The 5 Best Dry Shampoo For Oily Hair Options [That Actually Work]

February 10, 2022
by Jack Lyons
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Imagine this: you are chilling in your sweats and settling down to watch a Netflix marathon when you get a call to ask if you want to meet up. Now. Right this very moment. Instead of saying no, you say yes - we all do it.

Even though you are generally happy to be asked to socialize, you remember that your hair is way past its washing day as soon as you look in the bathroom mirror. So much so you could probably use the oil to fry up some food. Kidding, of course!

While washing our hair will always be the better option, sometimes dry shampoo is the only way to go, especially when you do not have the time to fully immerse your head under the shower and then wait for it to dry.

That being said, finding the right dry shampoo for these tricky times can be difficult, but fear not, we have got you covered.

From oil-busting natural alternatives to classic formulas, we have put together a handy buyer’s guide to help you find the right dry shampoo for you.

So, instead of worrying about your hair and an out-of-the-blue phone call, let us get down to business so you can enjoy your day without letting your hairdo spoil the fun. Here are the 5 best dry shampoo for oily hair options on the market today.

Act+Acre Plant-Based Dry Shampoo

ACT+ ACRE Plant-Based Fulvic Acid Volumizing Dry Shampoo - Natural and Unscented Powder Spray Shampoo with Fulvic Acid and Rice Refresh Oily Hair and Restore Volume - Dry Shampoo for All Hair Types

While dry shampoo sometimes gets a bad rep, this natural and vegan alternative is a good option for those who want something a little different. Rather than using a chalky powder or alcohol to absorb oil, it uses rice powder to help deal with excess oil and odor.

It is said to include 6 plant-based ingredients, which we have to say is less than other brands we have used. One of those ingredients is fulvic acid, a nutrient extracted from organic plant matter.

It is said to detoxify the scalp and help thair follicle to receive over 65 different minerals to restore its microbiomes. 

As a non-aerosol, it was tricky to spray the product 6 inches away from the root of the hair as directed on the bottle, so it had to be used much closer.

While a dry shampoo would usually show up as a white residue when this happens, this actually was not the case making it a welcomed surprise.

As someone with darker hair, it also did not look like dandruff in the roots due to it being practically invisible. 

The only downside is the size of the bottle being relatively tiny, but if you use it sparingly as a dry shampoo should be used, it will last a good month or two.

Pros

  • Plant-based - organic and suitable for vegans
  • Practically invisible - cannot see it within the hair roots
  • Nutrients included - also helps the hair to thrive

Cons

  • Tiny bottle size - it could be bigger to help it last longer
ACT+ ACRE Plant-Based Fulvic Acid Volumizing Dry Shampoo - Natural and Unscented Powder Spray Shampoo with Fulvic Acid and Rice Refresh Oily Hair and Restore Volume - Dry Shampoo for All Hair Types
  • More Than a Dry Shampoo. Absorbs oil, odor, and impurities to refresh hair, boost volume, and enhance texture. Plus, unlike traditional dry shampoos made of chalky powders that clog hair follicles and drying alcohols that irritate the scalp, this dry shampoo formula detoxifies and nourishes the scalp and hair with every use for long-term benefits
  • Just 6 Plant Based Ingredients. Refreshes hair and delivers nutrients to the scalp with a simplified formula of 6 multi-functional ingredients-less than half as many as other dry shampoos. Features Fulvic Acid, a super-nutrient extracted from organic plant matter that detoxifies the scalp and delivers over 65 minerals directly into the follicle to restore the microbiome. Rice and Tapioca Powders absorb more oil than talc and blend easily with all hair types and colors
  • Natural and Non-Toxic. Toxins can enter the body through the skin, this includes the scalp, so this natural and vegan formula is made without them. You won't find talc, aluminum, alcohol, aerosols, parabens, phthalates, gluten, fragrances, or fragrances. We are Leaping Bunny Certified and cruelty free.
  • Perfect for All Hair Types, Colors and Genders. The formula turns transparent when applied, making it suitable for all hair colors, dark or light. Safe for colored or chemically treated hair. Blends seamlessly with thin, thick or textured hair and recommended for women and men alike. For best results, apply to the scalp, work in with your fingers or a brush, then blast your roots with cool air to evenly disperse the powder.
  • Endless Uses. One bottle is designed to last several months. Conveniently sized for travel or on-to-go. Extend the time between washes, quickly refresh hair, minimize sweat before or after a workout, or add texture and lift.

