The Best Dry Shampoos to Take You from Sweat Sesh to Desk in No Time

When you're on a mission to slay spin, shower and sling yourself to work for 9am sharp, there is zero time for a hair wash and dry.

And that is where dry shampoo â€" our weekday sweat zapper and greasy strand saviour, comes into play. It's easy to grab a bottle of the OG Batiste (which WH does love) but it's important to note that there are a whole load of other formulas out there on the market.

Tried and tested by the team after workouts, here's our edit.

The best dry shampoos, as tried and tested by team WH The best dry shampoo for naturally curly hair

'Let me preface this by saying that, at £20, this is not cheap. But I adore this light, texture-adding spray that revives my two and three day old curls and makes them look fresh â€" even after a HIIT sesh.

The smell is a sort of fruity, floral hybrid and, while shallow to say, the riot of colour that it comes packaged in makes me smile.'

- Claudia Canavan, Digital Beauty and Health Editor

amika PERK UP dry shampoo

amika birchbox.co.uk

£20.00

The best dry shampoo for thick hair OUAI DRY SHAMPOO FOAM

'This is so light weight and, because it's a foam and free of talc, it's not at all powdery in the hair. It is also easier to control the amount you apply, which is great if you're like me and you're very likely to overload - hello massive white patch. We've all been there right? '

-Alice Head, Junior Digital Writer

OUAI Dry Shampoo Foam

£24.00

Best dry shampoo for oily hair BATISTE DRY SHAMPOO ORIGINAL

'This little can lives in my gym bag. I'd be lost without it. And you probably won't be surprised to hear that it is long-term favourite Batiste. It's a long-wearing and trustworthy source of the spray, and at £1.50 a can (for the mini size), it's not going to blow your monthly paycheck, either.'

- Francesca Menato, Social Media Editor

Batiste Dry Shampoo Clean and Classic Original

£1.50

Best dry shampoo for blonde hair AUSSIE DRY SHAMPOO

'I've tried Aussie dry shampoos before and I didn't notice that much of a difference but this one is amazing and I love the smell. To be honest all hair colours can benefit from using it but the texture and shade just really works on my lightly coloured locks.'

- Amy Hopkinson, Digital Editor

Aussie Flower Power Dry Shampoo

£2.68

Best dry shampoo for black and brown hair EVO DRY SHAMPOO

'I really like the Moroccanoil Dry Shampoo for Dark Tones, but this can just pips it to the post. It is my go-to for nights out, as it gives my hair added volume, and the brown shade is spot on for my hair colour. Plus, even though it adds oomph to my locks, you can barely feel it.'

- Lydia House, Beauty Contributor

Evo Water Killer Dry Shampoo Brunette

Best dry shampoo for red hair BATISTE DRY SHAMPOO (DIVINE DARK)

'It annoys me that there isn't actually a range for redheads. Moving past that niggle, which one you use depends on what shade of red you are. Darker auburn tones will benefit from the brunette hues and strawberry shades should opt for the lighter coloured sprays. This one is perfect for deeper shaded strands.'

- Emma Pritchard, Health Contributor

Batiste Dry Shampoo Divine Dark

£3.99

Best dry shampoo for dry hair ORIBE GOLD LUST DRY SHAMPOO

'It is so expensive, but this this little can truly is a miracle worker. It is my saviour post cycle to work, as it literally soaks up any sweat I need to zap away. Plus, the lightweight texture and smell mimics freshly washed hair.'

- Lydia House, Beauty Contributor

ORIBE Dry Texturizing spray

£20.00

Best dry shampoo for fine hair LIVING PROOF PERFECT HAIR DAY DRY SHAMPOO

'Really hate the feeling that some dry shampoos leave in your hair? This will change your mind. Ideal for fine hair that has the tendency to get a little greasy. The fragrance is incredible, too.'

- Emma Pritchard, Health Contributor

Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo

£18.00

Best natural dry shampoo AVEDA SHAMPURE DRY SHAMPOO

'This smells so good and it doesn't leave any white residue. It's not like other dry shampoos as it isn't an aerosol and is more of a powdery mist that you squeeze out. Plus it is 99.8% natural ingredients, so wins eco points, too.'

- Amy Hopkinson, Digital Editor

Aveda Shampure dry shampoo

£23.50

Best dry shampoo for Vegans MARIA NILA DRY SHAMPOO

'I'm obsessed with this dry shampoo. It doesn't have that distinctive smell that other sprays have and it uses a 100% vegan friendly powder to freshen up greasy hair. Plus it is sulphate and paraben-free.

- Alice Head, Junior Digital Writer

Maria Nila Dry Shampoo Travel Size

£10.33

Best dry shampoo for curly hair CANTU SHEA BUTTER DRY CO WASH

'A hero brand for textured and curly hair. They are also nailing it in the dry shampoo stakes. Apple cider vinegar is infused with shea butter and tea tree to make this part shampoo and part conditioning product which absorbs oils and impurities and nourishes your hair.'

- Emma Pritchard, Health Contributor

How to apply dry shampoo

Spritzing the stuff in your hair can seem so straightforward, but we bet you're not familiar with the right way of using it. Get the most out of your hair's 'best friend in a can' and follow these experts tips.

Spray your hair at night

It sounds logical to spray your hair in the morning so it’s at its most fresh for the day, but according to hairstylists, dry shampoo is formulated to be applied the night before.

This gives it longer to absorb the excess oil and will help you avoid chalky hair residue.

Don't spray your hair at the roots

We know: minds, blown.

To avoid the chalky look, you should spray dry shampoo about six to eight inches away from your roots and then spray it in two inch sections throughout your hair.

