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    1. Beauty
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    Supported

    I just tried a 'waterless' shampoo on my fine, flyaway-prone hair—here are my honest thoughts

    Does it actually perform as well as a regular shampoo?

    When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

    valeza's hair after using the powder shampoo
    (Image credit: Future)

    Marie Claire UK created this content as part of a paid partnership with The Powder Shampoo. The contents of this article are entirely independent and solely reflect the editorial opinion of Marie Claire UK.

    Valeza Bakolli's avatar
    By Valeza Bakolli
    Published 2 February 2024 In Features

    What if I told you I found a shampoo that’s completely waterless, plastic-free and plant-powered? Introducing: The Powder Shampoo.

    Now, I know what you’re thinking, but this isn’t the same as dry shampoo which refreshes your hair in between washes. The Powder Shampoo is a powder formula that lathers up when water is applied and washes your hair like a regular old shampoo. 

    So what’s the point in switching from your current favourite shampoo? Well, The Powder Shampoo is completely plastic-free and waterless (the brand doesn’t even use water in its production), meaning thousands of litres of water are saved annually when compared to conventional shampoo. 

    Obviously, the lightweight, water-less formula means that it’s great for travelling with, not to mention it will allow for 100 washes, meaning one bottle will last you about the same as four regular shampoo bottles (making it, in practise, a more affordable shampoo option when you think about it). 

    It’s also plant-powered, with no sulphates, silicones or synthetic fragrances, so this sustainable product is pretty great for your hair, too. 

    the powder shampoo - 3 bottles

    (Image credit: Future)

    Great stuff. But what I’m most interested in is whether the waterless formula actually performs. I’m pretty fussy with my shampoos. As someone with fine and wavy hair that’s prone to flyaways, I like my shampoo to be just the right balance of volumising and hydrating—not an easy feat, I can tell you.

    My scalp is also pretty sensitive, and has been known to get dry and itchy with certain haircare formulas (shampoo and conditioner bars, I’m looking at you), so I was intrigued to see how The Powder Shampoo would perform.

    Before we get into the actual review, you can shop the powder shampoo formulas I used for yourself below, and read on to find out how I got on with the powder shampoo process.

    the powder shampoo for dry hair

    Hydrating & Replenishing Powder Shampoo For Dry & Fragile Hair
    £25.50 AT THE POWDER SHAMPOO

    the powder shampoo for sensitive scalps

    Strengthening & Soothing Powder Shampoo For Sensitive Scalps
    £25.50 AT THE POWDER SHAMPOO

    The Powder Shampoo: A review

    I’ll be honest, I was a bit apprehensive about how easy this would be to use, but the directions couldn’t be simpler. Simply sprinkle the powder onto wet hair and lather. That’s literally it. 

    I was surprised at how similarly it worked to a conventional shampoo once I got over the initial powder application. I scrubbed my hair—using fingers or a scalp brush—rinsed and repeated. 

    The shampoo smells incredible (which I found surprising considering there’s no artificial fragrance added), and my hair felt just as clean as it would with a conventional shampoo. It has a surprisingly hydrating effect for a powder formula, so it didn’t irritate my sensitive scalp and I didn’t get as many flyaways as I do with most shampoos.

    One thing I will mention is to make sure you close the cap immediately after you’ve sprinkled it on your hair—if you shower head sprinkles everywhere like mine does, you don’t want to get any water in the bottle accidentally.

    Overall, The Powder Shampoo left my hair shiny, soft, volumised and surprisingly hydrated. Intrigued? Shop more options, including a powder body wash (yes you read that right) below…

    the powder relaxing body wash

    Relaxing Night Body Foam Wash To Unwind Your Mind
    £25.50 AT THE POWDER SHAMPOO

    the powder shampoo for thinning hair

    Invigorating & Stimulating Powder Shampoo For Thinning Hair
    £25.50 AT THE POWDER SHAMPOO

    the powder shampoo for dandruff

    Exfoliating & Balancing Powder Shampoo For Loose Dandruff Flakes
    £25.50 AT THE POWDER SHAMPOO

    the energising powder body wash

    Energising Day Body Foam Wash To Awaken Your Senses
    £25.50 AT THE POWDER SHAMPOO

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    Valeza Bakolli
    Valeza Bakolli
    Social Links Navigation
    Junior Shopping Editor

    Valeza Bakolli is Marie Claire’s Junior Shopping Editor, and as such, she’s made it her mission to encourage people to shop mindfully and with purpose. In her role, she covers all things shopping - from thoroughly road testing the best fitness kit to keeping a finger on the pulse of what’s new in fashion and beauty. She dedicates hours of her time every day to scouring the online stores, finding the best products online so you don’t have to (from small and sustainable businesses wherever possible, of course).

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