Dry Shampoo For Oily Hair (Top rated and Buying Guide)

Dry shampoo has become some sort of superhero for saving unwashed strands. If you’ve ever experienced a couple of days without washing your hair, and chances are you have, then you probably have been in need of dry shampoo for oily hair to save the day when you are trying to get out the door and onto start whatever it is you have in your tight agenda.

No matter your age, race, sex, or religion, oily hair, unfortunately, does not discriminate, so unless you have no hair on your head it is highly likely you have experienced oily hair to some extent, some more than others, though.

This is why both men and women can actually benefit from a good dry shampoo for oily hair, even if you have colored hair, you can opt for the best dry shampoo for oily blonde hair.

Therefore, dry shampoo is a nearly magical alternative to liquid shampoo if you’re on the go or want to wash your hair every other day. So, if you don’t want to look like a complete mess on the outside too, and want to go for a clean, neat, respectable appearance, do yourself a favor and get yourself a dry shampoo for oily hair and stop looking like a bum, you never know you might get that raise you’ve been hoping for and that you totally deserve.

If you are new to dry shampoos you probably wonder, how they work, what is the best dry shampoo for oily hair, where can you find them, and how to use them. These are all valid questions that if you stay long enough we’ll be more than happy to share all the answers with you. So stick around and learn more about dry shampoo for oily hair in the following guide.

Dry Shampoo For Oily Hair Reviewed In This Guide

How To Choose The Perfect Dry Shampoo For Oily Hair For You?

First off, you need a good dry shampoo for oily hair to keep your look with a healthy amount of shine. But how to choose among a sea of choices? Keep an eye out for a shampoo that works to smoothen any frizzy strands and flyaways while fortifying your hair with soothing and gentle formulas.

Choose the right shampoo for your hair: certain kinds work better for those with dry hair, oily skin, or sensitive noses. A quality dry shampoo for oily hair cleanses your hair while replenishing your strands, creating soft and manageable tresses.

Hair that has been chemically treated is often moisture-stripped, so the best dry shampoo for oily hair not only gently absorbs oil but also adds much-needed nourishment to stressed-out strands.

With so many different options of dry shampoo for oily hair to choose from, it can be quite overwhelming to know which would work best. In order to find the best one for you, you must keep in mind certain factors such as ingredients. Smelling the shampoo is also key, especially if you’re allergy-prone. Scentless shampoos are an option.

The most common oil-absorbing ingredients in dry shampoo are types of starch powder, like rice and cornstarch. A good dry shampoo for oily hair will also ideally have a moisturizing agent added in, like argan oil or oat milk, so that your hair doesn’t get overly dry.

You also need to carefully choose your application method, some brands offer both an aerosol spray or a sprinkle-on powder. If you opt for powder, just make sure you are rubbing it in well so you don’t have any white residue left on your strands.

Section out your hair before you apply it, and work the shampoo into your hair with your fingers and a hairbrush. Use your dry shampoo for oily hair sparingly throughout the week to avoid scalp buildup.

Types Of Dry Shampoo For Oily Hair

Aerosol -Dry Shampoo For Oily Hair

Aerosol shampoos are usually sold in spray cans, which you can carry in your bag or purse. In comparison to powder shampoos, aerosols can be applied more easily on the go. Spray shampoos are also usually better for oily hair.

These are the most famous with the largest market. Some are even pH-balancing liquids that you spray the hair completely, massage at the scalp, and voila. This helps loosen up dirt, oil, and debris without having to physically get hair wet from the shower or bath.

Paste-Dry Shampoo For Oily Hair

The paste is another atypical consistency for dry shampoo. As a foam, a paste can be easier to apply for anyone seeking precision. The texture has this really unique grit that gives hair such beautiful movement, pieceyness, and shine.

To apply it, you need to scoop a grape-sized amount into your palms and rub them together to warm up the paste, then take your pincer fingers and separate the hair.

Foam -Dry Shampoo For Oily Hair

These dry shampoos for dyed hair, are preferred by those with curls as they have a water base, which can help reactive limp curls at the root. Not only that but you can more easily scrunch into the root (where you need the help).

Foam shampoo is sprayed onto the roots of the hair and massaged into the scalp and through to the hair ends. The difference in dry shampoo foams is the addition of a small amount of water.

