dry shampoo swoops in to save the day.

This is a straightforward product for those who want to try a natural dry shampoo that uses plant-based ingredients. This portable and compact spray allows you to apply dry shampoo whenever you have a moment’s privacy. The main ingredient is oat milk, which helps moisturize the hair and reduces frizzy hair.

5. Handmade Heroes Dry Shampoo Powder – Best for dark hair

Highlights

  • Price Range: $10 – $15
  • Quantity: 2.4 oz.
  • Scents: floral

Pros

  • Rich in natural ingredients.
  • No synthetic fragrances.
  • Cruelty-free formula.

Cons

  • Some don’t enjoy the strong scent.

Dark hair? No problem! This is the dry shampoo for dark hair that disappears into the hair completely once massaged into the scalp or applied with a hair massager. After your workout, give your hair a quick and easy cure by using this dry shampoo. This dry shampoo for black and dark hair might lengthen the time between washings.

I love the main ingredients of choice for this formula. Geranium oil elevates spirits, reduces weariness, and promotes emotional wellness. This Drop Dead Gorgeous Dry Shampoo contains activated coconut charcoal, which acts as a deodorizer. As a result, it eliminates any unpleasant or old-feeling odors and leaves you smelling as clean as you should.

Rice powder is excellent for absorbing your scalp’s excess oils and is also one of the best-kept secrets in Asian beauty regimens for getting beautiful hair. Rice powder can be found in many Asian beauty products.

6. ACURE Dry Shampoo – Budget pick

Highlights

  • Price Range: $5 – $10
  • Quantity: 1.7 oz
  • Scents: rosemary

Pros

  • Nice rosemary and peppermint scent.
  • Easy to apply.
  • Vegan and cruelty-free formula.

Cons

  • Unsuitable for thick hair.

Short on cash? Then there is a budget dry shampoo that you might want to look into. The ACURE hair care collection is formulated for optimal performance. There’s no parabens, sulfates, or ingredients tested on animals. So, what can you expect from a budget-friendly shampoo?

First, let’s appreciate all the natural ingredients in this formula. ACURE uses peppermint oil, rosemary oil, arrowroot powder, and corn starch, to name a few. The next great thing on the list is the vegan and cruelty-free formula, which is always good news for those against animal testing.

I appreciate how simple it is to apply this shampoo: just puff some of the powder on your brush and comb your hair to apply a uniform coat.

7. Klorane Dry Shampoo with Nettle – Best paraben-free dry shampoo

Highlights

  • Price Range: $10 – $15
  • Quantity: 1 oz.
  • Scents: floral

Pros

  • Natural ingredients.
  • Fast hair oil absorption.
  • Eco-friendly packaging.

Cons

  • Runs out fast.

Shampoos containing parabens can irritate the scalp, cause your hair to dry and harsh, and trigger allergic reactions such as bumps and itching. You may prevent these hair problems and maintain the safety and health of your scalp by switching to shampoo made from natural ingredients, such as this Klorane.

If you want to avoid using shampoo with parabens, Klorane is the way to go. It’s a dry shampoo with a quick-absorbing formula that promises to eliminate that nasty hair oil in 25 seconds. As statistics point out, using dry shampoo instead of regular shampoo can save up to 132 gallons of water per year.

So, you have a dry shampoo with a clean formula, eco-friendly packaging, and ingredients grown by the company itself. I’d say that with Klorane dry shampoo, everyone wins.

8. OGX Extra Strength Refresh Restore + Dry Shampoo – Best overall

Highlights

  • Price Range: $5 – $10
  • Quantity: 5 oz.
  • Scents: coconut

Pros

  • Delicious coconut and vanilla scent.
  • Very easy to apply.
  • Coconut oil hydrates your hair.

Cons

  • Leaves residue visible on dark hair.

The OGX dry shampoo is here to show you a good product that doesn’t have to be expensive. Contains vanilla bean extract, vanilla essence, and Tiare flower essence. Infused with coconut oil. It helps your style last longer and gives your locks a new lease on life.

Bring your tresses back to life with an oil-absorbing technique that is the ultimate secret for island-girl hair. As a coconut fan, I’m in love with this scent.

I dislike that you tend to run out of aerosol dry shampoo pretty fast but considering it’s not meant to replace regular hair washing, I still think you get a good deal. The compact size makes this product great for travel, as it can fit in your luggage without taking up too much space.

How Does Dry Shampoo Work?

Your head is loaded with hair follicles, which may be seen on your scalp. These follicles are responsible for more than only the growth of hair. In addition, they secrete sebum. This naturally occurring oil makes the scalp more pliable and contributes to the texture of the hair.

There is a significant function that sebum performs. Your hair will become more manageable, and the skin beneath it will be protected. But oil and sweat from your scalp will collect in your hair if you do strenuous physical activity, spend time outside, or even just go about your normal day-to-day activities.

Even though having some oils on your head at all times is not abnormal, having a buildup of oils causes your hair to look greasy.

It may take considerable time to wash, blow dry, and style your hair daily. In addition, it may harm the health of your hair. This is when the use of dry shampoo comes in handy.

The active chemicals in dry shampoo often consist of alcohol or starches. Their purpose is to remove oils and sweat from the hair. Taking the oils out of your hair will make it look cleaner. Most dry shampoos feature a fragrance, giving your hair a clean scent even when you’re not washing it.

