9 Best Dry Shampoos for Oily Hair to Eliminate Grease Instantly

Written by Alvira Dsouza, Hair Expert
Updated on Feb 15, 2024
est dry shampoos for oily hair
The products curated for this article are independently chosen by the editorial team. If you make a purchase through the links mentioned below, we may receive a commission. Check out our product research & curation process

The care and maintenance of oily hair can leave you high and dry, as it tends to get oilier more often and ends up attracting more dirt and impurities than ever, only to turn up flat and limp. That look is surely not giving, which is why you must include some of the best dry shampoos for oily hair in your haircare arsenal. Drawing from our experience, just one spray, dash, or pump can make all the difference to your oily hair and transform your tresses for good.

A dry shampoo is a hair product designed to help your hair look and feel clean and refreshed without having to actually wash it out. According to Summer Cumberledge, a licensed hairstylist and cosmetologist, "Dry shampoo is essentially a way to clean your scalp by absorbing oils in your hair brought on from sweat, daily routines, and just being on day four if you are not washing your hair. They help give some added texture or body to your hair as well, which is a nice perk" (1). Our research indicates that dry shampoo comes especially handy for oily hair. It offers an easy, quick, and convenient way to get rid of the greasiness. It typically comes in the form of powder, foam, and aerosol spray. When applied to the hair roots, it works its magic by absorbing the excess oil, adding volume, and making hair look more fuller and manageable.

We have curated this selection with our top picks of dry shampoos for oily hair based on their formula, ingredients, finish, fragrance, and customer reviews. Read further to learn more about our handpicked recommendations and how to find your ideal dry shampoo match!

9 Best Dry Shampoos for Oily Hair

It's key to choose a dry shampoo enriched with ingredients that soak up the grease from your scalp. The rice formula of The Beachwaver Co is perfect to instantly soak up all the excess oil and grease. Moreover, it conceals the oily effect of the hair and refreshes your hair. It adds instant sheen and makes the hair look freshly washed. Suitable for all hair types, this dry shampoo can be used daily. 

Pros
  • Suitable for all hair types
  • Best for instant oil absorption
  • Fresh fragrance
  • Instant results
Cons
  • Might not suit low-porosity hair
  • Best for Lighter Hair

    Moroccanoil Dry Shampoo Light Tones

    Moroccanoil Dry Shampoo Light Tones
  • Take convenience and hair care to the next level with the Moroccanoil Dry Shampoo. It is the best dry shampoo for oily hair, specifically formulated for lighter hair shades with super-fine rice starch. It goes above and beyond to absorb the excess oil and buildup to give you fresh hair with more volume and body. It comes packed with the power of argan oil, fatty acids, and vitamin E, which nourish the hair follicles to reveal shiny, smooth, and soft tresses. Our team discovered through using this product that it also effectively neutralizes the brassiness while leaving you with healthy hair.

    Pros
    • Easy to use
    • Lightweight formula
    • Makes hair silky soft
    • Doesn't cause itchiness
    • Gives appearance of thicker hair
    • Leaves minimal white residue
    • Good for frizzy hair
    • Suitable for blonde hair
    • Travel-friendly
    Cons
    • Some may find the scent strong
  • Most Natural Formula

    Klorane Dry Shampoo with Nettle for Oily Hair

    Klorane Dry Shampoo with Nettle for Oily Hair
  • The Klorane Dry Shampoo for oily hair gets the job done and is very true to its promises. With nettle as a key ingredient, this ultra-fine dry shampoo spray will help you say goodbye to greasy hair. It is completely plant-based and uses natural ingredients to help you achieve the hair of your dreams. It efficiently absorbs all the excess oil from the scalp and hair while also helping out with sebum regulation. It is a fan favorite of French women and hair stylists worldwide. After putting it to the test, we can say that it is perfect for adding an extra oomph to flat hair.

    Pros
    • Easy to use
    • Light scent
    • Incredible drying power
    • Little goes a long way
    • Refreshes hair
    • Lightweight
    • Non-irritating formula
    Cons
    • Doesn't last long
  • Best for Volume

    Bumble and Bumble Pret-a-powder Dry Shampoo

    Bumble and Bumble Pret-a-powder Dry Shampoo
  • This is a good dry shampoo for oily hair that is so much more than a dry shampoo. With a refreshing scent, this powder acts as a dry shampoo and removes all the excess oil and sebum from the hair and scalp. Moreover, it goes beyond oil absorption and adds volume to flat hair. You can also use it to hold and extend the life of a hairstyle. In short, this Bumble and Bumble dry shampoo is your path to flawless hair for days. Based on our firsthand experience, it doesn't leave hair dry or full of white flakes, which is a huge plus. Just add it to your oily scalps and use your fingers or a hairbrush to blend it well.

