Reaching for our favorite bottle of dry shampoo feels just as second nature as starting a morning brew of coffee—addictive, soul-soothing, and a non-negotiable step when preparing for the day both physically and mentally. Seriously—never underestimate the mood- and confidence-boosting power of an amazing can of dry shampoo. (Especially, once spring and summer hit!)
Over the past few years, dry shampoo has become one of the industry’s most popular hair care products. In fact, according to this statistic we found here, the value of the global dry shampoo market amounted to roughly $3 billion in 2017 and is expected to reach $4.11 billion by 2022. So no, we don’t exactly see our stash of no-poo elixirs going anywhere. (Plus, we’re pretty much convinced the stuff has single-handedly decreased our energy and water bills due to fewer hair washes—just saying.)
However, just because dry shampoo has reached paramount importance within our hair routine and the industry in general, it doesn’t mean every formula and every new launch is all that great. In fact, we’ve tried some dry shampoos that have wreaked downright disastrous results on our treasured strands. (Think unsightly side effects like more grease and film, lank and lifeless body, breakage, bizarre color payoff… and it only gets worse.)
The bright side? There are plenty of dry shampoo formulas that have pretty much knocked our and other nitpicky shoppers’ socks off. And because summer—and its associated sweat and oil—is just around the corner, we thought we’d highlight the top five best-selling and/or top-rated dry shampoos at three of our favorite beauty retailers: Sephora, Nordstrom, and Dermstore. Ahead, 15 of the best dry shampoos money can buy. Keep scrolling!
According to Sephora, this is the best-selling dry shampoo that routinely flies off its shelves. It’s won countless awards, is a beauty-editor favorite, works equally well on every hair type, and actually cleans your hair while also banishing oil, sweat, and the inevitable odor that comes along with the two former.
We’re super obsessed with this dry shampoo for its rich signature scent and the way it magically tricks us into thinking we’re actually on day two (not five) of our no-wash schedule. Oh, and if you’re in the camp of people who aren’t fans of Drybar’s iconic scent, the brand also makes this detoxifying formula in a new Lush scent—pick your poison.
This vibrant dry shampoo bottle has been around for years, and the fact that it still maintains high status among Sephora shoppers is telling. It’s ultra-lightweight, the smell isn’t overbearing, and it’s formulated with natural rice starch (not talc or aluminum) to effortlessly rejuvenate your hair.
For a long time, there was a major issue within the industry since so many dry shampoo formulas coated our strands with a white or ashy finish. Therefore, those with dark hair struggled to find dry shampoos that would actually look, well, good. However, brands have come a long way in their development, and many have launched formulas that are either tinted or specifically catered to darker hair colors. This one from Moroccanoil smells delicious and is a consistent standout.
I recently tried this shampoo for the first time on my third or fourth day without washing and couldn’t believe the results. It’s the fifth best-selling dry shampoo you can buy at Sephora, and I couldn’t believe how effective its roster of ingredients (think charcoal and white tea) was at completely refreshing my hair with maximum volume and minimal grime.
One of the many reasons we love Nordstrom is its amazing lineup of under-the-radar brands that have really awesome products but don’t get as much commercial attention. Such is the case with the brand N:P Beautiful—the brainchild of celebrity hairstylist David Babaii—and this beloved volumizing dry shampoo.
It’s hard not to fall in love with Ouai’s dry shampoo. Created by celebrity hairstylist Jen Atkin, this super absorbant dry shampoo harnesses the power of volcanic minerals and rice starch to make even the oiliest hair look refreshed and revitalized.
This invisible dry shampoo might be one of Bumble and Bumble’s most well-known—and -loved—hair formulas. As the name would suggest, it’s virtually undetectable in the hair and strategic additions like French pink clay easily absorb oil and sweat in a snap. (It also offers UV filters for environmental and sun protection!)
A great option for all hair types, this holy-grail dry shampoo from R+Co is strategic. It sucks up what you don’t want (e.g. grease and oil) while imparting instant grip and control for megawatt volume, texture, and stying opportunities.
If you’re one of those people who love it when their hair smells good, we’ve just found you the best dry shampoo BFF. Infused with the scent of pretty florals, this style- and freshness-extending dry shampoo from Philosophy is one of the best according to Nordstrom shoppers.
Oribe is known as one of the best haircare brands in the beauty industry, so it’s not surprising its iconic Gold Lust dry shampoo is the number one favorite at Dermstore. Yes, the packaging is chic AF, but it’s also essential if you want to fake the look of a full cleanse and condition without actually stepping inside the shower. Plus, the ingredient list is truly dreamy thanks to watermelon, lychee, edelweiss, myrrh, lavender, and chamomile, among plenty of other nice things.
The only non-mist on our list (sorry, I couldn’t help myself!), this unique paste from R+Co is the second best-selling dry shampoo on Dermstore’s website. Featuring exotic ingredients like coconut oil, zeolite, volcanic ash, argan oil, and sunflower seed extract, this dry shampoo is formulated as a paste with a matte finish and can serve as a grease-zapping and style-gifting product in one convenient tube.
Another great option for those with darker hair, this favorite from Swedish haircare brand Sachajuan will build up body and volume (thanks to potato starch, of all things!) while also absorbing excess oil.
If you’re looking for a natural dry shampoo that actually, you know, works, Dermstore shoppers dub this mist from René Furterer as one of the best. Its hero ingredient is highly absorbent argilla powder along with a host of dreamy essential oils for a fresh, not dirty, scent.
Complete with enzyme therapy, seasilk, caviar extract, and Alterna’s signature Age-Control and Flex-Strength Complexes, this sheer, featherlight dry shampoo refreshes hair with a new and exciting powder delivery system. It adds texture and volume while soaking up the icky stuff like oil and other impurities your potential good hair day just doesn’t need.
