Dry shampoo has been one the cherished products in my hair care routine for well over a decade, so I know better than most what you can expect from this genius innovation. In my experience, when a formula’s really good, it has the potential to refresh, add volume, managebility, and extend the life of your hair in between washes like nothing else. And after doing some research, it’s very possible that this one obscure dry shampoo that you’ve most likely never heard of is capable of ticking all of these hair boxes, and it only costs $10.
Up till now, I’ve firmly believed that no formula could ever compete with my tried and true Living Proof Perfect Hair Day dry shampoo, a splurge that I’ve allowed myself ever since I spritzed it onto my locks about three years ago. But at $30 a can, it’s not the most practical purchase repeat purchase and I can understand the need for a cheaper alternative.
“I used to use Living Proof and hated how expensive it was,” one Amazon shopper wrote in a review who claimed they made the switch to the Nuva Botanicals dry shampoo. “This stuff works better than any other product I’ve used.”
This reviewer wasn’t alone in their belief that the Nuva Botanicals works better than anything else.
“The BEST dry shampoo I’ve ever used. My hair gets greasy after just one and half days, and this powder extends my no-wash days to three or sometimes four days,” another reviewer gushed.
Another said they love it so much more than any other dry shampoo they’ve tried while yet another said it almost works too well when it comes to absorbing excess hair oil and scalp grease for days on end.
Packed inside this aerosol-free formula is natural corn starch, a versatile and effective absorbent that may also be able to add volume and shine to tresses while potentially helping to tame frizz. With a light lavender scent, the Nuva Botanicals also contains Korean ginseng to add fullness and refresh hair and biotin, an ingredient that some believe may promote hair growth, though studies suggest the evidence is lacking.
Another element of this affordable hidden gem that appears to be favored among reviewers is the fact that it applies using a sponge applicator, rather than aerosol.
“The sponge tip makes it ridiculously easy to apply right at the roots without making a mess or wasting product,” one Amazon shopper claimed. “I just dab it where I need a little refresh, give it a quick fluff, and boom—cleaner, fuller-looking hair in seconds. I love that it doesn’t leave my scalp feeling gunky like some sprays do. Honestly, it’s kind of genius.”
This brings me to another key element that I require from my dry shampoos: the texture. If a formula feels heavy or gritty in my hair, no matter how well it manages to absorb oil, it completely defeats the purpose of a dry shampoo. But several fans of the Nuva Botanicals insist that its texture is light, residue-free and won’t leave a strange chalky white-cast. Just hair that looks and feels fluffy, bouncy and refreshed.
The container is also incredibly compact, travel-friendly, and compliant with TSA requirements.
Of course, you can keep reading to see even more words of endorsement from Nuva Botanical dry shampoo lovers, or grab it for yourself from Amazon.
Promising Amazon reviews:
“This is a life saver for my hair. I love it so much more than any other dry shampoo- and I have tried them all! Very stubborn oily hair and this works so well. I wish it came in a larger bottle, but it will never stop buying it! (It is on the auto order!) I tell everyone about this, and they often don’t believe me that I didn’t wash my hair that day! No white residue, no smell (which I like).” — Olearfam
“Works almost TOO well! I have only used this once and I was blown away by how well it actually works. I may have used a little too much, because it didn’t feel like it was working at first.
I liked that when I used it the little sponge will dispense only a little bit of the product. It is a little difficult trying to apply it onto the mid-shaft of the hair, but applying to the scalp is very easy.
My scalp was gone dry for a two days after use. Typically when I use dry shampoo my scalp only stays that way for one day. It might have gone longer, but it was so dry I had to shampoo so that it could get hydration again. Next time I use it I will use less and see how well it works.” — Courtney McGregor“I wasn’t sure what to expect with a powder dry shampoo and a sponge applicator, but I’m officially obsessed. The powder is super lightweight and actually blends in—no chalky residue or weird gray cast (even on darker hair). The sponge tip makes it ridiculously easy to apply right at the roots without making a mess or wasting product. I just dab it where I need a little refresh, give it a quick fluff, and boom—cleaner, fuller-looking hair in seconds.
I love that it doesn’t leave my scalp feeling gunky like some sprays do. Honestly, it’s kind of genius. If you want a clean, no-fuss dry shampoo that actually works and doesn’t feel like you just sprayed a fire extinguisher on your head, this is the one.” — kjs“Best powder dry shampoo I’ve ever tried! I have super fine, thin hair and have to wash it almost everyday because it gets greasy super quick. Now that I’m using this…I’m washing it twice a week!!! Never have I ever.
It’s super easy to use, I love the cushion applicator. People are saying the top has fallen off on them. I’ve noticed that it can get kind of loose, but I just make sure I twist it back on before applying and never have had an issue. The applicator doesn’t come off, it’s just the top can get a little loose, so just be aware and you’re fine.” — AP“The BEST dry shampoo I’ve ever used. My hair gets greasy after just 1.5 days, and this powder extends my no-wash days to 3 or sometimes 4 days. I’ve used all the popular aerosol dry shampoos only for my hair to get greasy again after a few hours. This one has zero odor, washes out well, and blends in with hair easily with a little massaging. Will only be buying this from now on!” — Liv K.