Pros and Cons of Using Dry Shampoo

It Saves Time

Using dry shampoo can save time for certain individuals. You can go straight from your gym to work without washing your hair if you just give your temples and crown a few rapid shots.

Reduces Hair Washing Frequency

Others find that using dry shampoo enables them to reduce the number of times per week they must wet-wash their hair. Washing your hair daily is something that many physicians and stylists advise against doing.

This is especially true if you have curly or coiled hair. Your hair is less greasy, or if you have any other form of hair that requires additional moisture.

May Cause Hair to Break

Products for the care of your hair that come in aerosol form frequently contain alcohols, which can dry your hair. When your hair’s dry, individual fibers are more likely to crack and snag on each other. This will lead to hair breaking as you comb or style it. 

Doesn’t Clean Hair

Dry shampoo is not the same as regular shampoo. The starch and alcohol mixture, which can be sprayed on or sprinkled on, absorbs the oil in your hair, making it less apparent. It doesn’t remove oil and debris as efficiently as regular water and shampoo. 

May Clog Hair Follicles

Use dry shampoo excessively or leave it in your hair for extended periods without washing it. In that case, you may have a substance buildup on your scalp.

Itching the scalp is a common side effect of using too many styling products. Likely, the buildup could potentially cause folliculitis in some people. This infection could be caused by bacteria or fungus in the hair follicle.

Tips for Using Dry Shampoo the Right Way

First, ensure that your hair is completely dry and remove any pins, hair ties, or barrettes in it. The following is the fundamental procedure, which can be altered as necessary:

  • Keep the can of dry shampoo approximately 6 inches away from the top of your head.
  • Apply the spray on your hair and avoid the scalp.
  • Use dry shampoo on the oiliest hair areas. These are usually at the head’s crown or the temples. 
  • Redistribute any dry shampoo around the root using your fingers or a comb.
  • As the shampoo dries on your scalp, you can give your hair some added volume and natural bounce by using a blast of cool air from a blow dryer. 

How to Choose the Right Dry Shampoo for You

Type

A wide range of dry shampoos is available, including powder, spray, aerosol, and foam varieties. You’ll want to acquire different kinds of dry shampoo depending on the texture of your hair and the results you wish to achieve.

The aerosol or spray version is ideal for fine hair. You don’t want anything that will be too heavy for your hair and pull it down, and these kinds are fantastic because they dry quickly and give volume.

For coarser or oilier hair, powder formulations are a better choice. There are also color-tinted dry shampoos available, so you won’t have white streaks in your black hair if you use them!

Even men can reap the benefits of using dry shampoo, whether they’re looking to add more texture to their look, need a pick-me-up after hitting the gym, or believe that their hair becomes lifeless in the middle of the day. 

They should also choose the product they use based on the characteristics of their hair and the goals they wish to achieve.

Your best chance is to read the care label on the bottle of dry shampoo since, similar to the packaging of most other hair products, it will explain the kind of outcomes you should anticipate seeing.

Ingredients

When looking for dry shampoo, you may come across products that contain absorbent components such as tapioca, charcoal, starch, or baking soda. 

These are just a few examples. In addition to removing oils and sweat from the scalp, these products can also help neutralize odors and provide a cleansing effect on the scalp.

Fragrance

If you are sensitive to strong scents, it is probably advisable to use an unscented formulation of dry shampoo rather than one that is excessively perfumed. 

Some dry shampoos are heavily fragranced. If you want to cover up the smell of hair that on its second or third day after washing it, look for a product that has a scent that is crisp and clean.

Color

You may desire a clear finish, a colored product, or something in between the two, depending on the color of your hair and your tastes. Keep in mind that many dry shampoos leave a chalky residue. This may work for people with light hair. 

Still, individuals with dark hair will want to opt for a tinted or “invisible” dry shampoo to avoid looking like they are wearing a powdered wig.

The Final Words

Your hair isn’t going to get clean if you use dry shampoo. Instead, the product’s starch and/or alcohol will absorb the oil in your hair, leaving it looking cleaner and fluffier than before.

For most people, occasional use won’t result in any negative consequences. If you use dry shampoo too much, your hair may become more brittle and more likely to break. There is a chance that the health of your scalp will be impacted.If you want to maintain the health of your hair and scalp, you might want to use dry shampoo no more than once or twice per week. And for more helpful bathroom recs, check out our guide to finding the best bubble baths and soaps.

Photo credit: natali_ploskaya/Shutterstock;
Vladeep/Shutterstock; New Africa/Shutterstock;
namtipStudio/Shutterstock; triocean/Shutterstock;
Mila Supinskaya Glashchenko/Shutterstock;
Dharmapada behera/Shutterstock

Frequently Asked Questions

Is dry shampoo okay for your hair?

Dry shampoo is okay for your hair when you use it from time to time. It can’t replace regular hair washing. Overusing dry shampoo can clog your hair follicles and may even lead to hair breakage.

Is dry shampoo better than washing your hair?

It depends on the scenario. Dry shampoo can never clean hair as efficiently as regular shampoo and water. Still, it does help avoid washing your hair daily, which is also not recommended.

What does dry shampoo do?

Dry shampoo absorbs some of the oiliness from your hair. That’s why it works best for people with greasy hair.

When should you use dry shampoo?

Only use dry shampoo when your hair is completely dry. It’s best to apply dry shampoo in the evening before you go to bed.

Does dry shampoo clean your hair?

Sadly, dry shampoo does not clean your hair. It just absorbs the oils in your hair to make it look less greasy and, therefore, cleaner.