Spray before a workout

Post-workout dry shampoo is almost as ritualistic as brushing your teeth before bed, but instead of spraying your hair after your sweat sesh, you should be spraying it beforehand.

Sounds counteractive to beautify yourself before you exercise. However, if you do this pre-workout, the absorbent powders will prevent excess moisture from saturating your hair, so you’ll be ready to go as soon as you rinse off your bod.

Massage it in

If you think you can simply spray and go, think again.

Dry shampoo should be massaged in, like you would with shampoo in the shower. This ensures even distribution throughout your hair so you don't end up with limp, oily patches.

Dry shampoo advocate because you don't have time to wash your hair? Read about how to wash hair once a week and get away with it, and read these hair tips to keep locks healthy at the same time.

The Genius Hair Styling Hack You Haven't Heard

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10 Clarifying Shampoos That Will Properly De-Gunk Your Hair

Albert UrsoGetty Images

Even though I am a beauty product hoarder and embrace my (extremely extra) million-step nighttime skincare routine, somehow, my hair care routine has always been bare-bones. I couldn't figure out how to keep my hair healthy enough. I always ended up with split ends less than a month after a haircut. Even though I hardly ever used heat on my hair, the ends became a mess. And, once I started coloring my fine, silky, shiny hair, it completely lost that shampoo commercial-inspired luster. Then, I finally said enough is enough and discovered a new product I love: clarifying shampoos.

First off, what exactly is a clarifying shampoo? Think of it as a supercharged shampoo: It cuts through all of the grease, oil, and most importantly, built-up product sitting on your strands even after you've washed your hair. Clarifying shampoos work as a reset button so that you can start styling your hair with a blank canvas. You've probably used one without knowing it—salons often use them to prep your hair for services like a keratin treatment or relaxer so that your hair is totally fresh and ready to take on new product.

Clarifying shampoos have seriously changed my hair for the better, and now I can gladly whip my hair back and forth. Ahead, shop for the best clarifying shampoos out there.

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The Cleanse Clarifying Shampoo

It's no secret that Oribe products are favorites among celeb and salon hairstylists all around the globe because they look and feel luxurious—and they actually work. The Cleanse is no different. It uses volcanic ash and sea kelp extract to help purify and deep-cleanse the hair, while green tea extract helps protect your hair from damage and breakage.

Sunday Shampoo

Bumble and bumble sephora.com

$27.00

This clarifying shampoo from Bumble and Bumble is perfect for those days when you have a little more time to devote to your beauty routine. It uses ginseng root extract, rosemary leaf extract, and sage leaf extract to cleanse and stimulate the scalp. Keep in mind that this product is not meant to be used on color-treated hair.

Purify & Replenish Deep Cleansing Shampoo

TRESemmé walgreens.com

$4.99

For a more budget-friendly option, it doesn't get much better than this shampoo from Tresemme. It promises to leave your hair shiny after removing product build-up and residue, and also uses vitamin C and citrus extracts to keep your hair feeling fresh.

Perfect Hair Day Triple Detox Shampoo

Living Proof livingproof.com

$28.00

This clarifying shampoo from Living Proof is a great choice for all hair types to try. Activated charcoal absorbs excess oils, and a patented molecule helps to keep your hair cleaner long after you wash it.

Clarifying Shampoo

Moroccanoil moroccanoil.com

$26.00

Clarifying shampoos, like clarifying face toners, can often leave your hair feeling stripped and dry. However, this formula from Moroccanoil contains a variety of nourishing and strengthening ingredients to help keep the hair hydrated during and after the deep cleanse, including argan oil, lavender, rosemary, chamomile, and jojoba extracts, keratin, and panthenol.

On The Rocks Clarifying Charcoal Shampoo

Drybar thedrybar.com

$26.00

Want to take that super-fresh, bouncy salon blowout feeling home with you? This clarifying shampoo from Drybar helps you do exactly that. As the name suggests, activated charcoal is the hero ingredient of this product to help pull impurities out of the hair. It also contains a vegetable protein to strengthen hair (especially great for color-treated strands).

K-Pak Clarifying Shampoo

This salon-favorite clarifying shampoo from Joico is perfect for your hair to get that weekly rejuvenation that it needs. It promises to not only deep-cleanse your hair gently, but to also keep your hair feeling shiny and soft.

Be Gentle, Be Kind Banana + Coconut Nourishing Superfood Shampoo

Briogeo sephora.com

$28.00

If you're looking to deep-cleanse your hair and simultaneously deposit a ton of nourishing ingredients into it, this shampoo from Briogeo is for you. The brand describes it as a "juice cleanse for your hair" so you can replenish the nutrients in it while also getting rid of all of the impurities. Plus, it's safe to use on color-treated, keratin-treated, chemically-treated, and relaxed hair.

Oblivion Clarifying Shampoo

Like other R+Co shampoos, Oblivion is made to focus on one specific thing—in this case, it's deep-cleansing. Not only does it get rid of grease and oils, but it also completely strips away styling products and chlorine, so it's perfect for color-treated hair after a dip in the pool. Tea tree oil, rosemary leaf extract, and witch hazel are the purifying ingredients in the formula, while coconut oil helps to define and thicken the hair.

Clarifying Shampoo with Camomile & Cornflower

Christophe Robin sephora.com

$34.00

Christophe Robin's clarifying shampoo always tops "best" lists for a reason. It's a great shampoo when you're looking to intensely purify your hair and scalp, but it also works wonders for color-treated (specifically lightened) hair. Over time, the formula brightens your hair and combats brassiness so you can wait longer in between salon visits to touch up your balyage.

