Don't Let My Dry Shampoo Hear This, But This Lightweight Alternative Keeps My Hair So Fresh
From K18 to Living Proof, these are the best dry shampoo mists on the market.
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
- Best Overall: K18 Hair AirWash Dry Shampoo, £48
- Best for a Freshly Washed Feeling: Living Proof Sheer Clean Dry Shampoo Mist, £27
- Best Scented Option: L'Occitane Purifying Freshness Dry Shampoo Mist, £20
- Best Affordable Option: Got2b Get Fresh Dry Shampoo Hair Mist, £6
- Best for Curly Hair: Curlsmith CurlFit Reviving Mist, £25
1. K18 Hair AirWash Dry Shampoo
One of my favourites has to be this mist from K18. Not only does the scent smell like you've just stepped out of the hair salon, but the formula is also easy to use and so lightweight. Packed with translucent mineral microbeads, it absorbs excess oil without leaving residue in the hair, meaning my roots feel fresh and ready to take on the day. I have the larger bottle and the mini travel size to ensure I'm never without it.
Pros
- Lovely scent
- Easy to use
- Lightweight formula
Cons
- Expensive
2. Living Proof Sheer Clean Dry Shampoo Mist
New from Living Proof, this is the best dry shampoo mist for that freshly washed hair feeling. Similar to the option above, the mist feels super lightweight and uses microspheres to absorb oil and sweat. This is the one I reach for the day before my hair wash, when I really need my dry shampoo to do some heavy lifting. Honestly, since getting my hands on it, I've been so impressed. One thing to note: make sure not to spray too much too close to the root, or you may feel a little bit of residue throughout the day.
Pros
- Makes light work of absorbing oil and sweat
Cons
- Can leave a little bit of residue if applied too close to the roots
3. L'Occitane Purifying Freshness Dry Shampoo Mist
I hadn't tried any haircare products from L'Occitane before, but after testing this dry shampoo mist, I now want to try everything. It's incredibly lightweight and reduces the look of oily roots, but for me, the scent is the star of the show. It has this fresh, invigorating minty aroma that I can't get enough of. Seriously, my hair has never smelled so good.
Pros
- Minty scent
- Makes roots look so fresh
Cons
- Slightly smaller size compared to the other options on this list
4. Got2b Get Fresh Dry Shampoo Hair Mist
For just £6, I couldn't believe how well this Got2b dry shampoo mist worked. My roots looked like I had just washed my hair, and they felt silky soft too. I did find it worked best when I brushed the product through the hair after applying; otherwise, I could feel a little residue throughout the day, but apart from that, I have no complaints. Oh, and the bergamot and freesia scent is simply gorgeous.
Pros
- Affordable
- Lovely scent
- Absorbs any excess oil
Cons
- Need to brush it through in order to get the best results
5. Curlsmith CurlFit Reviving Mist
I have naturally curly hair, so I couldn't wait to try out this product from Curlsmith. It works as both a hair and scalp mist to reduce excess oil and unwanted odours, whilst also refreshing and redefining your style. I personally found it worked best as a dry shampoo, and can see myself using this for years to come. It's lightweight and easy to use, and the mist itself is infused with a pineapple, rose and passionfruit scent that has earned me so many compliments.
Pros
- Lovely scent
- Lightweight
- Leaves roots feeling fresh
Cons
- Not the best product for refreshing your style
6. Aveda Scalp Solutions Refreshing Protective Mist
Last but not least, this Aveda option is ideal for those of you on a hair health journey. Not only is the lightweight mist great at soaking up excess oils, but thanks to a blend of botanicals, centella asiatica, vitamin E, resveratrol and ginger, it also provides antioxidant protection against pollutants. I love the mist itself, but I have to say, the chic packaging, easy-to-spray bottle and citrusy scent are what sold me on this straight away.
Pros
- Fresh scent
- Easy to use
- Soaks up excess oils
Cons
- A little more expensive
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.
