Get the Best Dry Shampoo for Oily Hair from these 8 Standouts in 2022

By Laura Bissessar

Some people naturally have oily hair, and some people have hair that gets oily from vigorous activities or going way too long in between wash days. Either way, you’ve probably felt the heavy weight and overall yucky feeling of having too much gunk around your scalp and roots. That’s why pretty much anyone who has hair on their head will benefit from using the best dry shampoo for oily hair and otherwise. This may be a list of our eight favorite dry shampoos, but let’s first dive into what they are and why most hair types are welcome.

What Can the Best Dry Shampoo for Oily Hair Do for You?

Okay, okay, dry shampoo is not technically shampoo. It doesn’t cleanse your hair like washing it with water, and your favorite sulfate-free formula does. But it’s all good because that’s a subject for another blog, and we’re here to dispel misconceptions.

Dry shampoo is the perfect hair touch-up tool that gives the impression you have a hairdresser that freshens your blowout or curls daily. The best part is there’s no heat required to bring your strands back to life. They work by utilizing absorbent ingredients in the form of a spray to mop up excess sebum, aka our skin’s natural moisturizer, leaving hair that looks refreshed, voluminous, and smelling great. Remember that sebum is essential for good hair health, but too much buildup can make the hair appear oily, weighed down, and downright unkempt.

With a well-positioned spritzing and rubbing in of the best dry shampoo for oily hair, those who need to wash more frequently can give their hair (and themselves) a break from constant heat styling. And even if you don’t have oily hair, dry shampoos are clutch for any hair type when you want to extend the life of your hairstyle or simply don’t have time or access to wash your hair. Take a look at these eight dry shampoos to see which one speaks to you and your needs!

1.  Ole’ Reliable – For a no-frills basic with a professionally curated formula, CHI Dry Shampoo will solve your greasy hair problems. CHI is famous for having excellent styling tools, and they’re making sure their products also live up to their reputation. This gluten-free, cruelty-free dry shampoo needs a quick spray to the roots to absorb oils and add a little texture to let your hairstyle live to see another day.

2.  For a Conscious Splurge – Many want to make the most of their dollar by buying from companies that practice multi-faceted sustainability. Choosing R+CO Bleu Retroactive Dry Shampoo means choosing a dry shampoo that works to refresh your hair and lower its carbon footprint. This luxurious vegan formula also uses unique plant extracts that protect and strengthen the hair and scalp – a great choice if you’re in the process of repairing damaged or overprocessed hair.

3.  The Non-Aerosol Spray – The best dry shampoo for oily hair will contain some component of kaolin clay or plant starches, which are masters at absorbing oil without drying out hair. R+CO SKYLINE Dry Shampoo Powder has both as their primary ingredients, offering a heavenly-scented formula in a convenient pump spray. Soothing ingredients like jojoba oil and burdock root will take care of your scalp as you add texture and lift roots.

4.  Refresh and Style in One – If you’re going to need a comb out with your dry shampoo, get a multi-tasker that’s also a styling spray, like EVO’s Water Killer Dry Shampoo. Once sprayed evenly into the roots, this product can be left in for restyling or brushed out after a few minutes of efficient oil absorption. EVO always keeps its ingredient list simple and leaves out messy parabens and sulfates detrimental to our hair. The convenience of this 2-in-1 is also a must-have for travel!

5.  Long Hair Needs Love, Too – Long-haired folks usually keep a safe distance between washes. Sometimes, it’s too long. So it’s time to get a dry shampoo that supports healthy growth and will relieve hair of heavy oil buildup until the next shampoo.   SexyHair’s Long SexyHair Luxe Dry Shampoo is meant to keep your inches from looking, well, anything but sexy with a combination of antioxidant, nutrient-rich moringa oil and biotin. This spray is excellent for freshening up hair extensions as well.

6.  For the Truly Oily – There’s no shame if you’re riding the struggle bus of having perpetually oily hair. You may be one who needs the best dry shampoo for oily hair to put extra emphasis on the oil absorption part. UNITE Hair U: DRY Plus + Dry Shampoo will get you there with the power of volcanically-derived, super absorbent zeolites. Those with fine, oily hair can use this spray without weighing it down or leaving residue behind. You can also use this product more often than most dry shampoos before needing a proper cleanse. It’s an oily fan favorite, so get ready for relief.

7.  Not Just a Clever Name – For a hair boost that comes with an irresistible scent, get the TIGI Bed Head Dirty Secret Dry Shampoo. If you’ve ever gotten a Bed Head product, you already know what’s up! You can trust this product to volumize and degrease your hairstyle with a spray to the roots and a rub in with your fingertips. With a simple and effective formula, this is a great go-to if you’re sweet on all things beautifully scented.

8.  Powered by the Sea – The Aquage brand is unique because they incorporate nutrient-rich marine botanicals that support hair health into their products. There’s no exception for the Aquage Dry Shampoo, which also contains fruit extracts from kiwi and mango along with algae extracts that nourish hair as well as give it new life. This dry shampoo won’t leave back white residue, so people with darker hair can rest easy with this eco-friendly choice.

One Last Tip

Even the best shampoo for oily hair can’t entirely replace good hair washing practices. It’s important to remember that while a dry shampoo is fabulous for a quick fix, still aim to get a regular cleanse with shampoo and water. Now, enjoy the extended life of all your hair care products! And since your dry shampoo has given you the gift of time, head to our Beauty Resource Center, where you can learn more about the latest haircare tips and trending beauty advice. For more information on oily hair care check out this article from AAD on tips for healthy hair.