Best Products Style Shopping The 11 Best Travel-size Dry Shampoos of 2023 Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Advanced Clean Dry Shampoo is our top pick. By Talia Ergas Talia Ergas Instagram Website Talia Ergas is a writer and editor covering style, beauty, home, food and drinks, wellness, entertainment, and more. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Updated on March 10, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews Tips for Buying FAQ Why Trust T + L We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Travel + Leisure / David Hattan If you want to spend less time getting ready and more time adventuring on your next vacation, consider packing travel-size dry shampoo. Just a few spritzes of dry shampoo can absorb oil and odors from dirty hair and give you more days between washes. If you’re headed on a trip without plumbing, like a camping excursion, a travel-size container of dry shampoo will definitely come in handy for freshening up your tresses. Our favorite travel-size dry shampoo to pack for a trip is Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Advanced Clean Dry Shampoo because it’s suitable for most hair types and it actually cleans your hair rather than just masking a smell. Still, many hair types — such as curly, fine, or oily hair — can benefit from products formulated specifically for a single hair concern. Our comprehensive list has dry shampoo picks for every hair texture, type, and color — and they’re all available in travel-friendly sizes. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Living Proof Mini Perfect hair Day (PhD) Dry Shampoo at Dermstore Jump to Review Best for Dark Hair: Moroccanoil Mini Dry Shampoo Dark Tones at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Light Hair: Billie Floof Dry Shampoo at Mybillie.com Jump to Review Best for Fine Hair: Rahua Voluminous Dry Shampoo at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Curly Hair: Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo at Amazon Jump to Review Best Unscented: M’Chel Day After Brush at Mchel.co Jump to Review Best Scented: Drybar Detox Dry Shampoo at Drybar.com Jump to Review Best for Color Treated Hair: Pureology Style + Protect Refresh & Go Dry Shampoo at Walmart Jump to Review Best for Textured Hair: Briogeo Charcoal + Biotin Dry Shampoo at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Dry Hair: Oribe Gold Lust Dry Shampoo at Amazon Jump to Review Best Overall Living Proof Mini Perfect hair Day (PhD) Dry Shampoo Ulta View On Dermstore View On Kohls.com View On Livingproof.com Why We Love It: This fresh-smelling, conditioning product actually cleans hair.What to Consider: Some may find the formula drying. We’ve long been fans of Living Proof’s dry shampoo selection, and this advanced formula is a step up from the beloved original. Beyond absorbing dirt and oil, this product actually cleans your hair so you can go longer between rinse-out shampoo sessions. It conditions as well, adding a bit of softness and shine to your strands without leaving any visible residue. It’s also color-safe and suitable for use on chemically treated hair. Best of all, it’s formulated without harmful ingredients like talc, benzene, sulfates, and parabens. The PETA-certified cruelty-free product can be used on most hair types. To apply, spray into your roots (it can also be misted onto your ends) and massage the hair with your fingers or a brush. When applying to thicker, coarser hair, section your hair more thoroughly upon application. For curly hair, remove powder with a blow dryer on low and direct it toward the roots where the product was applied, as fingers or a brush can deconstruct the curl. Price at time of publish: $18 Size: 2.4 ounces | Scented: Yes Best for Dark Hair Moroccanoil Mini Dry Shampoo Dark Tones Sephora View On Amazon View On Moroccanoil.com View On Sephora Why We Love It: The tinted spray blends right into darker hair colors. What to Consider: You’ll need to wait for the product to set before rubbing it in. Dry shampoo is notorious for leaving white residue behind, which can be especially frustrating for people with dark hair. Thankfully, many brands are making dry shampoos specifically for darker hair colors that will blend right in. Our favorite is by Moroccanoil. The aerosol spray is tinted a reddish brown, so any residue is camouflaged against your hair tone. It’s lightly scented, has a UV filter, and will leave your hair feeling silky and fresh. The one downside is that you have to wait a few minutes after spraying to massage the product into your scalp, so it’s not ideal for when you’re rushing out the door. Price at time of publish: $12 Size: 1.7 ounces | Scented: Yes Best for Light Hair Billie Floof Dry Shampoo 4.2 Mybillie View On Mybillie.com Why We Love It: The powder is packed with smoothing biotin. What to Consider: Some users claim it can get messy, especially when applying to the front of your hair. Powdered dry shampoos are a great alternative to aerosol sprays — one benefit being they don’t need to adhere to any TSA liquid rules. Billie’s Floof Dry Shampoo is a solid option. There are two versions, which are formulated specifically for light or dark hair colors. The nutrient-packed powder is shaken directly onto the hair line where it soaks up oil. Baking soda helps trap grease and give your head a deep clean, while biotin plumps and smooths your tresses. The brand claims this unscented product can help you extend hair washes up to five days. Price at time of publish: $14 Size: 1.2 ounces | Scented: No The 17 Best Travel Toiletries of 2023 Best for Fine Hair Rahua Voluminous Dry Shampoo 4.8 Blue Mercury View On Amazon View On Bluemercury.com View On The Detox Market Why We Love It: Added texture helps bring strands back to life. What to Consider: Using too much can weigh your hair down. Fine hair that tends to fall flat can benefit from a bit of texture, which is exactly what Rahua’s Voluminous Dry Shampoo delivers. Packaged in an environmentally friendly non-aerosol dispenser, the natural product gives volume and adds the perfect amount of grip for easy styling. The dry shampoo is crafted from plant-based ingredients including clay, organic tapioca starch, and citric acid — and it’s free of sulfates SLS and SLES, parabens, and silicones. To use, shake well then squeeze the bottle to spray through the roots and scalp and work well into your hair. Price at time of publish: $32 Size: 1.8 ounces | Scented: Not listed Best for Curly Hair Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo 4.2 Amazon View On Amazon View On Kohls.com View On Loveamika.com Why We Love It: The clear finish formula won’t weigh down curls.What to Consider: The strong fruity fragrance might not be everyone’s favorite. Amika’s aptly monikered Perk Up dry shampoo won’t steal any bounce from curly hair. The ingredient list includes weightless rice starch, which absorbs dirt and oil while adding light volume and texture — without grittiness. Another plus: the formula finishes clear, so it’s suitable for a variety of hair colors (including color-treated hair) and won’t leave visible residue. The vegetarian-friendly and cruelty-free product is free of talc, sulfates, sodium chloride, parabens, and artificial colors. Initially, there is a strong fruity-vanilla fragrance, which will dissipate over time. Price at time of publish: $28 Size: 1.8 ounces | Scented: Yes Best Unscented M’Chel Day After Brush MâChel View On Mchel.co Why We Love It: It’s suitable for all hair types, but it’s especially great for sensitive scalps.What to Consider: It’s a splurge. This nifty powder canister has an attached brush that prevents the powder from going directly onto the scalp. This helps eliminate itchiness and dryness, which can sometimes result from traditional aerosol sprays. The unscented product (a scented version is also available) safely deodorizes, removes oil, and leaves the hair looking freshly washed. The ingredient list is short, including only silica, silica silylate, and argan oil for the unscented version, which means you don’t have to worry about harmful chemicals. To apply it, start at the front of your hairline and brush backwards, then brush in the opposite direction. To clean the brush bristles, use a wet wipe or makeup wipe (do not submerge it in water). Price at time of publish: $58 Size: Not listed | Scented: No, but scented version available Best Scented Drybar Travel Size Detox Dry Shampoo Ulta View On Drybar.com View On Kohls.com View On Macy's Why We Love It: The matte-finish spray helps prevent dryness and breakage. What to Consider: Some users report a sticky feeling. Who doesn’t love options? Drybar’s travel-size Detox Dry Shampoo comes in three delicious scents: original with notes of jasmine, sandalwood, and Madagascar vanilla; lush with notes of violet, sandalwood, and musk; and coconut colada with notes of coconut water, muguet, and coconut. There are even more scents to choose from for the full-size versions. All the available scents will make it hard to resist smelling your hair all day long. The super absorbent spray relies on micro-fine rice powders to help eliminate oils and impurities, while golden root extract increases moisture to prevent breakage. In the end, the cruelty-, sulfate-, and paraben-free product leaves strands clean and refreshed with extra volume and a matte finish. Price at time of publish: $14 Size: 1.4 ounces | Scented: Yes Best for Color Treated Hair Pureology Style + Protect Refresh & Go Dry Shampoo Sephora View On Walmart View On Sephora View On Ulta Why We Love It: The compact, wallet-friendly spray is perfect for throwing in your carry-on. What to Consider: It has a bit of a hairspray smell. The secret sauce that makes this aerosol spray ideal for color-treated hair includes vitamin E, UV filters, and sunflower oil. Together, they help shield strands from color-depleting environmental stressors. Furthermore, the formula includes a blend of tuberose, almond milk, and cedarwood, and a patented Antifade Complex to protect color vibrancy. The non-drying fine mist uses rich starch to absorb oil for a fresh feeling — it also adds movement and a bit of light texture. We also love that this vegan and cruelty-free dry shampoo comes in recyclable packaging. Price at time of publish: $11 Size: 1.2 ounces | Scented: Yes Best for Textured Hair Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Biotin Dry Shampoo Ulta View On Amazon View On Saks Fifth Avenue View On Sephora Why We Love It: Charcoal and biotin help detox and nourish the scalp.What to Consider: It needs to sit for two minutes before soaking in. Briogeo’s charcoal-infused dry shampoo draws out impurities that clog the hair follicle to detoxify your scalp. Also key: a clay, tapioca, and rice starch complex, which absorbs excess oil at the roots to refresh your hair and extend the life of your blowout. Witch hazel helps prevent an oily scalp while bioton provides nutrients to the hair follicle to support healthy hair growth. That’s a lot of work for one small spray! The vegan product is formulated