![applying dry shampoo](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/3-ufB80QDekK1gbMYn3idAYYeRE=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/dryshampoosoilyhairprim-76188b8b69314beaba13e0865fa5994a.jpg)
BYRDIE / TAMARA STAPLES
We stand behind the claim that everyone should have a good dry shampoo in their arsenal— especially if lathering up daily isn't your jam. Dr. Kari Williams, a doctor of trichology, explains that while these mists and powders don't actually cleanse, they "make the hair less oily, absorb sweat, and disguise odor." We're here for that.
Birdie Tested & Approved
Our best overall pick is Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk, formulated for all hair types and textures. Our testers loved that this ultra-fine powder sops up grease from your roots but doesn't leave you with a chalky feeling or noticeable residue. For a more affordable pick, consider Kristin Ess Style Reviving Dry Shampoo, a drugstore favorite that scored big with our testers.
To determine the best options for oily scalps and slick strands, we tested over 20 formulas in The Lab. Each formula was rated from one to five for its oil-absorbing abilities, texture, feel, ease of use, volumizing power, and finish. We paid special attention to formulas designed to be effective on greasy locks, because with oily hair, skipping washes is a little trickier to pull off. We also consulted a trichologist to help inform our choices on this roundup. We found that with a few spritzes of the right dry shampoo, no one but you will know you're rocking second- or third-day hair.
Important to Know
In light of the recent recalls concerning benzene-contaminated dry shampoos, we have removed any potentially impacted products from this round-up, including TRESemmé Pro Pure Dry Shampoo, which was in the original version of this list. We will continue to update these stories as more information becomes available.
Ahead, find the best dry shampoos for oily hair that freshen up your 'do in no time flat.
Best Overall
Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk
![Klorane Dry Shampoo With Oat Milk](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/VS_AsAnatOoJpHIOboauNhne2oc=/fit-in/1500x427/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/BD-klorane-dry-shampoo-01-badge-c35fdf37ff474779b3018716a1ab4c42.jpg)
Ulta
Award-winning formula
Volumizing
Blends well
Temporary white residue
Who else recommends it? The Pioneer Woman, Elle, and Glamour all picked the Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk.
What do buyers say? 82% of 5,500+ Amazon reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above.
After five testers tried it out, Klorane's award-winning dry shampoo was a clear winner. It earned a 4.5/5 for oil absorption, a 5/5 for ease of use, a 4.4/5 for invisibility, and a 4.6/5 for volume. Though one person observed a slight white residue, they said it's easily combed away and blends well.
Formulated for all hair types and textures, this gentle, earth-sourced formula leans on starch and silica to tackle excess oil and odors while oat milk works to soothe the scalp. Our testers appreciated that the ultra-fine powder sops up grease from your roots but doesn't leave you with a dry, chalky feeling. After spraying it on and brushing it through, one tester said she felt as if she hadn't used any dry shampoo at all—her hair seemed clean and free of buildup.
Price at time of publish: $18
Active Ingredients: Organically harvested oat milk, corn starch, rice starch, natural absorbent microspheres, silica | Hair Type: All | Free of: Parabens, sulfates, preservatives, silicones, sodium chloride, phenoxyethanol, triclosan, MIT | Size: 5.4 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
![Klorane Dry Shampoo With Oat Milk](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/W_IKrwPS_SzXKp3Y1MZIG6lfmLU=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Klorane-Dry-Shampoo-With-Oat-Milk-tamara-staples-5916-17c1ee08bc354808838e4e2f726be500.jpg)
Byrdie / Tamara Staples
What Our Testers Say
"Sometimes I can go overboard with adding products and sealing oils to my hair when styling, and I can imagine using this product to absorb the excess without stripping my coils." —Latifah Miles, Product Tester
Best Powder
Bumble and Bumble Prêt-a-Powder
![Bumble and Bumble Prêt-a-Powder](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/mPryyUsgZ_GWZ0rplCLJf7mv24Y=/fit-in/1500x427/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/BD-bumble-bumble-pret-a-powder-03-badge-8b8613c94c2b48efaf94e2714de04610.jpg)
Sephora
Excellent oil absorption
No residue
Travel-friendly
Slightly messy
If you're partial to powders, Prêt-à-Powder is your new best friend. Three testers tried this unique dry shampoo in The Lab, where it earned a 4.2/5 average for oil absorption. Though it's a tad messy, it scored a 4.5/5 for ease of use, which is pretty great for a loose powder.
While it wasn't as volumizing as others, we gave it a 4.7/5 for texture and invisibility on account of its virtually undetectable finish. Our testers also liked that the 2-ounce non-aerosol container is perfect for travel and likely won't leak in a bag.
