The Best Dry Shampoos Are Good Hair Days in a Can

Best Gentle Dry Shampoo: Maria Nila Soothing Dry Shampoo

Maria Mila’s dry shampoo is the one I recommend to anyone with a sensitive or easily irritated scalp. It’s lightweight, calming, and includes niacinamide (a form of vitamin B3) to support scalp health. I loved it for days when I was in a rush, because it has minimal white cast. It also doesn’t feel heavy and has a soft floral scent that fades instead of lingering all day. I actually preferred it to Oribe’s smell: It was sweeter (slightly fruity), more subtle, and less chemical-hair-product-y. While my hair leans oily and I don’t risk too many side effects, a friend who deals with dryness and flaking said this didn’t trigger any irritation, which is rare for her. The tradeoff, though, is that it’s not strong enough for very oily hair. I used it for quick touch-ups between washes when my hair needed a refresh, but if I was trying to go a few days without using shampoo and needed some serious oil-soak-up, I would reach for something a little more heavy-duty.

Best Powder Dry Shampoo: Under Your Skin Dry Shampoo

Powder dry shampoos take a little more patience, but they’re worth the hassle. They travel well, last forever, and don’t rely on the same alcohol-heavy formulas that make some aerosol sprays feel drying over time. This one keeps the ingredient list tight—oat kernel flour, cornstarch, and kaolin clay to absorb oil without making your scalp feel tight or overworked. There’s virtually no scent, which I appreciate, as it doesn’t interfere with whatever fragrance I’m wearing that day. Out of all the powders I tested, this was the easiest to control. The pump dispenser actually distributes product evenly instead of dumping it in one concentrated spot (which can happen fast with squeeze bottles). I could use it multiple days in a row without my hair feeling caked in product. If you rely on dry shampoo regularly and want something that feels a little gentler long-term, this is a solid non-aerosol option.

Best Value Dry Shampoo: HASK Charcoal Purifying Dry Shampoo

For under $10, this performs better than I expected—almost as good as more expensive varieties. It absorbs oil quickly and doesn’t leave my hair feeling heavy, though the texture the next day is slightly grainier than something like Oribe. It’s not as weightless, but it gets the job done, especially if you’re trying to stretch washes without spending luxury-hair prices. On my dark hair, there was some white cast at first, so I had to work it in more than I wanted to. A friend with lighter hair didn’t have the same issue. The scent is neutral and fades fast, which makes it easy to layer with other products. If you’re looking for something affordable that still feels reliable, this is an easy grab.

Best Volumizing Dry Shampoo: Nick Stenson Dry Shampoo

If volume is the goal, this one goes big. It lifts my roots immediately and gives that airy, fresh blowout look. On especially oily days, it transformed my hair from shiny and matte and full in under a minute. It’s a good mid-range option if you like the performance of Oribe but want to spend a little less. That said, it’s strong. If I use it too many days in a row, my hair starts to feel dry. This isn’t an everyday formula for me—it’s the one I reach for when I want visible volume. But a solid bonus is it’s color-safe, which matters if you dye your hair and don’t want anything dulling it out. The best dry shampoo is one of those not-so-novice grooming products that, like retinol or night cream, is a big step above the baseline requirements. It might even seem excessive to have two different types of shampoo, right? But there is a compelling argument to be made for using dry shampoo a few times a week, particularly if you have an oily scalp or have medium-to-long hair—we’ll explain.