11 Best Drugstore Dry Shampoos For Thin Hair, Expert-Approved
Get party-ready hair in no time with just a few sprays onto your roots and scalp.
Lindsay Loo is a cosmetologist who has spent 10 years behind the chair in a storied salon in Chelsea. She is a certified Wella Master Color Expert and also has experience backstage at New York Fashion Week. She has a private studio and loves to make her clients feel amazing and welcomed.
Read full bio of Lindsay Loo
Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Experience: 3 yearsKrati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of experience in writing and editing for different niches.
Read full bio of Krati Darak
Experience: 5 yearsMedha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest quality.
Read full bio of Medha Deb
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
Dry shampoos are a gift for all of us who have thin hair. With more choices than ever before, the best dry shampoo for thin hair will not only give you voluminous hair but will also save you time on busy days. The starch in these shampoos absorbs excess oil in your, making it an added bonus on days you don’t wash your hair. Here is a list of dry shampoos you can try to say bye-bye to grease and hello to thick, bouncy, and fuller hair!
In This Article
What Is Dry Shampoo?
Dry shampoo is a hair product that helps reduce visible excess grease, sweat, dirt, and limp hair. It is usually alcohol- or starch-based formula with added fragrance. Dry shampoos can be applied to your dry hair directly and are not required to be washed off immediately, unlike wet shampoos or conditioners. You apply the dry shampoo on the areas of your head where the oil and shine are prominently visible.
Dry shampoos help you to retain the luminous, extended blow-dry look for the days when you are too lazy or short of time to have a head shower. However, while selecting a dry shampoo, you need to take your hair type into consideration. Let’s now take a look at the 11 best drugstore dry shampoos for thin hair.
11 Best Drugstore Dry Shampoos For Thin Hair
1. Best Gluten-Free:Not Your Mother’s Plump For Joy Body Building Dry Shampoo
This bodybuilding dry shampoo lifts lifeless hair in just a few minutes and is great for on-the-go use. This dry shampoo with its breakthrough formula absorbs dirt and oil. It also adds volume to unwashed hair. Just spray it generously on the roots and throughout the hair and style it as you desire.
Pros
- Smells good Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
- Dye-free
- Gluten-free
- Nut-free
- Soy-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Does not absorb oil well.
"This dry shampoo is my quick fix for fresh-looking hair between washes. It doesn't leave any residue, even on my dark hair. It has a pleasant scent that fades slowly. It absorbs oil and adds volume."
Quick Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received over 5,426 rave reviews on Amazon, proving it is a mass favorite.
2. Best Affordable:Garnier Fructis Volume Extend Instant Bodifier Dry Shampoo
This dry shampoo from Garnier is an immediate solution to revive and refresh fine hair. It instantly creates a visibly impressive volume that lasts for almost 24 hours and makes your hair soft. This dry shampoo is effective on greasy hair as it is made with orange citrus and grape extracts and has a fruity fragrance.
Pros
- Non-greasy
- Affordable
- Great smell
- Improves hair texture
Cons
- Leaves a white powdery residue.
3. Best Refreshing:Maria Nila Dry Shampoo
Maria Nila Dry Shampoo is a convenient and effective solution for refreshing and revitalizing your lifeless hair between washes. This dry shampoo with a clean scent has a gentle and nourishing formula, enriched with potato starch, which absorbs oils and adds moisture and shine to your hair. This dry shampoo is great for an oily scalp and can also be used as a styling product to build volume and provide a firm hold. Reviewers assert that the product works great on thin and oily hair and a little goes a long way.
Pros
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Vegan
- Fruity-scent
- No white residue
Cons
- Slightly drying
"This dry shampoo is perfect for those like me struggling with oily, thin, or lifeless hair. It provides that much-needed boost of volume boost. It does not feel heavy and leaves a refreshing scent."
| Not Your Mother's Plump For Joy Body Building Dry Shampoo Best Gluten-Free | Garnier Fructis Volume Extend Instant Bodifier Dry Shampoo Best Affordable | Maria Nila Dry Shampoo Best Refreshing | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hair Type | Dry | All | Fine |
| Dimensions | 2 x 2 x 9.25 inches | 1.1 x 8.1 x 1.1 inches | 5.51 x 1.57 x 1.57 inches |
| Weight | 6.38 Ounces | 4.8 Ounces | 3.88 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 5,426 | 605 | - |
| Price | - | $24.99 | $22 |
4. Best Gentle:Unwash Volumizing Foam Cleanser
This foam cleanser contains prebiotics that help balance the sensitive scalp microbiome by promoting good bacteria growth, leading to stronger, faster-growing, and healthier hair. It is easy to apply, especially for quick touch-ups, and lasts long. The cationic cleansers in the formula work as magnets to remove dirt without disrupting the cuticles and give life to lifeless hair. This dry shampoo is suitable for all hair colors and adds bounce and volume, making your hair look fresh and full of life.
