how to use dry shampoo for the best results
using dry shampoo may feel like second nature by now. you spray it in, massage into the scalp, and you’re on your way out the door. but what if we told you there are some key tips to making sure you maximize the benefits of your dry shampoo? whether your go-to formula is perk up, perk up plus, or perk up ultra, keep reading to get the most out of your dry shampoo.
in this article:
- what does dry shampoo do for your hair?
- how do i apply dry shampoo?
- what about on dark hair?
- can you bring dry shampoo on a plane?
- how can I get more volume when i use dry shampoo?
- how often should i use dry shampoo?
- if you have super oily hair
- if you need a post-workout pick-me-up
- how do i use dry shampoo with dry conditioner?
what does dry shampoo do for your hair?
let’s start with the basics: what is dry shampoo, anyway? dry shampoos, like perk up, are typically sprays (although they can come in other forms too) that reduce oil and odor in your hair without having to wash it with an actual shampoo. this means that dry shampoo helps extend the time between wash days, saving your hair from over-washing (which can, in turn, dry out your hair). as a secondary benefit, it also gives hair extra volume for a little added “oomph” when you style.
we have three dry shampoos in our perk up collection: our original perk up dry shampoo is talc-free and features invisible rice starch technology, a superfine absorbent powder that removes oil for actually cleaner hair and boosts volume with no buildup, gritty feel, or white cast. it is also the #1 prestige dry shampoo in the U.S.* (nbd!).
next, there’s perk up plus extended clean dry shampoo, which helps you further skip the suds with a scalp-friendly formula that refreshes and balances without a trace. finally, there’s perk up ultra, our extra-strength solution for keeping oil at bay, best for those who usually feel the need to wash their hair daily.
*Source: Circana, LLC, US Prestige Beauty Total Measured Market, Dry Shampoo/Dry Conditioner by Product, Dollar Sales, Annual 2025
how do i apply dry shampoo?
here's an easy tutorial for mess-free, zero-residue dry shampoo application:
- spray at least 8 inches away from the scalp. this may seem like an obvious one, but it’s something even we here at amika sometimes forget when we’re trying to get somewhere in a hurry. the closer you apply to the scalp, the harder it will be to evenly distribute the product. spraying too close can also cause a white cast that wouldn’t normally be there.
- let it sit + absorb. after you have applied the dry shampoo to your roots, try to be patient, and let it sit for about 30 seconds. this time will allow the product to do its magic and absorb all the oil from your scalp, leaving hair feeling clean and fresh.
- thoroughly massage into scalp. don't skip this one! once the product has absorbed, use your fingers to massage the product into the scalp even more (bonus: it feels so good!). for more even distribution, try brushing your hair after massaging, too.
what about on dark hair?
perk up dry shampoo is dark hair approved! make sure you give it a shake first: perk up is filled with hair-loving ingredients like natural rice starch and nutrient-rich sea buckthorn, so giving your can a shake will ensure it’s all mixed together. next, follow our general tutorial above, being sure to apply 8 inches away from the scalp. we also recommend sectioning your hair and spraying in a sweeping motion so you don’t focus on one spot too long.
can you bring dry shampoo on a plane?
good news: yes! once you’re obsessed with perk up, it’s hard to go without it. if you’re packing a carry-on, your dry shampoo must be less than 3.4 oz (which all of our travel sizes are—yay!). if you’re bringing a checked bag, it can be any size. see all up-to-date information at tsa.gov.
how can I get more volume when i use dry shampoo?
one of the best, well, perks of perk up? the added volume. you can even apply to freshly washed hair (yeah, we said it) for ultimate volume and hold when styling. clean hair doesn’t have a lot of grip and can be very hard to style; but with perk up dry shampoo, it gets just a little bit of grit for major volume. for extra hold, apply the shield anti-humidity spray from midshafts to ends, which acts as a heat protectant as well as a style extender. this product is heat-activated, so you must blow dry or use a hot tool to get the maximum benefits.
how often should i use dry shampoo?
how often you wash your hair will depend on your personal preferences—if you’re oily, you may wash it more, but if you’re dry, you may wash less. either way, perk up dry shampoo can be used in between those wash days to help absorb oil and reduce odor.
if you have super oily hair
do you shower at night and find that your hair is already greasy by morning? to combat this, try applying perk up dry shampoo before going to bed at night. this allows time for the dry shampoo to be absorbed into the hair, leaving you sans grease when you wake up! and for even more protection against greasiness, go for perk up ultra, which has even more oil control.
if you need a post-workout pick-me-up
just hit pilates or hiit? perk up will be your bff. it not only deodorizes the hair, but it also absorbs oil and refreshes hair with natural rice starch so it won’t leave a white cast. we also love perk up plus after a sweat sesh: the mandelic acid and arrowroot powder give the scalp a clean feeling without buildup.
how do i use dry shampoo with dry conditioner?
dry shampoo isn't the only thing your hair needs between wash days: your hair may be missing out on the crucial moisture it needs. that's because everyday stressors like friction from styling and pollution can leave vulnerable mid-lengths and ends dry, brittle and weak.
enter: soulstruck nourishing dry hair mask. while perk up removes oil at your roots, soulstruck dry hair mask delivers instant softness, moisture, and strength to the rest of your hair, so it stays silky and soft—no wash required.
about the author: Lindy Segal
Lindy Segal is a beauty writer + editor based in New York City. in addition to her work with amika, she has collaborated with beauty brands including Sol de Janeiro + Milk Makeup. she also regularly contributes to Harper’s Bazaar, Glamour, Byrdie + other esteemed publications.