Powder -Dry Shampoo For Oily Hair

The powder shampoo is great if you’re sensitive to smell. Spray shampoos release more particulates in the hair. If you have trouble sneezing around strong odors, powder shampoo is the better way to go. Fine hair also benefits more from powder shampoo, as an aerosol spray can weigh down the hair too much.

Powder dry shampoo for oily hair is typically formulated with rice or tapioca starch which quickly absorbs excess oil from hair so it can be brushed out. They are also designed to be freshening, with ingredients to leave hair lightly perfumed and deodorized.

By removing the excess oil that weighs hair down, dry shampoo gives hair a boost of volume and lift. These function similarly to a face blotter: Tap along your hairline, roots, and oily spots to absorb moisture.

Best Dry Shampoo For Oily Hair List


1. Not Your Mother’s Clean Freak Unscented Dry Shampoo For Oily Hair


What We Like

  • Refreshing
  • Volumizing
  • Oil Control

What We Don’t Like

  • Overpowering scent

This waterless shampoo leaves hair feeling washed without a drop of water while leaving no unwanted white residue; simply shake vigorously, then hold the can 8-10 inches away and spray onto roots.

This dry shampoo spray absorbs excess oil from the hair to revive between washes.

Volumizing dry shampoo is perfect for days when you are short of time, this weightless formula instantly absorbs oil, cleanses, and pumps hair with volume.

It works with just a few quick sprays and brush strokes to tackle oily hair. Dry shampoo spray works to instantly absorb oil and acts as a dry hair treatment.

What Our Testers Say

This stuff is great! I actually like it better than Batiste because it doesn’t coat your head in goop. After using your hair is immediately refreshed and smells and feels great! No heavy residue, just run a brush through it after use and it will look and feel like you just shampooed and conditioned your hair!

So great for those days when you’re running late or just feeling lazy but your hair is a bit greasy. Instead of a full shower, this stuff saves so much time and energy and you still look great.

Perfect for days when you are short of time, the dry shampoo instantly absorbs oil, conveniently cleaning, reviving, and volumizing hair in one.

This volumizing dry shampoo was custom crafted specifically for those with flat hair that can be oily, a little limp, or weighed down between washes.

Tips

Too much dry shampoo can cause irritation or build-up in some hair types, so be sure to treat them as a backup to hair washing and not as a replacement (as tempting as it may be).



2. Living Proof Dry Shampoo For Oily Hair


What We Like

  • No Silicones
  • No Parabens
  • Color Sage
  • No Phthalates

What We Don’t Like

  • Expensive

This dry shampoo for oily hair makes hair look, feel, and smell clean. Delivers fresh scent throughout the day.
A dry shampoo that actually cleans hair, eliminating oil, sweat, and odor. It is silicone-free, paraben-free, phthalate-free, and cruelty-free.

Apply to dirty/oily areas on dry hair. Wait 30 seconds. Massage/shake at roots with hands or brush hair to remove.

What Our Testers Say

I’ve tried a lot of dry shampoos. On my fine but lots of stick straight hair- it shows grease after one day of not washing. Sprayed this in on day 2 of no shower and was pleasantly surprised at the non-greasy, full-bodied hair it left me with. Highly recommend!

Powered by our Triple-Action Cleaning Technology to address how the hair looks, feels, and smells. The result: your hair will look, feel and smell clean.

Fast-absorbing powders soak up oil and sweat while our patented Healthy Hair Molecule helps you remove the powders easily from hair, resulting in actually clean hair. Odor neutralizers and time-released fragrances keep hair smelling clean.

Tips

Don’t spray too close to your head, it will prevent the product from being evenly distributed.



3. OGX Mermaid Dust Dry Shampoo For Oily Hair


What We Like

  • Sulfate-Free
  • Color Safe
  • Floral Scent

What We Don’t Like

  • Leaves White Residue

Developed with Youtube beauty expert Kandee Johnson, OGX Kandee Pop Mermaid Dust Dry Shampoo helps extend the life of your wash for clean, fresh-looking hair.

This dry shampoo for all hair types lets you keep strands clean and fresh without running the water. This mermaid spray also absorbs oil, which boosts body and volume.

OGX Kandee Pop Glam Mermaid Dust Dry Shampoo is a delightful, indulgent sensory experience with a delicious smelling mix of sweet cotton candy, semi-floral, and tropical scents.

This everyday dry shampoo is made without sulfated surfactants and is extra good for color-treated hair.

