These Are the Only Dry Shampoos Worth Buying, According to a Pro Hairstylist

Whatever hair drama you find yourself caught up in, there's one product that's pretty much guaranteed to have you covered. “Greasy hat hair? Check! Holiday party hair? Check! Day after big holiday party hair? Check!" says pro hairstylist Fae Norris of L.A.'s Neighborhood Salon of the miracle mist also known as dry shampoo. ”It's one of my favorite tools to have in the arsenal — especially in the winter," Norris notes.

If you've ever tried dry shampoo you already know it's quick, easy to use, and a great way to give hair a pick-me-up between washes. “The only downside is getting paralyzed by all the choices. Almost every line now offers a dry shampoo and it can be a little tricky differentiating between the ‘so-so’ and the ‘oh wow!’” she explains to Most Wanted. So we asked Norris to do the dirty work for us.

Ahead, she shares her 7 tried-and-true favorites at every price point — along with a few of her best pro tips thrown in for good measure.

Why Norris Loves It: “The award-winning Klorane dry shampoos live up to their cult status. Strong enough to actually soak up oil but light enough to use for a couple days before the build-up necessitates a wash. Hypoallergenic and vegan, I’ve found they especially deliver with hair that’s a bit oily. This is the brand that lives in my gym bag. Great to use post-workout.”

Pro Tip: “Consider the tinted formula [above]. It’s subtle and helps mask roots in a pinch.”

Why Norris Loves It: “There’s a 92.5 percent chance that someone will comment on how great your hair smells. It's completely intoxicating. The product itself, which uses a natural rice starch and comes in a handy travel size, is very gentle and a great choice for damaged hair. And if frizzies and flyaways are a problem, their dry conditioner can work wonders.”

Pro Tip: “Running late to meet Mr. or Miss Special? A quick spray and massage will deliver the kind of scent that turns heads ... right to your hair. They even came out with a 'hair perfume' with the same fragrance. It’s that good.”

Why Norris Loves It: “Batiste has a great line of dry shampoos and conditioners that I recommend to many clients. It’s affordable, widely available, and delivers the goods. They also offer a wide variety of scents to match any mood. As far as dry shampoos go, it’s on the heavier side and really excels with root touch-ups. This is the one to use if you’re looking for that Texas texture in the crown before a big night out. Just be prepared to wash the next day.”

Pro Tip: “For big hair, lay some pomade down before you spray. The dry shampoo attaches to oil in the pomade to provide extra volume. Brush thoroughly and you’re ready to go.”

Why Norris Loves It: “If it’s good enough for Jennifer Aniston, it’s good enough for me! Living Proof stands out for delivering a clean, just-washed feeling. Given its excellent oil and grease absorption, it does leave a little residue after you spray but brushes right out. I recommend it after a big night to get you through the next day feeling fresh.”

Pro Tip: “This is a particularly good choice for those with a heavy fringe or bangs. Simply spray, wait a few seconds until dry, then brush it out. Perfection.”

Why Norris Loves It: “The first dry shampoo I ever bought and one I still turn to. As a matter of fact, Psssst! was the original dry shampoo. And with a 40-year track record it’s still a good bet. It's very affordable, functional, available most everywhere, and delivers a healthy dose of retro-cool. While not top of the line, it’s great for day-three hair on just about anyone. It does leave a little white residue, so, unless you're platinum, a quick brush post-spray is in order.”

Pro Tip: “Consider using it right before putting your hair up in a top knot, braid or up-do. Just spray a touch more than you think you need and it will deliver awesome hold and extra thickness. Those bobby pins will not budge.”

Why Norris Loves It: “Do you know the feeling of getting a blowout, walking outside and having it fall flat? *Cue sad trombone music.* If hard-shell hairspray or another product that might shorten the life of what you paid for isn’t your bag, then Aquage Dry Shampoo is for you. It leaves hair feeling really clean and fresh while not being excessively dry or powdery. I use it for all my ‘pretty hair’ events like weddings, galas and camping trips. Yes, pretty hair and camping is a thing. (Camping in bear country with pretty-smelling hair? Not so much).”

Pro Tip: “Blow out, spray the roots, then shake out with your fingers. It will extend the life of your blowout by at least a few days.”

Why Norris Loves It: “It's one of the few dry shampoos that actually hydrates and leaves hair feeling soft and shiny. This one's best for dry, color-treated or fragile hair. It’s also great for controlling frizz, or just as a quick pick-me-up. It won’t leave a white residue or give you a lot of volume, but it will soak up some of that oil and improve the overall texture.”

Pro Tip: “Make sure to spray all over for full coverage with this one. The keratin protein and conditioners make this dry shampoo a treatment as much as a tool.”