Recently, I found myself in a bit of a beauty dilemma. The thing is, I hate washing my hair. I have really thick, really long strands, meaning my hair takes a good few hours to wash and blow-dry. Thanks to the London heatwave, my roots have been getting greasy even quicker, so I’ve been reaching for my dry shampoo way more regularly to save myself some time. However, I’ve realised that I don’t actually like using it. I’ve tried lots of formulas on the market, but they all leave this residue in my hair that makes me want to wash it even more. At least that was the case until I discovered a dry shampoo mist.
A lightweight take on your typical dry shampoo, these formulas feel practically undetectable in the hair, and keep my roots looking bouncy and fresh (along with a little texture spray, of course). Since trying one out, I’ve been completely converted. So much so, I’ve made it my mission to try lots of popular dry shampoo mists on the market. Keep scrolling to shop my favourites and to find out more…
What Is a Dry Shampoo Mist?
So, what is this product, and how does it differ from your regular dry shampoo? “[Dry shampoo] mists often feel weightless on the hair whilst still delivering a light cleanse,” explains Hollie Rose Clarke, top hairstylist and Living Proof stylist ambassador. “If you are looking for a heavier-duty dry shampoo, you may find you enjoy an aerosol format more.”
Whilst dry shampoo mists can be used on all hair types (I personally find my thick hair loves them), Clarke tells me that they can be especially good for finer hair. “Those with fine hair may enjoy a mist over aerosol, as it will feel more weightless in the hair.” Plus, mists are more invisible and don’t tend to leave any residue.
How to Use a Dry Shampoo Mist
Whilst each product will come with its own specific instructions, I wanted to ask Clarke for her top application tips. “Like everything with haircare, less is often more, and I always recommend starting small and building up if you feel you need more coverage,” explains Clarke. “Shake the bottle well, section the hair and then spray directly into the roots, holding the bottle four to six inches away from the hair. The hair at first will appear slightly wet, but don’t be alarmed, as this dries down quickly by massaging the roots.”
The Best Dry Shampoo Mists, Tried & Tested
1. K18 Hair AirWash Dry Shampoo
K18 HAIR
Airwash Dry Shampoo
Pros
- Lovely scent
- Easy to use
- Lightweight formula
2. Living Proof Sheer Clean Dry Shampoo Mist
Living Proof
Sheer Clean Dry Shampoo Mist
Pros
- Makes light work of absorbing oil and sweat
Cons
- Can leave a little bit of residue if applied too close to the roots
Why Trust Us
At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.
See More