Pros
- Gentle
- Smells good
- Color-safe
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
Cons
- Not for extremely dry hair
"This dry shampoo has a unique mousse-like texture. It is lightweight and tackles my oily roots easily. It gives my hair a clean feel and does not leave any powdery residue. It also adds good volume."
5. Best Lightweight:HASK Biotin Boost Thickening Dry Shampoo
Hollywood’s favorite brand can be your go-to product for its extended hairstyling and unique composition. This lightweight, ultra-thin, rice starch-enriched formula from HASK will add life to your hair and will not leave any visible residue. It is infused with all the nourishing ingredients essential for hair health like biotin, collagen, and coffee that leave your tresses voluminous and shiny in no time. Check out this video on YouTube featuring a tester’s experience with the product for detailed understanding.
Pros
- Lightweight hold
- No residue
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Gluten-free
- Phthalate-free
- No artificial colors
- Affordable
Cons
- Unpleasant fragrance
"This dry shampoo works well for my long hair. It keeps the hair looking voluminous days post-wash. It refreshes the hair without causing dryness."
6. Best For All Hair Types:Kerastase Fresh Affair Dry Shampoo
Laced with vitamin E, rice starch, and neroli oil, this revitalizing dry shampoo instantly absorbs excess oil and leaves your hair with a lightweight, clean feeling. Vitamin E reduces not just hair breakage but also helps fight against oxidative aggressors. The lightweight spray works for long hours, maintaining the hairstyle and freshness. If you want to know more about this product, check out the this video on YouTube that details a reviewer’s experience with it.
Pros
- For all hair types
- Lightweight
- Silicone-free
Cons
- Overwhelming fragrance
Pro Tip7. Best Plant-Based:Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk
The Klorane Dry Shampoo is a plant-based, gentle dry shampoo that is free of harmful chemicals and is infused with the goodness of oat milk that is clinically proven to soothe and protect hair. It gets rid of dirt and excess oil and gives added texture and volume to your curly hair for styling. This shampoo gives you a professional-grade, salon-quality hair styling results. It is a dermatologically tested shampoo that delivers soft, healthy, shiny, and clean hair. According to reviews on Amazon, the product is easy to blend and does not have an overpowering odor.
Pros
- Vegan
- For all hair types
- Recyclable packaging
- Paraben Free
- Sulfate Free
- Floral fragrance
Cons
- May leave residue
"I've been using this dry shampoo religiously in my routine. It keeps my locks looking fresh without that tacky residue. The scent is very subtle. A small amount of the product works wonders on my fine hair."
8. Best Value for Money:MATRIX Total Results High Amplify Dry Shampoo
This dry shampoo from MATRIX is suitable for color-treated hair and is rich in protein that helps volumize limp and fine hair and lends it more structure. Its clear, lightweight formula with micro-fine starches derived from corn helps absorb oil and buildup. The product is great for styling your hair on a regular basis, or for your second-day hair as well.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Suitable for color-treated hair
- Value for money
Cons
- None
"This dry shampoo tackles oily hair really well. It absorbs grease and leaves my hair looking fresh. Its scent is very light and almost negligible. It does not leave behind any residue or cause buildup."
9. Best For Volume:Pantene PRO-V Dry Shampoo
This dry shampoo from Pantene offers hair strength along with styling benefits, especially for flat hair. It is boosted with the PRO-V formula to absorb excess oil instantly and add fullness to your hair with every application. The tapioca starch in it absorbs grease and clears out dirt from unwashed hair.
Pros
- No flaking or residue
- Great smell
- For all hair types
- Affordable
Cons
- Contains alcohol
10. Best For Protecting Hair Color:SexyHair Big Dry Shampoo
SexyHair Big Dry Shampoo is a color-safe residue-free dry shampoo. It is formulated for all hair types and is truly a blessing for those with color-treated hair. It absorbs excess oil, product build-up, and dirt, keeping the hair styling ready always. It prolongs the durability of hair color by reducing repetitive hair washes. This invisible dry shampoo gives added volume and definition to your hair for long periods. Additionally, ethically conscious consumers are obsessed with the product because it does not undergo any animal testing.
Pros
- Cruelty free
- Adds volume
- Color-safe
- Lightweight
- Sustainable packaging
Cons
- Some find the smell too strong
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 2,807 reviews, this product has become a fan favorite among users.
