I have a thing for hair products. I’m always testing and trying new things. Maybe it’s because I’m on the never-ending life quest to have Blake Lively hair. Or it has something to do with my inner curiosity. But I have a shelf filled with hair products and I’m not afraid to use them. And of all the products I own, my dry shampoo section has taken on a life of its own. Some are samples. Other I’ve been given by friends. But for the most part, I’ve collected my dry shampoos based on the recommendations of others and the appeal of packaging. Solid logic, right?
So today I thought I’d do a bit of a breakdown of my current collection. And I want to share all the ways I use them and how the products work best. Whether you’re in the market for an affordable dry shampoo or just want to know which one might work right for you, hopefully this will give you insight into some of my favorite products.
Bumble & Bumble Pret-A-Powder*
Let’s start with a bit of honestly. I’ve had this product for forever. But it hasn’t been until recently that I’ve really put it to use. Unlike most of the products in my collection, this one is powder not aerosol. I like to use this before I go to bed when I know I’ll be styling my hair the next day. It does a great job at really absorbing the oil at my roots and adding volume. I will say I have noticed a bit of white cast if I don’t really blend it in. So if you have darker hair, be sure to brush it and work it in well with your hands.
R+Co Dry Shampoo Paste*
If you were to tell me I could only pack three hair products for a trip, there’s a strong chance this would be one of them. Again, it’s a non-aerosol dry shampoo. But it’s my go to when I need quick results and my roots to come back to life. I’ve been using my sample pot for a while and it has lasted for forever. This is definitely a product you work in with your hands. However, if you’re looking to really combat the grease and bring your hair back to life, I’d highly recommend this paste.
Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo*
This is recent dry shampoo discovery but it’s quickly become a fave. Personally, I’m a sucker for the packaging. It’s just so colorful. But it’s also an amazing product. It’s a bit more gritty as far as dry shampoos go. So you’ll definitely feel it on your hair. Be that as it may, a little goes a long way and I don’t feel like I need a ton to get the job done. On the scale of light to hefty dry shampoos, Perk Up* falls on the hefty side. It doesn’t leave a while cast but it isn’t a light mist for your hair.
IGK Direct Flight Multi-Tasking Dry Shampoo*
The newest to my hair stash and the product I’m most uncertain about is IGK’s Direct Flight*. I got it right after Perk Up and I’ve been comparing them mentally whether I’ve intended to or not. IGK recently launched a handful of new products including this dry shampoo. It’s meant to be their medium option that also adds in texture and volume. Maybe it’s because I like the intense effect you get with Amika but this one isn’t my favorite for really perking up my hair. I don’t mind using it to add a little bit of texture and volume on cleaner hair. But if you’re looking for a strong dry shampoo, I wouldn’t suggest this one.
Pantene Blowout Extend Dry Shampoo*
I love this dry shampoo. It does everything it says it will and it’s super affordable. Plus, it’s hard to beat a good product that only costs $5. If you’ve got darker hair, it doesn’t leave a white cast. And it does a great job of extending your hair style. I don’t reach for this one as much as I used to because I’ve been testing so many others. But I always make sure it’s on my shelf and it’s great for travel. If you’re looking for a budget friendly option, I’d highly recommend it.
Not Your Mother’s Clean Freak Dry Shampoo*
One of my friends kindly introduced me to this a few years ago when I left my dry shampoo at home on a trip and I fell in love. I honestly reach for this to get volume most of the time. However, it does a great job at combating oil for 2nd & 3rd day hair. It’s readily available and also budget friendly. If you’re in the market to try something new or just really need a budget friendly volume spray, this one is great. I’ve tried a few options from Not Your Mother’s and I’m always pleasantly surprised by the price point & performance.
Hask Chia Seed Volumizing Dry Shampoo*
Are we seeing a trend yet? I definitely tend to buy dry shampoos that offer volume. But this one is more of an eh? for me. It’s a lighter consistency which is great except that I feel like I need a fair amount to get my hair done. However, it’s another affordable option and it doesn’t leave a white cast. I haven’t had the chance to try any other Hask products but I have heard good things about the other dry shampoos. Overall if I had to buy again, I would probably just grab another can of the two options above.
And there we have it. You are now officially in on my dry shampoo habit. I’d love to say I’m going to stop but who am I kidding? I have a list of products still try to! What’s your favorite dry shampoo? I’d love to know which ones you’re currently obsessing over. Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know!
