The best dry shampoo: for 'washing' your hair in a hurry

Washing your hair can be a lengthy task, especially if you have wild and unruly locks, which is why sometimes you may find there’s not enough time for a proper shampoo and condition, plus, who has the time to blow dry their hair everyday?! Dry shampoo can be a girl’s best friend when it comes to styling in-between washes, and can help you make it to the end of the week without it looking greasy and unkempt. 

But dry shampoo doesn’t just have to be a substitute for washing. You can get a variety of different dry shampoos that do different things depending on your hair type to enhance your styling.  It can help mattify your hair’s natural oils so that it is easier to style and set in place, for locks that stay put all day long. Certain dry shampoos can also add volume and texture when applied to the roots and scalp before styling in the way you wish. It really is a great quick fix for those bad hair days that everybody inevitably experiences every now and again. For any straightener users out there, it's worth noting that using your straighteners after applying dry shampoo can leave a dusty residue on the plates of the irons.

Most of them smell fresh; with some available in different scents depending on whether you’re a fruity or floral kind of person. Some also come with a hint of colour which helps those who are in between colouring as well as washing by disguising roots with a hint of added shimmer. We picked out the best dry shampoos that serve different purposes- which one will you add to your hair care routine?

1. Philip Kingsley One More Day Dry Shampoo

A professional blow dry in a can

Specifications

Best for: Salon quality
Size: 200ml
Hair Type: All

Reasons to buy

+
Refreshing 
+
Adds texture

Reasons to avoid

-
A little pricey  

When you really can’t be bothered to wash your hair and try to push it back just one more day, this Philip Kingsley Dry Shampoo can give you that salon blow dry feel with just a couple of sprays. It has a refreshing smell and soothing properties which ensure the scalp stays moisturised. It ensures your hair stays non-greasy without being bogged down with product so your locks will feel as fresh as the day you washed it.  

2. Aussie Flower Power Dry Shampoo

An affordable yet effective dry shampoo

Specifications

Best for: Festivals
Size: 180ml
Hair Type: All

Reasons to buy

+
Summery smell 
+
Contains Jojoba oil

Reasons to avoid

-
Not the most mattifying 

If you’re off to a festival or camping for the weekend, then the Aussie Flower Power Dry Shampoo will bring out the hippy in you while keeping your hair looking and smelling fresh. It contains Jojoba oil which some say isn’t the best at eliminating grease, but it does make your hair super soft and shiny unlike some which can leave the hair feeling stiff and dry.  

3. Bumble & Bumble Pret a Powder

Fix your style in place with this magical powder

Specifications

Best for: Style fixer
Size: 56ml
Hair Type: Fine hair

Reasons to buy

+
Style fixer & Shampoo
+
Lifts the roots

Reasons to avoid

-
 Pricey 

It can be tricky to make a style last more than a day when you have fine hair, but with this Bumble & Bumble 2-in-1 product, you can extend the life of your hairstyle as well as disguise oily roots so that you can go another day without shampooing. It is applied to the roots and then massaged in to zhuzh up lifeless hair. Pricey, but a little goes a long way.  

4. Percy & Reed No Fuss Fabulousness Dry Shampoo

A unique fresh smelling spray for added bounce

Specifications

Best for: Smell
Size: 150ml
Hair Type: All

Reasons to buy

+
Soaks up oil
+
Used for styling

Reasons to avoid

-
Not the cheapest 

This dry shampoo has a unique “Walk in the Rain” scent which leaves hair smelling fresh with hints of mint, rhubarb and geranium. It’s a very lightweight spray that can be applied directly to the scalp or to a hairbrush to be carefully worked through the hair during styling. It does a great job of mattifying excess oil and adding bounce and body when you need a mid-week pick me up.  

5. Label M Dry Shampoo Brunette

The perfect product for beautiful brunettes

Specifications

Best for: Brunettes
Size: 200ml
Hair Type: Brown hair

Reasons to buy

+
Hint of colour
+
Adds volume

Reasons to avoid

-
Can be patchy  

Brunettes can now keep their hair looking thicker and healthier in between colours with this dry shampoo. Its hint of colour is great for touching up roots or covering greys in between your hair colouring routine and gives the appearance of thicker and fuller locks. Some find that it’s a little too dark and can become patchy, but as long as you apply from a distance of about 10cm, you should get a subtle and even coverage.  

6. Batiste Dry Shampoo

A loyal budget buy for girls on the go

Specifications

Best for: Budget buy
Size: 200ml
Hair Type: All

Reasons to buy

+
All hair types
+
Smells nice

Reasons to avoid

-
 Can leave residue 

Batiste is a go-to trusted brand for dry shampoo, and if you’re just looking for something to get you through the week in-between washes, then this is the one for you. It has a fruity cherry smell which is very appealing and a spritz here and there is all you need. Be sure to shake the can well as spray from a distance to avoid leaving white powdery residue on the scalp! 

7. BED HEAD by TIGI Oh Bee Hive Matte Dry Shampoo

Add masses of volume with this mattifying spray

Specifications

Best for: Volume
Size: 238ml
Hair Type: All

Reasons to buy

+
Hair stays put
+
Masses of volume

Reasons to avoid

-
Doesn’t go very far 

For ladies who love big, bold hair, you’ll love this Oh Bee Hive Matte spray. Not only does it absorb all the oils on your scalp, it works just like a hair spray to life the roots and keep a style full of volume all day long. If you’ve got longer hair then you may find this product runs out quickly, but for shorter styles it’s the perfect style fixer.  

8. Batiste Dry Shampoo 200 ml Light & Blonde

Add a touch of shine to brilliant blonde locks

Specifications

Best for: Blondes
Size: 200ml
Hair Type: Blonde hair

Reasons to buy

+
Root cover up 
+
Shiny finish

Reasons to avoid

-
Not the nicest smell 

Blondes can keep their hair vibrant in between colouring with this dry shampoo that has a hint of blonde in it. It is perfect for disguising dark roots as well as adding a touch of shimmer and shine when you’ve finished styling. Some people don’t like the smell but it provides a quick fix for those busy ladies who need a helping hand in-between salon visits.  

9. Herbal Essences Dry Shampoo Naked

A chemical-free spray for those with sensitive skin

Specifications

Best for: No chemicals
Size: 180ml
Hair Type: All

Reasons to buy

+
Sensitive formula
+
Lightweight feel 

Reasons to avoid

-
Doesn’t last very long 

If you find you are sensitive to a lot of products, then this Naked shampoo should be kind to your scalp as it has no harsh chemicals in it. Users find it feels nice and lightweight on the scalp, although it doesn’t tend to provide long-lasting results like some other products do. However, many love the smell and the way it makes their hair feel without clogging it up with product. A worthwhile bargain buy for hair emergencies!  

If a speedy morning beauty regime is right up your street, check out our guide to the best BB creams for a quick fix skincare cover-up.