As anyone who regularly straightens their curly hair knows, dry shampoo is an essential part of prolonging your blowout. But finding the right dry shampoo has been no easy task. It took me several years to find one that didn’t leave behind a white residue – a deal breaker for brunettes. After lots of trial and error, I’ve found six that I use in rotation, four of which I really love (don’t make me choose just one!) that will be the focus of this post. With the help of many tutorials (thanks, Pinterest), I’ve finally mastered how to use dry shampoo the right way: spritz on the roots, wait two minutes, and tease with a bristled brush to add volume. If your hair is especially oily, use dry shampoo the night before and spritz a little more the next day (a wise tip I learned from Vogue). For those who prefer to take preventative measures, spray dry shampoo immediately after a blowout to absorb any oils from hair products (a tip from The Beauty Department that I have yet to try).
Back to the dry shampoos. Here’s a breakdown of some of my favorites, which work on my somewhat-fine curly hair:
Best for volume
Fashion people always say that hair looks best on the second day. But by the third day your roots can start to look a little limp. That’s where Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo comes in to do its magic, from the addicting berry scent to the Victoria’s Secret-level shine and volume. I have a sample size from Birchbox that I like to carry around in my purse to instantly refresh my hair. Best for days 2 and 3.
Best for texture
Take it from the French: dirty hair is best for styling, whether it’s a fishtail braid, a sock bun, or a Bardot-inspired updo. That’s why it’s no surprise that French brand Klorane Dry Shampoo is a cult favorite. I like to use this to created a sexy, tousled effect. It’s also effective for absorbing oil on the second, third, and fourth day hair, while keeping your scalp refreshed.
Best for hiding hippie hair
By day five of your blowout, your hair is venturing into hippie hair territory. Enter Sebastian Dry Clean Only, which adds just the right amount of texture while creating a sleek and smart, I-just-got-back-from-the-salon look. I love how this doesn’t weigh down my hair or make it look more oily, which is a problem with many dry shampoos. That said, this is the only dry shampoo that I can use on days 5 or 6 of a blowout and still look grease-free.
Best on a budget
Herbal Essences Naked Dry Shampoo: At under $7, no other drug store brand can beat this dry shampoo from Herbal Essences. I received this as a Klout perk a few months back and instantly fell in love with the refreshing citrus scent. Not only does it make my hair smell more refreshing, but it also creates the illusion that my blowout is only a day old instead of 3 or 4. It also helps detangle curls, which is always a plus if you tend to go over your tresses with a flat iron. Need more of a reason to love it? It’s free of parabens and dyes. Now that’s a keeper.
Let me know in the comments: which dry shampoo do you love best?