Using a dry shampoo lessens exposure to water, which can help protect against color fade and keep hair color vibrant for longer.

What Our Testers Say

I use dry shampoo often as I don’t like to wash my hair every day. This one is fabulous! It’s light & refreshes my hair; it doesn’t feel gunky like some others that I’ve used, & I’ve used a lot of others.

It doesn’t make my hair flat either. But the smell is the real reason I buy this one. It reminds me of cotton candy & a summer carnival! Ok, maybe that’s a bit dramatic but the smell of this is definitely my favorite thing about it!!!

How To Use OGX Mermaid Dust Dry Shampoo For Oily Hair

  1. Shake dry shampoo and hold at least the length of the can from the head (8-12 inches). Spray on the root starting at your part line, and divide it into smaller sub-sections to ensure the whole head gets the product.
  2. Flip your head upside down and gently massage your roots all over with your fingertips. If the spray still feels damp, set a blow dryer on the lowest, coolest setting and aim it at your roots.
  3. Use your fingers or brush to comb through to disperse throughout the whole head


4. OGX Purifying + Charcoal Detox Dry Shampoo For Oily Hair


What We Like

  • Charcoal
  • Sulfate-Free
  • Spray
  • Bergamot Scent

What We Don’t Like

  • May Leave Hair Rough

This dry shampoo for oily hair keeps your locks looking fresh. This charcoal dry shampoo boosts the body and adds fullness to fresher-looking hair without having to suds up with traditional shampoo and conditioner.

Skipping the suds with dry shampoo helps to extend the time between washes by absorbing oil and other impurities. Absorbing excess oil with this charcoal dry shampoo helps to add a new fullness to hair when you’re on the go.

What Our Testers Say

Love this stuff. My hair was just feeling BLAH! I have been experiencing terrible hair loss for the past couple of years due to hormones (only 34) so I am very nervous about what I use on my hair but I knew I needed a good deep clean.

Use about once every 2 weeks in place of my normal conditioner. Doesn’t dry out my hair (I still use conditioner of course) but it makes it seem shinier, lighter, and has more volume. Definitely a great choice!

Activated charcoal and kaolin clay blend help cleanse and purify to promote a clean, healthy scalp. This charcoal dry shampoo is proudly made with all of the good stuff and no sulfated surfactants. Safe for color-treated and chemically-treated hair.

Sulfate-free surfactants this charcoal dry shampoo is proudly Made with all of the good stuff and no sulfated surfactants. Safe for color-treated and chemically-treated hair.

Tips

Shake well before use. Lift sections of hair and spray directly at the root, 8-12 inches away from the scalp. Massage through roots to absorb excess oil and distribute evenly. Style as usual. Reapply as needed.



5. Klorane Dry Shampoo For Oily Hair


What We Like

  • Paraben & Sulfate-Free
  • Regulates Oil Production
  • All Hair Types

What We Don’t Like

  • Pricey
  • Strong Scent

Ideal for oily hair, this fast-absorbing dry shampoo rids hair and scalp of oil, in 25 seconds allowing more time between washes. Hair is clean, refreshed, and feels light and bouncy. Invisible finish with no chalky residue.

Oil control Dry shampoo eliminates oil, dirt, and odor. Hair is cleaner for longer, with bouncy volume and texture. This dry shampoo for oily hair will not strip hair color.

You do need to shake this pretty well before using/during use. if you do not, or towards the end of the can, it does end up not spraying much more than air.

What Our Testers Say

Holy crap. My hair is fine and thin, so after one day it generates a lot of oil. I wash it at 5:30 am and by 6 pm it’s noticeably oily. I’ve tried at least 5 different dry shampoos so I can try to be one of those people that doesn’t wash their hair every day… this is the ONLY dry shampoo that has worked for me.

The others would work for a few hours but this one sucks up all the oil I generate. I do spray it on the night before to allow it to soak it up better and then in the morning I spray only a tiny bit on the areas that still need it and then that’s it.

How To Use

  1. Shake well.
  2. Spray evenly 10 inches away from the hair, focusing on the roots.
  3. After 2 minutes brush through.


Dry Shampoo For Oily Hair Buying Guide

What Is A Dry Shampoo For Oily Hair?

Essentially it is a powder or fast-drying spray that provides a water-free option for cleansing your hair. Some dry shampoos come in paste form, and some are available in different shades so you can match your dry shampoo to your hair color.