Klorane Non-Aerosol Dry Shampoo

Klorane - Dry Shampoo Powder With Oat Milk - Eco Friendly Non-Aerosol Formula - Gentle Formula Instantly Revives Hair - Paraben & Sulfate-Free - 1.7 fl. oz.

Another eco-friendly dry shampoo, this non-aerosol bottle from Klorane, uses organically harvested oat milk as one of its main ingredients. It is said to soothe as well as protect the scalp.

Also, because it is plant-based, it may be less irritating for those who react to certain other ingredients like alcohol.

As a non-aerosol, it can feel a bit more tricky to use, but it is far better for the environment and easy to get past.

Once it was in the hair, it soaked up the oil like a sponge after around 10 minutes, and it gave the roots a bit of volume. 

While it does the job of any old dry shampoo, it actually did not feel like there was any product within the hair. Sometimes it can feel weighed down, but it was not the case with this one.

Also, making sure to use the dry shampoo sparingly with each ‘spray,’ it did not cover the hair in white powder, which would need to be brushed out. If too much was used, then this did happen. 

Due to it not being a standard aerosol, it can be a little messy, so it did manage to get on other things and the hair, but it is easily cleaned up if it does happen. 

Pros

  • Non-aerosol - better for the environment
  • Good for the scalp - due to hair and skin loving ingredients
  • Oat milk focus - made from organically harvested oat milk

Cons

  • Messy - it can cause a cloud of powder that gets onto things easily, but it can be quickly cleaned up
  • Sparingly used - otherwise white residue will build up
Klorane - Dry Shampoo Powder With Oat Milk - Eco Friendly Non-Aerosol Formula - Gentle Formula Instantly Revives Hair - Paraben & Sulfate-Free - 1.7 fl. oz.
  • This plant-based, loose-powder dry shampoo eliminates grease and odors to reveal clean, refreshed hair with added texture and volume. Ultra-fine powders blend invisibly into hair without residue.
  • Absorb grease and keep hair feeling fresh between washes with this sustainable non-aerosol powder blend.
  • Gently squeeze bottle, spraying vertically 10 inches away. Wait 2 min and remove powder by brushing.

Batiste Color Protecting Dry Shampoo

Batiste Color Protecting Dry Shampoo

When it comes to dry shampoo, everyone will have heard of Batiste. They are practically known for being the OG of dry shampoo. 

Like most dry shampoos, it is always better to find something that does not just cover up to two days' worth of unwashed hair but also helps it stay healthy.

The Batiste Color Protecting version is a good choice for those who have color-treated hair to help it last longer.

We already know that UV rays from the sun can harm us, but did you know UV rays can also make your hair dye fade? We did not know that either. 

This formula protects the hair color by providing a filter, a little bit like using sun lotion. In fact, we should probably normalize needing to protect our hair from the sunlight every day, so start that habit now.

By far, this was the best smelling dry shampoo using grapefruit, melon and apple.

While fragrance is not everything, it is great to have it included in a dry shampoo to give your hair a refreshed scent without masking any foul odors.

While we cannot comment on its UV protection fully, having dyed hair, it has not faded while using this product, but we may need to test it for a longer period of time.

However, it did give the hair a bit of volume and knowing it was protecting the hair gave us peace of mind.

It did create quite a bit of white residue on the hair compared to other versions, but this was easily removed with a massage and a brush through.

Pros

  • Great scent - apple, melon and grapefruit leaves hair smelling delicious
  • UV protection - helps keep hair healthy and dyed hair colored without the fade from the sun’s UV rays
  • Volume - added some volume at the roots

Cons

  • White residue - it was difficult not to have white residue, but it was easily sorted with a massage and a brush through of the hair

OGX Refresh and Revitalize Argan Oil of Morocco Dry Shampoo

OGX Refresh Revitalize Extra Strength Dry Shampoo, Argan Oil of Morocco, 5 Ounce

If you have oily roots, you might think that argan oil is only going to make it worse, but this cannot be further from the truth. It does the job of helping the hair bounce, shine, become smooth and soak up excess oils. 

