Greasy hair is just a big no-no. No matter who you are, pulling off the look with greasy roots is tough. This is why the best dry shampoo has become such a beauty staple.
You can use the best shampoo for oily hair if you really struggle with excess oiliness, but having a really good dry shampoo in your arsenal is great for getting you from one wash to the next. If you’re wondering if dry shampoo works, then put your worries to one side. We are big believers in these hair conditioners.
The best dry shampoos on the market, however, are much more than a spray that gets rid of greasy hair. Don’t get us wrong, the good guys do it very well. But the best are smarter.
There are those designed specifically to treat fine hair, created to not weigh hair down. The ones that don’t scatter white powder, but come in a darker shade to match your hair color. And then there are the super-duper smart ones that are like treating your scalp.
Like the best shampoo for hair loss, say, or the best purple shampoo for the blondes among us, a great dry shampoo is a worthy beauty investment in our book. Here’s why.
How does dry shampoo work?
“Hair follicles cover your scalp and in addition to producing hair, they produce sebum,” explains Eroll Douglas, Living Proof Pro Expert and Textured Hair Specialist. “Producing this natural oil is key to smoothing your hair texture and protecting your skin. However, as you go about your day, your hair follicles can produce a build-up of sebum that leads to greasy hair. Simply put, the starches in dry shampoo formulas absorb the oil build-up in your hair. When your scalp produces excess sebum, applying dry shampoo is a great way to hide oily hair.”
“A good dry shampoo should absorb excess oil from hair to leave it feeling, smelling and looking clean,” adds Douglas. “Unfortunately, not all dry shampoos are good at ‘cleansing’ hair, most absorb oil and sweat and leave behind a powdery residue that can sometimes be difficult to remove.”
How to use dry shampoo correctly
Sure, part of its appeal is spraying, combing and walking through the door. But to avoid residue and keep your scalp in good shape, there is best practice like dry shampoo.
In addition to finding a dry shampoo that best suits your hair color (Batiste makes a great lighter option for blondes, while Moroccanoil has one of our top picks for dry hair), always shake your dry shampoo before use and always hold it four to six inches away from your roots when you spray.
Like that old trick of applying the best foundation only where it’s needed, the same should apply to dry shampoo. Spray it only where the hair is oiliest (without going over a pad). If you’re wondering how much dry shampoo to use, we recommend using it sparingly and building up.
Then, and this is a key piece that so many miss, you need to let it set for a while to really work its magic. Don’t run your hands through it right away. Doing so interrupts the work being done. Once you’ve left it for about a minute or two (go brush your teeth or put on your shoes), then you can start massaging it into your roots with your fingers. Voilà! Renewed hair done right.
Douglas recommends always carrying a travel-sized dry shampoo with you to work or in your purse. She recommends using it after spending time outdoors, in the sun, after working out, or at the beginning or end of the day. “Sweat pooling along the roots can make hair feel greasy,” she says. “A quick refresher with a spray of dry shampoo can make hair feel better in less than a minute. Make sure your hair is not too wet before applying the dry shampoo.’
How often can you use it?
It all depends on your hair type, texture and shape. “The key is to give your scalp a chance to breathe between washes, especially if the dry shampoo you’re using is mostly powder and doesn’t take care of ‘cleansing.’
Although they mask the greasy look, they shouldn’t replace your regular shampoo. If used too regularly, you will find that the product builds up at the root, which can cause itching and dandruff.
Best Dry Shampoo of 2022:
Ready to shop our pick of the best? This is our Beauty Editor-approved roundup of the best dry shampoos to buy right now. Our Senior Beauty Editor (who admits to having pretty oily roots at times) tested each of the following, paying close attention to how well they absorbed oil, fragrance, hair feel, and price.