Kristin Corpuz Kristin is a musician and freelance beauty, travel, and fashion editor and writer based in Los Angeles, and she is a proud graduate of Berklee College of Music.

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What’s the best-smelling shampoo of all time?

My obsession with Aveda shampoo scents started with my roommate. We were in our 20s and living four people to a three bedroom flat in college-land Toronto — things were not luxurious. But a few times a week, usually before we went out to the dive bars, and sometimes with a boy who had a crush on her waiting patiently on the couch, she would spend a full two hours locked in our (communal) bathroom, emerging in a cloud of delectable herby, floral scent that called to mind a dewy meadow at dawn, her freshly blown-out hair emitting more of it with every flick. It wasn't perfume, it was shampoo, and it was a fragrant revelation.

I soon realized that she was spending big chunks of money (that should have been going to student loan payments) at Aveda, that pre-green-beauty-trend juggernaut that brought the whiff of essential oils and plant essences to malls and neighbourhood salons and really set the standard of fantastic smelling hair — in my opinion.

I quickly developed my own Aveda habit that continues to this day. Smooth Infusion's bergamot, rose and sandalwood currently holds court in my shower; Brilliant's citrus, clary sage and clove scent is my all-time favourite. One hairstylist-prescribed purchase of Sap Moss was a disaster — my hair had never looked shinier but the earthy smell did NOT bring me joy and thus I felt there was no point to using it at all. I do have various other brands on the shelf — a Bumble and bumble here, a Kerastase there — but if I need a really good hair-smell day, nothing else will do.

Furthermore, I will not sully that precious scent with lesser-smelling styling products — from gel to hairspray, I layer on Aveda like I'm building a fragrance outfit. I'll catch a whiff throughout the day and feel a little thrill of pleasure. Sometimes people will tell me that my hair smells great, which I maintain is the best compliment in existence.

All of Aveda's scents are created in its Minneapolis Botanical Aroma Lab — just take a closed-eye moment to imagine what it smells like in there — by in-house perfumer Guy Vincent and his team, who source the raw flower and plant ingredients, test them for quality and compose the blends. Associate perfumer Kate Rosso said that when she started at the brand, it took her six months before she produced something that "smelled like Aveda."

The brand knows it's onto a good thing with its "pure-fumes." This year, it's highlighting its three iconic shampoo scents: Shampure, which is made up of 25 ingredients and spun off into candles and body oil; the retro-feeling Cherry Almond, which contains neither cherry nor almond, which don't have a strong scent, but is a blend of 38 natural ingredients designed to replicate the combo; and Rosemary Mint, which is more self-explanatory and a joy to find in a hotel's amenity kit.

Shampoo scents are important in the drugstore aisles, too. "To this day, we get calls and comments asking to bring back the original Herbal Essence (no 's' back then) scent from the early 1970s!" says Rachel Zipperian, Herbal Essences principal scientist. In the animated commercials of the time, the fragrance was described as a "fragrant blend of herbs and wildflowers" including juniper and birch leaves, and the brand capitalized on its popularity by putting out scratch and sniff print ads in early 1970s.

Creating a fragrance for a shampoo is not the same as designing a perfume. "While the sky is the limit with an eau de toilette or eau de parfum, there are cultural expectations of what shampoo needs to smell like — you are working within a somewhat limited spectrum because shampoo needs to signal 'clean,'" says Dennis Maroney, a perfumer at IFF (International Flavors and Fragrances), who cites apple and coconut as the two classic shampoo notes you'll always see on shelves.

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Complicating the process, different cleansing agents and bases affect the way fragrance notes interact. And the way a shampoo smell behaves over time has to be taken into account. "I consider a shampoo scent successful when it delivers at all of the four 'magic moments' of the consumer experience: When you first smell the shampoo in the bottle; during the process of washing your hair in the shower or bath; while drying, blow-drying or styling your hair — friction or heat will help the scent diffuse; and at random moments during the day when you or others smell your hair," explains Maroney. He can design a scent to be "linear," or consistent throughout the day, or for it to evolve over time, for example from fresh at first wash to warm at last whiff.

Hairstylist Jason Lee, owner of Jason Lee salon in Toronto and a regular on Cityline and ET Canada, has spent the past few years developing his own line of luxury hair care products that will launch internationally in 2020. He spent a year alone on its fragrance, which he wanted to represent his muse — an amalgam of his salon clients, who are cool, modern women who live in the city and travel a lot. He discovered that this was difficult to communicate to a perfumer in France over the phone. "We went through three or four different fragrance houses just not getting it," he says. "Each time you're going through 50 to 75 submissions. And from each of those submissions you go down a different rabbit hole — for instance, if one has a peach scent to it, you could increase or decrease that peach."

There was also the question of how much fragrance to put in. "I think that a lot of marketing people believe that the more intense it is, the more people are going to like it. But the big trend that I'm finding is that people don't want anything too potent. I didn't want this to be something that would fight with women's personal fragrances."

He turned down an easier option that was offered: copy a famous perfume! "They might say, 'Do you want Thierry Mugler Angel?' There's one shampoo from a luxury brand that I use in the salon, and I'm like, 'Oh, that's Coco Mademoiselle.'"

Once they narrowed down the proposals and received samples to try, Lee and his partner, Anthony Pennino, would try them in the shower and on clients in the salon until they found what they wanted. The final specimen is a "crisp, whimsical and strong" composition of clean citrus and fresh floral notes anchored by cedar wood and musk base notes. "One U.K. retailer called it 'exquisite,'" says Lee proudly.