Made specifically for curly or color-treated hair, this OGX dry shampoo is infused with argan oil from Morocco, which will help to keep dry and frizzy hair healthy and soft.

This is usually the case if you have curly or dyed hair, as the strands tend to go dry and struggle to be tamed. This dry shampoo promises to help with that problem.

On first look, the product smelled absolutely wonderful. We thought that Batiste had won the scent award, but OGX may have just overtaken them in the race to first place.

While it did not cure any frizz on the mid to lower ends of the hair, it stopped the roots from sticking out all over the place while adding volume and removing excess oil.

As much as it is a great overall dry shampoo, it is a little difficult to remove the residue through a good brush does help. It also contains alcohol which not everybody may be suited to, but this will not cause a problem otherwise.

Pros

  • Great scent - just like with all of the OGX products
  • Inexpensive - a great budget option
  • Targets frizz - suitable for curly and color treated hair

Cons

  • White residue - needs extra time to remove it with a brush
  • Contains alcohol - unless this irritates your scalp, it is fine to use
OGX Refresh Revitalize Extra Strength Dry Shampoo, Argan Oil of Morocco, 5 Ounce
  • FRESHEN TRESSES: This dry shampoo, infused with argan oil from Morocco & silk proteins, absorbs oils. Revitalize or add texture to your style. Keeps hair feeling fresh between washes
  • RENEW & REVITALIZE: No need to stress about limp locks or bedhead. Hair is transformed with a light & luxurious texture for revitalized style & silky-soft perfection. Great for second-day style.
  • BEAUTY PURE & SIMPLE: OGX products are inspired by nature. We don’t try to make hair look “perfect” because we’d rather make hair look fuller, smoother, curlier, or bouncier & smell irresistible.
  • WHAT HAIR WANTS: Whether you need quenching moisture for curly hair, protection for color treated hair, blowout cream or matte pomade, OGX hair care products are designed to bring out your best.
  • REAL QUALITY, REAL BEAUTY: Unattainable looks don't inspire us but originality does. OGX hair & skin care product collections are here to help you look your best. We’re beauty, pure & simple.

Dove Invisible Dry Shampoo

Dove Care Between Washes Invisible Dry Shampoo, 5 Oz

When we think of dry shampoo, we are always reminded of that white residue hiding in the roots of the hair, but this Dove version offers a magical alternative: invisibility.

While it might sound like something from a Harry Potter book, it actually is not. With something like this, it becomes rather exciting to try out.

Surprisingly, it had little to no white residue when used correctly. This meant not spraying it too close to the roots.

While it has been said that it is best to use dry shampoo the night before, this is not always possible. The Dove dry shampoo is a great option for when you need to freshen up the hair quickly.

It soaked up hair oil really well without any heavy build-up of ingredients. In fact, it felt weightless and gave the roots a nice smell and a bit of volume, which made the hair look extra healthy.

Nobody needed to know that the hair had not been washed in a couple of days after all!

Again, just like with the OGX, it includes alcohol which some people may find irritating. However, it will not harm your scalp just generally, so it should not be a problem. 

It also has no other benefits to the hair, but if you are just using it as a general dry shampoo, then this should not bother you in the slightest. 

Pros

  • Invisible formula - great to be used as a quick touch-up
  • Great smell - nobody will know you have not washed your hair for 3 days
  • Adds volume - and soaks up the oil within the roots well

Cons

  • Contains alcohol - some people may find this irritates them if they have extra sensitive skin
  • No added protection - better options for color treated hair
Dove Care Between Washes Invisible Dry Shampoo, 5 Oz
  • Dry shampoo leaves hair looking and feeling refreshed without washing
  • Invisible dry shampoo spray absorbs excess oil from hair without visible residue
  • Weightless formula instantly absorbs oil
  • Dove dry shampoo works with just a few quick sprays and brush strokes
  • Dry shampoo spray refreshes & revives hair without water

Best Dry Shampoo For Oily Hair - Buyer’s Guide

It can be difficult to know what to look out for when it comes to dry shampoo, so here is a handy buyer’s guide to help you on your way to finding the perfect one for your hair.

