5 Best Waterless Dry Shampoos

Dry shampoo isn’t something new, but it really only gained popularity (and fans) in the last couple of years. Proving that it’s not just another short-lived beauty trend, dry shampoo carved a name for itself as an undisputed mainstay in our beauty routines.

If you haven’t jumped onto the bandwagon just yet, welcome aboard! For the time-strapped, busy, and sometimes-lazy woman, dry shampoo could just as well be the eighth wonder of the world. It gives you clean-feeling and fresh-smelling locks in a snap, prolongs the life of your blowout, and gives limp and flat hair much-needed volume.

Using a dry shampoo doesn’t only save your bum on mornings when you’re in a hurry, but it can actually contribute to your hair’s health in the long run. Washing your hair every day can lead to damage, making your locks dull, dry, and lifeless. It can even exacerbate hair loss, too. This is why beauty experts agree that shampooing less frequently is healthier for your hair.

Now that all of the wonderful benefits of dry shampoo have been mentioned loud and clear, let’s move on to a more detailed discussion. In this guide, we’ll talk about all the ways you can use this product, as well as how you can choose the best waterless dry shampoo for your hair.

Best Times to Use a Waterless Dry Shampoo

You might think that dry shampoo is only good for lazy mornings, but it’s actually convenient for many other situations, too! You’ll be able to squeeze a lot of use out of this amazing product—especially if you frequently find yourself in the following situations.

For long haul travels. If you regularly take train rides and flights that exceed 10 hours, having a dry shampoo will let you easily freshen up during the trip.

When you’re in a place where water is unavailable or unsuitable for hair washing. If you like going on camping trips to the mountains, you’ll know that bathing water isn’t always available for everyone. Similarly, some places around the world have water that is too hard, which could be bad for your hair.

For hospitalization and injuries. When you’re confined at a hospital with an IV needle attached to your arm, showering is pretty much impossible. Some injuries can also make it challenging to take baths. For these situations, dry shampoo will save you from that icky, oily feeling.

For emergencies and disasters. Some places are more prone to natural disasters. Hurricanes, droughts, and other calamities can cause the water supply in your area to be temporarily cut off. Keeping a bottle of dry shampoo for these situations will let you survive a few days without washing your hair.

To freshen up after work. Melted makeup and oily T-zones that appear at the end of the workday can always be remedied with a quick touchup. But if you have another appointment (or a big date) after work, you might want to touch up more than just your makeup. A small bottle of dry shampoo tucked in your work bag will help ensure that you look fresh and polished even after a grueling eight hours at work.

The Best Dry Shampoo for Your Hair Type

Other than helping you get away with skipping a shower (or two), some dry shampoos are formulated to help manage different hair types. Whether you have dry, oily, or limp hair, there’s something out there that is suited specifically for your needs.

Use a texturizing dry shampoo for limp and flat hair

If your day two hair usually means flat and limp locks, texturizing dry shampoos are your best friend. Aside from absorbing excess oil, a texturizing formula will give you fuzzy and grease-free waves.

Although dry shampoos should always be sprayed mostly on the roots of your hair, applying a little bit of product all over your mane will let you score much-needed structure and texture.

Choose a volumizing dry shampoo for oily and fine hair.

Women with fine hair are in a constant battle against looking like a walking oil mine. Even a small amount of grease massively affects the look of fine hair, so a volumizing dry shampoo will work wonders.

Avoid moisturizing formulas because they can weigh your hair down. Dry shampoos that contain clay or silica will absorb excess oil while making your hair look fresher and fuller.

Use a moisturizing dry shampoo if you have dry hair

If your hair is brittle, coarse, and dehydrated, the last thing you’d want is to exacerbate dryness with the wrong type of dry shampoo. Moisturizing formulas will get rid of grease while nourishing your hair.

Ingredients like almond oil, B12, and keratin will help bring your dull hair back to life. That said, stay away from shampoos that have a lot of talc and starch as these components can suck all the life out of your scalp.

Use a paraben-free and gently-formulated dry shampoo for sensitive scalps

If you have a sensitive scalp, you have to be more discerning of the hair products you use. Dry shampoos that contain chemicals which may be too harsh for your skin can aggravate itchiness and irritation.

That said, paraben-free products with soothing ingredients are your best bet. Look for gentle ingredients like oat extract and tea tree oil that help calm inflammation and unclog hair follicles.

Powder vs. Aerosol Dry Shampoos: Which Is Better?

