11 Best-Smelling Dry Shampoos In 2023 You Should Try
Enjoy manageable and sweet-smelling hair all day long with just a few sprays.
Jill TurnbullHairstylist
Expertise: Hairdressing
Experience: 47 years
Jill Turnbull is an internationally acclaimed freelance hairstylist, colorist, and makeup artist with over 47 years of experience. She founded her own beauty brand and her work has been featured in editorial magazines worldwide. Jill is... more
Expertise: Skin & Hair Care
Experience: 3 years
Kirtana has a postgraduate degree in mass communication and journalism from St. Joseph’s College, Bengaluru, and has 3 years of experience. She developed a deep passion for writing after reading the... more
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Looking for the best-smelling dry shampoo that makes your day better? We have just what you’re in search of. We love dry shampoos, mainly because of how convenient they are. No matter how tired you are to shampoo your hair for real or how late you are to that date, a few works of sprays will help you get the bouncy locks in no time. They deserve a permanent place in your handbag! The biggest bonus associated with using a dry shampoo is getting a sweet-smelling one that will make everyone turn their heads towards you. Jill Turnbull, a hair stylist with 47 years of experience, states, “ Dry shampoo is a time-saving essential for those who don’t have the time or energy to wash their hair every day.” While the market is full of dry shampoos that promise to be the best at their job, we have 11 bestselling dry shampoos made with the most aromatic scents to keep your hair fresh and bouncy always. By getting yourself the best can of dry shampoo, you can make sure your hair is always sweet-smelling and gorgeous to begin your day with! Read on to know more about it.
In This Article
Top 11 Dry Shampoos That Will Leave Your Hair Smelling Lovely
Best For Taming Flyaways:OGX Refresh & Restore + Coconut Miracle Oil Dry Shampoo
Rejuvenate your hair with the smell of the tropics with this OGX Refresh & Restore + Coconut Miracle Oil Dry Shampoo. Powered with the essence of tiare flower, vanilla bean extract, and coconut oil, this dry shampoo is a hearty fragrance blend from that memorable summer vacation around the beach. Soak in the goodness of this nourishing formula for that perfect party look. Check this video to learn more about the product.
Pros - Calms frizz
- Tames flyaways
- Adds bounce and shine
- Great for second-day style
Cons
- May be a bit heavy
Pro TipBest Cruelty-Free:Living proof. Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo
A good-smelling dry shampoo is a must in every makeup kit. Keep your mane smelling clean and lovely with this Living proof. Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo. Its patented Healthy Hair Molecule-powered formula keeps dirt off your hair. This product resists humidity from damaging your hair and keeps your hair silky to give that polished, sleek look. It has a lovely scent that makes your hair smell fresh 24 hours of the day. Take a look at this video to get more information on the product.
Pros - Cruelty-free
- Silicone-free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Smoothens hair
Cons
- May leave a white residue
Best Sulfate-Free:Batiste Clean & Classic Original Dry Shampoo
Indulge your hair in some much-needed TLC (Tender Loving Care) with this Batiste Clean & Classic Original Dry Shampoo. With the original scent notes of bergamot, rose, and lily extracts, this formula not only leaves your hair smelling floral but also absorbs dirt and grease, adding life and volume to your tresses. This scented dry shampoo is extremely easy to use and does miracles to your hair-do. This video offers a more detailed explanation of the product.
Pros - Sulfate-free
- Removes oil
- Adds texture
- No water required
Cons
- May not be suitable for extremely fine hair
Best Gluten-Free:amika: Perk Up Dry Shampoo
Infused with a blast of superfruit sea buckthorn berry extract, this amika: Perk Up Dry Shampoo formula adds life to dull hair. Made from rice starch, it absorbs oil and dirt with ease and does not cause build-up on the scalp. It is lightweight, adds to hair volume, and is safe to use on color, keratin, or Brazilian-treated hair. This clean-smelling shampoo is one of the best dry shampoos you’ll find in the market, leaving you and your hair feeling refreshed.
Pros - Gluten-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Does not leave a white residue
- Sulfate, paraben, and phthalate-free
Cons
- May be a bit drying
Best Dye-Free:aussie After Hours Texture Dry Shampoo
Infused with eucalyptus dunnii, this exotic formula will not only make your hottest hairstyle last long but also refresh you with calming aromatherapy. The eucalyptus fragrance will soothe your soul. It absorbs excess oil, dirt, and sweat from your hair while adding texture and volume. With the goodness of jojoba oil, it will nourish your curly hair and transform hair from coarse to super soft texture.
Pros
- Dye-free
- Gluten-free
- Cruelty-free
- Free of parabens and sulfates
Cons
- The fragrance may be too overwhelming for some.