    Pros
    • Little goes a long way
    • Subtle and fresh scent
    • Excellent drying power
    • Adds nice texture
    • Good for wavy hair
    • Adds more body to limp hair
    • Maintains hair volume for days
    Cons
    • May make some hair textures stiff
  • Best for Colored Hair

    Drybar Detox Clear Invisible Dry Shampoo

    Drybar Detox Clear Invisible Dry Shampoo
  • Freshen up your hair like never before with the Drybar Detox Clear Invisible Dry Shampoo. True to its name and its claims, this dry shampoo has a lightweight formula that goes completely invisible on your scalp and hair. It is the best dry shampoo for oily hair that doesn't leave behind any residue nor dries out hair. It is formulated with key ingredients, including potato starch, kiwi extracts, and amla oil, that work together to absorb oils for cleaner hair between washes. It makes hair softer and smoother while also maintaining a healthy scalp. Through our practical knowledge, we suggest using it before going to bed or on freshly washed hair for maximal benefits.

    Pros
    • Makes hair silky
    • Smoothes hair shafts
    • Non-irritating formula
    • Suitable for colored hair
    • Doesn’t weigh down hair
    • Hair feels light and refreshed
    • Adds shine
    Cons
    • Some may not like the scent
  • Most Organic

    Lulu Organics Hair Powder Dry Shampoo

    Lulu Organics Hair Powder Dry Shampoo
  • Fluff your hair up with the power of nature, thanks to the natural ingredient-infused dry shampoo from Lulu Organics. It is a must-have for those who want to say goodbye to bad hair days while having their hair smell its fragrant best. Available in 7 different scents, it will leave you spoilt for choice. It effectively gets rid of excess oil and hair odor while also adding visible volume, making it the best dry shampoo for fine oily hair. When we trialed this product, we discovered that it not only lasts long as a product but also has a long-lasting drying power that extends the wash time for your hair like no other dry shampoo can.

    Pros
    • Little goes a long way
    • Cute packaging
    • Organic
    • Makes hair manageable
    • Talc-free
    • Vegan
    • Cruelty-free
    Cons
    • May leave white cast on dark hair
  • Most Vegan

    Paul Mitchell Dry Wash Dry Shampoo

    Paul Mitchell Dry Wash Dry Shampoo
  • This is one of the best dry shampoos for oily hair with its incredibly lightweight and ultra-fine formula. Thanks to it being colorless, anyone can use it without any worries, irrespective of their hair color including black and brown hair people. The aerosol spray is easy to use and instantly refreshes your hair, leaving it with a clean feeling and scent, as if it were freshly washed. After conducting experiments with it, we discovered that it prevents hair from getting oily when it is used on freshly washed hair and gives extra time between washes.

    Pros
    • Non-sticky texture
    • Refreshing scent
    • Makes hair fuller
    • Adds bounce
    • Boosts shine
    • Vegan
    Cons
    • Pricey
  • Best Foam Formula

    Nexxus Between Washes Dry Shampoo Foam

    Nexxus Between Washes Dry Shampoo Foam
  • The Nexxus Dry Shampoo Foam is the best in business for achieving a salon-like finish at home. It looks like a mousse but works as a dry shampoo that effectively absorbs all the excess oil and buildup. It leaves you with a refreshing and lightweight feel without leaving behind any powdery residue, which makes it the best foam dry shampoo for oily hair. It has a gentle and quick-drying formula that can easily extend the time between wash days. We have found from using this product that it makes hair, including curly hair more manageable than before. Add it to your hair before styling for better hold. You don’t have to use it on clean hair as it is specifically formulated for day two hair.

    Pros
    • Lasts longer
    • Easy to use
    • Lifts hair roots
    • Infuses volume in hair
    • Adds bounce to lifeless hair
    • Good for blowouts
    • Makes hair easier to style
    Cons
    • Some may not like its scent
  • Best Splurge

    Kristin Ess Hair Fragrance Free Dry Shampoo Powder

    Kristin Ess Hair Fragrance Free Dry Shampoo Powder
  • Get ready to splurge on your tresses and give them that extra TLC they very much deserve. The Kristin Ess dry shampoo is considered the best powder dry shampoo for oily hair, thanks to its super-fine powdery form and fragrance-free formula. It is an incredibly effective blend of tapioca starch, corn starch, bentonite clay, rice starch, and kaolin clay, offering excellent absorption of oil. Just one use will help you go without washing your hair for a couple of days. Our research indicates that it leaves hair looking and feeling soft, with zero stiffness while helping you keep your hair clean.

    Pros
    • Easy to blend
    • Lightweight formula
    • Adds volume and bounce to hair
    • Removes build-up
    • Suitable for sensitive scalp
    • Makes hair manageable
    • Helps with hair styling
    Cons
    • Expensive

    How to Choose the Best Dry Shampoos for Oily Hair?

