Like most of us dry-shampoo lovers, I have two dry shampoo modes. The first is quick oil absorption on days when I need to refresh my unwashed hair. For this, a sprinkle of dry shampoo powder along the area above my ears works wonders. The other mode is volumizing mode—for this, a spray of dry shampoo into the roots at the top of my head helps add body, grip, and texture for an updo or a tousled bed-head look. When I want to extend the life of a professional blowout, I use a little of both methods!
If you’ve not yet a dry-shampoo convert (don’t worry, it can be an acquired taste!), it’s worth experimenting with. It took me a few tries to get it right, including a totally botched application when I accidentally used nearly half a bottle—eek! Here’s a quick dry shampoo troubleshooting plus 5 vegan and cruelty-free dry shampoo options.
Troubleshooting Your Dry Shampoo Woes
Avoid using too much product. A little goes a long way. Also, the product is buildable, so you can always add more if needed. To make sure you’ve got enough, give the shampoo up to a minute to fully absorb excess oil.
Only apply to select areas. Unlike regular shampoo, you don’t need to apply dry shampoo all over they scalp—just the areas that show excess oil or need body and grip.
Avoid spraying directly onto scalp. For spray dry shampoos, hold the can up to 10 inches away. This will help ensure even distribution of product while avoiding that tell-tale white cast.
Always massage the dry shampoo into your hair and scalp. This helps distribute the product and increase its contact with the oil on your scalp and roots. When you’re trying to build body, this helps activate the volumizing goodness. That said, let the dry shampoo sit on your hair and scalp for a few moments before massaging it in.
Best Cruelty-Free Dry Shampoo (Including powder & sprays)
Best dry shampoo for fighting odor naturally: Rahua Voluminous Dry Shampoo
This certified vegan dry shampoo is crafted with organic plant-based and mineral ingredients, including cassava starch and star anise, which provides a fresh scent and antimicrobial properties. When applied to roots, this dry shampoo leaves hair feeling clean and refreshed while adding body and texture. The brand is pretty impressive, too—Rahua is committed to building sustainable communities and creating learning centers within the Amazon rainforest.
Best dry shampoo for making unwashed hair look clean in seconds: Captain Blankenship Mermaid Dry Shampoo
Designed for all hair types, this dry shampoo powder absorbs excess oil while extending the life of unwashed hair. A special blend of essential oils gives it a pleasant, rosy aroma. The finely milled powders mattify oily hair without leaving a white cast. Toss it in your gym back for a quick, post-workout refresher!
Best dry shampoo for dry scalp & hair: Acure Organics Dry Shampoo
Acure is an amazing brand for budget-friendly natural products with a luxe feel. This dry shampoo contains Argan Stem Cells and CoQ10 to help nourish and moisturize hair while giving it a cleaner appearance.
Best dry shampoo for a salon feel with workhorse performance: SACHAJUAN Dry Powder Shampoo
An Allure Best of Beauty award winner, this spray dry shampoo has a weightless feel and offers amazing volume with a fresh, matte finish. The line was developed in Stockholm, Sweden by renowned stylists Sacha Mitic and Juan Rosenlind, so you know the products are next-level quality!
Best dry shampoo for sexy updos and bedheads: Cake The ‘Do Gooder Volumizing Dry Shampoo Spray
This spray powder can be used to revive lifeless hair or give freshly washed hair an extra hit of volume. Perfect for a bombshell ‘do! Users report loving the delicious scent, too!
Do you use dry shampoo? What’s your favorite dry shampoo?
Related: This DIY Dry Shampoo With “Thin Mints” Scent Is Almost Good Enough To Eat
This DIY Hair Build-Up Detox Restores Shine Better Than Any Clarifying Shampoo
Best Natural Hair Oil For Glorious Summer Locks—& Every Concern Along The Way
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Photo: Velizar Ivanov on Unsplash, Respective brands
