The best dry shampoos in the UK 2023

The best ally for hurried mornings and impromptu parties, dry shampoo allows you to wash your hair without water and quickly add volume and texture. When used wisely, it's a great help in hair emergencies like dirty, flat hair. It also helps to space out hair washes to protect the scalp. Spray or powder: which dry shampoo should you choose? Read this guide to learn more.

LT-Naturprodukte Lavaerde Sensitive 1
8/10

Editor's Choice

LT-Naturprodukte Lavaerde Sensitive

The best dry shampoo in 2021

This organic dry shampoo gives the hair a soft and shiny appearance without drying it out. In addition to caring for the most sensitive scalps, LT-Naturprodukte Lavaerde Sensitive also cares for sensitive and acne-prone skin.

15,19 £ on Amazon

If you don't like to wash your hair regularly with liquid shampoo, this dry shampoo is sure to interest you. With LT-Naturprodukte Lavaerde Sensitive, fragile, flaky and oily hair will be given a new shine and intensely nourished. Economical, it is condensed in a 1 kg can, enough for about 60 body and hair washes.

You can also use LT-Naturprodukte Lavaerde Sensitive dry shampoo for your facial beauty rituals, for ghassoul/hammam baths, mud treatments and even for facial peels. People with sensitive skin or scalp can use it without any problems because it is hypoallergenic, completely natural, vegan and chemical-free.

Batiste Instant Air Refresh Nude 2
8/10

Inexpensive

Batiste Instant Air Refresh Nude

The best entry-level dry shampoo in 2021

Fall in love with this Batiste Instant Air Refresh Nude dry shampoo and get impeccable natural hair. With rice powder, its discreet formula envelops your hair with a soft fragrance and gives it volume.

2,15 £ on Amazon

Suitable for all hair types, Batiste Instant Air Refresh Nude will add volume to your mane while quickly absorbing excess oil. Its formula is a controlled combination of rice starch and alcohol that will be distributed to the roots of your hair without leaving an unsightly residue. You'll have a look that's simply incredible, including a neat hairstyle that looks like you just stepped out of a professional salon or a few days ago.

Weighing only 120g and containing 200ml, this dry shampoo can be carried around in your suitcase or purse, whether you're traveling or at the office, to add volume or texture to your hair without drying it out. For a better impregnation of the product, massage your head carefully so that the roots of your hair are completely covered.

Moroccanoil Light Tones 3
9/10

Premium

Moroccanoil Light Tones

The best high-end dry shampoo in 2021

Developed to refresh tired, wash-dull locks, this dry shampoo for light hair cleanses hair after a workout, a long trip, or for a change of style in the evening.

26,40 £ on Amazon
Amika Perk Up 4
9/10

Interesting

Amika Perk Up

A very interesting dry shampoo

With this dry shampoo, there is no risk of your mane looking dry or floury! The product quickly neutralizes impurities and envelops the hair in a pleasant, addictive fragrance.

21,60 £ on Amazon
Batiste Instant Air Refresh Original 5
8/10

For dry hair

Batiste Instant Air Refresh Original

The ideal dry shampoo for dry hair

Batiste Instant Air Refresh Original is an inexpensive dry shampoo that has convinced many women of its effectiveness. Simple and with a sweet fruity fragrance, it has everything to bring volume and freshness to normal hair.

3,22 £ on Amazon

It is the reference dry shampoo of the moment, very appreciated as much for its effectiveness as for its mini price. As for the ingredients, Batiste Intant Air Refresh Original contains rice starch, known for its absorbent properties, which eliminates excess sebum in the hair. The result is clean, refreshed and fuller hair.

The 200 mL bottle will last a long time, as only a small amount of the product is needed to make an impact on your hair. So avoid applying too much to avoid dulling your hair. Batiste Original is free of suspected health hazards. However, it does contain some potentially allergenic products and two quaternary ammoniums. A small drawback compensated by the effectiveness, the affordable cost and the pleasant smell of the shampoo.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best dry shampoo

Any specific needs?

