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Washing my hair daily isn't always feasible, so having an arsenal of the best dry shampoos at the ready is helpful. According to dermatologist Lynne Goldberg, I shouldn't feel guilty about skipping wash day because shampooing daily could do more harm than good to your hair and scalp. Take it as just another example of how too much of a good thing can be a bad thing.
"It's paradoxical, but people who wash their hair a lot to get rid of oil are drying out their scalp and producing more oil," Goldberg previously told Business Insider. But this isn't to say you must rock greasy strands a few times a week. A few sprays of dry shampoo can give hair the refresh it desperately craves.
However, it's also important to limit dry shampoo usage between washes. "Dry shampoo is suitable for all hair types and can be used as needed, but it's advisable to restrict usage to a few times per week," Richard Mannah, Miami-based hair artist and Joico Global Senior Artistic Director, tells Business Insider. "Excessive use may result in product build up on the scalp. Shampooing the hair after a few days of usage is vital to eliminate all the built up oil, product, and dirt from hair and scalp."
When it comes to the best dry shampoos, Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo stands above the rest. Beloved by me, our editors, and professionals alike, its fast-absorbing powders offer an easy application that actively cleans the hair and scalp of oil, sweat, and odor.
As is the case with any beauty product, even the best dry shampoos are hardly created equally, and it can take a lot of trial and error to find which one works best on your scalp and strands. To help narrow the options, I tested over a dozen highly rated formulas to identify the best dry shampoo for every hair type and budget. Learn more about how Insider Reviews tests and researches style products.
Our top 5 picks for the best dry shampoos
This beloved 3-in-1 dry shampoo gets rid of oil, sweat, and odor so your hair looks and smells fresh. It's normally pricey but is available for Prime Day for 24% off the original price.
Designed for those with oily hair, this ultra-fine powder soaks up oil with the help of binchotan charcoal and features hair-nourishing ingredients like biotin.
This drugstore dry shampoo holds up to high-end options and is available in various scents and shades.
Boosted with argan oil and plant protein, this dry shampoo absorbs oil while amping up volume.
Drybar’s dry shampoo contains amla oil to replenish and moisturize dry hair while eliminating excess oils.