Dry Shampoo Decoded: How to Refresh & Extend Your Style

We are all about extending time between hair washes, but sometimes it calls for a bit of creativity to keep hair looking fresh – whether it be a slicked-back ponytail, a messy bun, a claw clip up-do, or, of course, a spritz of dry shampoo. Let’s face it, between a full social calendar and work life we’re all busy and products that let us save precious time always get our tick of approval.  

A styling saviour, dry shampoo is a game-changer for busy mornings, post-workout touch-ups, and extending your time between hair washes. Whether you're after a classic spray, a tinted option to blend roots, or a foam formula for lightweight volume, there's a dry shampoo for you. 

From cult favourite formulas, to top rated dry shampoos: we’ve got you covered. 

Contrary to its name, dry shampoo doesn’t actually clean your hair, and it doesn’t work on wet hair either (like the shampoo you keep in your shower caddy). What it can do is absorb excess oil and grease, boosts volume, and refreshes hair without water. Most formulas use starches, clays, or other oil-absorbing ingredients to leave hair feeling clean and fresh. We think the transformative hair-boosting powers of dry shampoo means it’s a non-negotiable in your kit. 

At their core, dry shampoos work by absorbing excess oil, with starches (like rice starch) and oat milk being common ingredients. Many formulas also include additional ingredients, such as aloe vera for a lightweight feel, charcoal for a refreshed look, or vitamins to help add volume and body. 

• For oil control opt for a dry shampoo with starches and clays to help absorb excess grease. Try: Batiste Dry Shampoo.

• For scalp health you'll be looking for dry shampoo that contains oat milk or ceramides to nourish and protect the scalp. Try: Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat & Ceramide.

• For fine hair, it's best to seek a formulation that will add volume, texture and lift. Try: Klorane Dry Shampoo with Organic Flax XL Volume.

When choosing between dry shampoo formulations it all comes down to: hair type, styling needs, and how you like to refresh. Powder is your go-to for oil absorption and texture, while foam is perfect for a lighter, weightless refresh – think clean feeling hair without the powdery feel.

Powder dry shampoos are the OG for a reason – they soak up oil, add volume, and keep roots looking fresh without water. If you love a bit of grit for styling or need something to revive second (or third) day hair, this one’s for you. Try Good Roots Dry Shampoo Powder; a non-aerosol, talc-free formula that instantly lifts roots, eliminates odours, and keeps hair looking fresh between washes.

Foam dry shampoos are a game-changer for those who prefer a cleaner, softer refresh. No residue, no chalky build-up – just lightweight volume and that just-washed feel. Try Schwarzkopf Blonde Wonders Dry Shampoo Foam; a no-residue formula that boosts volume, revives limp hair, and keeps blonde tones looking bright.

• Applying on freshly washed hair helps to control oil before it starts.

• Using dry shampoo overnight allows for oil absorption while you sleep.

• Targeting the roots avoids unnecessary oil build-up.

Wake up to fresher, revitalised hair with COLAB Overnight Renew Dry Shampoo. Infused with pink clay, this innovative formula absorbs oil and detoxes your hair while you sleep – no effort required. With notes of amber, tonka, eucalyptus, and lavender, it leaves both your hair (and pillow) smelling dreamy. Plus, it’s vegan, cruelty-free, and scalp-friendly. Just spray and snooze! 

Beyond absorbing oil, dry shampoo can be used to: 

Add texture for updos and braids. Dry shampoo makes styling easier, especially for those with thin hair. Tip: add a spritz of dry shampoo for a bit of extra grip that helps to secure a bobby pin. 

Create long-lasting volume. Flat hair? Not today. Dry shampoo isn’t just for absorbing oil – it’s also a volume booster. Spray it at the roots, give it a quick tousle, and watch your hair instantly gain lift and body. For even more texture, flip your hair upside down before applying. 

Get that post beach effortlessly tousled look. Sometimes our hair looks best when we don’t try at all – like after a day in the ocean, letting the salt water work its magic. But what if the coastline is far, far away? For beach waves anytime, OGX Sea Salt Waves Dry Shampoo refreshes and adds texture with a blend of sea salt, sea kelp, and aloe extract – absorbing oil while enhancing that effortless air dry look. 

Functionality meets fragrance. Some dry shampoos are formulated with technology that helps banish odour so that hair looks, smells and feels fresh.  

Banish unwanted regrowth, use dry shampoo to conceal roots. Tinted dry shampoos help disguise regrowth between salon visits while seamlessly matching your hair colour. But with the array of products on the market, it’s not a one size fits all situation when it comes to finding the right hue for you.  

• For brunettes: Batiste Brunette Dry Shampoo.

• For dark hair: Batiste Divine Dark Dry Shampoo.

Extend your blow dry. We’ve all been there, you leave the hair salon after a professional blowout feeling like the main character. If only that feeling could last a little longer, right? Want to keep your salon blowout fresh? A style-extending dry shampoo is a must. Try Redken Pillow Proof Two Day Extender Dry Shampoo, instantly refreshes hair and absorbs oil for tested "pillow proof" results. 

Is dry shampoo damaging to your hair?

Dry shampoo is safe when used correctly, but should not replace regular washing. Look for scalp-friendly options like Hask Tea Tree & Rosemary Scalp Detox Dry Shampoo. 

When should you use dry shampoo?

Dry shampoo is best used between washes to absorb oil, refresh hair, and extend your style. Apply to dry roots on second or third-day hair, post-workout, or even on freshly washed hair for added volume and texture. Add a spritz to your fringe (or bangs depending on what country you’re in) to refresh your hair without having to hop in the shower and starting from scratch. 

How long can you leave dry shampoo in your hair?

Dry shampoo is perfect for refreshing hair between washes, but it’s important to cleanse your scalp properly to prevent build-up. Aim to wash your hair within 1–2 days using your favourite shampoo and conditioner to keep it feeling fresh and balanced. Need a deeper clean? Opt for a clarifying shampoo that removes mineral deposits, product buildup, excess oils, and even silicones that can build up over time. For best results, follow up with a nourishing hair treatment or leave-in conditioner to keep your hair healthy and hydrated. 

Looking for the best dry shampoo for your hair type? Discover your next favourite in-store and online at Chemist Warehouse.