How to Find the Best Dry Shampoo for Your Hair Type

Get the perfect match for your lovely locks.

Whether it’s one of your post-workout essentials or something you use to gain a few extra minutes of sleep, dry shampoo has earned its rank in beauty routines everywhere. After all, who wouldn’t want fresher-smelling and cleaner-feeling hair without having to step foot in the shower? But there are so many different formulas on the market—from spray to powder to even paste—it can be difficult to figure out which one is right for your hair type.

Although any form of dry shampoo will make a difference, aerosol sprays are generally the most effective and easy to use, says Maura Burns, a hairstylist at BLACKSTONES in New York City. But the right type of product for you might vary depending on your individual locks. Here’s your guide to finding your perfect match.

If You Have…Color-Treated Hair

The more you wash your hair, the more trips you have to make to the salon. It’s simple math—but with the addition of the right dryshampoo, you can hold off on dropping the beaucoup bucks to revamp your ‘do as often. So which one won’t leave your vibrant color with white residue? “Use regular [white] dry shampoos for pastel or cooler hair tones and brown for all others,” says Koby-Ben, the creative director at Alibi NYC Salons. Our pick for lighter hair hues: Batiste Hint of Color Dry Shampoo ($9,ulta.com). Try Label.m Brunette Dry Shampoo ($20, amazon.com) if you’ve got dark hair.

If You Have…Fine Hair

“Whether you’re using dry shampoo for a day-two ‘do or a midday pick-me-up, go with anything powder based—whether it is actually powder or a powder-based aerosol spray—to add texture and height,” says Burns. The lightweight powder formula will boost your fine tresses for a fresh feel without weighing them down. Jennifer Penny, a stylist at Butterfly Studio, points out that for all the fine-haired folks of the world, you don’t want anything too wet because it will either make fine hair look dirty or cause your straightened hair to re-curl. Need a reco? Drybar Detox Dry Shampoo ($23, thedrybar.com) will start your love affair with powder-based sprays.

If You Have…Thick Hair

“The trick is to find a product with less grip,” says Burns. Typically, this means steering clear of powder-based products unless you’re really aching for bouffant-esque height. “Dry shampoo paste is still incredibly new to the scene and hard to speak 100 percent confidently on,” says Penny. Still, if you’ve got a headful of curls that can’t be tamed, it’s worth trying. The half-dry shampoo, half-styling paste formula allows for a fresh look by placing it exactly where you want without having to disrupt the curl pattern with a brush. If you’re all about a slightly tussled look, this is definitely up your alley. Try R + Co Badlands Dry Shampoo Paste ($28, randco.com).

The bottom line: Whether you have thick or thin strands, or oilyor parched hair, it’s all about the roots. With the right amount of product to suit your needs, your hair will be looking so fresh and so clean in no time.

How to Find the Best Dry Shampoo for Your Hair Type