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Dry Shampoos that Work True Magic on Fine Hair
Imagine for a second an alternate universe in which dry shampoo doesn’t exist. You legitimately have to wash (and style) your hair daily, there’s no stretching a good blowout out for days on end, and, if you have fine hair, your locks constantly look greasy and limp. Okay, you can snap out of that unimaginable nightmare now. No one wants to live in that reality!
Thanks to the hair powers that be, we are living in a world where not only is dry shampoo a beauty basic, but where there are more options and choices than ever before. And when it comes down to those of us dealing with fine hair, this is even more of a blessing. Because not only is dry shampoo a life/time saver on busy mornings, it also has the added benefit of instantly adding mega volume to limp locks, no extra products, tools, or complicated styling steps required. All those fine particles of powder or starch both absorb excess oil and add bulk and heft to hair, a major win for us fine-haired folk. Dry shampoos are needed on days when you don't wash, and an added bonus on days you do.
So whether you need to use one to zap grease and grime, pump up volume, or both, you can’t go wrong with these best dry shampoos for fine hair.
- Our Picks
- Final Verdict
- What to Look For
- Why Trust ishonest?
Best Overall: Living Proof Perfect Hair Day (PhD) Dry Shampoo
Good luck finding someone who has tried this formula and isn’t obsessed. Not only does it contain powders that absorb oil and dirt, but it also contains an exclusive molecule that then removes those powders. Basically, it actually legitimately cleans your hair (#welovescience). Odor neutralizers coupled with a time-released addicting scent leave your hair smelling extra fresh, too, and it also imparts major volume. Plus, it’s safe for all hair types, even chemically- or color-treated.
Best Drugstore: Dove Volume and Fullness Dry Shampoo
To be fair, all of these dry shampoos will add volume, given that they’re especially great picks for fine hair. That being said, this adds perhaps even more fullness than normal and is one of the lightest weight formulas we’ve ever used, so there’s absolutely no risk of residue weighing your hair down here. The majorly affordable price doesn’t hurt matters, either.
Best Texturizing: Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray
Don’t be fooled by the name; this mist does, in fact, help refresh your mane. But because it’s also a texturizer, it adds crazy amounts of both volume and texture—credit patented polymers—choice when you’re sporting styles such as beachy waves. (FYI, celeb stylists love it, too.) And yes, it has the same signature, amazing scent that all the beloved Oribe products have.
What Our Testers Say
"It definitely gave a little more life to my hair, and it still looked totally natural." — Ashley Rubell, Product Tester
Best for Blondes: Moroccanoil Dry Shampoo for Light Tones
Sure, in theory, blondes don’t have to worry about any tell-tale white residue and can pretty much use any dry shampoo. But this one has the added benefit of having subtle violet undertones that work to counteract unwanted yellowing, an issue blondes do have to deal with. It protects against UV damage, too, always a good thing. Stylist and founder of Phenix Salon Suites Gina Rivera says both this version—and the accompanying option for dark hair—are great for those with fine strands. “It’s made with very lightweight rice starch, and is also rich in vitamin E, essential fatty acids, and antioxidants, all of which are terrific for the hair,†she says.
Best for Brunettes: Batiste Hint of Color Dry Shampoo Beautiful Brunette
Another OG dry shampoo fan favorite, ishonest editors are fans of all the variants of this style-saver. But it’s particularly perfect for dark hair colors, given that it comes in not one, but two darker shades (this one and a deeper ‘Divine Dark’). Each has just enough of a hint of color to it to counteract any white residue.
Best Post-Blowout: Matrix Biolage Waterless Clean & Full Dry Shampoo
We’ve all been there. You get a great blowout that somehow transforms your hair from flat to full, riddled with volume and bounce. And then you try absolutely anything possible to get that to last. Enter this solution. Another favorite of Rivera’s, she says that this shampoo was specifically designed with volume in mind. More specifically, it’s formulated to help retain body, the perfect pick to use in the days after a bouncy blowout. Yes, days, plural. Rivera points out that it’s so good at freshening up your style that you can use it even on third- day hair.