Best For Dry Hair:Drybar Detox Dry Shampoo
Regular dry shampoos making your head hurt with that chemical smell? Well, how about some fresh notes of Madagascar vanilla, jasmine, and sandalwood scents with this Drybar Detox Dry Shampoo. Powered with golden root extract and micro-fine rice powder, this formula absorbs oils, eliminates foul smell, and prevents dryness and breakage in your hair strands while also making your hair smell good.
Pros - Cruelty-free
- Adds volume
- Phthalate-free
- Sulfate and paraben-free
- Provides a matte finish
Cons
- May not be suitable for darker hair color
Pro TipBest For Adding Shine:MOROCCANOIL Dry Shampoo - Light Tones
As you may have already guessed, this dry shampoo has the classic Moroccan oil smell with hints of spicy amber, sweet floral, and musk. This MOROCCANOIL Dry Shampoo for Light Tones is an argan oil-powered formula, which is also infused with rice starch powder that absorbs excess oil and avoids product build-up. This dry shampoo works great on platinum, silver, and blonde hair. This formula has subtle violet undertones that will add an extra shine and help balance brassiness.
Pros - Nourishes hair
- No dull residue
- Enhances light color tones
- Protection against UV damage
Cons
- May be a bit oily
Best Vegan: Volumizing Dry ShampooCake Beauty The ‘Do Gooder
Add some bounce to your curls and polish those last-minute sleek straight hair looks with this Cake Beauty The ‘Do Gooder Volumizing Dry Shampoo. Formulated with cornstarch, it smells just like a cupcake. This formula readily absorbs oil and dirt, cleansing your hair and scalp. Reinvigorate your hair with this lovely blend of natural ingredients that add volume and shine within a few minutes of application.
Pros - Cruelty-free
- Sulfate-free
- 100% vegan
- Paraben-free
- Mineral oil-free
Cons
- The fragrance may not last all day long.
Best Clarifying:Suave Professionals Dry Shampoo- Keratin Infusion
The Keratin Infusion Dry Shampoo from Suave Professionals is a fantastic addition to your routine. It refreshes and restores damaged hair without drying your hair or leaving any traces of residue. It effectively absorbs oil and cleanses hair, keeping it soft and silky between washes. In addition, it is infused with salon-proven ingredients such as Kerastase to revive hair. It’s a must-have haircare product to maintain smooth and healthy hair effectively.
Pros - Adds bounce and shine
- Great for styling hair
- Does not leave a white residue
- Pleasant fragrance
- Sulfate, paraben, and phthalate-free
Cons
- May need a thorough cleaning
Best Subtle Fragrance:Garnier Fructis Deep Cleansing Invisible Dry Shampoo
Garnier Fructis Invisible Dry Shampoo uses rice starch and clay to remove oil quickly and leave no residue. This hidden formula gives hair a clean, fresh, and voluminous feel that lasts all day. Its subtle, pleasant fragrance covers bad odors and keeps your hair smelling fresh all day long.
Pros - Cruelty-free
- No visible residue
- Instant dry
- Clan scent
Cons
None
Pro TipBest Colorless Formula:Paul Mitchell Dry Wash Shampoo
Scented with clean and crisp apple tones, blended with a smooth jasmine undertone, this is one of the best dry shampoos you will find in the market. This ultra-fine formula absorbs oil quickly and gives you that instant, freshly rinsed hair look with a lovely scent. This clean-smelling dry shampoo works on all hair types and does not leave a white residue.
Pros - Lightweight
- Defines texture
- Colorless formula
- Adds instant volume
- Works on all hair colors
Cons
- A bit expensive
Dry shampoos effectively refresh your hair while absorbing oil and greasiness from the scalp. It helps you appear clean and fresh without using a regular shampoo on your hair for days! However, you should make sure the dry shampoo you choose is suitable for your hair type and keeps your hair rejuvenated without any scalp irritation. Take a look at the buying guide to know further.
Points To Keep In Mind Before Buying A Dry Shampoo
- Ingredients
Since dry shampoos remain in the hair for a long time, it is preferable to use ones without harmful ingredients. Stay strictly away from mineral oil, phthalate, paraben, silicone, and sulfate to prevent hair damage in the long run. Avoid products containing artificial dyes as well.
- Usage
If you only wash your hair once a week or so, you should get a high-quality dry shampoo that will provide long-lasting results. Dandruff is caused by product buildup on the scalp and hair that occurs when you repeatedly use the same product without cleaning it off. That is why it is preferable to use a long-lasting dry shampoo. Those who work outdoors in the sun should opt for a product providing UV protection.
