Drugstore Dry Shampoo Review

A few weeks ago I set out to find the best drugstore dry shampoo, so naturally, I headed to my local Target to find a few options to test. Now I know this blog is way overdue but I really wanted to test out each one several times before I gave a review.

I would like to preface this by saying everyone’s hair is different and reacts differently to products. My friends say I have unicorn hair because I barely do anything to it and it still looks good. My hair is thick and wavy in texture and I typically wash my hair every other day or sometimes can make it three days in between washes.

I would also like to say the concept of dry shampoo was very foreign to me a few years ago and I really didn’t understand how people could go longer than one day without washing their hair. It takes a lot of patience and training to allow your hair to go multiple days between washes.

How I apply

Before we dive into the comparisons I did want to share my method of applying because I know everyone does it a little differently. I like to spray my part and the back of my head thoroughly, then I section the top areas of my hair and spray. I then let it sit for about 3-7 minutes and rub it in with my fingers. I then brush all of my hair back several times and find my part again. I find this is the most effective way for my hair.

I do enjoy having the white cast from dry shampoo because I think it’s a guide for rubbing it in. I do have lighter hair, so I know some dark-haired people prefer no white cast but I actually prefer it.

Side by Side Comparison

Kristin Ess Style Reviving Dry Shampoo

4 oz

So I had the highest hopes for this one because it was the most expensive and naturally in my mind, the most expensive has to be the best right? Wrong! Kristin Ess is a brand exclusive to Target and Kristin Ess is actually Lauren Conrad’s former hairstylist. But this dry shampoo was honestly just ok. It does have a white cast like I said I prefer, but there was just nothing special about this one. I think there are definitely more affordable options that do a better job.

I would rate this a 5 out of 10.

COLAB Dry Shampoo in Original

6.7 oz

My first two initial thoughts were man this sprayer is aggressive and wow this smells like a fancy hotel. This is very scented but does come in other scent options if you don’t like the original.

I was excited to try this one because I haven’t heard of this brand and the packaging was so cute. I like the way it made my hair feel but is it my next go-to dry shampoo? No.

I give this one a 6 out of 10.

Not Your Mothers Plump For Joy Body Building Dry Shampoo

7 oz

This dry shampoo is the best bang for your buck at the highest ounces for the lowest overall price. I would say it performed average, I would compare it very similarly to the COLAB Dry Shampoo. It does smell nice but isn’t overpowering and it does not have a white cast.

I would rate this a 6 out of 10 as well.

Dove Refresh + Care Dry Shampoo in Fresh Coconut

5 oz

This dry shampoo was my favorite out of all the ones I tried, which was actually surprising to me. I’ve used this in the past but thought there were for sure better options out there but I really like this. I like the lightweight smell. I like the slight white cast that rubs in nicely. I also like the way this one wears throughout the day. The others still make my hair feel dirty by like 3 PM but this one truly lasts all day.

This is the dry shampoo I reach for on day 3 hair.

I would rate this one a 10 out of 10.

SGX NYC Dry Touch Voluminizing Dry Shampoo

6.5 oz

Now I mentioned I liked a white cast, this dry shampoo leaves a HUGE white cast, it’s too much. Once you finally rub it all in you feel like you need more. I found myself when trying this one, reaching for another one to layer on top because it just didn’t do it’s job.

I would rate this one a 4 out of 10.

Pantene Sulfate-Free Never Tell Dry Shampoo Spray with Wild Mint & Melon

4.2 oz

This dry shampoo feels like it isn’t working when you first apply but it is. There is no white cast and it almost feels wet on your hair when you are spraying it in but give it a few minutes and after rubbing it in you’ll find that it does the job really well. This one is my second favorite out of all of them. It does have a very strong scent though, which I don’t mind but sometimes can be overwhelming.

I would rate this one an 8 out of 10.

Batiste Clean & Classic Original Dry Shampoo

6.73 oz

I know this one is a cult classic, people love Batiste but in the past, I just haven’t been that impressed with it. I think it’s great if you need a touch-up but I don’t find that it really absorbs all of the oil and keeps it away. It does give a strong white cast but they do have options that are brunette friendly. Batiste does also offer several scent variations.

I give this a 7 out of 10.