I'm excited to try it. But I know in my heart that no shampoo scent will ever take the place of my beloved Aveda — I would bathe in it if I could. (Well, I can. And do.) "It's important that my hair smells great because I usually wear it down and I don't wear perfume of any kind," says my friend Emillie, who started it all for me with her cloud of Shampure. "I get compliments on it all the time. People literally lean in and smell my hair." I know, because I'm one of them.

The best-smelling shampoos

We canvassed a group of great-smelling women on their favourite shampoo scents of all time

"I started using Aveda when I started getting my hair done at Civello salon, which only uses Aveda products. At first I used Rosemary Mint strictly for the smell, then switched to Blue Malva to keep brassiness out of my hair. Now I use only Shampure — I love the very subtle hint of patchouli." — Emillie

Aveda Shampure Nurturting Shampoo, $21, aveda.ca

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"The Body Shop Banana Shampoo reminds me of childhood — popsicles, banana medicine, all the things we forget about as adults. Its creamy texture and colour make me feel like I mashed the bananas myself." — Melissa

The Body Shop Banana Truly Nourishing Shampoo, $11, thebodyshop.com

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"Vidal Sassoon Cherry Almond shampoo smells like a sweet and magical mix of marzipan and Dr Pepper and I could smell it all. damn. day. I keep a bottle around despite the fact that it makes my hair wildly poufy and thus I don't actually use it (anymore ... I learned that the hard way)." — Jenn

Vidal Sassoon Cherry Almond Classic Clean Shampoo, $24, canadabeautysupply.ca

"I'm obsessed with the Moroccanoil scent, a spicy amber mélange topped with faint floral hints. It smells like a bohemian heiress on a beach vacation, which is pretty much my dream existence. I settle for sudsing my hair with it. I also own the candle. And the body oil." — Katherine

Moroccanoil Moisture & Shine Shampoo, $30, moroccanoil.com

"I love the luxurious smell of Shu Uemura Muroto Volume. I used it for the first time when I'd just found out I was pregnant with my first baby, and it reminds me of this magical feeling every time I use it." — Camille

Shu Uemura Muroto Volume Pure Lightness Shampoo, $46, sephora.ca

"I love the smell Maui Moisture Shea Butter shampoo leaves in my hair — it's a sweet macadamia and coconut scent that smells so good for up to three days." — Oana

Maui Moisture Heal & Hydrate + Shea Butter Shampoo, $11, walmart.ca

"This Shea Moisture shampoo is a dark, thick, rich syrup that has an appropriately heady smell to match. It's a very grown-up, almost-slightly-burnt vanilla aroma that is sweet but tempered by something — what is it? — more serious and moody." — Eden

Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Shampoo, $10, walmart.ca

"I (mis)spent the better portion of the summer after high school in a lip lock with a boy from grade 11 who dressed exclusively from army surplus. He had long, silky jet-black hair, which always smelled unmistakably of classic Pantene. Even today when I pop a cap on a bottle of the stuff, I'm transported to those carefree afternoons." — Liz

Pantene Pro-V Classic Clean Shampoo, $8, walmart.ca

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The 7 Best Shampoos For Hard Water

When the water out of your tap is saturated with minerals, finding the best shampoo for hard water can be difficult. Those deposits of mostly magnesium and calcium can lead to dry, dull hair and discoloration for those with lighter tones.

While the limescale buildup and soap that doesn't foam up much aren't fun, hard water isn't dangerous. However, those minerals can pile up in your hair, often leaving it flat and brittle. "The most effective way to combat hard water buildup is to use a clarifying shampoo as often as recommended by your stylist," says Tammy Cox, a color ambassador for Z.one Concept North America, but she wants to emphasize that what's recommended "is always on a person-to-person basis and depends how much mineral buildup is in the strand."

Key ingredients to look for in a clarifying shampoo (aka a "chelating" shampoo)? Various forms of EDTA are tried-and-true chelating agents, while apple cider vinegar is a great natural alternative that can be gentler on color.

No matter what you choose, since clarifying shampoos strip hair by design, they can also be drying, so don't forget to follow up with a heavy-duty conditioner or a nourishing hair mask. Cox suggests applying the treatments, gently combing through, and waiting five minutes before rinsing.

While some choose steps like installing a filtering shower head or a water softener to deal with their hard water, you certainly don't need to for great hair. Read on for our seven picks for the best shampoos that will keep your strands shiny and full of volume even in the face of hard water — whether you have dry, oily, or color-treated hair.

1. The Best Overall Shampoo For Hard Water

Kenra Clarifying Shampoo, 10.1 Fl. Oz.

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This shampoo has earned raves on Amazon for its ability to remove mineral and product buildup without drying out hair and works for a variety of types including oily, dry, and curly. Reasonably priced and effective, this is our pick for best all-around performer when it comes to undoing the damage caused by hard water.

The formula is sodium lauryl sulfate–free and includes moisturizing aloe and wheat protein. Grapefruit and witch hazel extracts clarify naturally and leave a light, pleasant citrus scent. Word of caution: Since this has strong EDTA agents, it's not recommended more than once a week for color-treated hair.

2. The Best Choice For Sensitive Scalps

Milk_shake Deep Cleansing Shampoo, 10.1 Fl. Oz.

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Another great choice, and what Cox reps and uses on clients, is Milk_shake's Deep Cleansing Shampoo. "The pH of this shampoo is high enough to remove impurities and buildup from the strand," she says, who chooses it whether she's tackling minerals, product residue, chlorine, or all of the above. The milk proteins, honey, and strawberry and papaya fruit extracts added keep hair from drying out during the clarifying process. The SLES- and SLS-free formula is also gentle on scalps, making it a great choice for those with extra delicate skin.

