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The 3 Best Dry Shampoos for Oily Roots and Sensitive Scalps in 2025
The 3 Best Dry Shampoos for Oily Roots and Sensitive Scalps in 2025
We Tested the Top Dry Shampoos—Only One Gave Us a Healthier Scalp, Instantly Absorbed Oil, and Left No Chalky Residue.
Tested and reviewed by:
Kameron Rasmussen, Hollywood Stylist
July 10, 2025
Written and Edited By SA Editorial team
If you’ve ever searched for a dry shampoo online, you know how overwhelming it can be. A million options claim to absorb oil, add volume, and smell like a spa—but most leave your hair chalky, your scalp irritated, or your wallet lighter. So which dry shampoo actually works—without the buildup, scent overload, or flaky aftermath
We tested 11 of the most popular dry shampoos on the market—across hair types, scalp concerns, and lifestyles. From greasy gym hair to flaky winter scalps, here’s what we discovered.
How We Tested
We reviewed each dry shampoo on five core criteria:
- Oil absorption speed
- Residue and white cast (especially on dark hair)
- Scalp sensitivity and comfort
- Styling performance (volume + texture)
- Cleanliness of formula (no harmful propellants, irritants, etc.)
We also evaluated ease of use, scent, packaging, and how often you could reapply without buildup or irritation.
What Most Dry Shampoos Get Wrong
Here’s the harsh truth: most dry shampoos fall short.
Some left us looking like we had baby powder in our roots. Others had strong artificial fragrances that lingered all day—and not in a good way. A few had decent performance but caused itchy, flaky scalps within hours of use. And most of them? Aerosol sprays filled with questionable chemicals and drying alcohols.
For those with sensitive skin, color-treated hair, or scalp conditions, the majority of these options simply aren’t designed with your needs in mind.
The 3 That Got It Right
After weeks of testing, only three formulas truly impressed us. Below are the top-performing dry shampoos of 2025—ranked for their performance, value, and scalp-friendliness.
CALMBOOST™ Scalp-Centric Dry Shampoo Spray
Price: $25 | Non-Aerosol | Fragrance-Free or Essential Oil-Scented
Best For: Sensitive scalps, daily use, and residue-free styling
If you’re tired of choosing between fresh-looking hair and a healthy scalp, CALMBOOST™ is the dry shampoo you’ve been waiting for.
It’s the first product we tested that not only absorbed oil instantly but also left zero white residue—even on dark and textured hair. And the real breakthrough? It actually made our scalps feel better after use.
Why It’s #1:
- Soothes While It Refreshes – With calming oat extract, zinc PCA, and lactobacillus ferment, CALMBOOST™ rebalances your scalp instead of drying it out.
- No Residue, No Perfume Bombs – The non-aerosol micro-mist applies evenly, disappears completely, and comes unscented or gently scented with chamomile or neroli.
- Style-Ready in One Spray – It adds natural-looking texture and volume without crunch or stiffness—perfect for styling right after use.
- Non-Aerosol & Non-Toxic – Alcohol-free, benzene-free, and dermatologist-formulated for even the most reactive scalps.
It’s premium, yes, but worth every drop if you care about both your hair and your skin. Plus, it’s safe enough to use daily.
👉 Currently on Bi-Annual Sale
Living Proof’s dry shampoo has earned cult-favorite status, and for good reason. It does a solid job of eliminating grease and adding volume with a clean-feeling finish. It has a light scent and feels less sticky than some aerosol sprays.
However, the formula isn’t fragrance-free and may be too intense for those with reactive skin or sensitivity to synthetic ingredients. While it works well for many, it’s not formulated for scalp health or daily use.
K18’s new non-aerosol entry is sleek and high-tech. We love the fact that it skips the harsh propellants and delivers a gentler experience. It’s a solid performer for post-workout refreshes and boasts a sleek bottle design.
However, at $0.40 per mL, it’s the most expensive product we tested. While the performance is respectable, it lacks the scalp-care ingredients that make CALMBOOST™ stand out as a holistic choice.
Final Thoughts: Red Light Therapy Isn’t Hype, If You Choose Right
If you’re looking for a dry shampoo that does more than mask oil, CALMBOOST™ is it.
It instantly absorbs grease and revives your hair while soothing your scalp with clean, skin-friendly ingredients like zinc PCA, oat extract, and lactobacillus ferment. No chalky residue. No irritation. Just fresh, healthy roots—every time.
Thank you for reading