    Choosing the best dry shampoo for oily hair may feel a lot more confusing than you may have anticipated. It is because there are a whole lot of dry shampoos in the market today that choosing just one is rather overwhelming. But don't you worry, dear reader! We have got your back. With the help of our detailed guide, you can gain a better understanding of what makes a dry shampoo perfect for your specific hair type and concerns. So, here are some factors you must carefully consider to make an informed choice: 

    Hair Type and Texture

    You must consider your hair type, whether you have normal, oily, or dry hair. The products featured in this curation are specifically for oily hair. You must also keep in mind the texture of your hair as you go shopping for a dry shampoo. Straight, wavy, curly, coily, and kinky hair, all have different needs just as they are different in hair textures.

    Thickness 

    Next, you must also consider your hair thickness, whether you have thin or thick hair, as they both have different needs and requirements. Fine hair, too, will require a specifically formulated dry shampoo.

    Ingredients

    Take a look at the product label and make sure it doesn't contain any ingredients that may cause skin and scalp irritation or allergy. Avoid mineral oil as it can lead to oily roots and greasy strands. Dry shampoos for oily hair usually contain a mix of absorbent ingredients like starch, rice powder, and natural clay to combat greasy roots, and nourishing ingredients like oat milk to help with damaged hair.

    You must look for ingredients such as rice starch, corn starch, kaolin clay, charcoal, salicylic acid, aloe vera, peppermint oil, tea tree oil, tapioca starch, silica, arrowroot powder, and vitamin E, to name a few. 

    Type of Dry Shampoo

    Dry shampoos for oily hair come in various forms, including powder, aerosol spray, and foam. Opt for the one that suits your preferences, lifestyle, and convenience. Moreover, some formulas are best used on freshly washed hair while others work best on unwashed hair.

    Fragrance

    Some dry shampoos have a fragrance while others don't. So, you must choose according to your scent preferences, whether you want a strongly scented formula or a fragrance-free formula. You could also opt for a subtle fragrance if that's what you like. Fresh and clean scents are usually a popular choice.

    Hair Color

    Dry shampoos are usually white which may work for lighter hair. However, if you have colored hair or black hair, you must look for a dry shampoo specifically designed for darker hair colors as well as color-treated hair. They are either colorless or have a brown tint.

    Other Features

    Look for a lightweight and hypoallergenic formula that can add texture and volume to your hair without adding too much build-up. You may also look for dry shampoos that target specific concerns like dandruff. Some dry shampoo sprays also help protect hair from damage from hair dryers and other styling tools.

    Customer Reviews 

    Read customer reviews on various online platforms and hair care blogs. It will give you valuable insights into the real-life efficacy and performance of the dry shampoo of your choice.

    And now, a word to the wise? No matter how good your dry shampoo is, add in a good quality traditional shampoo with a clarifying action to your hair care routine to thoroughly cleanse your dirty hair of sebum, impurities, and product buildup. 

    It is neither easy nor convenient to shampoo every time your hair feels greasy. That is why you must add the best dry shampoos for oily hair to your routine. They are of great help when it comes to the maintenance of oily hair. Dry shampoos are nothing less than a lifesaver when you have no time but want your hair to look clean and fresh. They instantly absorb all the excess sebum and breathe new life into your oil-slicked hair. As suggested by many experts, you must use dry shampoo on freshly washed hair to combat the oil as soon as it is produced. It will help extend the life of your hair wash and also prevent the pesky white build-up. With the help of our recommendations and comprehensive guide, you can easily choose your ideal dry shampoo and say hello to refreshed, more manageable hair.

    FAQ's

    Can I use dry shampoo if I have oily hair?
    Yes, you can use dry shampoo if you have oily hair. It will absorb the excess oily to refresh and revitalize your hair, giving it a clean, fresh, and grease-free look.
    How often can I use dry shampoo on oily hair?
    You can use dry shampoo on oily hair for no more than two times per week.
    Does dry shampoo work on all hair colors?
    Yes, dry shampoo works on all hair colors.
    Can I use dry shampoo on freshly washed hair?
    Yes, you can use dry shampoo on freshly washed hair. This will help prevent grease from accumulating even before it starts showing up on your scalp and keeps hair fresher for longer.
    Are there any natural or organic dry shampoos for oily hair?
    Yes, there are many natural and organic dry shampoos for oily hair, such as Lulu Organics Hair Powder Dry Shampoo, Hair Dance Volumizing Dry Shampoo, Rahua Volumizing Dry Shampoo, and Acure Dry Shampoo, to name a few.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Alvira, the author, is a certified hair expert, committed to bringing the latest products and innovations in the hair industry to her readers. She is the go-to person for all things hair care, and this time, she decided to don her research hat for oily-haired beauties. She dived deep into the world of dry shampoos and curated this selection with her top picks of the best dry shampoos for oily hair. She individually tested all the products on the list. Her go-to dry shampoo is the Drybar Detox Clear Invisible Dry Shampoo.   

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    1. Pro Stylist Dry Shampoo Comparison

     https://youtu.be/zxShmLhUKVI?feature=shared 

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Alvira Dsouza
    Hair Expert

    With a keen eye for detail and a passion for hairstyling, Alvira is a certified Hair Expert who brings the latest tre More