3. The Best Hard Water Shampoo For Dry Hair

Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo, 8.5 Fl. Oz.

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Packed with hair-loving ingredients like keratin, jojoba extracts, vitamin B5, and argan and avocado oils, this is a shampoo that proves you don't have to sacrifice moisture in the quest for squeaky-clean hair. Said to pull out residue left by hair products, hard water, and chlorine, it's powerful and gentle at the same time thanks to a formula that's free of sulfates, phosphates, and parabens.

In order to get the most clarifying effect out of this bottle, massage a small amount of product into the hair and scalp, targeting the roots until it begins to lather a bit. It's even color-safe, according to Moroccanoil, making it a great choice for those willing to splurge a little for quality ingredients.

4. The Best Hard Water Shampoo For Oily Hair

Acure Curiously Clarifying Lemongrass & Argan, 12 Fl. Oz.

See On Amazon

A cleanser filled with fruit and other botanical-derived extracts, this shampoo is gentle enough to be used a few times a week but strong enough to clear out mineral and other gunk in your hair. Amazon users with oily hair especially sung its praises, with one even writing: "I have noticed that my hair is not as oily as it used to be, but without an [itch] had from being dried out."

The argan oil and aloe vera keep scalps happy, while this vegan and cruelty-free formula will let animal-lovers feel at ease, too. Bonus for those who are ingredient-conscious: It's free of parabens, sulfates, silicones, and phthalates.

5. The Best Hard Water Shampoo For Color-Treated Hair

R+Co Acid Wash ACV Cleansing Rinse, 6 Fl. Oz.

See On Amazon

Soaking lime-hardened fixtures in vinegar has long been a trick of plumbers, and the same logic also applies to hair, albeit in a much gentler version.

The stylists behind R+Co have figured out how to replace the vinegar smell with Sicilian lemons, tangerine, green tea, and tree moss, all while effectively keeping hair shiny and clean without sulfates, parabens, gluten, and petrolatum products — and keeping things vegan-friendly to boot.

This can be used as a booster before or after your existing shampoo or as a standalone. Since it's formulated without EDTAs or other harsh stripping agents, it's a great choice for color-treated hair.

6. The Best Hard Water Shampoo For Dandruff-Prone Hair

Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo Original Formula, 16 Fl. Oz.

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Turns out, Neutrogena's dandruff-fighting shampoo is also great for removing minerals from hair and scalp thanks to the tetrasodium EDTA included. While the two percent coal tar and the slightly medicinal smell make it not the perfect choice for everyone, this multitasking bottle — which also helps tackle tricky conditions like dry scalp, flaking, and scalp psoriasis — has plenty of fans on Amazon with a 4.2 rating after more than a thousand reviews. The key to getting the best out of the product is leaving it on the scalp for a few minutes while in the shower so the actives can soak in and do their work.

7. The Best Natural, EDTA-Free Hard Water Shampoo

Shea Moisture Sacha Inchi Oil Clarifying Shampoo, 13 Fl. Oz.

See On Amazon

While EDTAs are safe enough in moderation to be used in prescription medicine and food, some people choose to avoid them. If you're one of those people, there are still clarifying shampoos that work well to choose from. This bottle from Shea Moisture removes minerals and product residue without sulfates or EDTA, while natural ingredients like omega 3, 6, and 9–packed sacha inchi oil, organic shea butter, and quinoa extract nourish, moisturize, and fortify deeply. The fair price and color-safe formula make it a great option for a wide range of people and hair types.

Bustle may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was created independently from Bustle's editorial and sales departments.

Moroccanoil's Edgy Elegance: Perfectly Prepped Finishes

Moroccanoil Artistic Director Kevin Hughes knows that the best silhouettes come from proper preparation. His years of working at photo sessions and Fashion Week, as well as in salons and on platform, have confirmed that the time a stylist spends on the groundwork pays off when it comes to the finished look.

"Proper prep is vital for a long-lasting and perfect style," Hughes says.

Hughes begins that prep with proper shampoo selection followed by the appropriate treatment. Both models for this feature benefitted from Moroccanoil's new Color Depositing Masks, a collection of shades that simultaneously offer temporary color and deep conditioning.

"I love using these," Hughes says. "They have equal parts color and equal parts treatment. They can be used to refresh color or address tone." Hughes used Platinum on his blonde model to eliminate unwanted brass, and Cocoa on his brunette model to enrich the color and add shine.

Before setting, Hughes coats the strands with various products including the original Moroccanoil Treatment and heat-styling defense products.

"I always protect the hair with Moroccanoil Perfect Defense heat protectant first. Then I make sure my irons are set below 390˚F," Hughes says. "This ensures that I am causing as little harm to the hair as possible, as well as not affecting the model's color. Don't forget that a heat protectant saves your color as well."

Hair: Kevin Hughes, Moroccanoil artistic directorAssistant: Kelli-Ann Fahey, Moroccanoil Artistic Team memberPhotographer: Roberto LigrestiMakeup: David MaderichFashion stylist: Rod NovoaNail artist: Armani Je'ton  

Behind the scenes: Kevin Hughes shows how-to protect hair when styling:

Kevin Hughes demos how-to get the perfect wave:

Dry Shampoos, love em or hate em?

I'm constantly asked, should I use dry shampoo, how, and what brands are the best?

Typically shampooing 2-3 a week is ideal.  So for those in between days or after gym workout I suggest Redken Pillow proof 2 day extender, or Moroccan oil dry shampoo. Both are offered in light and dark shades to match your hair.  Best way to use these are:

Section hair with your fingers starting at the nape and working up spraying as you go.

