If you haven’t heard yet, washing your hair every single day isn’t the best idea. It strips away natural oils and can even irritate your scalp. If you’re dealing with dandruff, cutting back on washing—and using less shampoo when you do—might help.
Now, I won’t pretend my hair looks amazing by day three without washing. Sometimes, it’s a mess. But since my hair is thick and coarse, washing too often just isn’t an option.
Hair stylists generally recommend skipping a day between washes, or even going up to four days, depending on your hair type. On those in-between days, dry shampoo can be a lifesaver.
Over the years, dry shampoos have come a long way. My mom still talks about the disasters she had with early versions, leaving her looking like she stepped out of the 18th century with a powdered wig. While not all modern dry shampoos are great, some do an excellent job. Here’s my take on three options at different price points.
**Tresemme Fresh Start Dry Shampoo ($4.48, Wal-Mart)**
This one had the best scent of the three, but it wasn’t my favorite overall. A little goes a long way—too much, and your hair ends up looking both sticky and dry. It can also leave behind white residue if over-applied. While it gives hair a temporary lift, it’s not the best dry shampoo out there.
**(re)FRESH Dry Shampoo Flower Power ($8.29, Sally Beauty)**
For an affordable option that works well, (re)FRESH is a solid choice. It comes in two scents—Flower Power and Clean Breeze. Both smell great, though Clean Breeze has a more mature fragrance. It sprays on evenly and effectively absorbs excess oil, keeping hair fresh for about four to six hours. However, applying too much can weigh hair down, so a light touch at the roots is key.
**Jonathan Green Rootine Dry Shampoo ($19, Jonathan Product)**
Yes, this one is the priciest, but it’s also the best. Even though the bottle looks smaller, it lasts longer than the others. It’s unscented and comes in a powder form for both light and dark hair. Since you apply it directly to the roots, it doesn’t coat the rest of your hair or make it feel heavy. It lifts the roots, absorbs oil, keeps hair fresh for up to eight hours, and is compact enough to carry in your purse.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, (re)FRESH is a great pick. But if you want the best performance, Jonathan Green Rootine Dry Shampoo is worth the splurge.