I can’t really believe I’m admitting this, but I can get somewhat lazy when it comes to washing my hair everyday. I’m wearing it short these days, which as bob and pixie adorned ladies can attest to, usually requires more styling than longer manes do. After all, we can’t just throw it into a ponytail when we don’t feel like putting forth much effort.
Unfortunately, my hair never agreed with my wash-every-other-day plan. It always looked (and felt) a bit too oily and limp at the roots without washing and styling – which caused me to reach for the headband, or even worse, cancel all plans and not leave the house at all. Which is why when dry shampoos came onto the scene, I got more than a little excited. These bottled wonders promised to be quick and easy alternatives to washing and drying your hair. So, I decided to give 3 of them a try to find out which ones came out on top.
The first of the bunch was Samy Dry Shampoo with Oat Extract ($8). When I first sprayed it on, my hair turned a light shade of grey, which was not the most settling experience, but after I followed the instructions and brushed through with a comb, the greyish color disappeared, and I could see the formula absorb all the excess oil. For the rest of the day, my hair looked clean, and had maintained great body and lift at the roots. Samy acted as a combo of dry shampoo, hairspray, and root-lifter all in one.
Ojon’s Rub-Out Dry Cleanser ($24) gives a more natural feel to the hair when applied. It still leaves the hair clean and build-up free, but doesn’t offer as much lift as Samy. I’d recommend Ojon for longer hair and those who want more natural, softer styles. Also be aware that this spray leaves a strong powder scent, so use sparingly.
I’ve reviewed Shampowder before, and there’s no doubt that the powder itself works to keep my hair clean and manageable. However, after using the two spray cans, I must admit Shampowder’s tube and brush design ($16) lags in the easiest-to-apply department.
And the winner is… Samy Dry Shampoo. If you can handle the temporary Granny effect, Samy Dry Shampoo gives the perfect balance of oil clean-up and styling help. While all three clean up your hair, Samy added much needed body that lasted throughout the day.
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I have black hair…will the Samy realllly comb all the way out? I could use it for a touch-up between blow-dries.
For black hair, I might suggest the Ojon. It definitely works for touch-ups, and the Ojon for sure won’t leave any hints of grey
I used the Oscar Blandi dry shampoo (aerosol) – worked OK, but was very expensive. The 3 oz. can cost ~$20, and I only got about 3-4 uses out of it!
I’m looking forward to trying the Samy – it’s almost twice the size (5 oz) for less than 1/2 the price!
In a pinch I use baby powder, but I have to be very careful on my brown hair, or I look like grannie all day long!
what about good old Pssst?
I tend to just use corn starch on my hair. It does the same thing and it’s crazy less expensive. I usually just have to use it when I’m extending a blowout or in the summer when my bangs get a bit more weighed down.
I just bought samy and I used it once. When I went back to use it again, the bottle was nearly empty and couldn’t use the pump either. I loved the stuff buy I noticed that I am not the only one this happened to.
Where can I get the Samy Dry Shampoo without purchasing it online? Any drugstores sell them?
I’ve used the Samy dry hair shampoo and love it! You can get it at ULTA stores I know. You can also get the Oscar Blandi and Ojon one there too.
Samy is the cheapest by far, but I have had problems with the cans as well. Often they spray a little for me and then stop. I *always* keep my receipts now when I buy Samy, but it’s still kinda worth it. Such a cheap price, and it works great. I hope more companies come out with dry shampoo in the future.
This article is correct. I’ve been using the Samy product for months, and it truly is amazing. I have black, fine hair, and this product not only eliminates my oily hair problems, but is a magnificent way to keep your hair looking fabulous in between shampoos. Huge lift, body and volume is a definite.
I have twice bought the Samy dry shampoo. Both times, I have used it once with good results, and then not tried to use it again for a few weeks. The second time I go to use it, the can feels almost empty and nothing comes out. I originally thought I got a defective bottle. so I returned it and got another-same thing. Maybe it is just me?
Love the article..I have a question. I have fine,very light (platinum) blonde hair..will this gray color dull my hair?
The Ojon works well but the smell is too overpowering. Every time I moved my head throughout the day, I could smell it and it wasn’t pleasant! For that much money, I don’t want to stink! So, I returned the Ojon to Sephora and picked up the Oscar Blandi – which had a nice scent, but a gritty consistancy. After all that I just went to back to my faithful standby, psst. It’s cheap, virtually odorless, sold at Walgreens, and it provides plenty of volume.
@Leah….what is “psst”? Is that the brand name of a dry shampoo?