In a perfect world, everyone would enjoy a proper shower, complete with a thorough shampoo and conditioning treatment, each and every day. But unfortunately, that’s just not the case. Sometimes, life gets hectic and you’re forced to choose between taking the time to suds up or stopping off for your morning coffee. Or, you’re rushing from gym to happy hour with no time to rinse.
Not to mention, for those with certain hair types, even a daily wash isn’t always enough to keep oil at bay — by midday, it begins to look greasy and limp, despite the fact that it was perfectly clean just a few hours ago.
That’s where dry shampoo comes in. Typically made with a starch or clay component, like rice starch and kanolin, it sops up the scalp’s natural sebum in between washes. When frustrating oil appears, simply give it a shake, spray the product onto your roots, rub it in with your fingers, and boom — the greasiness is gone.
Not only does dry shampoo absorb any excess oil on your hair and scalp, but it also helps quell any odors, giving you that fresh-from-the-shower feeling. A few spritzes are also a great way to add instant volume and texture to lifeless strands.
Of course, not all dry shampoos are created equal. Some can lead to ashy roots, flakes that resemble dandruff, or dull and straw-like strands. So, ahead we’ve rounded up the best dry shampoo for oily hair. From drugstore deals to high-end products, these picks will extend the life of your hairstyle so you can longer between washes.
The Best Dry Shampoo For Oily Hair
Batiste Original Dry Shampoo ($10; amazon.com)
When it comes to dry shampoo for oily hair, Batiste hits it out of the park. In addition to various scents, there are options for both light and dark hair. However, you can’t go wrong with the OG — it’s made with transparent rice starch, lightly fragranced, and instantly makes hair look refreshed.
Verb Dry Shampoo For Dark Hair ($20; amazon.com)
Those with dark hair know how frustrating it is to spray on dry shampoo only to be left with a pesky white cast. This particular variety from Verb is darker in color so it won’t leave any visible residue and will be much easier to blend in. (Blondes, don’t fret; the brand has a dry shampoo for light hair, too.) It also contains hydrating glycerin and follicle-stimulating bilberry extract to reinvigorate strands.
Not Your Mother’s Clean Freak Dry Shampoo ($7; ulta.com)
This pick just happens to be a favorite of Hailey Bieber and an important step in creating her signature beach waves. “I add dry shampoo at the end because I hope that when I do my hair and then sleep on it, it’ll still be fresh enough to wear again the next day,” she said in a recent YouTube tutorial. It leaves no starchy residue and has a subtle scent that can only be described as clean.
OUAI Super Dry Shampoo ($24; ulta.com)
This favorite from the celebrity hairstylist-founded brand OUAI absorbs instantly and gives your hair a light rose scent and volume boost. Not only does it use rice starch to sop up oil, but it also has volcanic minerals, which lifts away dirt and cut through even the greasiest strands.
Living Proof Perfect hair Day (PhD) Dry Shampoo ($26; sephora.com)
The time-release fragrance in this Living Proof dry shampoo helps it last all day long, even when you’re way overdue for a hair wash. It combines oil-absorbing powder with the brand’s proprietary molecule, which then lifts it off of strands for hair that’s actually clean. It’s also great at adding texture and volume for a midday touch-up.
Bumble & Bumble Bb. Pret-a-Powder Tres Invisible Dry Shampoo with French Pink Clay ($24; amazon.com)
Inspired by their popular dry shampoo powder, Bumble & Bumble now offers a aerosol spray version that’s boosted with oil-fighting French pink clay. Designed to be used allover, it goes on clear, adds silky-shine, and even has UV filter to protect against sun damage and color fade.
OGX Extra Strength Refresh & Revitalize + Argan Oil of Morocco Dry Shampoo ($7; amazon.com)
Restore your hair’s freshness while nourishing it with argan oil and silk proteins. Not only does this spray absorb oils and odor, but it also revitalizes days-old styles, like curls or waves, and adds shines for a post-blowout effect.
Kristin Ess Style Reviving Dry Shampoo ($15; target.com)
Great for all hair types, this vitamin C-boosted dry shampoo from Kristin Ess contains “Zip-Up Technology,” the brand’s proprietary strengthening complex that helps heal split ends and smooth damaged hair.
amika Perk Up Talc-Free Dry Shampoo ($10; amazon.com)
Reviewers swear this is the best dry shampoo for oily hair, calling it the “holy grail.” The cult-fave spray removes oil, dispels odor, and adds volume to hair. Plus, the super-fine mist is weightless and dries down completely clear, so you can layer it on day after day without adding gunky or powdery buildup.