11. Best Non-Sticky:Pick Me Up Volumizing +Dry Shampoo
Pick Me Up Volumizing Plus Dry Shampoo is the ideal option for those who wish for clean, fresh, and volumized hair without the trouble of washing it every day. This dry shampoo does not have a strong scent and is specially made to eliminate extra oil, grime, and impurities from your hair without weighing it down. Its unique volumizing formula will be a savior for days when you don’t have time for a thorough wash and blowout. It also works on wigs and synthetic hair by reducing the shine and enhancing the grip for clip-in hair extensions and toppers.
Pros
- Suitable for all hair types
- Mild fragrance
- Suitable for synthetic hair wigs and extensions
- Adds volume
Cons
- May leave residue
"I use this dry shampoo and shine reducer every time I wear my wig. It does the trick of taking away that synthetic gloss without much fuss. It helps maintain a more authentic look with my wig."
Now that you know about the best dry shampoos for thinning hair, here are a few tips to derive the maximum benefits from these products.
Tips To Use Dry Shampoo
- Keep the spray or foam bottle at least 6-8 inches away from your hair. Read the instructions on the package carefully.
- The hair roots are where the oil is generated. Hence, apply the dry shampoo to the roots and massage on the scalp for a few seconds (if instructed on the package).
- Flip your hair from the nape to the crown and use your fingers to make sure an even distribution.
- For extra volume, blow some cool air in your hair after applying the dry shampoo.
- Do not overspray the product as it may make your hair look straw-like.
- For a silky hair texture, try spraying a little before styling to get a better and longer grip on the hair.
- Do not overuse dry shampoos. Limit yourself to using one for a maximum of two consecutive days.
Infographic: 5 Tips To Choose The Right Drugstore Dry Shampoo For Thin Hair
Thin hair tends to get oily rather quickly, but the right dry shampoo can come to the rescue. Your thin hair can experience a revitalizing lift and freshen up in no time with the help of a suitably formulated dry shampoo. Check the infographic below for the five things to look out for when investing in a drugstore shampoo for your thin locks.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Dry shampoos have definitely saved us to a great extent! They provide our hair with volume and shine without having us spend hours at the salon. There are many drugstore dry shampoos that absorb excess dirt and oil from the hair to provide it with a healthy texture. The Not Your Mother’s Plump For Joy BodyBuilding Dry Shampoo absorbs excess oil, and the MATRIX Total Results High Amplify Dry Shampoo is great for styling and is suitable for color-treated hair. The Garnier Fructis Volume Extend Instant Bodifier Dry Shampoo is an affordable option with a fruity fragrance. The best part about dry shampoos is that you do not need to wash them off immediately. They can remain in your hair to offer you a decent shine. However, try and avoid dry shampoos that don’t absorb the oil well and leave unwanted residue after application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do dry shampoos leave a residue?
Yes, dry shampoo leaves a white residue on the hair, but it usually goes away after styling. However, the residue can build up on your scalp over time and clog the hair follicles.
Does dry shampoo dry out the hair?
Yes, excessive use of dry shampoo can dry out your hair. Many dry shampoos contain alcohol and starch, and it can leave your hair feeling dry.
Does dry shampoo clean the hair?
No, dry shampoo does not cleanse your hair; it simply absorbs the excess oil and removes grease.
Is it OK to wash thin hair every day?
Yes. You can wash your hair almost regularly if you have thin hair because oil and debris can easily weigh down fine hair and make it greasy. However, hair can also get weak from consistent washing and lead to breakage. Therefore, the best option is to wash it every alternate day with a mild shampoo.
How do you use dry shampoo for thin hair?
Apply dry shampoo on thin hair by spraying the product on the greasiest part of the head. Hold the spray at least four to six inches away from the hair and spray it directly on the root. Massage the product into your scalp before styling.
Should I use dry shampoo before bed or in the morning?
The best way to use dry shampoo is before bed to get enough time to absorb the oil and grease, and you can wake up with refreshed strands.
How long should you leave in dry shampoo?
You can leave dry shampoo to absorb the oil for 5-10 minutes or overnight before styling. But make sure you do not leave the dry shampoo for an extended period as it can cause build-up and make your scalp itchy.
Should I dry shampoo before or after shower?
Dry shampoo does not really work on wet hair. So, if you are planning to use dry shampoo after a wash, make sure your hair is completely dry.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author of this article, Shiboli Chakraborti, has a keen interest in hair care. She loves to explore a range of hair care products and always comes up with the best for readers, from which they can easily choose. The best drugstore dry shampoos for thin hair are curated after thorough research and after reading many customer reviews online. These shampoos save time and impart a voluminous look to your thin hair.
Read full bio of Lindsay Loo
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Read full bio of Krati Darak
Read full bio of Medha Deb
Community Experiences
Join the conversation and become a part of our empowering community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with other beauty, lifestyle, and health enthusiasts.