Do a quick 30 second to 1 minute blowdry and you're good to

12 best hair masks under £30, from Moroccanoil, Label m and more

ibuysFashion & beauty Save your locks from heat damage and pollution with a nourishing treatment

Tuesday, 13th August 2019, 07:10 am

Updated Friday, 6th September 2019, 15:35 pm

(Photo by Alex Suprun on Unsplash)

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Summer is on the way, which can only mean one thing: basking in the glorious sunshine. This may sound blissful but it can be a disaster for your hair. Whether you're hoping for a staycation heatwave or jetting off to sunnier climes, avoid getting dry, straw-like locks by treating your tresses to an intensive moisture-rich mask.

Things to consider

Before you invest in a product, you'll need to pick one most suited to your hair type - dry/coloured/fine - and also consider the results you want to achieve, whether that's shine, hydration or reducing frizz.

You may also wish to think about how much free time you have for pampering. There are some products that can be applied quickly and easily during your morning shower. But if you want to make the most of treating your tresses and truly indulge, there are masks that require more preparation and a longer waiting time.

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How to use

David Felstead, director of the Daniel Galvin Hair and Scalp Clinic, tells us why we should be using these intensive treatments: "If your hair is damaged or very dry/brittle then a mask at least once a week is needed."

To get the best results he advises: "Make sure you squeeze as much water as possible out of hair before applying a mask to avoid dilution, and comb the product through with a large tooth comb to make sure it's evenly covering your hair. Masks should be left on for at least 10 minutes."

Hair masks below are listed in price order.

Key specs – Volume: 17ml; How to use: Smooth a small amount of product onto dry hair from root to tip and leave on overnight

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This was a bit of a game changer and takes a completely different approach to others on this list. You simply apply to dry hair and leave overnight. This sounded like it would be messy, especially as the instructions suggest covering the pillow with a towel, but it turned out to be a great idea.

The product was thick and creamy and had a clean and fresh soapy scent. You only need to smooth a small amount from root to tip and it absorbs quickly without leaving a sticky residue. In the morning, hair felt like a sheet of silk and after carrying on with the usual shampoo/conditioner routine, hair was super easy to manage and the mask took away all frizz and flyaway strands.

Our locks looked glossy and sleek, and the fragrance lingered for a good few days. The price makes this mask a real bargain.

Key specs – Volume: 25ml; How to use: Apply to wet hair and leave on for 5 minutes

This hair mask was a real treat to use. It comes in a neat little sachet with just the right amount of product for one use. It's a creamy and luxurious mask and the consistency was not too thick or gloopy, nor too thin and liquidy.

The mask has a pleasant and light smell, similar to fruity shampoo, which wasn't overwhelming or chemical in nature. It went on hair easily and when brushed through from roots to ends offered even coverage. We left it on for the full recommended five minutes while enjoying a long a hot shower – a rare treat in itself – while the vitamin E in the mask worked its magic.

The cream rinsed out easily leaving no oily residue and afterwards hair felt super soft and silky, and looked extremely shiny. The mask claims to restore dull, damaged hair and it certainly did, bringing out our highlights and giving our tresses a salon fresh feel for days afterwards, despite going back to our daily shampoo and conditioner. Good for a one-off treatment.

Key specs – Volume: 300ml; How to use: Apply to wet hair after shampooing

This super-hydrating treatment from natural beauty brand Noughty is great if your hair is in need of a moisture boost. It's a rich cream that's 97 per cent natural and also vegan friendly. Ingredients include sweet almond and black oats, while the smell is light and fresh.

After shampooing hair, the product is combed through and left on for the recommended three to five minutes, although for a more intensive treatment you can leave for 20 minutes. After rising out and blow drying, hair felt easy to manage, light and soft. It looked shiny and bright for a while afterwards too, and there was an overall improvement in condition.

Key specs – Volume: 3 x 30g; How to use: Apply to wet hair, massage through and rinse off after 10 to 15 minutes

Natural Spa Factory says to use a small amount, between 15-20ml (meaning two applications per packet), so we did. It's a thick and creamy mask that combs through hair easily and has a super-strong scent of, unsurprisingly, green tea and jasmine, which gives it a natural feel.

The mask is suitable for vegans and contains vitamin E to help strengthen hair. Leave it on for three to five minutes (we went for the full five) to get best results. There's no oily residue or build-up when rinsing it out and after use, every time our hair swished there was a lovely waft of a gorgeously oriental fragrance, which lasted for a day or two.

Our tresses looked soft and silky and a lot healthier, and also felt lighter around the head making it easier to brush through. There are two to three applications per sachet, so this would be a good buy for a weekly treat.

Key specs – Volume: 40ml; How to use: Heat the oil as instructed, apply to dry hair and leave on for 10 to 20 minutes, or overnight

Coconut oil was a beauty buzzword not so long ago and it seems nature's best superfood is still booming. This hair mask is from Korea, which is widely known to be an aficionado in the business, and is more than just a wet your hair and rinse off number.

For this one, time is required, so factor in a window of pampering for a real treat. A sachet of coconut oil and a shower cap (complete with a star-print design) are in the box and after heating the oil for 20 seconds in the microwave (or for 30 seconds in a mug of hot water) you apply it to dry hair. Do this over a bath as it gets messy from the oil being so runny.

Once you've massaged it through, you pop on the cap and sit back for 10 to 20 minutes (or you can do it for a bit longer if you have time, or even overnight). We went for 30 minutes. After rising, you can shampoo and condition as normal or stick to just a clarifying shampoo.

It contains starflower, baobab, sea buckthorn fruit and sacha inchi seed oils, which thicken, nourish, volumise and strengthen. Our hair was left feeling super soft, shiny, thick and bouncy, so this one was good for getting the most out of one mask.

