We’ve all been there. We just don’t have the time or energy to wash our hair every single day! But we also don’t want to let our hair go and look like a greaseball! Enter dry shampoo. Whoever invented this brilliant product needs to get a standing ovation! This hair product has given women around the world more time in their day so they can get their to-do list done, enjoy like, and still look great! I’m breaking down budget friendly and luxury so you know which dry shampoos are worth the splurge!
The Importance of Dry Shampoo in a Modern Hair Routine
What is dry shampoo and why do you even need to use it?? It’s a product that you spray or pump into your hair to help extend the time between your hair washings. The product absorbs excess oil so your hair looks fresh even when you don’t have the time to do a full shampooing and conditioning routine. Using dry shampoo can save you time and money! And most women are huge fans of that!
What Makes a Dry Shampoo Worth the Splurge?
Not all dry shampoos are created equal. There are many on the market that claim they’re the best and worth buying. But are they really?? I’ve been using all kinds of dry shampoos for YEARS! And I’ve been on the hunt for the best one. For me, it’s worth the money if it truly works, helps my hair look fresh, and doesn’t look like I have dandruff!
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Dry Shampoo
Like I said, not all are created equal. So here are a few factors to consider when investing in your hair product:
- Does it leave a residue?
- Will it make your hair look fresh?
- Does it have a bad smell?
- Is it clean?
Does it leave a residue?
Nobody likes to look like you have dandruff in your hair. And some dry shampoos will leave a residue making it look like you have white flakes. That’s no bueno. Invest in one that does not leave residue but that blends nicely into your hair.
Will it make your hair look fresh?
The point of dry shampoo is to absorb the excess oil so your hair looks fresh. If it doesn’t do this, then it’s not worth your money.
Does it leave a bad smell?
Not only do you want your hair looking fresh but you also want it to smell fresh too! Choose a product that has a nice smell that will help your hair look and smell fresh and clean.
Is it clean?
This isn’t important to everyone. But to some women, the ingredients in their beauty products matter. If that’s you, then it’s important to consider what’s in your dry shampoo. (read more about clean beauty alternatives).
Comparison of Dry Shampoos
There are a lot of dry shampoos on the market. A lot! But which ones are best and are worth the investment?? Here are the best top rated dry shampoos that fall into budget friendly or luxury.
Budget Friendly Dupes
Here are the best budget friendly dry shampoos that really work:
- Hask Charcoal Dry Shampoo– I found this at my local Walmart. It is $5 and considered a more clean version since it doesn’t contain parabens, sulfates, or aluminum.
- Batiste Dry Shampoo Spray– This is $10 and comes in a bunch of scents and formulas for your needs and preferences.
- Not Your Mother’s Dry Shampoo– Find this at all drugstores for just $6! It’s a tried and true product that comes in several scents and formulas. It’s simple and cheap. It will get the job done!
Luxury Dry Shampoos
Here are the best luxury dry shampoos that are worth buying:
- Amika Perk Up Talc-Free Dry Shampoo– Find this one on Amazon for $28. It’s rated 4.5 with 15k reviews!
- Moroccanoil Dry Shampoo– This is for $26 on Amazon. It is rated 4.6 with 11k reviews. It comes in a light and dark formula, depending on your hair color.
- Living Proof Dry Shampoo– Snatch this popular one up on Amazon for $30. It’s rated 4.4 with 13k reviews. Women love it!
Clean Dry Shampoo Options
If clean beauty matters to you, then there are some great clean options to help your hair look fresh in between washes. I’ll be honest though, I don’t LOVE any of the clean dry shampoo options. They don’t work as well as the others. But if clean beauty is more important than efficacy for you, these are good options to try:
- Primally Pure– Find this natural dry shampoo for $26. Shake it into your hands and work it into your hair.
- Divvi– Find this for $26 at Ulta. It’s formulated without Benzene, Talc, Butane, Propane, and Parabens.
- Just Ingredients– This is $17 and comes in a pump dispenser instead of an aerosol can. You squirt the powder into your hands or hair and work into your hair until it disappears. Your hair will smell like you can eat it after applying!
My Top Picks
I polled my social media audience for their favorite dry shampoo and was given a ton of different recommendations! I picked the top ones and bought them all to try. After using them for several months, I found my faves! Here are the ones that I think are worth the money and that work great!
- Amika Perk Up Talc-Free Dry Shampoo– This one was recommended to me over and over from friends and followers so I knew I needed to give it a try! And it did not disappoint! Their ravings were spot on. It works! It doesn’t leave a white residue making it look like you have dandruff. It absorbs the oil really well and helps your hair look and feel fresh. It’s my go-to now!
- Moroccanoil Dry Shampoo– a good friend and fellow brunette recommended this one to me and I was skeptical because most other dry shampoos that claim they’re formulated for brunettes just leave your forehead looking dirty! But not this one. This one is so so good! And it smells AMAZING! It wins the best smelling dry shampoo award for me. If you have lighter hair, it also comes in a light formula.
- Hask Charcoal Dry Shampoo– I’ve tried A LOT of budget friendly dry shampoo options and there are a lot that are ok. But this one works better than most! I love that it’s clean
As always, consider your hair needs when looking for the best dry shampoo for you!
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About the Author
JoEllen is a licensed aesthetician, certified makeup artist, and certified John Maxwell coach, speaker, and trainer. She works with women helping them look and feel confident. She loves teaching women simple beauty techniques so they can feel empowered to try it at home. Her motto is that when you look and feel good, you do good!
*This post contains affiliate links. If you choose to purchase an item featured in this post, I get a small portion from the sale. Thank you! It does not affect you at all.