Powder and aerosol dry shampoos pretty much work in the same way. The fundamental difference lies in the application. Some prefer aerosol sprays because they’re a bit faster to use and are better at leaving an even coat. Powder, on the other hand, is less wasteful and its application easier to control.

That said, one isn’t necessarily superior to the other. Because it all boils down to personal preference, we recommend that you give both a try and decide which works best for you.

Common Dry Shampoo Mistakes Women Make

Mistake #1: Not applying dry shampoo to the right places.

When your hair feels super limp and greasy, you might be tempted to go cray-cray and spray dry shampoo all over your hair—don’t! Limit application to the roots and maybe the first couple of inches of your actual hair. Hair grease usually stays within the topmost part of your hair anyway, and applying dry shampoo near the ends can make your hair look lifeless and stiff.

Mistake #2: Spraying too close to your head.

Many of us are guilty of spraying too close to the scalp. This leads to a chalky look since dry shampoo needs to be sprayed from the right distance for it to be distributed evenly. Generally, the spray nozzle should be six inches away from your scalp (or as instructed by the manufacturer).

Mistake #3: Using a color that doesn’t suit your hair.

When dry shampoo first started making waves, it only came in a universal light shade. These days, more and more brands are coming out with tinted versions, which means having limited options isn’t an excuse anymore. Whether you have blonde, silver, red, brunette, or black hair, there’s something out there for you.

Avoid using something that’s too light if you have dark hair because this leads to the dreaded chalky look. On the other hand, using dark dry shampoos if you have light hair makes your head look dirty and discolored.

Mistake #4: Applying too much product.

We all love dry shampoo for its wonderful benefits, but applying too much does more harm than good. Apply just the right amount, and you’ll get fresher, bouncier hair. Applying too much leads to dull and discolored locks. Not cute!

That said, apply a small amount at a time and slowly build up the application if you need to. Remember, it’s always easier to add more dry shampoo than to remove excess product.

Mistake #5: Forgetting to completely massage it in.

It’s essential to massage dry shampoo into your roots and scalp. If you don’t, the product just sits on top of your hair—making you look like you have a bad case of dandruff.

Mistake #6: Using dry shampoo way too much.

Dry shampoo is an awesome alternative for days when you can’t wash your hair. But that’s all it is—an alternative. Limit using your dry shampoo to once or twice between hair washes to avoid accumulating too much product on your scalp. Otherwise, the built-up residue can really clog your hair follicles and lead to irritation, itchiness, and even microbial growth.

The Correct Way to Use Waterless Dry Shampoo

As you can tell from the section above, misusing dry shampoo is rather common. First-time users are particularly prone to making dry shampoo mistakes. But fret not! We’re here to help you ace your first (or 50^th) dry shampoo application. Just follow the steps below.

1. Shake the can before using. Dry shampoo might separate and settle inside the container, so mixing it up before you spray it is important.
2. If you’re using an aerosol dry shampoo, hold the can at least six inches from your scalp. The best distance will vary per product, though, so it’s always best to check out the instructions from the manufacturer.
3. Divide your hair into sections and spray the dry shampoo evenly while aiming at the roots. If you’re using a powder shampoo, apply a small amount of product directly on your roots.
4. Let the dry shampoo sit for at least two minutes to give it enough time to absorb oil. Don’t forget to massage the shampoo to really work it into your hair, especially if you use powder and not aerosol.
5. Brush your hair to distribute the product and minimize discoloration.
6. If you’re using a texturizing or volumizing formula, you can spray a bit of product mid-shaft to enhance your hair’s texture. Be careful not to overdo it, though.

More Dry Shampoo Hacks

• If you haven’t tried applying dry shampoo right before you go to bed, give it a try! The product will have plenty of time to absorb oils as you sleep. The result? You’ll wake up to fab-looking, fresh-smelling, and refreshed hair.

• Spray some dry shampoo onto your bobby pins to keep them in place. If you’re constantly dealing with your bobby pins slipping out, using dry shampoo is a gentler, less sticky alternative to the good old bobby pin-hair spray hack.
• Smelly shoes? You can use your favorite scented dry shampoo to freshen up your favorite pair. Not only will they smell better, but the dry shampoo will also absorb excess moisture inside your shoes.
• Using the same oil-absorbing abilities, you can use dry shampoo to soak up excess sweat post-workout (or when it’s a really hot day). Our backs, legs, and underarms are prime spots for sweat and oil, so having a dry shampoo in your bag can help you keep yourself feeling fresh and dry all day long.