Tip: Make sure you distribute it evenly through your hair or you may find a greasy build-up in places after rinsing.

Key specs – Volume: 120ml; How to use: Spread mask evenly through towel-dried hair from root to tip, leave for 1-5 minutes then rinse

This has both a sweet and strong fragrance that smells like an expensive salon product. It's a rich, creamy and lightweight mask that combs through wet hair easily. You only need to leave it on for one to five minutes, so it's a good one to use if you're in a hurry but want to give hair a more intensive condition.

The mask rinses out easily leaving hair feeling clean and easy to brush. The honey moisturises and replenishes the hair, while the oats help to strengthen fibres. Our locks felt light and soft and easy to manage. Label M recommends using this in addition to your daily conditioner every three to four washes.

£11.75, MukBest for: Fine hair

Key specs – Volume: 200ml: How to use: Apply to damp hair that has been freshly shampooed, leave on for 1-3 minutes and rinse

This option, by Australian hair care brand Muk, is very much a "professional" type of hair mask. It's a thick luxurious cream that smells like a salon product - the fragrance is gardenia and it contains extract of sea kelp, which helps to nourish and revitalise hair.

It was slightly different to previous products as, after shampooing, you're instructed to towel dry hair and then coat it in the mask. We did this and left it to process for one to two minutes. A little blob goes a long way – it's quite a heavy product - but it rinsed away leaving her feeling thick and bouncy.

The mask claims to restore hair's elasticity and indeed hair felt strong as well as silky. It's good value too, as the tube will last a long time considering the amount needed for each application.

Key specs – Volume: 250ml; How to use: After shampooing, apply mask to towel-dried hair and leave in for 15-20 minutes, rinse with warm water

With an earthy and strong herbal smell of pine forests, this product has a very natural feel to it. The mask is a thick cream that was lovely to massage in to the lengths of the hair. It contains pracaxi oil, which is rich in omegas 3, 6 and 9 and encourages smooth-looking hair, along with protein-rich quinoa bran, which helps to nourish hair follicles. A UV-filter is also included, making this mask a good choice for summer.

We left it on for five minutes and then rinsed out. Hair was left feeling soft, smooth and thoroughly hydrated, while the dry ends also felt nourished.

Key specs – Volume: 100ml; How to use: Apply evenly to dry hair, leave for at least half an hour, then shampoo and condition hair as usual

Lani is a cruelty free and vegan-friendly beauty brand, and this treatment comes in a handy little turquoise bottle that looks rather tropical. Be warned: keep it in a warm environment otherwise the mask takes a while to come out of the bottle. When it does though, it's a very thin oil that has a subtle coconut smell.

You massage it in to dry hair and then leave on for 10 to 30 minutes while it intensively hydrates hair. We went for the maximum amount of time. It does make hair look lank and greasy after application and if you decide to do it overnight, be sure to put a towel over the pillow.

After rinsing off though, we shampooed and conditioned our hair as usual and were left with a definite improvement in smoothness and it looked sleeker than normal, too.

Key specs – Volume: 140ml; How to use: Apply to dry hair as a pre-shampoo treatment or damp hair for 3-5 minutes then rinse and style

Salon favourite Joico's hair mask has a subtle perfume scent and is super thick and creamy. Applied to clean, damp hair, we left it on for the advised three to five minutes and let it work wonders - which it did.

After rinsing it off and styling hair as normal, we found there was no product build-up, rather just smooth, lightly scented hair that was easy to brush through and style. Hair was still silky soft well into the next day, too. It also brought out our blonde highlights.

Key specs – Volume: 250ml; How to use: After shampooing, apply to towel-dried hair and comb through, leave on for 5-7 minutes then rinse

Argan oil-infused haircare and beauty brand, Moroccanoil is well established in the world of haircare. This mask has a strong perfume scent and is a rich and thick cream. We used it on towel-dried hair, as instructed, and combed through and left on for five to seven minutes. It advises to use once or twice a week, so it could be a good one for a regular pamper session.

It was easy to massage in and rinsed out without leaving any sticky residue or build-up. Hair felt thicker and had a new-found shine after styling. It was left feeling hydrated long after use, too.

We think this is a good mask for frazzled locks and good value for money.

Key specs – Volume: 150ml; How to use: Apply to damp hair, leave for 20 minutes then rinse and shampoo as normal

Renowned hair stylist to the stars, the late Philip Kingsley was a leading hair expert and put his name to a collection of salon products. His elasticizer mask is a pre-shampoo hair treat with no real fragrance to it.

The thick, white cream is applied to wet hair, left on for 10 to 20 minutes and covered up using the plastic cap provided - which comes complete with the Philip Kingsley logo printed on it. This means you will need to factor in waiting time for the mask to take effect and probably isn't one to do before you head out for work in the morning.

After rinsing off, you shampoo and condition hair as normal. Our tresses were much easier to brush after use, looked thicker and had added bounce. It's on the higher end of the price scale but we think it's worth the investment.

This article has been updated. It was originally published in March 2019.

This Dry Shampoo Is So Powerful, It Keeps My Hair Looking Clean for 4 Days Straight

I have a confession: I used to wash my hair every single day. An entire childhood spent in dance classes and teenage years on the tennis court instilled a pretty straightforward nighttime routine: dinner, shower, bed. My hair became accustomed to daily washes, producing enough oil to make them a necessity. And so I started the vicious cycle of natural oils versus shampoo.