without alcohol or silicones. Shake well before use and squeeze the bottle approximately five inches from parted hair, focusing on the root. Allow the product to sit for two minutes, then blend into the scalp with a brush or your fingers. Price at time of publish: $25 Size: 1.7 ounces | Scented: Yes The 9 Best Shampoo Bars for Travelers of 2023 Best for Dry Hair Oribe Gold Lust Dry Shampoo 4.4 Sephora View On Amazon View On Bloomingdales View On Sephora Why We Love It: The volumizing spray has an invisible finish.What to Consider: It’s pricey. Like all of Oribe’s products, this dry shampoo doesn’t come cheap, but its benefits are worth the splurge. It’s formulated with a translucent starch blend to quickly absorb dirt, oil, and impurities without creating product buildup. The nourishing aerosol spray restores strength and softness, leaving hair lightly scented and full of body and movement — and it can extend the length of your blowout. Meanwhile, it won’t weigh down your strands as it defends hair from environmental elements, oxidative stress, photoaging, and the deterioration of natural keratin. The vegan dry shampoo also has UV and heat protection. It’s color-safe and suitable for all hair types. Price at time of publish: $23 Size: 1.3 ounces | Scented: Yes Best for Oily Hair Bumble and Bumble Prêt-à-Powder Post Workout Dry Shampoo Mist Ulta View On Bloomingdales View On Kohls.com View On Sephora Why We Love It: It has a UV filter. What to Consider: You’ll get the best results if you blow dry your hair on cool after using the product. Whether you’re hitting the hotel gym before the day’s activities or exploring a new city in a hot and humid climate, your hair will find relief in Bumble and Bumble’s Pret-a-Powder Post Workout Dry Shampoo Mist, which is made to freshen sweaty heads. The non-aerosol mist is packed with bamboo extract and silica to absorb oil and odors without leaving residue, so you can even pop it in your bag and apply it mid-adventure. The quick-drying formula’s UV filter helps protect your tresses from the drying effects of the sun. The resulting scent smells of clementine, wild hyacinth, and sandalwood. The cruelty-free product steers clear of parabens, formaldehydes, phthalates, and mineral oil. To apply, spray a few pumps about six inches away from the roots. Let it sit for 15 to 30 seconds, then shake it out with your fingers or a brush. Price at time of publish: $16 Size: 1.5 ounces | Scented: Yes Tips for Buying Travel-sized Dry Shampoos Choose a dry shampoo based on your hair texture, type, and color Many dry shampoos are specifically formulated for certain hair types and textures, and there are big benefits to picking a product with your specific hair type in mind. For example, many dry shampoos need to be brushed through after application, which is not ideal for curly and coily hair as brushing can disrupt the curls. Aerosols tend to sit better on curly hair than powders. Meanwhile, people with oily or fine hair can benefit from volumizing dry shampoos that add a bit of texture. Hair color comes into play as well since some dry shampoos can leave a bit of residue, which can be visible if it’s not suited for your specific color. Many brands make tinted dry shampoos — such as the Billie and Moroccanoil products listed above — which blend in nicely to specific shade ranges. Other dry shampoos have clear finishes, so they’re suitable for a wide variety of hair colors. Decide whether you want scented or unscented Dry shampoos can often have a strong fragrance, so it’s important to consider the scent before purchasing. You’ll also want to think about other scented products you regularly use and how those scents may combine with the smell of your dry shampoo. For people with sensitive scalps, an unscented dry shampoo, such as the M’Chel pick above, may be the best to avoid skin irritation. Frequently Asked Questions How often should you wash your hair if you use dry shampoo? How often you should wash your hair depends on your hair texture. Experts generally agree that people with fine hair should not wash their hair every day for risk of causing dryness and increasing any existing damage. People with oily hair may benefit from washing more often. Dry shampoo can help you extend time between washes by absorbing oil and making your strands smell fresh, but the specific number of days will depend on your hair type and the specific shampoo. In general, it’s best not to use dry shampoo more than two days in a row as overuse can cause buildup and potentially inflammation, acne, or dandruff. If you use dry shampoo, you’ll want to use a clarifying shampoo or do a double cleanse on wash days to make sure you get rid of any buildup. Can I bring travel-size dry shampoo on a plane? Yes! According to TSA regulations, you can carry aerosol or liquid dry shampoo in your carry-on as long as it is under 3.4 ounces. The container should be placed in a quart-sized bag, which should be taken out of your carryon and placed in a screening bin as you go through airport security. If you’re packing an aerosol dry shampoo in your checked bag, it can be up to 18 ounces. For powder dry shampoos, you can pack up to 12 ounces, which must be placed in a separate bin for X-ray screening. Why Trust Travel + Leisure? For this story, Talia Ergas used her years of experience as a beauty editor and writer to find the best dry shampoos in every category. Related: The 11 Best Travel-size Sunscreens of 2023, Tested and Reviewed Love a great deal? 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