UrbanUpdate

The best dry shampoo is one of those not-so-novice grooming products that, like retinol  or night cream, is a big step above the baseline requirements. It might even seem excessive to have two different types of shampoo, right? But there is a compelling argument to be made for using dry shampoo a few times a week, particularly if you have an oily scalp or have medium-to-long hair—we'll explain. 

What does dry shampoo do?

Dry shampoo is a spray-or-sprinkle alternative to the regular shampoo you use in the shower. It’s not a straight-up replacement—you still need to wash your hair. But you don't need to wash your hair ever day, or even more than two or three times a week. Any more than that risks dehydrating your hair, stripping it of its healthy and nourishing oils and rendering it fried and frizzy. The idea is to limit your shampoo days to the bare minimum needed to keep things clean and fight excess oil. 

But you don't want to look greasy and grimy either, which is where dry shampoo comes in: It's what you use on the days between washes, to target the excess oils at the root of your hair, before they migrate into your hair and make you look like you need a shower. Using dry shampoo also gives each strand some extra lift, since they’re no longer weighed down by oil—you’ll immediately notice more volume and texture. The best dry shampoo products also contain nourishing ingredients that enhance the natural shine, body, and hydration of your hair.

Who needs dry shampoo?

Anyone with a medium or longer styles will benefit from dry shampoo. In short, if your hair moves on its own (even if it’s just two inches long), then it’s probably at risk of looking greasy and floppy by day’s end if you don’t address the oil buildup. (And again, while shampooing daily in the shower would also rectify this, it would likely damage and dehydrate the hair—and that’s certainly not your end goal.)

If your hair and scalp are especially oily, then you will benefit from dry shampoo even more than the average person. You may find yourself using it every day between washes, or even as a midday pick-me-up. 

How do you apply dry shampoo?

The main thing to keep in mind with dry shampoo is to target the roots. You don’t need to spray or sprinkle it into your hair, you need to do this at the scalp. Part your hair in several places, spray or sprinkle the product onto your scalp, and then tease it around with your fingers.

If you’re doing it after the shower, it's best to wait for your hair to dry entirely. Dry shampoo works better in dry hair—powder versions can get especially clumpy in damp hair. If your preferred hair product requires wet hair, you can always wait 10 minutes for the dry shampoo to do its work, then splash or comb water through your hair to wet it again before styling.

Be sure to tease or muss your hair up after application in order to evenly distribute the product—both spray and powder options can leave a white residue in the roots if you don't. Some brands sell dark-powder options for darker-haired individuals, but most products will work fine in dark hair if you take steps to evenly distribute it. 

4 Dry Shampoos We LoveThe Best Dry Shampoo

Oribe dry shampoo$48

Nordstrom

"Gold Lust" is the gold standard in dry shampoo.

The Best Dry Shampoo Powder

Alder New York dry shampoo powder$27

Amazon

A travel-friendly alternative to spray products. Powder can also be easier to distribute over the scalp—just don't sprinkle with a heavy hand.

The Best Value Dry Shampoo

Duke Cannon dry shampoo$10

Ulta

A great starter option if this is your first go. Low investment, thick results.

The Best Dry Shampoo for Dark Hair

Sachajuan dry shampoo for dark hair$37

Sephora

If you have dark hair and want to worry less about the white residue factor, here's your pick.

The Best Dry Shampoo to Style Your Hair With

R+Co dry shampoo paste$28

Amazon

Some styling products also pack oil-soaking ingredients, as is the case with R+Co's paste. The 2-in-1 product does wonders for texture and volume.

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By Adam Hurly



Adam Hurly has been covering men's grooming since 2013 (and for GQ since 2016). He is also a travel writer. In Fall 2024, Adam is launching Blue Print by Adam Hurly, a men's grooming platform. Adam resides in Lisbon (previously Berlin, NYC, and San Francisco). He is a Sioux Falls, SD, native... Read moreWriterInstagramRelated Stories for GQBathroom and Shower