- Hair Color
The dry shampoo you choose should match your hair color. Pick one that won’t leave a whitish cast on your scalp and hair. Similarly, blondes should use a dry shampoo designed for light hair.
- Skin Type
Keep in mind that the chemicals in a dry shampoo will come into contact with your scalp skin. If you have allergies, you should test the product first by applying a small amount on your skin. Make sure you are not allergic to dry shampoo, as doing so might cause extreme irritation in certain people.
- Hair Type
Dry shampoos absorb the natural sebum and oil from your scalp and hair. However, this causes the hair to become dry and frizzy over time. Pick a product that works well with your hair type.
Those who have extremely fine, lanky hair should opt for products that add texture and volume. However, they will have to wash out their hair more often as there will be significant product-build up.
Dry shampoos should be used with caution by those whose hair and skin are excessively dry. If you use the product frequently, you should also clarify your hair twice a month and deep condition your hair once a week.
Now that you are all caught up on some of the best dry shampoos in the market, let’s take a look at how you can decide what would work for you.
How Do I Choose A Dry Shampoo With Fragrance
Here are a few things that you can keep in mind before making a purchase.
- Ingredients: You do not want to end up having a rash or an itchy scalp because of your dry shampoo. Hence, always ensure you have taken a look at the ingredients to identify allergens before buying.
- Scent: While you may want your hair to smell lovely, you do not want to end up with an overpowering fragrance that gives you a headache at the end of the day.
- The formula: Make sure you do not pick a product with a formula rich in harsh chemicals. You would want to go easy on your hair and pick one with natural extracts.
While dry shampoos are a great alternative when you skip washing your hair, there are also other ways that you can keep your hair smelling fresh.
How Do You Keep Your Hair Smelling Good
Here are a few pointers that would help.
- Regular hair washes: Nothing replaces cleansing your hair with a routine hair oil massage, followed by shampoo and conditioner. Etch it into your schedule and complete all these steps for clean, fresh-smelling hair.
- Scented hair products: From hair detanglers to dry shampoos, conditioners, and oils, pick products with subtle fragrances.
Protect your hair: Wear a head wrap or a tie scarf around your head, especially if you are dealing with solid aromas, food, or cigarette smoke. - Clean brush: Keep your hair comb or brush clean by replacing them with new ones once worn out or washing them regularly.
- Pillowcase: Change your pillowcase regularly since you rest your head for long hours during the night, and a dirty pillowcase could add a peculiar odor to your hair.
Infographic: Tips To Use The Best Smelling Dry Shampoos
You now know about the best smelling dry shampoos and their benefits, but are you aware of the right ways of applying them to get the most out of them? Check out the infographic below to learn how to use these products to achieve bouncy, voluminous, and healthy tresses. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
Save the high-quality PDF version on your device now.
Download Infographic 
If you use dry shampoos on a weekly basis, it is important to choose the ones that can provide you with an everlasting fragrance. Yes, we do love it when our hair smells fabulous! But, remember to choose shampoos that can clean your hair thoroughly while making your strands smell great! Dry shampoos cleanse your hair while freshening up your locks. They make your hair smell amazing while offering great nourishment to your tresses. However, it is better to choose dry shampoos that are free of toxins and harmful chemicals. You should use shampoos that are made with natural ingredients and can easily tame your flyaways. Moreover, the dry shampoos that you choose for your hair should also perfectly add bounce and shine to your tresses. Overall, it is better to stay away from dry shampoos that have really overwhelming fragrances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is dry shampoo good or bad for your hair?
Well, this totally depends on your purpose. While there is no definite alternate to rinsing your hair with shampoo, dry shampoo is great to use for in-between washes when you want to step out without a wash. However, a dry shampoo only absorbs the oil and dirt and does not rinse it off like shampoo does. Hence, it should not be seen as a permanent replacement for shampoo.
Does dry shampoo make your hair smell better?
Yes, there are several dry shampoo formulas that are scented. You can pick from your choice of scent as long as you do a trial run before the actual event. You do not want to end up with an overpowering fragrance.
Is inhaling dry shampoo bad?
Use the dry shampoo sparingly. Do not inhale it directly through the dry shampoo spray.
How long does dry shampoo smell last?
Dry shampoo smells usually last for a day. It can last less depending on your lifestyle. However, many dry shampoos stay for two days.
Is it okay to use dry shampoo everyday?
No, dry shampoos can weaken your hair, leading to hair loss and scalp issues. Therefore, use dry shampoos not more than twice in a row.
Do smelling dry shampoos work on fine hair?
Yes, dry shampoos with fragrances work on fine hair. Dry shampoo is considered a quick way to add more volume to fine tresses.
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