The best dry shampoo in 2021

The best entry-level dry shampoo in 2021

The best high-end dry shampoo in 2021

A very interesting dry shampoo

The ideal dry shampoo for dry hair

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best dry shampoos

THE BEST CHEAP HIGH END EXCELLENT DRY HAIR
LT-Naturprodukte Lavaerde Sensitive 6
8/10
Batiste Instant Air Refresh Nude 7
8/10
Moroccanoil Light Tones 8
9/10
Amika Perk Up 9
9/10
Batiste Instant Air Refresh Original 10
8/10
OUR SELECTION
LT-Naturprodukte Lavaerde Sensitive
Batiste Instant Air Refresh Nude
Moroccanoil Light Tones
Amika Perk Up
Batiste Instant Air Refresh Original
This organic dry shampoo gives the hair a soft and shiny appearance without drying it out. In addition to caring for the most sensitive scalps, LT-Naturprodukte Lavaerde Sensitive also cares for sensitive and acne-prone skin.
Fall in love with this Batiste Instant Air Refresh Nude dry shampoo and get impeccable natural hair. With rice powder, its discreet formula envelops your hair with a soft fragrance and gives it volume.
Developed to refresh tired, wash-dull locks, this dry shampoo for light hair cleanses hair after a workout, a long trip, or for a change of style in the evening.
With this dry shampoo, there is no risk of your mane looking dry or floury! The product quickly neutralizes impurities and envelops the hair in a pleasant, addictive fragrance.
Batiste Instant Air Refresh Original is an inexpensive dry shampoo that has convinced many women of its effectiveness. Simple and with a sweet fruity fragrance, it has everything to bring volume and freshness to normal hair.
Format
Powder
Spray
Spray
Spray
Spray
Constituents
100% natural
Rice starch formula
With starch, argan oil and purple pigments
Rice-based formula
Rice starch formula
Quantity
1 kg
200 mL
205 mL
232 mL
200 mL
For what type of hair
Fragile, flaky and greasy
Colored hair
Light hair
All hair types
Normal hair
100% Organic

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Buying guide - dry shampoo

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How to choose your dry shampoo

Rather than choosing a dry shampoo at random, it's better to think twice before putting the first product you like in your shopping cart. To avoid unpleasant surprises, consider the following criteria:

#1 - The color of your hair

To ensure that the product goes unnoticed, choose a dry shampoo that matches your hair color. For white or blond hair, a neutral dry shampoo is ideal. For colored hair, a colored formula is more suitable. For brown or black hair, it is recommended to use a colored formula that is closer to the natural hair color such as brown or dark brown. You also have the option of opting for a clear dry shampoo that won't leave any white residue on your beautiful hair.

#2 - Your needs

If you want to add consistency or more volume to your hair, go for a powdered or clear dry shampoo. This type of dry shampoo will also add a bit of texture to a hairstyle and can be used in conjunction with hairspray to create a softer effect and set styles. On the other hand, if you're looking for a fresh, clean feel, opt for a spray or aerosol with a fresh scent.

#3 - For oily hair

If you have hair with an oily tendency, choose a sebum-regulating dry shampoo that will allow you to space out your hair washes as much as possible. And what better than a formula based on rice starch, oats or nettle for that. With this type of dry shampoo, your hair will be able to "breathe" since repeated water washes only encourage the scalp's production of sebum.

#4 - For weakened and dull hair

To avoid further damaging your dull, weakened hair that lacks texture, opt for a dry shampoo made with rice powder, and free of parabens, silicones and sulfates. This formula will bring shine and strength to your hair.

#5 - For dry hair

Although dry shampoos are mostly suitable for oily hair, dry hair can still benefit from them. This by favoring a formula containing olive oil or argan oil for example. Thanks to the nourishing oils, the dry shampoo will also moisturize your hair in addition to giving it freshness and offering you a clean feeling.

Dry shampoo: what is it?

Dry shampoo is a hair product generally made of rice, oat or corn starch powder. It allows you to clean your hair without water. Very practical for people who do not have time to wash their hair after a sports session for example. The result: fresh hair with a clean feeling.

Apart from that, dry shampoo gives more volume and texture to hair that tends to flatten out quickly. It is a stop-gap solution only and should never be used every day. Indeed, this product contains alcohol, which is aggressive, drying and irritating for the hair in the long term. Unlike conventional shampoo, dry shampoo does not wash the hair, but neutralizes impurities by absorbing the sebum accumulated on the scalp.

Good practices for using dry shampoo

  • Do not overuse dry shampoo. It may contain alcohol or ethanol. Chemical substances that, in the long term, clog pores, cause irritation and dandruff, and promote hair loss.
  • Limit the use of dry shampoo to special occasions.
  • Don't spray it too close to the roots so that the roots aren't lighter than the lengths. Instead, spray 30 cm from your roots for best results and effectiveness.
  • Make sure your hair is completely dry before applying shampoo. This is important so that the product can better absorb excess oil and dirt.
  • After application, wait about 2 minutes for the product to take effect before combing or brushing.
  • Then distribute it evenly on your scalp with a brush or comb.
  • For a fuller head of hair, spray dry shampoo in the middle of your fine hair shaft.
  • To add texture to your hair, spray the product on your ends.
  • Never use a dry shampoo in conjunction with a cream or oil if you want to add shine to your hair. For shinier hair, opt for a dry shampoo spray.
  • Always remember to rinse your hair once the effect of the dry shampoo has worn off. This is to remove impurities and residue for a clean scalp.