This isn't necessarily a bad thing. When Health previously asked NYC hair stylist Nicole Stimitz how often you should wash your hair, she said it all depends on your hair type, scalp conditions, and product use. But the average for a normal scalp is ideally one to three washes per week (not my previously-standard seven washes).

RELATED: The Best Drugstore Dry Shampoos

In my desperate fight to break the cycle and give my hair a chance to reset, I sought out an alternative, which eventually brought me to my tried-and-true dry shampoo: Drybar's Detox Original Scent Dry Shampoo ($23; nordstrom.com).

Sadly, I didn't stumble upon this discovery right away. Finding the best dry shampoo for your hair type can be a struggle, but after trying more ineffective options than I'd like to admit, I realized products with rice starch were the most effective on my roots. The micro-fine rice powders rapidly absorb oil, turning translucent to blend into your hair before expanding to give your locks a lift. Just minutes after applying the Drybar Detox, my hair looks both squeaky clean and voluminous.

Nordstrom.com

To buy: Drybar Detox Original Scent Dry Shampoo, $23; nordstrom.com

Plenty of highly-rated dry shampoos with cult followings also use rice starch as their base, including Living Proof's Dry Shampoo ($24; nordstrom.com)—one of my honorable mentions—and MoroccanOil Dry Shampoo ($26; nordstrom.com). But Drybar sets itself apart by adding in moisturizing golden root extract, which reduces the risk of breakage by preventing locks from drying out.

I prefer to apply my dry shampoo the night before, giving the starches the opportunity to fully absorb oils overnight. Since the product is free of any parabens, sulfates, and phthalates, I feel safe sleeping with it in my hair overnight—and the divine scent means I actually enjoy it. It's a dreamy combination of jasmine, Madagascar vanilla, and sandalwood that lingers in your hair for days.

If you're scent sensitive, Drybar's Clear Detox ($23; nordstrom.com) is a more neutral alternative, but keep in mind that it's crafted for milder oil absorption. I actually stick to this formula when I plan to shower later on, but just need a quick refresh for a few hours.

RELATED: There's A Proper Way to Apply Your Dry Shampoo

If I want to maximize my time between washes, the O.G. Drybar formula is always my go-to. I can go three to four days before I feel the need to wash my hair after just one application. As I drift further from my last wash, I'll start to add additional products to my hair for more body and life, like Drybar's Triple Sec 3-in-1 Texturizer ($26; nordstrom.com). So far, this combination has never let me down.

My favorite travel hack is bringing along tiny versions of Drybar's dry shampoo and texturizer. I can spend more time exploring and less time trying to wash and style my hair (because who wants to do that on vacation?)—especially if I decide to workout. To get the most bang for my buck, I typically look for deals like this Drybar Miniatures Four-Pack ($39, was $52; nordstrom.com) that's discounted right now for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. All four of these travel-sized products take up minimal space and save time by fixing my hair for me—what more could you want?

Nordstrom.com

To buy: Drybar The Four Pack, $39 (marked down from $52); nordstrom.com

Of course, I'm not the only obsessee. The Drybar Detox Dry Shampoo has over 100 five-star reviews on Nordstrom from happy users—including a mom with small children who calls it her "hands down favorite." In fact, she claims, "I get more compliments on my hair days after I wash it and have only used this than when my hair is freshly washed!"

While the price might feel steep at $23 a bottle, a little product goes a long way (and remember, you can snag a discount by getting the handy four-pack of Drybar favorites for under $40 while they're still on sale). You'll also save money in the long-run by reducing your regular shampoo and water consumption—a win-win for everyone!

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Dry Hair Is Dull, Damaged, And Lifeless—But These Shampoos Can Help

By Nicole Saunders of Women's Health |

If you have dry hair, less is more when it comes to washing. "Shampooing too often can dry hair out," says hairstylist Courtney Foster. "So a person that has dry hair can maybe skip shampoo for a day or two. This will allow the natural oils from the scalp to moisturize the hair." If you typically shampoo your dry hair every two weeks, Foster suggests washing once a week instead and see how your hair reacts to the change.

Stylist Nick Kersten of Rob Peetoom Salon in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, agrees: "I always recommend shampooing as little as possible. Some people like to wash their hair every day, but I would advise leaving at least one day in between. If you have dry hair, one wash a week can be sufficient."

But for those times when you really need to shampoo because you've had a serious sweat sesh or piled on loads of dry shampoo, the type of shampoo you use on your dry hair really makes a difference. Look for moisturizing ingredients like coconut and palm oil, vitamin E, and lipids—and avoid parabens, mineral oils, silicone, and alcohol, explains Maree Perrotta, senior stylist at the James Joseph Salon. Foster also likes moisture-driven ingredients like shea butter, aloe vera, jojoba oil, argan oil, and avocado oil.

And while taking care of your external needs are beneficial, Kersten points out that a poor diet can negatively impact hair. "Your food and drinks consumption can also affect dry hair adversely, especially alcohol, which is dehydrating. It is important that you get enough vitamin A, which is found in fish and vegetables," he says. Foster notes that drinking enough water each day along with hydrating deep conditioning treatments is also beneficial.

Now that you have these expert tips, scroll through to see their picks for the best shampoo for dry hair (on any budget).

© Jewelyn Butron

Moroccanoil Color Depositing Mask

Moroccanoil Color Depositing Mask

DESCRIPTION
A dual-benefit mask that deposits temporary color while providing the nourishment of a deep-conditioning treatment. Use to play with a new shade or refresh your existing tone.
BENEFITS
Rose Gold is ideal for creating soft pink and golden tones in light-colored hair.
SUGGESTED USE
Section hair and distribute product evenly. Leave on for 5–7 minutes, depending on desired intensity. Rinse well.