We believe that everyone should have a nice dry shampoo in their arsenal, specifically if lathering up every day isn’t your thing. Dr. Kari Williams, a trichology specialist, adds that these mists and powders “make the hair less greasy, absorb perspiration, and mask the odor.”
GET TO KNOW THE EXPERT
Dr. Kari Williams is a board-certified trichologist, licensed cosmetologist, Black hair care specialist, and Goddess Locs founder. She lives in Los Angeles.
Skipping washing becomes more difficult if your hair is especially oily. However, with a few spritzes of the correct dry shampoo, no one will be able to tell you’re wearing second or third-day hair.
We tested over 20 dry shampoos in The Lab, our testing laboratory in Industry City, Brooklyn, to find the finest solutions for oily scalps and sticky strands.
Each product was assessed on a scale of one to five for its ability to absorb oil, texture, feel, simplicity of application, volumizing power, and finish. The finest dry shampoos for oily hair are listed here.
1. Overall winner: Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk.
Klorane’s award-winning dry shampoo was a clear winner after five testers tried it. It received 4.5 out of 5 stars for oil absorption, 5 stars for simplicity of use, 4.4 stars for invisibility, and 4.6 stars for volume. Despite the fact that one individual saw a small white residue, they noted it was easily combed out and blended beautifully.
This delicate, earth-sourced product, designed for all hair types and textures, relies on starch and silica to combat excess oil and smells, while oat milk soothes the scalp.
Our reviewers liked how the ultra-fine powder absorbs oil from their roots without leaving them feeling dry or chalky. After spraying it on and combing it through, one tester claimed her hair looked clean and clear of buildup as if she hadn’t used any dry shampoo at all.
What We Like
- Awarded formula
- Blends nicely for volume
What We Don’t Like
- The white residue that is temporary
2. TRESemmé Pro Pure Dry Shampoo is the most affordable option.
Tresemme Between Washes is a good option if you don’t want to spend more than a few dollars on dry shampoo. We awarded it five stars for oil absorption, finish, and simplicity of use, four and a half stars for texture, and four and a half stars for volume.
According to one of our testers, this weightless dry shampoo has a clear finish that does not leave your hair feeling damp or chalky.
Its formula of starch, silica, and mineral clay absorbs oil quickly and leaving you with a freshly cleaned appearance. One tester gushed, “I believe this is a fantastic budget-friendly dry shampoo.” “It absorbed oil, smelled excellent, and increased root volume.”
What We Like
- Budget-friendly
- Quickly sets
- There is no residue.
What We Don’t Like
- Could absorb more oil
3. Moroccanoil Dry Shampoo for Light Tones is ideal for platinum hair.
Moroccanoil Light Tones is ideal for persons with platinum, silver, or white hair. This fantastic dry shampoo received 5/5s for oil absorption, invisibility, and texture, and a 4.5 for volume.
Argan oil smoothes and nourishes bleached strands, while rice starch absorbs product buildup and grease.
Our platinum-haired tester liked how it sprays purple right out of the can, much like your favorite purple toning shampoo for removing brassiness.
What We Like
- Outstanding oil absorption
- Invisible Volumizing Finish
What We Don’t Like
- It may be very heavy for fine hair.
4. Kristin Ess Style Reviving Dry Shampoo is ideal for natural hair.
This Kristin Ess dry shampoo for natural hair is one of our favorites. Our tester, who has 4b curls, scored it a 4.5/5 for absorbency and simplicity of use, and a 5/5 for the finish, noting that it didn’t leave a chalky white residue.
She didn’t feel any lingering grease when she ran her fingers through her hair, either: “I assume it sucked up superfluous oil and gave my hair a little of volume,” she explained.
“I can see myself utilizing it when I have a lot of product buildup and need a new look.” In addition to starch, the gloomy matte can contain plant-based strengtheners such as wheat protein and keratin.
What We Like
- Quickly Sets
- Finish that is invisible
- Strengthening
What We Don’t Like
Alcohol is present.
5. Drybar Detox Clear Invisible Dry Shampoo is the best invisible dry shampoo.
Drybar’s Detox Clear Dry Shampoo lives true to its name, with a 100 percent sheer, absolutely invisible finish. It received a 4.25/5 for invisibility from our testers, who noted that it did not leave streaks or a chalky residue.
It’s not the greatest for degreasing because it contains a little number of plant oils, but we awarded it a 3.75/5 for absorbency. Though the perfume lingers for a few hours, our testers felt it’s nice and not overbearing.
What We Like
- Finish that is invisible
- Lightweight
- Doesn’t wet hair
What We Don’t Like
- Oil is present.
Final Decision
If we had to pick only one dry shampoo for oily hair, we’d go with Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk. It has outstanding oil absorption, volume, and combines wonderfully with a variety of hair colors and textures. Looking for something a little less expensive?
TRESemmé’s Pro Pure Dry Shampoo gets 5/5s for oil absorption, invisibility, and simplicity of use, and it leaves you with clean-feeling hair.
How We Experimented
We spent hours studying formulas, reading reviews, and interviewing specialists, including a board-certified trichologist, before coming over to The Lab.
Over 20 dry shampoos were chosen by our in-house staff and tested on a variety of hair types, textures, lengths, and colors.
Each choice received a one-to-five rating based on its oil, absorption, texture/feel, visibility/chalkiness, volume, and ease of application. We then collated our findings and limited the list down to the products that perform best on greasy hair.
What to Look for in Oily Hair Dry Shampoo Absorbent components
When shopping for dry shampoo for oily hair, search for a composition that has absorbent components. Not only can starch, clay, charcoal, silica, tapioca, and baking soda absorb grease and perspiration, but they can also help manage smells.
Scent
Many dry shampoos are scented (some more heavily than others). If you are sensitive to strong odors, you should seek a fragrance-free product. Scents, on the other hand, can help hide the stink of unclean hair, so a nice-smelling dry shampoo may be your best choice.
The color of your hair
Consider your hair color as well, since tinted and chalkier products aren’t for everyone. White residue is typically not an issue for persons who have blonde, white, platinum, silver, or other light hair. (If you prefer an icier effect, there are several purple-tinted powders available.)
Those with brunette or black hair, on the other hand, should opt for an undetectable finish or anything with a brown tinge.