The different types of dry shampoos

On the market, you will find dry shampoos in spray or powder. Here are their usefulness, their advantages as well as their disadvantages.

Dry shampoo spray

For those looking for convenience above all else, dry shampoo spray is a must. Usually sold in aerosol cans, it's easy to carry wherever you go. Compact and lightweight, this format fits in your tote bag or backpack. It's easy to apply and less messy. Simply shake the product well before each use and spray the product about 30 cm from your roots. Within minutes, you'll have voluminous, fresh hair. If you have particularly oily hair, spray dry shampoos will work much better for you than powders.

Dry shampoo powder

If you have a sensitive sense of smell and find that spray dry shampoos generate discomfort in you once applied, you should resort to powder dry shampoo. If you find that the scent of the sprays is quite strong, the powdered shampoos will be less likely to seep into the air to affect your airways. As far as the type of hair to treat with a dry shampoo powder, fine hair will benefit more from the benefits of this powder version compared to thick hair.

Dry shampoo or talc?

Dry shampoo

Dry shampoo is a hair product that allows you to have shiny, washed hair without the need for water. It comes in powder or spray form and saves time when we do not have time to wash our hair. Although it includes in its formula agents that are particularly aggressive for the hair fibre in the long term, dry shampoo helps to preserve the sebum of the scalp by regulating it. The more often we wash our hair, the more oily our hair becomes.

However, dry shampoo may not be suitable for everyone. It is especially suitable for fine hair and hair that produces excess sebum. Dandruff-prone hair should also avoid using this product too often, as it will only encourage more dandruff flakes to appear.

Talc

Talcum powder is a kind of powder that was used in the past for changing babies. It can be used as an alternative to dry shampoo for its ultra absorbent power. Indeed, it absorbs very well the sebum of the scalp, just like dry shampoo. Moreover, millions of people use it for wellness and beauty purposes.

However, some beauty experts consider talc to be a carcinogen. Some studies have even shown that using talc too often can cause various forms of lung, ovarian and skin cancers. When it comes to fragrance, dry shampoo will always be one step ahead of talc because it comes in so many different forms that allow brands to tweak it with all sorts of scents.

Verdict

In conclusion, dry shampoo is frankly much better than talc. If you need a quick solution to neutralize the dirt on your hair but don't have water on hand or time to wash your hair, dry shampoo is the ultimate solution that will help you with excess oil.

Not only does it "clean" your scalp, it also leaves it feeling fresh and smelling delicious. Something you won't find with talc. On the other hand, if you want to use dry shampoo a little more often, consider alternating between market dry shampoo and homemade dry shampoo to limit damage to your hair.

Why buy a dry shampoo?

For healthier hair

Have you ever looked at the ingredient list on a shampoo bottle? Most of them use agents like ammonium chloride, glycol or sodium lauryl sulfate and a host of other chemicals to create a lather when mixed with water. When you wash your hair too often, you expose it to a lot more chemicals.

Over time, this will damage your scalp and sometimes lead to dry hair, premature graying, dandruff, and various itching. The best way to combat these problems is to alternate conventional shampoo with dry shampoo. Note that most people prefer sulfate-free shampoos, solid shampoos and organic shampoos.

To regulate sebum production in the scalp

Although washing your hair makes it feel clean and fresh, it is only temporary. After a few days, the hair becomes greasy again and needs to be washed again. Dry shampoo allows you to manage the amount of sebum produced by your scalp and thus reduce the frequency of washing.

For more convenience

The application of dry shampoo will not take you more than 1 minute and you will not even need water for it. You can use the product anywhere. Keep it in your gym bag or vanity case to apply after a workout or at the office for example. Simply spray it on or apply it with your fingers to your hair.

To add volume and texture to hair

Natural powders will add volume to your hair. Simply use your fingers to create texture and style. Dry shampoo powders are especially good for fine hair and hair that tends to flatten easily. Bamboo adds volume while silica (found in diatomaceous earth powder) helps improve damaged hair and soothes irritated scalps.

To prevent premature graying of hair

By eliminating chemicals, your hair will stay healthier and naturally shiny for a long time. Some dry shampoo sprays include essential oils in their formula that are well known to nourish the scalp and hair follicles, thus stimulating hair growth while preventing premature graying.

