I was excited to see that last month’s hair volume post on how to get more volume in your hair was a hit! There’s no denying y’all loved that one (note taken!). But honestly, I’m not too too surprised, given that it was a LONG time coming and a highly-requested content.
Referring back to the “how to get more hair volume” post, one of the tips I suggested was to use more dry shampoo. Although I recommended my current favorite (Bumble & Bumble’s Pret-a-Powder), I’ve got LOTS more to say about dry shampoo in general. And plus, a few of you have noticed other dry shampoo products I’ve mentioned randomly on social media. So when Sephora wanted to partner on a hair-related blog post, I knew just what to dedicate my next beauty post on – all things dry shampoo.
Without further adieu, let’s get in depth about my love for dry shampoo while I share thoughts on a few of my favorites!
What Kinds of Dry Shampoos Are Out there?
If you’re a dry shampoo junkee like me, then you’re probably aware that there are ample options when it comes to product. After assessing the market in general and just from my own personal experience, it seems there are two main ‘types’ (or formulas) of dry shampoo: powder and aerosol-based.
And y’all…I never realized there was so much to learn about dry shampoos. I mean, it’s a whole science – really though. I sort of geeked out doing research in preparation for this post, but what I came to realize was that there are a zillion different kinds of dry shampoo and they’re all REALLY different. It’s all about finding what works best for your hair type and what you need. I’m going to do my best to honestly review my final 5 contestants, but just keep in mind that the options are endless when it comes to choosing the ideal dry shampoo for you. Your best option is to try different kinds and see how it goes!
Aside from the formula composition, there are a few other characteristics that can differentiate one dry shampoo from another. Firstly, whether the dry shampoo is chalky or powder-based, or if it has more of a lighter, airy composition. Additionally, the powder-based formulas tend to leave residue, whereas the aerosol-based formulas might not soak up as much grease and oil and often contain synthetic fragrance. This difference (whether it’s powder-based or not) can also dictate whether the dry shampoo has a white tint or if it sprays more translucent. Secondly, some dry shampoos double as a styling aid or texturizer whilst others are solely for the purpose of absorbing oil (aka just a dry shampoo).
What’s The Best Dry Shampoo?
Well isn’t that a loaded question? (ha!) To answer that question, I’ve tried out 5 for you guys – all of which I’ll give a detailed review below. For each dry shampoo option below, I’m going to list out a few popular characteristics to help you choose what might be the best option for you and your hair! I’ll also list out a few general pros and cons that I found during my personal use.
Bumble & Bumble Pret-a-Powder
Quick description: A powder that is the best for providing texture and volume to clean or dirty hair.
Pros: There’s a lot! I’ve already ranted and raved about this one before so you might already be familiar with it, but it’s AHH-mazing. It makes your hair tease-able and gives major room for volume. It’s much more of a styling agent + volumizing powder than ANY of the other dry shampoos I’ve tried. Heck, I think that every single woman should own this stuff because it can be used in several different ways and I can’t see it NOT working well on a hair type.
Even if my hair is clean, I use this simply for the volume boost and style extending properties. It’s an ultra-fine powder formula that leaves your hair with more grit + grip which will help to lift, stay put, add volume, etc. Oh, and it’s amazing for when you want to braid your hair and it’s clean because it adds texture and then your hair isn’t as slippery. Basically, I use it before styling my hair in any way.
The feel is also a plus, especially when compared to other texturizing powders on the market. It’s less intense in that it doesn’t leave your hair feeling tacky or like sandpaper. You can still run your fingers through it without it being gross and sticky, AND it doesn’t have an overpowering scent.
It’s great for spot-treating, too, and to use in combination with other dry shampoos! It lasts FOREVER compared to the aerosols, so if I’m using an aerosol for greasiness, I’ll still use this product in certain areas for texture.
Cons: It does leave hair fairly matte. It’s not adding tons of shine to it, but that’s not what I’m usually using it for.
