MOM LIFE = DRY SHAMPOO LIFE. AM I RIGHT?
I’ve got fine, thin, straight and dark brunette hair, so dry shampoo is something I feel pretty passionately about. Any old baby powder life hack just won’t do, ya know? I want something that makes my hair feel, or at least resemble, clean. Since my hair is fine, I can’t handle loads of texturizers, grit-givers or chalky powders. Finding the right dry shampoo for a brunette is a bit of a Goldilocks situation, minus the fact that Goldilocks herself could have gotten away with anything with that blond mop.
The struggle is real. I digress.
Recently I put 5 well known and unique dry shampoo options to the test to see which came out on top, and which were a flop.
LIVING PROOF PERFECT HAIR DAY DRY SHAMPOO*
Available at Sephora
Everyone and their sister seem to love this stuff, and I can see why; It smells fresh and clean, leaves minimal grey residue and does a great job at refreshing hair. I find the results with this are silky, slightly fluffy feeling hair (ie no texture with this one). I don’t feel like I need to load this product on, but it is expensive and with the rate I go through dry shampoo, it’s a budget buster for me.
NIOXIN INSTANT FULLNESS DRY CLEANSER*
Available at Ulta | Look Fantastic | HQ Hair
I was most intrigued to try this given the brand’s commitment to thinning and hair loss in women. The name ‘Instant Fullness’ just sounds wonderful. Sadly this is a no-go if you have hair deeper than light brown and beyond. The white cast is epic with this, and it takes some serious massaging and working in with your fingers then brushing through to make it work for me. Which then begs the question of how those with curly or kinky hair would fair (not well, I’m guessing). It has a pretty strong hairspray scent which I could look past if it did the job for me. Blonde, white and silver hair folks have at it, but this is a pass for me.
CAPTAIN BLANKENSHIP MERMAID DRY SHAMPOO*
Available at The Detox Market | Well.ca | Dermstore
If you’ve been in the market for a ‘clean’ option, this shaker-style dry shampoo is certified organic, talc-free and paraben free. It’s got a self-described ‘beachy-rose scent’ which is subtle, not interfering with perfume. I was initially worried about the name ‘mermaid’ because I assumed it would be one of those volumizing texture powders that ends up making fine hair look like dreadlocks. Thankfully, it leaves a natural feel to the hair; It’s not sticky, nor is it super powdery and dry. I’ve been really enjoying using this; Although it looks white when applied, it absorbs into the hair and doesn’t leave an ashy residue! I don’t love the packaging, which is the one real caveat for me. I wish it was in a squeeze spray bottle or had a nozzle, but it’s a con I’m willing to deal with.
BATISTE INSTANT HAIR REFRESH IN DIVINE DARK
Available at Ulta | Amazon | Target
I’ve used this tinted Batiste for years – well before it was available easily in Canada. Over time, I kept waiting for something better to come along, and it just never has. The slight tint could be darker if you ask me, but it cuts the ashy white cast the original carries for me. It makes my hair feel clean and silky, and I can go wild spraying it without thinking about how expensive it is. I go through it fast – The aerosol spray makes it easy to get behind the ears and temples where hair gets greasy. I love it. I’ll probably always have a can on hand. It’s easy as that.
MARC ANTHONY GROW LONG 2 IN 1 DRY SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER*
Available at Amazon | Shoppers Drug Mart
This one stands apart from the others in the sense that it’s a 2 in 1 dry shampoo and conditioner. I loved the idea of this, given that too much dry shampoo can make the hair feel starchy and dry. Obviously, with conditioner in it, a little goes a long way, but somehow it doesn’t make my hair feel greasier. Unfortunately, the true demise of this is the scent, which is shockingly similar to the ant/bug killer you’d spray in the crevices of your patio. I know that is very, very specific, but once you smell it, you just can’t un-smell it.
What is your favourite dry shampoo?
Did you have to try loads before finding your ‘Goldilocks’?
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