We’ve all been there when you wash your hair in the morning, and by lunchtime, those greasy roots are already making an unwelcome comeback. If you’re dealing with oily hair, you know the frustration of looking like you haven’t shampooed in days when it’s barely been 12 hours. The good news? You don’t have to live with limp, lifeless locks or wash your hair every single day. Finding the 10 best dry shampoo for oily hair can be a total game-changer, giving you fresh, voluminous hair in just a few quick sprays.
Let’s be honest about this reality. Daily washing isn’t always realistic or healthy for your hair, especially when you’re juggling work, kids, or just trying to squeeze in those extra few minutes of sleep. That’s where dry shampoo swoops in like a superhero for your strands. The right formula doesn’t just absorb excess oil; it adds texture, boosts volume, and gives you that just-washed feeling without the time commitment.
But here’s the thing that nobody talks about enough. Not all dry shampoos are created equal, especially when you’re dealing with oily hair. You know that sinking feeling when you spray what promises to be a miracle product, only to find your hair looking chalky and feeling even greasier an hour later? Regular formulas might work for a few hours, but then leave you looking worse than when you started.
That’s why we’ve tried products that sounded amazing but let us down, and found a few real winners that actually do what they promise. Ready to say goodbye to those greasy hair days? Let’s find your perfect match among these game-changing formulas.
Table of Contents
- 1. Batiste Blush Dry Shampoo
- 2. Fresh Affair Dry Shampoo
- 3. OSiS Refresh Dust Bodifying Dry Shampoo
- 4. Klorane Detox Dry Shampoo
- 5. Olaplex No. 4D Clean Volume Dry Shampoo
- 6. Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo
- 7. Percy & Reed Session Styling Volumising Dry Shampoo
- 8. COLAB Dry Shampoo
- 9. Handmade Heroes Dry Shampoo
- 10. ARKIVE The Reset Dry Shampoo
- Start Your Journey
1. Batiste Blush Dry Shampoo
Batiste Blush has earned its reputation as the affordable dry shampoo that delivers salon-worthy results without breaking the bank. This drugstore hero proves you don’t need to spend a fortune to get effective oil control, making it a favorite among beauty enthusiasts who want reliable performance at an accessible price point.
Key Features: This dry shampoo for oily hair provides solid oil absorption while adding noticeable volume and texture. The signature “Beautiful Blush” fragrance is a sophisticated blend of freesia, tuberose, and peony with orange peel and warm spices – described as “like baby powder, but better.” The lightweight formula applies easily and at an unbeatable price point, it’s incredibly accessible for daily use.
Ingredients: Rice starch serves as the primary oil-absorbing agent, effectively soaking up excess sebum while adding body to limp hair. The sulfate-free and sodium-free formulation makes it gentle enough for keratin-treated hair without compromising effectiveness.
Pros:
- Exceptional value for money
- Beautiful, complex floral fragrance
- Vegan and cruelty-free formulation
- Safe for keratin-treated hair
- Widely available in stores
Cons:
- Best suited for light blonde hair colors
- May require touch-ups for very oily hair
- Can leave residue if over-applied
Best For: If you’re blonde, budget-conscious, and want something that makes your hair smell like a high-end boutique without the boutique prices, this is your match. It’s become my go-to recommendation for college friends and anyone starting their dry shampoo journey without wanting to commit to something expensive.
2. Fresh Affair Dry Shampoo
Kérastase’s Fresh Affair proves that dry shampoo for oily hair can be both highly functional and indulgently luxurious. This silicone-free formula takes a gentler approach to oil control, focusing on scalp health and balance rather than just aggressive sebum absorption, making it a standout choice for those with sensitive or previously over-stripped scalps.
Key Features: This oil-control dry shampoo delivers thorough grease absorption while actively preventing the dryness that plagues many formulas. The elegant citrus and white flower fragrance creates an uplifting sensory experience that lingers beautifully. The lightweight texture never feels powdery or heavy, and while the premium price reflects Kérastase’s luxury positioning, the easy aerosol application makes it foolproof to use.
Ingredients: Rice starch provides the oil-absorbing foundation, working efficiently to tackle excess sebum from root to tip. The silicone-free formulation ensures no buildup while maintaining hair’s natural movement and preventing the scalp irritation that synthetic ingredients can cause.
Pros:
- Balances oil control with scalp care
- Silicone-free formula prevents buildup
- Beautiful, long-lasting citrus floral fragrance
- Prevents dryness while absorbing oil
- Cruelty-free formulation
Cons:
- Luxury pricing may not suit all budgets
- Performance may be gentler than heavy-duty options
Best For: Those with oily but sensitive scalps who want effective oil control without harsh stripping, and anyone who appreciates luxury beauty experiences with their hair care routine.
3. OSiS Refresh Dust Bodifying Dry Shampoo
OSiS brings professional salon innovation to the dry shampoo for oily hair market with their Refresh Dust formula featuring breakthrough Flex-Web Technology. This isn’t just another oil-absorbing spray – it’s a weightless volume-building system that creates what they call a “flexible polymer web” around each strand for long-lasting fullness.
