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8 dry shampoos you can rely on every single time

We owe them A LOT

By Delaney Loane

Digital Beauty Editor / April 24 2024

They say there are seven Wonders of the World, but TBH we think it's downright rude not to include dry shampoo as one of them. What else holds the power to gift back hours of sleep and allow you to keep living your best lazy life the way they do?

How do they actually work their magic, you ask? It’s simple. Dry shampoos are made with powders that when applied to the scalp are able to soak up oil from your hair to give it a magically misleading clean, fresh appearance; it's the same concept as dabbing a mattifying powder onto an oily T-zone.

But while most dry shampoos are pretty reliable do-what-they-say-on-the-can types, there are still a few formulas that stand out above the rest.

So, whether you're trying to ditch chalky residue or track down an option that won't send your sensitive scalp straight to struggle street, we've rounded up the best oil-absorbing options on the market...

Akin Dry Shampoo

Grease is not the word when it comes to cool-girl hair. Thankfully, this dry shampoo contains natural bamboo and rice powder to absorb excess oil for instantly fresher, fuller hair. If you're a brunette, you're in luck too, because unlike most other dry shampoos, this beauty doesn't leave behind any residue.

$14.95 at healthylife

O&M Dry Queen Dry Shampoo

Heralded as a dry shampoo that's safe to use on the daily, Dry Queen will keep your locks squeaky clean for longer. It's packed with rice starch to remove unwanted oils for instant, cleaner, thicker tresses that aren't weighed down.

$35.96 (down from $39.95) at a-beauty

Oribe Gold Lust Dry Shampoo

We've never met an Oribe product we didn't love, and this luxe dry shampoo has only further cemented our obsession. It uses translucent powders to keep hair fresh and free of residue, and the dermatologists who helped put together the fancy formula made sure it hits the scalp with a little soothing action, too.

$68 at Adore Beauty

KEVIN.MURPHY Fresh Hair Dry Shampoo

If you like a good boost of volume from your dry shampoo, stock up on this root-reviving option; it’s a great choice for fine hair in need of help, and has a subtly soapy scent that'll definitely allow you to get away with skipping your wash for another day, or three.

$45.95 at Adore Beauty

Batiste Dry Shampoo

Talk about a crowd favourite – we doubt you'll find a single person who hasn't had a can of this magic wash-extending stuff in their stash at one time or another. Considering the impressive efficacy, the array of scent options from fruity to floral, and the budget-friendly price, it's easy to see why.

$9.99 at Chemist Warehouse

Moroccanoil Dry Shampoo

A coloured dry shampoo (with options for light tones and dark ones), this lightweight refresher uses rice starch to absorb unwanted oils without leaving any evidence behind; chalky residue is always a dead dirty hair giveaway, after all. It also happens to have built-in UV protection, which is an Aussie gal’s dream come true.

$51.50 at Ry

Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat & Ceramideᴸᴵᴷᴱ

Dry shampoo is a godsend, yes, but it can be a little tough on sensitive scalps and damaged hair. That's where this gentle guy comes in – thanks to its calming oat & ceramide blend, soothing status and sweet yet mild fragrance, it's totally irritant-free and able to refresh strands while also protecting the scalp from irritants and strengthening hair fibres.

$17.99 at Adore Beauty

Biolage All-in-One Intense Dry Shampoo

A trustworthy dry shampoo powered by rice starch, this formula will deeply cleanse, prime and refresh, leaving you with hair that looks legitimately clean (and doesn't feel anything close to chalky).

$33.99 at Oz Hair & Beauty