The dry shampoo for oily hair absorbs excess sebum and other oils from your roots freshen up the rest of your hair and leave it smelling fresher.

The “shampoo†part of the name is more of a nod to the fact that they mask, dissolve, or absorb oil and grease and make your hair appear cleaner, in that sense, these are also known as waterless shampoos.

They are sprays or powders that use various actives, like starch, charcoal, or astringents to absorb or wick away moisture. These do not clean your scalp or hair in the same way that a proper shower might. So you can use a rinse-less shampoo in a pinch, but don’t swap in lieu of a wash too regularly.

How Does A Dry Shampoo For Oily Hair Work?

Simply put, the starches in formulas absorb the oil buildup in your hair. When your scalp produces an excess of sebum, dry shampoo application makes for a great way to hide oily hair. Hair follicles cover your scalp and in addition to producing hair, they produce sebum.

The production of this natural oil is key for softening your hair texture and protecting your skin. However, when you go about your day, your hair follicles can produce a buildup of sebum leading to oily-looking hair.

You’ll want to avoid overusing or leaving it in your hair for prolonged periods without washing it out can lead to a buildup of the product on your scalp. An accumulation of styling products can make your scalp itch. It’s possible the buildup could also lead to folliculitis.

Features To Look For In A Dry Shampoo For Oily Hair

Gentle Ingredients

Choose ingredients that are natural and gentle on the scalp. Gentle ingredients also impart proper nourishment to hair without damaging it.

Ensure there are no alcohol or butane contents since this would damage your hair and leave it extremely dry. When you have treated hair, you want to keep it moisturized and healthy and these ingredients are the opposite of that.

Absorbent Formula

Your dry shampoo for oily hair should be sulfate and sodium-free, it should contain no silicones, should leave no residue, and should not dry out your hair with Alcohol and Butane.

Sulfate and sodium suck out all the moisture your scalp needs. Although dry shampoos are meant to absorb oil and grease from your hair, sulfate and sodium-free shampoos only remove excess oil and do not dry out your scalp.

The most common oil-absorbing ingredients in dry shampoo are types of starch powder, like rice and cornstarch. Rice starch is super popular and appears in most of the products here because its smaller particle size absorbs oil well.

Color And Finish

While some products work well on all kinds of hair, others are formulated for light-colored hair, dark-colored hair, curly hair, fine hair, and other hair types. When they make these dry shampoos, they will include ingredients that can enhance color or help volumize hair, so you should look for something that works with your hair type.

No Residue

If you are new to dry shampoo, you should know that some dry shampoos leave a powdery white residue on your hair. Although it is somewhat normal, it could be annoying getting rid of it when there are available ones in the market that offer no residue.

Moisturizing Agent

A good dry shampoo for oily hair will also ideally have a moisturizing agent added in, like argan oil or oat milk, so that your hair doesn’t get overly dry. As much as possible, it should be organic.

Look for moisturizing agents like kaolin clay and rice and cocoa powders to fight excess grease and add volume to the hair. While most commercial dry shampoos use synthetic fragrances, this product uses a blend of essential oils to create a nice, refreshing scent.

Delivery Method

You have probably seen the two main types of dry shampoo: an aerosol spray or a sprinkle-on powder. While you might find that you just like one application method more than the other, each type does offer some unique benefits.

An aerosol disperses dry shampoo in a mist, which covers a lot of areas at one time and helps bulk up fine hair. A loose powder, on the other hand, is more concentrated, which makes it ideal for very oily scalps, even sweaty, post-workout hair.

Effectiveness

It is always a good idea to check each shampoo’s effectiveness by reading and properly understanding its label. You can also read reviews from users to see how effective a product is. You need to understand the length of time a dry shampoo will keep your hair clean and fresh in between washes. The longer, the better.

Scent

Check for the scents especially if you are getting aerosol dry shampoos since you would spray them on your head. A scent that is too strong could be nauseous and may cause irritation.

Dry shampoos come in a variety of scents. Some smell more like baby powder, while others can have floral or other fresh-smelling scents. Just as you would test out a perfume, spritz spray shampoo slightly in front of you and gauge its smell. For powder shampoo, cup your hand above the open container and let it waft toward your nose.

Suitability For Hair Type

Now every dry shampoo is tailored to a different hair issue and type. You should check if it is actually worth using a specific product for a specific texture. Those with fine or thin hair, however, may find their hair looks greasy after just one day.

