Best powder dry shampoos 2023

Say goodbye to greasy hair days and hello to voluminous locks

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For those who make a sport out of avoiding washing their hair (raises hand), dry shampoo spray is a godsend. However, in recent years, aerosol sprays have faced criticism. Thanks to social media, awareness has spread regarding the ingredients used in our beloved daily personal care products and their potential risks. As a result, many stores have removed aerosol-based dry shampoos from their shelves.

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But why? Well, not only does their alcohol content tend to cause breakage and make the scalp feel dry and irritated, but they often contain benzene, a cancer-causing chemical, as well as environmentally harmful propellants like propane and butane, which are petroleum distillates derived from refining crude oil. However, as ignorance is bliss, knowledge is power. With information, we can make better choices, not only for ourselves but also for Mother Earth. We are maturing, learning and unlearning, and we need dry shampoos that follow suit.

Enter the era of powdered dry shampoo products. Let's face it — we still need and love dry shampoo, both for those off days when our hair is a little greasy and for the texture and grip they provide, making styling easier. Powder dry shampoos offer a healthier and non-harmful alternative. Additionally, we appreciate that they last much longer, reducing waste and the need for frequent purchases, making them more environmentally friendly and satisfying. If you’re looking for the best aerosol-free dry shampoos to address all your hair concerns, keep reading for our recommendations.

Best for super-oily hair: Odele Dry ShampooBest brush-applicator option: Crown Affair The Dry ShampooBest fragrance-free option: Kristin Ess Fragrance-Free Shampoo PowderBest Canadian brand: Voir Haircare She's Like the Wind Invisible Dry Shampoo & ConditionerBest compact option for travel: DEW CARE Tap SecretBest customized option: Prose Custom Dry Shampoo

Sea water and oat moss extracts combine with other nutrient-packed plant-powders in Odele's Dry Shampoo guaranteed to combat even the greasiest hair. This nutrient-packed powder is an industry fave for reviving hair while adding volume and a mild but pleasant smoky, amber aroma. The super-small pump dispenses product in a puff of fluff that doesn't leave a huge mess, and we just love the clear bottle and clear label wrap which allows you to see how much is left.

Active ingredients: Corn starch, rice starch, kaolin, baking sodaBenefits: Free of gluten, sulfates, parabens, alcohol, talc and phthalatesSize: 1 ozPrice: $11.99 USD Where to buy: Odele Beauty

Our only pick that doesn't come in a squeeze or pump applicator, we appreciate that Crown Affair offers the option to purchase their dry shampoo with or without their kabuki brush. With a refreshing and invigorating fragrance derived from Japanese persimmon, a natural deodorizer and antioxidant, as well as bergamot, yuzu and lemongrass, you receive the benefits of both hair perfume and dry shampoo in one product touted for its efficacy and luxurious formula.

Active ingredients: Tapioca starch, rice starch, persimmon powder, baking sodaBenefits: Cruelty-free, vegan, free of sulfates and parabensSize: 0.53 ozPrice: $36 USD Where to buy: Goop

This super-soft and lightweight dry shampoo powder stands out as our only fragrance-free option. It employs a blend of starches infused with neem leaf extract, known for its soothing properties against itching, and kaolin, which helps balance oil production and effectively combat scalp issues. It provides a refreshing cleanse and builds without causing hair to become gritty or dull. However, it is advisable to use it at arm's length due to a tendency to dispense product forcefully through the precision nozzle.

Active ingredients: Corn starch, kaolin, tapioca starch, bentonite, rice starchBenefits: Vegan, cruelty-free and free of added fragrance, sulfates, parabens, phthalates and siliconesSize: 1.3 ozPrice: $18.99 Where to buy: Well.ca

With a crisp floral aroma blended with warm sandalwood, vanilla and amber, this translucent micro-powder spray is not your ordinary dry shampoo. This oil-absorbing formula conditions hair as well thanks to its nourishing botanical ingredients like wildberry, kakadu plum and green tea extract that soften your strands and leave them feeling lighter, cleaner and boosted with volume. The unique pump sprayer allows you to control the release of the fine powder within, blending effortlessly with all hair colours and textures, leaving no white residue behind. If you like supporting local, small businesses, Voir is the one for you.

Active ingredients: Tapioca starch, corn starch, witch hazelBenefits: Shampoo and conditioner in one, free of sulfates, phthalates, silicones, artificial colours, mineral oil and parabensSize: 1.4 fl oz.Price: $30 Where to buy: Amazon

This dry shampoo powder won Allure's Best of Beauty Award in 2022 for good reason. The unique design of the jar and attached poof makes application fun, easy and mess-free, and the compact size makes it our purse pick for freshening hair and scalp on the go. Just twist open the lid, and get tap happy. And the best part? The formula contains black ginseng and biotin which can stimulate hair follicles and promote hair growth, nourish the scalp and improve blood circulation, enhance hair thickness and soothe irritated scalp conditions such as dandruff or itching. However, this mattifying powder does change the texture of your hair and a little goes a long way, so we recommend it for those seeing that thicker, textured feeling.

Active Ingredients: Black ginsengBenefits: Gluten-free, vegan and free of alcohol, parabens, sulfates and phthalatesSize: 0.24 ozPrice: $22 Where to buy: Amazon

Prose's translucent, powder dry shampoo is our pick for wellness lovers seeking a more personalized approach to their hair care. After completing a quick online quiz, Prose formulates a holistic package of products and supplements tailored to your unique needs. This includes a custom-blended dry shampoo powder that refreshes the roots, extends hairstyles and cares for your scalp. Prose stands out with its natural active ingredients, such as tea tree oil, white clay, aloe vera juice and witch hazel. If you have specific hair or scalp concerns and find the idea of having your own formula appealing, Prose is our recommendation.

Active ingredients: Customized for you Benefits: Ability to personalize, free of sulfates, parabens, GMOs, phthalates and alcoholSize: 1.4 ozPrice: $47.60Where to buy: Prose

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