Key Features: This oil-control dry shampoo excels at grease absorption while delivering impressive instant volume and body. The lightweight formula maintains natural hair movement despite adding significant texture and lift. With a subtle, professional fragrance and mid-range pricing, it’s designed for easy application with salon-quality results that don’t feel stiff or artificial.
Ingredients: The proprietary Flex-Web Technology uses innovative polymers that create a weightless web structure around hair strands. While specific oil-absorbing agents aren’t detailed, the formula effectively tackles excess sebum while maintaining hair’s natural feel and movement.
Pros:
- Innovative Flex-Web Technology for lasting volume
- Excellent oil absorption with natural movement
- Professional salon-quality formula
- No stiff hold or artificial feel
- Creates instant fullness and body
Cons:
- Higher price point than drugstore options
- Limited ingredient transparency
Best For: Those with fine to medium oily hair who want professional-grade volume and oil control without sacrificing natural hair movement or texture.
4. Klorane Detox Dry Shampoo
Klorane takes a refreshingly natural approach to dry shampoo for oily hair with their detox formula that promises to rid hair of impurities in just 2 minutes. This French pharmacy brand focuses on gentle yet effective cleansing, making it a standout choice for those who prefer clean beauty products.
Key Features: The lightweight formula delivers solid oil absorption with an invisible finish that won’t leave telltale white residue. The invigorating mint scent provides an instant cooling sensation that feels incredibly refreshing on the scalp. At a mid-range price point, it’s portable and perfect for on-the-go touch-ups with easy spray application.
Ingredients: This oil-control dry shampoo features natural and organic ingredients, staying chemical-free while effectively absorbing excess oils. The mint extract provides the signature refreshing sensation and helps purify the scalp.
Pros:
- Natural, chemical-free formula
- Invisible finish with no white residue
- Refreshing mint scent with cooling effect
- Quick 2-minute detox action
- Portable size for travel
Cons:
- May not provide heavy-duty oil control for very oily hair
- Mint scent might be too intense for sensitive noses
Best For: Those with mild to moderate oily hair who prefer natural ingredients and love a refreshing, spa-like experience. Ideal for anyone seeking a gentle yet effective dry shampoo.
5. Olaplex No. 4D Clean Volume Dry Shampoo
When Olaplex entered the dry shampoo game, they brought their hair-repairing expertise with them. The No. 4D isn’t just another dry shampoo for oily hair – it’s a scalp-healthy formula that delivers clean-looking results without the typical gritty aftermath that plagues many products in this category.
Key Features: This oil-control dry shampoo excels at absorbing excess oil while adding impressive volume. The unscented formula won’t clash with your perfume, and the lightweight texture feels barely-there on hair. At a premium price point, it’s easy to use with precise spray application, though you’ll pay more for the Olaplex name.
Ingredients: The powerhouse trio of zeolite, bentonite clay, and rice starch work together to purify and absorb oil without leaving buildup. Zeolite acts like a magnet for impurities, while bentonite clay detoxifies the scalp and rice starch provides oil absorption.
Pros:
- Clinical results: 100% saw no white residue, 97% saw oil reduction
- No powdery buildup or clogged follicles
- Neutralizes odor-causing pollutants
- Clean formula free from sulfates and parabens
- Color-safe and vegan
Cons:
- Premium price point
- Unscented may lack appeal for fragrance lovers
Best For: Those with oily hair who want salon-quality results and don’t mind investing in a premium dry shampoo that prioritizes scalp health.
6. Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo
Living Proof’s Perfect Hair Day dry shampoo brings science-backed innovation to the oil-absorbing game. This cult-favorite formula from the MIT-founded brand delivers on its promise of making every day a “perfect hair day,” even when you’re stretching time between washes.
Key Features: This dry shampoo for oily hair offers impressive oil absorption without the heavy, powdery feel of traditional formulas. The lightweight formula adds subtle volume and texture, while the clean, barely-there scent won’t compete with your fragrance. At a premium price point, the aerosol application is effortless and even, making it perfect for quick touch-ups.
Ingredients: The oil-control dry shampoo features Living Proof’s patented Healthy Hair Molecule (OFPMA) alongside traditional starch-based absorbers. This innovative ingredient helps repel dirt and oil buildup while maintaining hair’s natural moisture balance, setting it apart from purely starch-based formulas.
Pros:
- Science-backed formula with patented technology
- Excellent oil control without heaviness
- Clean formula free from parabens, sulfates, and silicones
- Suitable for sensitive scalps and itchy conditions
- Professional-quality results
Cons:
- Premium pricing
- Smaller size compared to drugstore options
Best For: Those seeking a high-performance dry shampoo who want cutting-edge hair technology and don’t mind investing in premium results.
7. Percy & Reed Session Styling Volumising Dry Shampoo
Percy & Reed brings London salon expertise to your at-home routine with this dual-purpose dry shampoo for oily hair that works overtime as a styling product. This British brand has created a formula that’s as much about adding texture and volume as it is about oil control, making it perfect for those who want their dry shampoo to multitask.
