How did we survive in a world without dry shampoo? Well, there was talcum powder, but let’s face it, what a mess talc leaves behind, and you're left with patchy white patches that are too hard to blend! Thankfully dry shampoo is our hair saviour at prolonging our bouncy blow dries and disguising any tell-tale signs of greasy roots in just minutes.

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Choosing the right dry shampoo for you will help you quickly refresh your hair when you don’t have time to wash it. Dry shampoo helps absorb the oil in your hair, making it appear cleaner and adding instant volume and can be used on the go with many handbag-friendly bottles available.

When you’re shopping for a dry shampoo, you'll want one that matches your hair type. For instance, if you have curly hair you will want one that has added moisturising benefits and isn’t too drying. Fine hair types should consider a thicker formula for adding volume, coloured hair should colour match so you can disguise roots coming through, and if your hair is particularly oily, then opt for one that is fast-absorbing.

Dry shampoo comes in many different variations, including the most popular aerosol spray, powder and foam formula that you apply with your hands. With a variety of formulas out there, where do you start?

Thankfully, we’ve done the research. The Recommended hunted the web to find the best dry shampoos for every hair concern, formula and budget, we’ve got all bases covered.

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The best dry shampoo at a glance:

The best dry shampoo

Best budget buy: Batiste Original Dry Shampoo

A purse-friendly dry shampoo that helps build volume

Batiste Original Dry Shampoo

This is a budget buy that won’t break the bank and can target a multitude of hair concerns at a time. Available in a variety of scents and sizes from travel-friendly to original 200ml and supersized options.

We couldn’t compile our best dry shampoo list without including the original cult classic, Batiste dry shampoo being featured in there. If you suffer from fine hair or greasy roots, then a spritz or two of Batiste’s dry shampoo helps add volume, revive and banish oily roots.

Best for fine hair: Toni & Guy Sky High Volume Dry Shampoo

Colourless spray that gradually builds thickness minus white marks

oni & Guy Sky High Volume Dry Shampoo

Suitable for fine hair types, this dry shampoo is formulated with oil-absorbing properties designed to boost hair volume from the roots and disguises greasy roots and provides bounce.

A buildable aerosol formula that you can work with to achieve your desired volume. Shake the can to activate the formula and spray from root to tip and work in with your fingers to create thicker locks. If you aren’t a fan of dry shampoos that leave white marks on your hair, then this one is colour-free.

Best for coloured hair: Moroccanoil Dry Shampoo Dark Tones

With added UV protection and argan oil to revive dark hair

Moroccanoil Dry Shampoo Dark Tones

Moroccanoil says this dry shampoo has been found to absorb oil, odour and product build-up without leaving a dull residue. Formulated specifically for darker hair tones, but also available in a lighter shade too and features Morocacanoil’s signature scent.

This colour-enhancing dry shampoo from Moroccanoil has been created using ultra-fine rice starches, which helps absorb oil and adds volume minus any signs of white powder. This dry shampoo also includes added argan oil, which protects from UV damage.

Best cruelty-free dry shampoo: Corinne Taylor Dry Shampoo

A talc-free formula packed with essential oils

Corinne Taylor Dry Shampoo

This dry shampoo is handmade in the UK using a vegan, cruelty-free, natural formula that helps prolong your blow dry. The aluminium bottle is fully recyclable and 100% plastic free.

A talc-free and non-aerosol formula packed with refreshing essential oils, organic plant powders and bentonite clay that work together to combat greasy roots and add volume. Certified cruelty-free and registered with The Vegan Society.

Best for dry sensitive scalps: Klorane Eco-friendly Dry Shampoo

That won’t dry your scalp out

Klorane Eco-friendly Dry Shampoo

Dermatologically tested, vegan and planet-friendly, this dry shampoo features rich active ingredients that work to soften, revive unwashed hair and protect the scalp as well as provide volumising benefits.

If you find your dry shampoo can leave your head dry and flaky, this dry shampoo is made with a scalp-friendly formula, using organically harvested oat milk and powerful absorbent powders to deeply soak up oily scalps and deliver a light clean feeling. According to Kloraine, users can expect added volume and cleaner hair in two minutes.

Best for oily hair: Tigi Bed Head Dirty Secret Dry Shampoo

Disguise oily roots with this salon professional sheer dry shampoo

Tigi Bed Head Dirty Secret Dry Shampoo

Tigi’s dry shampoo is formulated with refractive index matching technology and corn starch that works to diminish oil residue and lift the roots. This product features a sheer mist, so won’t leave behind a powdery residue.

This supersized bottle of Tigi Bed Head dry shampoo has been designed by salon professionals to deliver salon-quality results at home. This works to refresh your blow dry in-between washes by absorbing oil that makes hair look greasy and feel dirty. Formulated with a juicy fragrance too, which results in sweet-smelling hair.

Best scent: Schwarzkopf got2b Extra Fresh Dry Shampoo

A silicone-free clean citrus fragrance that lasts all day long

Schwarzkopf got2b Extra Fresh Dry Shampoo

This white powder-free spray is made with a plant-based formula and free from silicones, which works to deliver an instant burst of freshness to hair in need of a wash and blow-dry.

If you are short on time and want that freshly washed hair feeling without having to wash your hair, Schwarzkopf got2b extra fresh can help save you time thanks to the way it can quickly refresh dirty hair in between washes. With a citrusy fresh scent, which results in hair smelling clean and looking clean.

Best for curly hair: OGX Biotin and Collagen Dry Shampoo

Nutrient-packed dry shampoo to protect and nourish

OGX Biotin and Collagen Dry Shampoo

This OBC dry shampoo is made with vitamin B7 biotin, hydrolysed wheat protein and collagen that works to add shine, nourish, and absorb oil.

Feed your scalp and hair with the help of this nutrient-rich dry shampoo. Not only will it help lift limp hair and disguise any oil residue, but it also nourishes the hair shaft and delivers a serious shine boost to thirsty locks.

Best luxe buy: Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo

Featuring a patented healthy hair molecule to repair and renew

Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo

Safe to use on coloured hair, so you can rest assured that your hair colour won’t discolour. This dry shampoo also features a very clever time-release fragrance, which keeps your hair delicately scented throughout the day.

This dry shampoo is infused with a smart triple-action cleansing technology to target oil and sweat by soaking up any excess moisture without weighing the hair down with product build-up. Plus, this product doesn’t include any nasties and is Leaping Bunny approved by Cruelty International.

Best lightweight dry shampoo: Charles Worthington Grow Strong Dry Shampoo

Hide greasy roots and prevent breakage

Charles Worthington Grow Strong Dry Shampoo

This lightweight dry shampoo is made with pea sprout extract and provitamin B5, that work together to neutralise odour and revive sweaty and oily roots. The spray works to protect from future breakage, too, by reducing hair washing days.

If you are a regular gym-goer and want to hide any tell-tale signs of sweat post-workout, then this dry shampoo is your new hair saviour. This spray formula ticks the boxes for being natural, vegan-friendly, suitable for all hair types and recyclable.

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Want to read more expert-recommended hair care essential round-ups? Check out our hair care page for a full list of recommendations, including our guide to the best shampoos, the best conditioners, the best hair curlers and the best hair dryers, as recommended by our hair care experts.

Authors

Kirsty Welsh
Kirsty WelshContributor

Kirsty is an accomplished writer specializing in the health, beauty and fitness industries. She has previously written for The Evening Standard, Fit&Well, LiveScience, City A.M., Global Blue, Grazia and the Sunday Telegraph in the UK.

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