Detox Dry Shampoo by Drybar
Quick description: Amazing at absorbing oil and extending a blowout.
Pros: Not only does this stuff smell like absolute HEAVEN, but it also works like a dream and soaks up every last ounce of oil within seconds! From the creative, beauty geniuses behind Drybar, the Detox dry shampoo formula is nothing short of pure hair magic!
It’s one of the best dry shampoos to extend your blowout – I was able to use this one to go an additional day past my personal comfort zone and my hair looked voluminous and fresh (I’m serious!). It quickly zaps any grease hanging out in your roots. It also gives you a volume boost without leaving behind any chalky residue or weighing your hair down.
If you want to see before and after photos (I didn’t get the chance to take them on my own hair), check out this girl’s blog – you can really see how well it works in her photos!
Cons: It sprays white at first, but once you work the product into your roots with your fingers, it leaves absolutely no hue (so there’s zero white cast on your roots).
Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo
Quick description: A lightweight and natural formula that freshens hair without leaving residue.
Pros: It’s natural and free of some chemicals. It doesn’t have the aluminum starch or talc ingredients within many of the other dry shampoo formulas out there. Rather than using aluminum starch or talc, the Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo utilizes a natural rich starch called Obliphica (Sea Buckhorn Berry) extract to absorb oil and freshen hair without leaving any residue behind immediately after application or later on in the day. If you’ve had an issue with dry shampoos leaving residue or “junk” in your hair, you should give this one a try!
This stuff smells FINE as well – really fruity!
Cons: For me, this was very lightweight. After doing some research, I deduct this is because it doesn’t have the aluminum starch or talc ingredients. It doesn’t volumize as much as some of the other options and it gets used up quickly.
Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk
Quick description: A clean, light product especially good for sensitive scalps and oily roots.
Pros: The Klorane dry shampoo formula comes in both a powder and an aerosol (although I personally only tried the aerosol version). As you can see from the ‘sticker’ on the bottle, this stuff was voted “Best of Beauty” by Allure magazine for 2015 – so it clearly has a cult following and reason to be within that highly-coveted list of beauty musts. It definitely soaked up the oil in my hair, so that seems to be what it’s best for. This would be a great option if you just needed a quick freshen up on dirty hair.
It has an oatmeal-ish smell that I didn’t mind. Like Amika, this is another natural option and it’s sulfate, paraben, and sodium-chlorate free. It has oak milk as an ingredient, which is why it’s great for sensitive scalps.
Cons: I was more impressed with some of the other options listed in this post. I think because this has more of a lightweight formula to it, so it just doesn’t have as much “power” behind it as some of the other products. I didn’t notice any added volume or texture to style it with. It was also a bit tough to get the powder out.
Living Proof Dry Shampoo
Quick description: An easily-absorbing option for cleaning and freshening up dirty hair.
Pros: Jennifer Aniston is part owner of this brand – that’s a serious pro! But for real, there are lots of good things about this product. Though it comes out looking powdery, it absorbs into the hair REALLY well. I think it’d work well on all hair colors because of that. I used this after working out slash sweating a lot and it was wonderful. It contains a time-released fragrance so it leaves hair smelling clean and fresh all day – love that – and it definitely got rid of my sweaty hair smell, lol. A little went a long way which I always appreciate in a product.
It’s safe for color and chemically-treated hair and is also pretty natural (sulfate-free, silicone-free, and oil-free).
Cons: For me, it doesn’t do the double duty of cleaning up oil AND volumizing/adding texture. BUT, if you just need to freshen up, this is a legit option for you or your gym bag.
I hope y’all like this post! I seriously stretched the time in between washes to give these the real test, and honestly don’t know what I did before the invention of dry shampoo! Have y’all tried these before? Are you liking these beauty rating posts?
Outfit Details: BP. V-Neck Sweater // Baublebar Velvet Drop Earrings
