Powder Dry Shampoo: Replace Your Old Dry Shampoo With These

With all the risky ingredients that have been found in spray aerosol dry shampoos lately, it’s no surprise people are seeking alternative options. Due to this, powder dry shampoo has been trending. Not only are the formulas a bit more straightforward, but a powder also allows more precision when applying dry shampoo to dirty strands. A handful of brands are ahead of the trend right now. Here’s the download on why you should consider swapping your old dry shampoo with a powder alternative and which are the ones worth trying.

Featured experts

• Mia Santiago is a celebrity hairstylist
• Alyssa Kobel is the VP of brand marketing at Dae

What are powder dry shampoos?

Powder dry shampoos serve a similar purpose to other dry shampoos but tend to be healthier, more sustainable and perhaps a better option for oiler scalps. “Dry shampoo powders absorb oil from the scalp and create a natural lift in the hair,” explains celebrity hairstylist Mia Santiago. “They help you go longer in between washes, leaving the hair less greasy and refreshed.”

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How do you use powder dry shampoo?

“When I apply my dry shampoo powder, I like to apply it in roughly one-inch sections across my scalp, around my hairline and behind my ears,” says Santiago. VP of brand marketing at Dae Alyssa Kobel recommends starting small and adding more as needed. Once applied, let the powder sit for a few seconds to absorb, then gently massage it in with your fingertips or the brush that comes with some of the powders. Pro tip: Santiago likes to apply it at night so it can absorb hair oil while she sleeps.

How is powder dry shampoo different from texturizing powder?

“Both products absorb oil from the hair and scalp, but dry shampoo’s main job is to refresh the hair,” explains Santiago. “Texturizing powder adds volume and texture to the hair, leaving the hair with grit.” 

“Powder dry shampoo gives hair that post-blowout look, added volume and texture, and of course provides clean, healthy hair results which a texturizing powder won’t help fix,” says Kobel. A texturizing powder is something you would reach for when looking to get added body and texture, she notes. However, many dry shampoos now also offer styling benefits.

Powder dry shampoo products to try

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Dae Fairy Duster Dry Shampoo ($30)

This formula is a super concentrated blend of gentle and effective ingredients like arrowroot extract, Mojave yucca extract and cactus flower extract. “Fairy Duster is essential if you’re looking for a quality powder dry shampoo—I’ve actually never quite enjoyed dry shampoo powder until this one,” says Kobel. “Not only is this powder formula super effective when it comes to absorbing oil, but it’s also so quick and easy to use while giving hair tons of volume and extending your style.”

BUY ON DAE – $30

BUY ON SEPHORA – $30

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Violette_FR Frange Puff ($37)

Celebrity makeup artist and founder of Violette_FR fused her Parisian lifestyle with her fast-paced New York City life to create the perfect on-the-go dry shampoo with a built-in brush. It features a washable brush and refillable powder base, so the product can live many lives.

BUY ON VIOLETTE_FR – $37

BUY ON SEPHORA – $37

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Madame Lemy Powder ($18)

This is technically a whole body deodorizing powder, but isn’t dry shampoo ultimately just deodorant for your hair? There are tons of reviews confirming this product is amazing both in hair and on armpits. We can also confirm it totally disappears into strands and refreshes hair. The powerful powder comes in a handful of scents.

BUY ON MADAME LEMY – $22

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Lush No Drought Dry Shampoo ($15)

Freshen up the look, feel and scent of your hair between showers with this classic dry shampoo powder. Simply sprinkle the powder on your scalp, leave it for a few minutes and then shake or brush through.

BUY ON LUSH – $15

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M’Chel Haircare Day After Brush ($58)

This innovative applicator exceeds expectations with its patented brush applicator that delivers powder in a way that won’t promote itchiness or dryness as traditional dry shampoos can. The powder removes oil and leaves hair looking fresh with a boost of volume.

BUY ON M’CHEL – $58

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Frank Body Dry Clean Volume Powder ($20)

If you love a dry shampoo that also bumps up your volume, this powder is for you. The powder soaks up oil and adds grit to make styling super simple. Additionally, the packaging is super convenient to take on the go for when you might need it.

BUY ON FRANK BOY – $20

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Crown Affair The Dry Shampoo ($48)

The fluffy kabuki brush that comes with this powder makes it super easy to apply exactly where your hair needs it most. Tapioca starch and persimmon powder absorb oil and deodorize the hair for a fresh look and smell. It even features the brand’s signature fragrance of bergamot, yuzu and lemongrass.

BUY ON GOOP – $48

BUY ON SEPHORA – $48

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Prose Custom Dry Shampoo ($32)

It’s easy to extend your wash cycle with this translucent powder dry shampoo. The formula nourishes the scalp while refreshing the roots. The standout quality of this product is that Prose will custom-make a batch just for you after you share some information on your hair needs.

BUY ON PROSE – $32