If you’ve ever stood in the dry shampoo aisle wondering which one actually works, you’re not alone. I put 10 popular dry shampoos to the test, using each for five days to see how they held up. Some were surprisingly great, others…not so much. Here’s the breakdown of my ultimate dry shampoo experiment!
Why Dry Shampoo Is a Lifesaver
Why Dry Shampoo Is a Lifesaver
Dry shampoo is a game-changer for anyone who wants fresh-looking hair without the hassle of daily washing. Whether you’re a busy mom, a working professional, or just someone who hates washing and styling your hair every day, dry shampoo is an absolute must-have.
It helps absorb oil, adds volume, and keeps your hair looking refreshed between washes. I personally wash my hair once a week, so finding the right dry shampoo is essential!
For reference, my hair is blonde and medium thickness, so my results might differ from those with different hair colors and textures.
How I Tested Each Dry Shampoo
I started each test on day two after a fresh hair wash. I then used the same dry shampoo for five consecutive days, documenting my results each morning (as best as I could remember!) By day five, I could easily tell which dry shampoos were still holding up and which ones had fizzled out.
And if you want to watch the whole journey unfold, I posted everything on my Instagram story and saved it in a highlight bubble called “Dry Shampoo” so you can see the day-by-day breakdown!
The Dry Shampoo Contenders
I bought every dry shampoo that Target had to offer—plus a few extras from Amazon. Over several weeks, I tried them one by one and documented the results. Here’s how they ranked!
Common Dry Shampoo MistakesÂ
I’ll admit, I was using dry shampoo all wrong before this test. I used to just spray it into my hair and go. But after my hairstylist saw my experience on Instagram Stories, she gave me a few game-changing tips:
- Spray the dry shampoo at your roots, holding the can a few inches away.
- Wait about 30 seconds to let the product absorb oils.
- Tease or brush out the excess, or even use a blow dryer to distribute it better.
Some other common mistakes include:
- Spraying too much – More isn’t always better! Too much can make hair feel chalky and weighed down.
- Not applying evenly – Sectioning hair and spraying at different angles can help ensure full coverage.
- Using it only when hair is super oily – Applying dry shampoo before oil buildup starts can keep hair fresher for longer.
Once I started using the correct method, my results dramatically improved!
The Winners
- Best Overall: Amika – If money were no object, this would be my everyday go-to.
- Best Budget Option: Colab Blonde – Affordable, effective, and didn’t look too grey (like I thought a blonde-specific one might)
- Biggest Disappointment: Living Proof – So many people love it, but I just couldn’t get behind it.
Final Buying Guide
Choosing the right dry shampoo depends on your hair type and needs. Since I’m blonde, my experience might be different for darker hair or other textures. Here’s a quick guide based on what I found:
- Best for fine hair: Colab Blonde – Lightweight and non-gritty.
- Best for volume: Amika – Adds texture without weighing hair down.
- Best budget pick: Colab Blonde – Effective without breaking the bank.
- Best for dark hair: Batiste has tinted options, though I wasn’t a fan of the feel.
- Most overhyped: Living Proof – Pricey and left buildup over time
Recap of The Ultimate Dry Shampoo Experiment
I went into this experiment thinking Dove would remain my favorite, but after seeing how quickly it lost effectiveness, I had to rethink my top pick. Amika is hands down the best-performing dry shampoo, but the price tag makes it a splurge. If you want a solid drugstore option, Colab Blonde is my new go-to!\
This test also made me oddly self-conscious about my head shape lol…
Tried any of these yourself? Have another dry shampoo I should test? DM me on Instagram—I’d love to hear about your experience! And if you want to try out any of these one’s I’ve tested, click here to shop!
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