Price at time of publish: $30
Active Ingredients: Polysilicone-22, zea mays (corn) starch, tapioca starch, avena sativa (oat) kernel flour, silica | Hair Type: All | Free of: Parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, formaldehyde | Size: 0.5 ounces, 2 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
![Bumble and Bumble Prêt-à -Powder](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/7vf6D5Z6cVZpFlVsqsF9pDVyIjg=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Bumble-and-Bumble-Pret-a-Powder-tamara-staples-5932-76187f3f3bc640c3a13401eaba20d702.jpg)
Byrdie / Tamara Staples
What Our Editors Say
"I thought this dry shampoo was incredibly effective at absorbing oil. Even though it was slightly messy to apply, I would use it in a heartbeat." —Avery Stone, Associate Director, Commerce
Best for Platinum Hair
Moroccanoil Dry Shampoo Light Tones
![Moroccanoil Dry Shampoo Light Tones](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/aFLFcwX8hR6PCokQUPWJsDSeM-o=/fit-in/1500x427/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/BD-moroccanoil-dry-shampoo-light-tones-05-badge-f4808091ba424b02835043d768ae8a39.jpg)
Amazon
Excellent oil absorption
Volumizing
Invisible finish
Potentially too heavy for fine hair
For those with platinum, silver, or white hair, we highly recommend Moroccanoil Light Tones. This divine dry shampoo clocked 5/5s for oil absorption, invisibility, and texture and a 4.5 for volume.
Rice starch absorbs product buildup and grease, while argan oil smooths and nourishes bleached strands. Our platinum-haired tester appreciated that it sprays purple out of the can, like your favorite purple toning shampoo for neutralizing brassiness.
Price at time of publish: $26
Active Ingredients: Argan oil, rice starch | Hair Type: All | Free of: Sulfates, SLS, SLES, parabens, formaldehydes, formaldehyde-releasing agents, phthalates, mineral oil, retinyl palmitate, oxybenzone, coal tar, hydroquinone, triclosan, triclocarban | Size: 1.7 fluid ounces, 5.4 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
![Moroccanoil Dry Shampoo Light Tones](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/edShtkSeBkVQ-Ss6N0hKdqDRWOQ=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Moroccanoil-Dry-Shampoo-tamara-staples-5923-abf81024a07e4b6f898e14c6867d07b3.jpg)
Byrdie / Tamara Staples
What Our Testers Say
"Not to be dramatic, but my jaw dropped when I realized this formula was purple and left an actual tint on my hair. I feel icier than ever and completely oil-free, too." —Taylor Rock, Product Tester
Best for Blondes
Verb Dry Shampoo for Light Hair
![Verb Dry Shampoo for Light Hair](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/Vz58KwOglPxYcaYsarquo9unA94=/fit-in/1500x427/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/BD-verb-dry-shampoo-light-hair-05-badge-00ce3cb573494e43b78aec009cfb1955.jpg)
Sephora
Sets quickly
Invisible finish
Volumizing
Strong scent
Calling all blondes! Our tester gave Verb Dry Shampoo a 4 for absorbency, noting that it soaked up a majority of oil in her hair. It earned 5/5s for ease of use and invisibility and 4/5s for volume and texture.
Formulated for light locks, the ultra-fine lavender powder does an impeccable job not only refreshing unwashed hair but also giving it the icy-cool tone you crave. Additionally, our tester appreciated that the clean scent wasn't overpowering.
Price at time of publish: $20
Active Ingredients: Glycerin | Hair Type: Curly, fine, straight, thick, wavy | Free of: Parabens, gluten, sulfates | Size: 4.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
![Verb Dry Shampoo for Light Hair](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/V_yju__9LHwMSbHYdImJDn-LYK4=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Verb-Dry-Shampoo-for-Light-Hair-tamara-staples-5924-f077a106eb2046c99c03e0911b2a251e.jpg)
Byrdie / Tamara Staples
Best for Brunettes
Billie Floof Dry Shampoo
![Billie Floof Dry Shampoo](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/fG1pw1wPIQV9sJ9BZdET2yWq1Ps=/fit-in/1500x427/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/BD-billie-floof-dry-shampoo-03-badge-169070f7f67d4c318e298eed2e13d270.jpg)
Billie
Two shades
Excellent oil absorption
Blends well
Small amount
Inconvenient container
Our three testers gave Billie Floof a 4.5/5 average score for absorbency and a 4.7/5 for invisibility. Though the curvy container isn't the most convenient, the loose powder earned a 4/5 for ease of use.
This dry shampoo calls on rice starch and baking soda to absorb grease, plus biotin to encourage healthy growth. Our testers said the brown-ish clay hue blends well in both brunette and dirty-blonde hair, though they noted it may not be ideal for super-dark manes.
