Dry Shampoo: My Top Picks

What is dry shampoo?

Tell me if this rings a bell. Your alarm clock goes off, you hit the snooze button 5-6 times. You’re debating whether you should skip your shower and put your hair up in a ponytail for work, just to spend an extra 15 minutes in bed. Ugh, but ponytails still look greasy. Hat? Can’t wear a hat in the office. Shameless, greasy hair day it is!

Why does our hair get so greasy!? And why does it seem like boys don’t ever have this issue? A breakdown: Your hair follicles are connected to sebaceous glands on your scalp. Sebaceous glands are prominently on your scalp on face. They are also present on the rest of your body except the palms of your hands and the soles of your feet. These glands produce “sebum” or plainly – oil. When oil is produced on your scalp, what happens? You look like you have 50% less hair than you normally do because all the hairs are stuck together and yucky. 

Dry shampoo helps eliminate the morning hair fiasco. It is a water free way to freshen up your hair between washes. It is designed to absorb the oil that your sebaceous glands are producing and revive your hair with volume and freshness. It sometimes comes in an aerosol can or in a powder form. I prefer aerosol. How do you use it? If you’re using a powder, sprinkle a little into your scalp. If you’re using aerosol, hold the can 4-6 inches from the scalp and spray. Massage the excess out of your hair with your fingertips, and voila. Freshened up. Now, you’re probably wondering where to even begin looking for the right one. There are a ton on the market right now, and I am definitely not claiming to be an expert on the topic, BUT, I’d love to share with you what’s worked for myself and a few of my clients.

My top 3 picks, lowest to highest price point:

Pssst! Dry Shampoo: Some dry shampoos leave a white powdery finish which many people with dark hair dislike. If you find that a dry shampoo DOES leave the white residue behind, all you have to do is run your fingers through your hair and shake it out. I don’t mind the powder residue because it makes me feel like there is something actually absorbing the oil from my scalp. It is also not as noticeable for me because I have blonde hair. Pssst! doesn’t leave as much powder behind as other options and it smells really nice. It has a hint of coconut in the scent, I find. I have only been able to find this one at Wal Mart in the US and at Ulta. For my fellow Canadians, you can order it here: Ulta.com.

Batiste Dry Shampoo: This is my top pick and I have been using it regularly for almost 4 years. I remember the day we received it at Shoppers Drug Mart, when I was working there as a student. I purchased it the very first day it landed on our shelves and have been a loyal customer since!  Batiste Dry Shampoo is a UK brand and comes in a variety of different scents and shades. I have never been able to find the different shades for my clients, but I have tried a few other scents. The original is my favorite because it smells fresh. Be warned that this one DOES leave a powdery white residue, but I have used it on black haired clients and all you must do is shake out the excess by running your fingertips through your scalp and shaking it out. I truly believe that when the powder is actually VISIBLE, you know it’s getting the job done. I’ve tried handfuls of other brands that claimed “no residue” and I have to be honest, it didn’t feel like they absorbed the oil on my scalp at all. I’ve even gone as far as returning a few. These also come in little travel size versions, which I love to have in my gym bag or purse – Just in case. If you want to see Batiste’s full line, click here. Also, if anyone has used the colored varieties, comment below and let me know where you found them and what your thoughts were. In Canada, you can find Batiste at Shoppers Drug Mart, but I’ve also started to see it in certain Pharmasave and Superstore locations.

KMS Hair Play Makeover Spray: KMS is a salon brand. Although this is the priciest option, I do like it a lot. It does not have the powdery residue and is shockingly the only one without residue that I have found actually works on my hair. It has a fresh apple scent (in my opinion), and it leaves my hair smelling and feeling really fresh. You can find KMS at most hair salons or supply stores. Check out a few different salons, because prices vary. If you absolutely love salon brands (which we all secretly do) and cannot fathom purchasing a drugstore hair product, this is for you! 

Now you’re probably wondering, “how often should I be washing my hair?” Well, that’s entirely your personal preference. But keep in mind, just like any other oil produced on  your skin, it is there for a reason. Oil keeps the skin moisturized. Excess oil can lead to breakouts. Washing regularly is key to stay fresh, but over washing your hair may lead to a dry scalp, or even worse, dandruff. Regulate your shampooing to once every 2-3 days, and if you MUST shampoo every day because you have excess oil, try a dry shampoo.

Have you tried the above? Already have a personal favorite? Share with me – Pretty please! Either leave a comment on this post or “Like” The Beauty Vault on Facebook and leave me a little somethin’ to wake up to. :)

Have a wonderful week, lovelies!