Hair refresher, volumiser and texture spray all in one
These days you’ll be hard pushed to find someone who doesn’t have the best dry shampoo stocked in their bathroom cupboards for emergencies.
As well as being a lifesaver when we’ve overslept, are hungover or simply can’t be bothered to wash our hair, dry shampoo gives hair lift and volume, and will extend the life of a bouncing blow dry by another day or two.
Forget sliced bread, because the saying should really be ‘the best invention since dry shampoo’. But, as with most kinds of beauty products, both price tag and quality vary massively – we’ve all had an experience with a less-than-OK dry shampoo.
Fortunately Team MC has put many a formula to the test in their time; so good that they’ll make you rethink how often you should wash your hair. So sit back, relax and allow us to talk you through the greatest hits of the dry shampoo world.
Best dry shampoo for oily hair
Colab Original Dry Shampoo, £3.50, Feelunique
Proof that price tag isn’t always an indicator of quality, Colab makes some of the best dry shampoos on the market. The selling point here is that there’s no chalky white residue here whatsoever, which can be hard to rub into darker hair without leaving a slightly grey tinge. Colab have a huge variety of scents on offer, including fruity, tropical and even ‘unicorn’ – but the original keeps things simple with that whole fresh and clean thing you’re after. Considering how much of the stuff you probably go through in between washing with the best shampoo for greasy hair, we’re also grateful that it doesn’t cost the earth.
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Best dry shampoo for dark hair
Batiste Dry Shampoo Dark & Deep Brown, £2.99, Boots
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Another bargain buy, Batiste’s dark brunette dry shampoo won’t blast your roots with white powder that won’t disappear no matter how hard you rub. Offering a subtle dark tint that’ll also help disguise roots, this one won’t leave your hair feeling sticky or heavy, nor will it wreak havoc on your colour.
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Keep scrolling for five more hero picks for every budget.
Happy hair-refreshing.
Aveda Shampure Dry Shampoo, £23.50, Fabled
Not only will Aveda's dry shampoo make your hair look cleaner, it will FEEL cleaner too, thanks to its 25 pure flower and plant essences and volumising ability. The dispenser allows you to spritz powder where it's needed (and the 'puff' is really satisfying. Trust us).
Klorane Tinted Dry Shampoo, £9, Boots
Have you got greasy hair? Tick. Have you got dark hair? Tick. Then you need this dry shampoo that's been developed for greasy dark-haired ladies in mind. Boom.
Bumble and Bumble Prêt-a-Powder Très Invisible Dry Shampoo, £24, Space NK
If you loved the classic Prêt-a-Powder smell but never quite got to grips with the powder formula and dispenser, we have great news. It now comes in an *invisible*, spray on formula that's a little easier for on the go touch ups, as well as being seriously lightweight. Already got pretty dry hair as it is? Try the nourishing version.
OUAI Dry Shampoo Foam, £24, Fabled
Traditionally, dry shampoos have either been aerosol sprays or powders reminiscent of talc. But less well known are mousse formulas, which you work into dry hair (as you would with normal shampoo), then allow to dry for a minute. OUAI’s will leave your hair clean, fresh and feeling great. We're into it.
TIGI Bed Head Oh Bee Hive Matte Dry Shampoo, £6.75, Amazon
Create super-sized styles with TIGI's matte volumising dry shampoo. The fine powder absorbs oil and gives hair a real boost.