Price at time of publish: $14
Active Ingredients: Biotin, rice starch, baking soda | Hair Type: All | Free of: Parabens, sulfates | Size: 1.2 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
![Billie Floof Dry Shampoo for Dark Hair](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/ZIV6qD0JW0Qcr_NNIzFtyoe7_dQ=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Billie-Floof-Dry-Shampoo-for-Brunettes-tamara-staples-5933-d672916fa32c43638f426772109899ba.jpg)
Byrdie / Tamara Staples
What Our Testers Say
"Inside this unique-shaped bottle is a perfect powder for brunettes." —Samantha Aronson, Product Tester
Best for Natural Hair
Kristin Ess Style Reviving Dry Shampoo
![Kristin Ess](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/abnZh8Igwbx59epffZdKf0ZWkEE=/fit-in/1500x427/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/BD-kristin-ess-style-reviving-dry-shampoo-09-badge-3337954f0f0544b0acb664cdbd47d268.jpg)
Amazon
Sets quickly
Invisible finish
Strengthening
Contains alcohol
We're big fans of this Kristin Ess dry shampoo for natural hair. After trying it out in The Lab, our tester, who has 4b curls, gave it a 4.5/5 for absorbency and ease of use and a 5/5 for the finish, noting that it didn't leave behind a chalky white residue.
Upon running her fingers over her roots, she didn't feel any remaining grease, either: "I think it sucked up excess oil and gave my hair a bit of volume," she said. "I can imagine using it when I have a ton of product buildup and need a refreshed look." In addition to all-star absorber starch, the moody matte can is full of plant-based strengtheners, including wheat protein and keratin.
Price at time of publish: $14
Active Ingredients: Zip-Up Technology | Hair Type: All | Free of: Sulfates, parabens, phthalates, silicones | Size: 4 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
![kristin ess dry shampoo](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/P4tmkyYNbUPUvI8R7WyEeRjyOj8=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Web_1500-2I6F5285-7ba7b8f2e41a409ca1b3ce0d6e06d759.jpg)
BYRDIE / TAMARA STAPLES
What Our Testers Say
"It sucked up excess oils and gave my coils some volume at the root." —Latifah Miles, Product Tester
Best Volumizing
Anomaly Dry Shampoo
![Anomaly Dry Shampoo](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/ATN3ULWbGP8oqWeeI1bsgcznR_I=/fit-in/1500x427/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/BD-anomaly-dry-shampoo-11-badge-a310bd2b007c4378ac774d58c45ff53a.jpg)
Target
Budget-friendly
Sets quickly
Invisible finish
Not ideal for daily use
If it's fullness you crave, Anomaly is your best bet. After testing it in The Lab, we gave it a 4.25/5 for oil absorption and 5/5s for invisibility and ease of use. As for volumizing power, our team awarded it a 4.5/5, noting the "crazy volume" and Dolly Parton-level fullness.
This dry shampoo boasts a blend of plant-derived absorbers, including kaolin clay, rice starch, scalp-cleansing charcoal, and plumping tapioca. What's more, our testers gave it a perfect 5/5 for invisibility and ease of use and a 4.5/5 for texture.
Price at time of publish: $7
Active Ingredients: Tea tree oil, rice starch | Hair Type: All | Free of: Parabens | Size: 5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
![Anomaly Dry Shampoo](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/0f49-nLIZMH2K9q9zkyWkbXLT6E=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Anomaly-Dry-Shampoo-tamara-staples-5915-0dd2542979e945aebcaa4e5d39132e51.jpg)
Byrdie / Tamara Staples
What Our Testers Say
"My thin hair has never experienced this much volume before. It was a shock to see a product lift my hair up so much while looking and feeling natural." —Samantha Aronson, Product Tester
Best Invisible
Drybar Detox Clear Invisible Dry Shampoo
![Drybar Detox Clear Invisible Dry Shampoo](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/LX7s01OPgcUyUluyVyppxDRpcoY=/fit-in/1500x427/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/BD-drybar-detox-clear-invisible-dry-shampoo-09-badge-65a87e2b9d5d44efb3d558d854d9083a.jpg)
Amazon
Invisible finish
Lightweight
Doesn't wet hair
Contains oil
Living up to its name, Drybar's Detox Clear Dry Shampoo flaunts a 100% sheer, truly undetectable finish. Our testers gave it a 4.25/5 for invisibility, noting that it didn't leave streaks or a chalky residue.
Since it contains a small amount of plant oils, it's not the best for degreasing, but overall, we gave it a 3.75/5 for absorbency. Though the fresh, slightly sweet scent lingers for a few hours, our testers said it's pleasant and not overpowering.