Key Features: The oil-control dry shampoo delivers impressive absorption power while building serious root volume. The complex fragrance blend of mint, rhubarb, and green notes creates a sophisticated, fresh scent that’s unlike typical dry shampoos. The lightweight formula provides a natural finish without chalkiness, though it sits at a premium price point. Application is straightforward with even distribution.
Ingredients: Ultra-fine cornflour powder is the star ingredient, working to absorb excess oils while adding texture. This finely-milled powder ensures no white residue while providing the volumizing benefits that make this formula unique.
Pros:
- Excellent oil absorption with zero white residue
- Significant volume and texture boost
- Complex, sophisticated fragrance
- Suitable for all hair colors
- Professional salon-quality results
Cons:
- Higher price point than drugstore options
- Complex scent may not appeal to everyone
Best For: Those with fine to medium oily hair who want a premium dry shampoo that doubles as a volumizing styling product and aren’t afraid to invest in salon-quality results.
8. COLAB Dry Shampoo
COLAB has become the affordable dry shampoo that beauty lovers swear by, delivering impressive results without the hefty price tag. This UK brand has mastered the art of creating a dry shampoo for oily hair that performs like premium formulas while remaining budget-friendly and accessible to everyone.
Key Features: This oil-control dry shampoo excels at absorbing excess oil with zero white residue, even on the darkest hair colors. The lightweight formula provides instant root refresh without weighing hair down. The delicate bergamot and rose fragrance is sophisticated yet subtle, and at an affordable price point, it’s incredibly easy to use with foolproof spray application.
Ingredients: While specific active ingredients aren’t detailed, the formula is designed with oil-absorbing agents that work effectively across all hair types without leaving visible traces, making it universally flattering.
Pros:
- Zero white residue on all hair colors
- Excellent oil absorption at budget price
- Vegan and cruelty-free with PETA accreditation
- Beautiful bergamot and rose fragrance
- Suitable for color-treated and bleached hair
Cons:
- Smaller 200ml size may run out quickly
- Limited ingredient transparency
Best For: Budget-conscious buyers seeking reliable oil control and anyone who wants an affordable dry shampoo that doesn’t compromise on performance or ethics.
9. Handmade Heroes Dry Shampoo
Handmade Heroes takes the clean beauty route with their powder-based dry shampoo for oily hair, offering a completely natural alternative to aerosol formulas. This eco-conscious brand has created a plastic-neutral, toxin-free option that’s perfect for environmentally minded consumers who don’t want to compromise on performance.
Key Features: This oil-control dry shampoo delivers impressive grease absorption and instant volumizing power in a convenient powder form. The unscented formula won’t interfere with your fragrance, while the lightweight texture provides natural-looking results. At a premium price point for the clean beauty category, it’s easy to apply with fingers or their blending brush, making it perfect for on-the-go touch-ups.
Ingredients: The 100% natural, plant-based formula contains vegan ingredients that absorb oil effectively without synthetic chemicals, benzene, or carcinogens. The clean formulation is free from talc, silicones, and artificial preservatives.
Pros:
- 100% natural, vegan, and cruelty-free
- Excellent oil absorption and volume boost
- Zero synthetic chemicals or toxins
- Eco-friendly, plastic-neutral packaging
- Perfect for travel and outdoor activities
Cons:
- Only suitable for light to medium blonde hair
- Requires blending technique for best results
- Higher price point for clean beauty
Best For: Eco-conscious individuals with light blonde or fine hair who prioritize clean ingredients and sustainable packaging over convenience.
10. ARKIVE The Reset Dry Shampoo
ARKIVE The Reset isn’t just another dry shampoo for oily hair – it’s an award-winning formula that actually delivers on its promises. Winner of the 2023 Get The Gloss Beauty Awards, this oil-control dry shampoo combines effective cleansing with nourishing ingredients for a truly refreshing experience.
Key Features: The ultra-fine spray provides instant oil absorption without the heavy, chalky feel of typical formulas. The “Future Bloom” scent is sophisticated and fresh, while the lightweight formula adds noticeable volume. At a premium price point, it’s easy to use with simple shake-and-spray application from 10cm away.
Ingredients: Modified starch works overtime to absorb excess sebum, while baobab oil adds a moisturizing twist that softens the scalp and enhances shine. This unique combination sets it apart from standard starch-only formulas.
Pros:
- Award-winning, salon-quality results
- Excellent oil control with added volume
- Pregnancy-safe and vegan formula
- Color-safe for treated hair
- Lightweight, non-chalky finish
Cons:
- Higher price point than drugstore options
- Limited scent variety
Best For: Those seeking a premium dry shampoo for oily hair who want effective oil control plus scalp care benefits. Perfect for pregnant women and anyone willing to invest in quality results.
Start Your Journey
The key to success with dry shampoo for oily hair is patience and consistency. Start with one product from our list that matches your budget and hair needs, give it a few weeks to see how it performs, and don’t hesitate to try different application methods. Your perfect hair day is just a spray away – no water required!