White Residue

As we previously stated, the one thing most people think about when it comes to dry shampoo is the white residue it leaves behind in the hair. While it does not necessarily cause a problem, sometimes it can be bothersome to get rid of.

While there are ways to do this, such as brushing through the hair, not spraying too close to the roots, and massaging it properly, it can prove a chore to some of us.

For those who despise it, there are ‘invisible’ options. While they are not actually invisible, they do produce less of the white residue - nobody has time to look like they have dandruff, after all.

If sprayed too close to the root, even these versions can produce a big circle of white crust on top of the hair, so always make sure to use as directed.

It does not matter that a dry shampoo produces white powder onto the hair because this will soak up all that oil. It can be easily gotten rid of, and that is exactly what you do as you massage it in and brush it out. 

Benefits

Some dry shampoos are just dry shampoos. They do their job of keeping your unwashed hair looking like you have just had a blow-dry at the salon. Then there are the dry shampoos that nourish and look after your hair as well.

While most of us will just want a dry shampoo to soak up any oil, that be the end of that; if you have color-treated hair, for example, finding a dry shampoo that targets this type of hair can prove beneficial.

The UV rays in the sun, whether during the height of summer or the last days of fall, can cause your hair color to fade. Using a dry shampoo that protects the hair color will mean the vibrancy will last longer. 

Also, some will help with frizz, such as having naturally curly hair and needing a little bit of help. 

Ingredients

There are so many different types of dry shampoo to use that whether you are vegan and are after plant-based products or somebody who does not care what ingredients they use, there is a dry shampoo for you.

Several dry shampoos use organic and plant-based ingredients. These dry shampoos tend not to be housed within an aerosol can.

While it can cause the application of the product to be a little on the messy side, they are better for the environment, and the ingredients may be more suited to very sensitive skin.

Even if a dry shampoo includes alcohol, it does not mean it is a toxic product. If you are sensitive to such an ingredient, then it is best to avoid it, but otherwise, it is absolutely safe to use. 

Fragrance

While you will want to mask the smell of unwashed hair, not every dry shampoo includes fragrance. It can upset sensitive skin, but it is also a growing trend that consumers do not want to have strong smells within their products.

However, there is nothing wrong with fragrance unless you are particularly sensitive to it. It can be useful to have when it comes to dry shampoo. Otherwise, you run the risk of your hair smelling slightly stale. 

Related: The 5 Best Professional Hair Color To Cover Gray

Frequently Asked Questions

Use dry shampoo is bound to come with a few questions... We've covered the most commonly asked questions when it comes to the best dry shampoo for oily hair.

Does Dry Shampoo Clean the Hair?

While dry shampoo does not clean the hair in between washes, it does soak up any excess oil giving you an extra day or two to have healthy-looking hair without using water and shampoo. 

When is the Best Time to Use Dry Shampoo?

Most of us will use it in the morning before heading out, but some experts (such as GHD) recommend applying it before bed. This way, overnight, the product can absorb all the oils, leaving us with fresh, ready-to-go hair in the morning. 

How Do You Use Dry Shampoo?

While it may seem a little daunting, it is actually really easy to use dry shampoo. Firstly, spray the dry shampoo about 8 to 10 inches away from roots on the scalp in sections.

You need to make sure that the spray does not feel concentrated on the hair; otherwise, it will show up as a white powdered mess.

Once the first step has been completed, it is time to wait and let the dry shampoo do its magic. It needs to be able to soak up the excess oil within the roots of the hair. Some say 10 minutes is a good amount of time to wait, so be patient.

Once this is done, massage the scalp and brush through the hair, or run your fingers through it. This is the stage that should either add more volume or show that the dry shampoo has worked. 

When Should I Be Using Dry Shampoo?

It is tempting to wait until your hair is especially oily before using dry shampoo, but you can actually use it when your hair is clean to add texture or on the second or third day of unwashed hair. 

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