Price at time of publish: $22
Active Ingredients: Proprietary powder blend, potato starch, kiwi extract, alma oil | Hair Type: All | Free of: Parabens, sulfates, phthalates, keratin, gluten, nut, nut oil, honey | Size: 3.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
![drybar dry shampoo application](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/rTsW8q8VgsdAP_qbytLWZ-6SDVE=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Web_1500-2I6F5302-c92638390e3c4eacac7037bb24e5108f.jpg)
BYRDIE / TAMARA STAPLES
Final Verdict
Our best overall pick is Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk. It boasts exceptional oil absorption, delivers excellent volume, and blends beautifully on various hair colors and textures. Looking for something a bit more affordable? You can't go wrong with Anamoly Dry Shampoo, which earned 5/5s for invisibility and ease of use, and leaves you with clean-feeling hair.
Meet the Expert
- Dr. Kari Williams is a board-certified trichologist, licensed cosmetologist, Black hair care expert, and the creator of Goddess Locs. She is based in Los Angeles.
How We Tested
Before heading over to The Lab, we took our time researching formulations, combing through reviews, and interviewing experts, including a board-certified trichologist. Our in-house team chose over 20 dry shampoos and tested them on various hair types, textures, lengths, and colors.
Each option was given a score between one and five based on its oil absorption, texture/feel, visibility/chalkiness, volume, and ease of use. We then compiled our insights and narrowed down the list to those that work best on oily hair.
![byrdie dry shampoo test](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/6VNsDjiLsDeDPPpe17yFcy5oCuk=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Web_1500-2I6F5384-dd5d99170bfe4cf2b4e53fb473301418.jpg)
BYRDIE / TAMARA STAPLES
Other Options We Tested
Briogeo Charcoal + Biotin Dry Shampoo
We liked the pleasant aroma, aerosol-free container, and clean formula of Briogeo's dry shampoo. Having said that, it has a somewhat chalky feel and applying it can get messy, as it's prone to getting on your hands. And although the silvery hue might be OK for cool-toned hair, it's not ideal for brunettes.
![Briogeo Charcoal + Biotin Dry Shampoo](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/6SoJOTRrYosFawrYDJZD8caHcUc=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Briogeo-Charcoal--Biotin-Dry-Shampoo-tamara-staples-5931-26057aeeba6a42f180f5a10953963822.jpg)
Byrdie / Tamara Staples
L'Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Air Volume Dry Shampoo
This drugstore formula does a decent job absorbing oil and sweat from your scalp, and it doesn't deposit a chalky residue. However, our testers noted that it comes out of the bottle a little too fast and has a perfumy smell. At the end of the day, it just wasn't our favorite.
![L'Oreal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Air Volume Dry Shampoo](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/8Kya-_emP4C1TdmB8oOMlMinfGk=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/LOreal-Paris-Elvive-Dream-Lengths-Air-Volume-Dry-Shampoo-tamara-staples-5926-fe9104094af744978a0a38b591dd6b1c.jpg)
Byrdie / Tamara Staples
Not Your Mother's Clean Freak Dry Shampoo
Not Your Mother's Clean Freak leaves behind a mild white residue, so it's not the best option for the dark-haired camp. Our testers liked the texture and commented on the nice light scent, but overall, they felt it was nothing special.
![Not Your Mother's Clean Freak Dry Shampoo](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/Z37H5t05Dd8I8xN_a1PQ7giWiCU=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Not-Your-Mothers-Clean-Freak-Dry-Shampoo-tamara-staples-5929-18fd312004bc42b9b597162461d9f9e3.jpg)
Byrdie / Tamara Staples
What to Look For When Buying Dry Shampoo for Oily Hair
Absorbent ingredients
When buying dry shampoo for oily hair, you'll want to look for a formula with absorbent ingredients. Starch, clay, charcoal, silica, tapioca, and baking soda not only soak up grease and absorb sweat, but they can also help control odors.
Your hair color
You should also consider your hair color, as tinted and chalkier formulas aren't ideal for everyone. A white residue usually isn't an issue for people with blonde, white, platinum, silver, or otherwise light locks. (There are also some purple-tinted powders if you want an icier look). However, those with brunette or black hair will want to look for either an invisible finish or something with a brown tint.
Scent
Many dry shampoos are fragranced (some more heavily than others). If you're sensitive to strong smells, you may want to look for a fragrance-free formula. On the other hand, scents can help mask the odor of unwashed hair, in which case a nice-smelling dry shampoo could be your best bet.
Why Trust Byrdie
Theresa Holland is a freelance commerce writer specializing in cosmetics. For this story, she spoke to a board-certified trichologist and compiled hands-on testing insights from The Lab, then reviewed product specs, cross-checked ingredients lists, and referenced several peer-reviewed articles, and rounded up our top picks for oily hair. From the above, she has personally tried Klorane, Bumble and Bumble, and Drybar. Theresa has been writing for Byrdie since 2020, where she covers hair products, skincare, makeup, and fitness gear.