I Tested 3 Popular Dry Shampoo Sprays, and Here are My Thoughts
March and April Beauty Favorites
I have a lot of thoughts on dry shampoo, so buckle up.
I like dry shampoo, I do, but I think a bit more education and awareness about it could help make the use of it better for hair and scalp health! As always, your personal hairstylist is the best option for discussing your scalp health, dry shampoo use, etc. since that person sees you regularly. I hope this post gives you a few tips, and you leave with a recommendation or two for dry shampoo!
Dry shampoo is a really fantastic option for extending the life of your hairstyle to skip a wash day. Not only is this a time-saver, but it can save your hair from a bit of heat styling as well! There are so many different kinds, and it really takes a bit of trial and error to find a system that works for you. Dry shampoo can help soak up oil, leaving the hair both feeling and looking cleaner, as well as adding a little lift and texture to the roots of your hair.
I’ve never loved dry shampoo. It’s FINE, but I’ve always leaned more towards making time for a wash and fresh style instead of trying to “fix” two-day-old hair. Call me old-fashioned, but it’s just what I preferred.
I did discover a product that I really loved in the summer months a few years ago by Bumble and Bumble which was the perfect post-workout “dry” shampoo mist. I used quotation marks because it was a wet spray, but dang it really helped refresh my hair to a manageable level after a very, very sweaty workout. The Pret-a-Powder Post Workout Dry Shampoo mist was my go-to to spray on my sweaty hair, let it sit, and then blow dry on a day I wasn’t interested in styling my hair. Usually, it was in a ponytail anyway, but that product helped it look better. It does have a strong scent, so keep that in mind.
Over time, I would occasionally, and I mean occasionally, use dry shampoo, but I never felt super attached to it.
I was at a hair appointment a few months ago and my stylist wondered out loud if I was burning my hair a bit through the use of heat, which was contributing to the darker blonde that would occur over time. I certainly use a lot of heat on my hair, but even with heat protection and deep conditioners and repairing treatments, the temperature of the tools can still dramatically affect your hair.
So I recommitted to finding a dry shampoo to make day-two hair a bit better for me. I grabbed 3 of the dry shampoos that I see most people chat about and gave them each a whirl.
See my take on each of the three I tried below. For reference, my hair doesn’t get greasy (my scalp is dry) and I used these on day two, often after a workout.
Living Proof Dry Shampoo ($28) – it should shock no one that this was the clear winner for me. Living Proof has just absolutely nailed dry shampoo. It works, it makes my hair feel full and fresh, it’s got a light scent, and it didn’t cause my scalp to itch. I was so pleased with the volume that lasted all day from this dry shampoo. I know they have the Advanced Clean Dry Shampoo as well, which I haven’t tried yet but people seem to really love it.
Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo ($26) – this is a really nice option for someone who found Living Proof Dry Shampoo to be too intense/gritty. This feels like nothing in your hair, in the best way possible, but don’t expect it to add volume or lift.
Batiste Dry Shampoo, Bare Fragrance (under $10) – this was another great option for a barely-there scent and lightweight finish. I got zero lift/volume from this product, so if you’re not looking for volume on day 2 or 3, and prefer a minimal scent, this would be a nice option!
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I have naturally curly hair and always thought dry shampoo was only for people with straight hair. But a year ago, I swapped out volumnizing hairspray for dry shampoo in my product application and LOVE the results! (I use the Not Your Mothers brand.) I wash my hair everyday and have to scrub a bit more with the dry shampoo usage – but it is worth it because the extra lift and oomph is amazing. Bigger the hair; the closer to God – I like to say. 🙂 Anyway, just wanted to comment in case other girls with curly hair read this.
I used to be a dry shampoo junkie but then had to cut back because it was drying out my hair with repetitive use. I still use it on occasion. I’ve been impressed with Dove’s dry shampoos, they are not quite as drying as most. Also fyi Co Lab makes an overnight dry shampoo that prevents your scalp from getting as oily.
What advice do you have on styling/caring for day 1 hair so day 2 is better? I use Batiste dry shampoo because I can’t justify spending so much on the Living Proof brand.
Any idea where I can find the dispensers in the picture with the sink?
I use Klorane and I can’t imagine using anything else! It has a slight white cast at first, but dries clear. It doesn’t irritate the psoriasis on my scalp, smells fresh, and gives a nice texture/volume to day 2 or day 3 hair! I highly recommend it.
Living proof is my favorite by far, but I have trouble justify the cost given that I work from home. Regular Batiste makes my scalp itchy, but the Bare one is great! I use that most often, and save the Living Proof for moments when I am leaving the house and joining other humans.
The best I’ve found is Bastiste volumizing. Love it
I use the Batiste volumizing and also love it! If you like a grittier texture, try this one!
Oribe is the best. Hands down. Expensive but so worth it. I wash my hair every other day and on “off” days I use the Oribe spray. The smell is like a french perfume and there is no powdery residue.
I have used Batiste for many years and tried the living proof dry shampoo last year (because everyone said it was the best) and found it lacking in comparison. For a third of the price, I found that batiste did a better job of removing oils…maybe it just depends on hair texture and oiliness?
I like the living proof dry shampoo BUT I absolutely hate the new Advanced clean. It’s terrible. I like the Amica as well but by far my favorite is dry bar.
When I had long hair, I preferred spraying dry shampoo in my hair BEFORE bed instead of in the morning.
I love the smell of Living Proof and it does work. But it makes my scalp very very sore. Like I’ve have it in a pony tail for days. Weird
Have you tried Big Sexy Hair dry shampoo? It is my favorite!!!
Kevin Murphy is a good one!
Once you try Orbie you will never use anything else. The price point is high so I always stock up during the NSale.
I have tried all those. My hair gets really oily by two. My favorite so far is made by virtue. It’s clear on the scalp. The downside is it’s pricey and not as easy as picking it up at ulta.
Have you tried Co Lab? It knocked Batiste out of the running for me. I’m a huge fan!
hi did the batiste dry shampoo give you a headache? the first time I used Batiste dry shampoo i thought it was me but have since tried it a more than a handful of times to be sure it wasn’t just me and every time it gave me a headache. Sadly i can’t use it anymore because i really did like the scent of the new canister.