It’s all to do with the amount of oil your scalp produces, as well as how well your hair can carry that oil.

Common Questions About Dry Shampoo For Oily Hair

Is dry shampoo good for oily hair?

Dry shampoo is most effective for hair that naturally holds a lot of oil. If you find that even a quick workout session or a humid commute leaves your hair looking oily, dry shampoo might come in handy for a quick fix.

Should I put dry shampoo on before bed?

The best time to use dry shampoo is before bedtime. If you’re not planning to shampoo in the morning, apply your dry shampoo the night before. It will absorb the oil in your hair while you are sleeping, and in the morning you will only have to do touch-ups and your regular styling.

Should you use dry shampoo after a shower?

Dry your hair before using dry shampoo as a styling tool. Dry shampoo can add volume and grip to your hair, but water can make dry shampoo clumpy and messy. If you’re using dry shampoo after a shower, towel or blow-dry your hair before using.

How often should you use dry shampoo?

Experts say one to two times a week is ok. Don’t use it every day. This weakens hair’s strength, potentially leading to hair loss and skin issues like infections, dermatitis, and acne. Instead, give your scalp a chance to breathe between washes: Pros recommend only using dry shampoo one to two times a week.

Can you use dry shampoo on sweaty hair?

It’s specifically made for use on dry strands, so spraying it on sweaty hair won’t help much. Instead, mist the product throughout your roots before you hit the gym.

Does dry shampoo make greasy hair worse?

When not used properly, dry shampoo can cause buildup and clogged pores.
Attempting to mask dirt, oil, and pollution with a dry shampoo may add more grime to your scalp and hair. Like attracts like, so the buildup you’re adding to your scalp by using dry shampoo has a sort of snowball effect.

How to properly apply dry shampoo for oily hair?

  1. Section out your hair. Separating your hair into sections will help you apply the powder evenly. Make each section about 2 inches (5 cm) apart. Work your way down from your hair’s natural part to the nape of your neck.
  2. Apply dry shampoo near your roots first. Spray aerosol shampoo about 6 inches (15 cm) away from your hair to prevent buildup. Start with your roots and move further down the section as you go. Spray liberally from roots to tips until the shampoo is visible but not thickly covering your hair.
  3. Let the shampoo sit for 5-10 minutes. Dry shampoo needs time to absorb the oil at your roots. Before you massage or brush it out, let the shampoo sit in your hair for 5-10 minutes. The longer you wait, the more oil your dry shampoo will absorb.
  4. Use your fingertips to massage the shampoo into your hair. Start at the roots, where you first applied the shampoo. Work your fingers through your hair until the shampoo gradually blends into your hair. You’ll know you’re done when you can see little-to-no shampoo left sitting on your head.
  5. Brush away excess shampoo. Some dry shampoo might linger in your hair after you’ve massaged your head. If this is the case, you may have applied too much. Use a stiff bristle brush to distribute the shampoo throughout your hair and remove excess powder.

Enjoy Your New Dry Shampoo For Oily Hair

Remember dry shampoo for oily hair has the power to absorb excess sebum produced by the scalp and remove dirt and product build-up. In other words, it can turn your oily mane into rejuvenated tresses to make it look fresh, clean, and silky.

Now that you have learned about some of the best dry shampoos for oily hair, you can review the products in this guide and pick the one that best suits your hair needs and pocket.

If you have any comments or questions, please feel free to send us a message. We are always happy to hear from you!

Author

Photo of author
Grace Williams is the driving force behind Shampoogarage.com. With a passion for hair care since a young age, Grace studied cosmetology and styling, achieving mastery in the field through her work with top models and celebrities in New York City. She is dedicated to sharing her knowledge and expertise with others, offering insider tips, tutorials, and up-to-date information on all aspects of hair care. Grace continues to work as a professional stylist in Los Angeles, committed to helping people achieve their perfect hair looks.
Photo of author
Grace Williams is the driving force behind Shampoogarage.com. With a passion for hair care since a young age, Grace studied cosmetology and styling, achieving mastery in the field through her work with top models and celebrities in New York City. She is dedicated to sharing her knowledge and expertise with others, offering insider tips, tutorials, and up-to-date information on all aspects of hair care. Grace continues to work as a professional stylist in Los Angeles, committed to helping people achieve their perfect hair looks.