The best brands of dry shampoos

In our opinion, the best brands of dry shampoos in 2022 are :

Batiste
Amika
Argiletz
Keraline
René Furterer

When it comes to dry shampoos, the Batiste brand is the champion! It has more than 40 years of experience in this field and it is not a surprise that it has been N°1 in the UK and in Great Britain for more than 4 consecutive years.

The name "amika" comes from the Latin word "friend". The Amika brand was born in 2007 thanks to the creativity of two brothers, Shay and Nir Kadosh. They wanted to revolutionize the market of hair products. Amika's secret weapon is the originality of its formulas.

Argiletz is a brand that offers clay-based products. Jean Heitz founded it in 1953. He was inspired by his mother who used green clay to treat the wounded during the Second World War. Today, the Argiletz brand has become a reference when it comes to dry shampoo.

Keraline Paris is a brand that offers hair care products made in the UK, especially recommended by professionals. Most of the brand's shampoos are manufactured by the Blue Skin Paris Laboratories. The brand is currently a must when it comes to dry shampoos and treatments for damaged hair.

René Furterer is a world-renowned brand for the hair care products it offers (shampoo, conditioner, etc.). In addition to being environmentally friendly in the design of its products, the brand also offers quality medicines accessible to all budgets.

What is the price for a dry shampoo

The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).

However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.

We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.

Entry-level
1 £ to 8 £
Mid-range
8 £ to 15 £
High-end
more than 15 £
Price range diagram

Tips

Learn the best way to use dry shampoo spray

Hold the shampoo about 20-30 cm away from your hair and spray it directly onto your roots. Start where the hair is greasiest. Spray one strand of hair at a time for optimal product effectiveness.

Do not brush your hair immediately

After spraying dry shampoo on your hair, let the product soak in for a few minutes on your hair so that it really absorbs the natural oil in your hair. Only then can you massage, brush or comb your hair.

Identify the best time to apply dry shampoo

According to experts, using dry shampoo at night plays an important role in its effectiveness. The hair will absorb it much better while you sleep.

Do not apply dry shampoo to wet hair!

Dry shampoo can add volume and grip to your hair. However, if you apply it to wet hair, the water will make the dry shampoo lumpy and messy. If you plan to apply the dry shampoo after showering, dry your hair with a towel or hair dryer first before using the product, as water will limit its effectiveness.

Don't overuse your dry shampoo

Since dry shampoo can dry out your hair and make it brittle over time, it's best to only use it once a week. Also, remember to rinse the product out once the effects of the shampoo wear off. Under no circumstances should dry shampoo replace conventional shampoo, no matter how much time you save by using it.

FAQ

How to use a dry shampoo?

To avoid doing the wrong thing, rely on the best practices for using dry shampoo while following these steps: First, brush your hair to clear the roots. Then, spray the dry shampoo onto the roots of your hair from a distance of about 30 cm. Massage your scalp if recommended by the brand. After that, wait for a few minutes to let the shampoo take effect and soak into your hair. Once the time is up, remove the white residue left by the shampoo with a brush or hair dryer.

What to replace a dry shampoo with?

While you should be aware that dry shampoo can contain alcohol, which is harmful to your hair in the long run, you can occasionally replace the product with talcum powder (use sparingly) or with a homemade formula based on baking soda and cornmeal and lavender essential oil.

How to make your own dry shampoo?

The recipe is the same with a few ingredients for all hair colors, with cornstarch being the base for this homemade shampoo. Why is that? Simply because this ingredient has ultra absorbent properties. Blondes or those with white hair will add baking soda to their dry shampoo while brunettes will use cocoa powder. Redheads, on the other hand, are advised to use red clay or cinnamon to blend after application.

To prepare your dry shampoo, you will need a jar, a teaspoon of baking soda, 30 g of cornstarch and 3 drops of essential oil of your choice to perfume your preparation. To begin, first pour the cornstarch into the jar. Next, add the ingredient that matches the color of your hair. Mix well, then add the essential oil. Close your jar and stir it all up.

Does dry shampoo damage hair?

You should know that using dry shampoo on a daily basis can cause hair loss, dandruff and scalp irritation. That's why it should be banned from your daily hair care routine. Instead, it is recommended to use it once or twice a week at most.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
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Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

See more
Our selection
LT-Naturprodukte Lavaerde Sensitive 11
LT-Naturprodukte Lavaerde Sensitive
Batiste Instant Air Refresh Nude 12
Batiste Instant Air Refresh Nude
Moroccanoil Light Tones 13
Moroccanoil Light Tones
Amika Perk Up 14
Amika Perk Up
Batiste Instant Air Refresh Original 15
Batiste Instant Air Refresh Original

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