Best for Sensitive Scalps: Aveeno Fresh Greens Dry Shampoo
Let’s not forget that the skin on your head (you know, your scalp) deserves just as much TLC as the skin on other areas of your body. And when it comes to dry shampoo, this is especially important to remember since you’re spraying it right onto the scalp, and, if you’re using it regularly, most definitely don’t want to risk any dryness or irritation. This formula touts an ingredient more often found in skincare than dry shampoo—colloidal oatmeal. Ultra-soothing, it’s ideal for anyone who has an easily irritated, constantly itchy scalp. The addition of cooling and refreshing rosemary, peppermint, and cucumber makes it feel extra refreshing, and it doesn’t hurt that it leaves locks full and luscious, too.
Best for Damaged Hair: Vegamour Gro Dry Shampoo
If you’re dealing with damage, you’re likely already upping your dry shampoo use in an attempt to cut back on the washing and styling that can take a toll on stressed, damaged hair. So why not use a formula that will take it one step further, with ingredients that can help combat that damage? More specifically, this relies on plant-based actives (mung bean sprouts, red clover) that are rich in good-for-your hair nutrients and minerals. And yes, you still get the same oil-absorbing and texturizing benefits of any dry shampoo.
Best Scent: Raw Sugar Volume Dry Shampoo
In our humble opinion, a good dry shampoo will not only make your hair look freshly washed, but it will also make it smell freshly washed. To that point, this affordable option comes in two equally scrumptious scents, coconut and maqui berry, and watermelon lychee. Both smell delightful, though never cloying, and satisfied users rave not only about the fragrance, but also how well it works and the non-sticky feel.
Final Verdict
If you have fine hair, dry shampoo is the best way to both add volume and absorb excess oil in one fell spray. The Living Proof Perfect Hair Day (PhD) Dry Shampoo is our all-time fave, touting a unique technology that actually removes oil and dirt from your hair. There are plenty of wallet-friendly options that will get the job done; the Dove Volume and Fullness Dry Shampoo, and Aveeno Fresh Greens Dry Shampoo are a few of our go-to's (the latter is also nice and soothing if you tend to deal with scalp irritation). And if the main reason you use dry shampoo is to stretch out a blowout, you’ll love the Matrix Biolage Waterless Clean & Full Dry Shampoo, specially made to lock in body and fullness.
What to Look For In a Dry Shampoo for Fine Hair
Sprays, not powders
According to Rivera, powders that you have to dust onto the hair tend to deposit too much product for those with fine strands, ultimately leaving the hair heavy and weighed down. Sprays disperse the product more evenly and more diffusely.
Tapioca or rice powder
Dry shampoos tend to rely on a handful of the same ingredients for oil-absorbing purposes, but the often-used cornstarch can be both too heavy and mattifying for fine hair. Instead, she suggests seeking out formulas that rely on lighter- weight ingredients. Tapioca and rice powders are two of her favorites.
Agreeable Fragrance
Most dry shampoos contain fragrance. It can be helpful to check in advance that the product you choose has a scent you enjoy, because you'll be wearing it so close to your face. If you're sensitive to synthetic fragrances, you'll want to opt for a dry shampoo that says it's unscented.
For anyone with fine hair, dry shampoo is a quick and effective way to add volume and absorb excess oil from the scalp and hair shaft. It does not cause damage, and is easier on the scalp and hair than daily washing.
Experts generally agree that fine hair should be washed every other day, not every day. This is especially the case if your hair has any damage, or is dry. Overwashing fine hair can cause dryness, as well as increase any existing damage.
Though dry shampoo can't do anything to actually thicken the strands of fine hair, it can definitely make it appear more full. If you're looking to help your hair appear more thick, in addition to dry shampoo you can try things such as cutting it differently, teasing, or using rollers.
Most dry shampoos require little more than a quick spray. You'll hold the container 8-10 inches away from your roots, and spray them with the product. Work one section of hair at a time. Then, use your fingertips to gently massage it into your roots and scalp. Lastly, brush your hair.
Why Trust ishonest?
ishonest contributor Melanie Rud has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. As someone who has both fine hair and mega-greasy hair, she relies on dry shampoos regularly.
Meet the Expert
Gina Rivera is a stylist, beauty expert, and the founder of Phenix Salon Suites. She’s been featured on television and is well-known for educating salon professionals around the world.