By Isha Sutaria
Dry shampoos are a monsoon essential. Humidity has a way of turning freshly washed hair into a regret, and skipping wash day entirely? Even riskier. That鈥檚 where dry shampoo comes in. It soaks up sweat, revives limp roots, and gives your scalp a reset without the fuss of blow-drying in muggy weather. But for it to actually work (and not leave behind a powdery mess), a few tricks are key.
Start by sectioning your hair and spraying directly at the scalp, especially around the crown and hairline. Massage it in to prevent any residue, then brush through to distribute evenly. For extra lift, try flipping your part after application.
You鈥檒l get even better results if you use it at night, letting the formula absorb oil as you sleep. And don鈥檛 wait for your hair to get oily鈥攄ry shampoo can be used on clean hair too, as a preventative step to stretch your wash days.
Here are five dry shampoos that actually do what they claim: absorb oil, revive your style and leave hair feeling fresher (and in some cases, healthier) without any of the telltale residue.
Batiste Clean & Classic Original Dry Shampoo
A cult favourite, the Batiste dry shampoo gives your hair an instant refresh. Don鈥檛 forget to shake the bottle thoroughly before spraying it onto your scalp and massaging the product in carefully so that there is no residue left behind. If you have thin, fine hair, this dry shampoo will also give you extra volume.
Kerastase Fresh Affair Refreshing Dry Shampoo
It has a fine powder formula that absorbs extra oil from the scalp, making it feel clean and non-greasy. It is extremely lightweight, does not lead to product buildup and can be used for all hair types. Unlike a lot of other dry shampoos, this one contains vitamin E that prevents the hair ends from drying out.
Aveda Shampowder Dry Shampoo
This plant-powered powder blends tapioca, cornstarch, and oat flour to revive roots with a soft matte finish. The non-aerosol format feels clean and conscious, while its signature scent鈥攍avender, bergamot, and palmarosa鈥搒mells like freshly washed hair on your best day.
L’Occitane Purifying Freshness Dry Shampoo Mist
If you want to splurge on a dry shampoo, look no further. This bi-phase formula uses natural-origin powders to refresh the scalp and absorb oil, while essential oils of peppermint, thyme, and lavender deliver a cooling, purifying feel. It鈥檚 a non-aerosol mist with no residue or grit, just airy roots and a soft, herbal finish.
Olaplex No.4D Clean Volume Weightless Oil-Absorption Detox Dry Shampoo
This dry shampoo features ultra-fine rice starch to soak up oil without leaving grit, and it鈥檚 powered by Olaplex鈥檚 patented bond-building technology to support scalp and hair health. Ideal if you want something gentle enough for frequent use that won鈥檛 clog follicles.
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