5 Best Dry Conditioner Options (2023 Reviews and Buyers Guide)

If you’re interested in trying a dry conditioner and aren’t sure where to start, you have come to the right place. A dry conditioner is a great product that should be given a legit try, just like your dry shampoo, dry conditioners certainly have a place in your hair care routine.

As a result, today we’ll be telling you all about waterless dry conditioner options currently available on the market.

A dry conditioner is a great solution for those looking to smooth and hydrate dull, dry strands between washes, essentially, a dry conditioner can help revive and restyle your hair.

A waterless dry conditioner is designed to spritz on just enough to make your hair shinier, smoother, and softer kind of like a quickie conditioning treatment.

A dry conditioner can work on curly, kinky, and coily textures, but it’s likely going to be best to use when you heat-style your hair.

These are very handy in tight situations like attending an office call immediately after a workout or if you have to head out to a party immediately after work. All you have to do is spray a few spritzes, brush your hair, and you are good to go.

We understand, however, that finding the best dry conditioner for you can be a bit overwhelming with all the choices that are available. If you need some guidance, you are in the right place.

Continue reading and check out as we have narrowed down the top five best dry conditioner options, where to find them, how to use them, reviews, tips, and more.

Dry Conditioner Reviewed In This Guide

How To Choose The Perfect Dry Conditioner For You?

The selection of your dry conditioner should align with your hair’s texture and density; so you want to consider the length and thickness of your hair.

If you have fine or limp hair, choose a waterless dry conditioner that volumizes your hair. If you have wavy hair, look for something that is lightweight and won’t weigh your hair down.

For those with curly hair, a hydrating and nourishing conditioner is the best choice. If you like to color your hair frequently, always look for a color-safe dry conditioner.
For those who like to style their hair using curling wands and hair straighteners, a dry conditioner that doubles as a heat-protectant spray are the ideal choice.

Whether you have short hair or a long one, it must belong to one hair type or the other. There are different types of hair, and you need to consider the type and length of your hair when looking for bio ionic curling irons. We have thick hair, thin hair, fine hair, short hair, long hair, and more, and they all require different heat ranges.

The best dry conditioner should offer multiple benefits, including a reduced risk for heat damage, style your hair more efficiently, and make your dream look last for as long as possible.

Whether you are going for a meeting or getting ready to hit a bar with friends, you will need the help of a dry conditioner that can provide you with lasting results and can help you style or touch up your hair for every occasion.

Dry Conditioner Types

All Hair Types Dry Conditioner

To make your hair smooth and voluminous, this waterless dry conditioner is infused with argan oil, coconut, and Crambe seed oil.
This conditioner is packed with nourishing ingredients like calendula, chamomile, and shea butter to hydrate dry hair.

The conditioner provides your hair with nutrients, rejuvenates dry ends, envelops each strand to nurture it, and adds a healthy dose of shine.

Wavy Hair Dry Conditioner

This is a lightweight dry conditioner that will not leave a white residue or a gritty texture. It refreshes hair to restore softness, smooth frizz, and boost shine.

Color-Treated Hair Dry Conditioner

This light, refreshing dry conditioner, which is made with conditioning plant components, restores suppleness and bounce. It fortifies hair against sun damage, dryness, and chemical processing. Make sure it’s made with organic plant extracts; that the formula is vegan, paraben, phthalate, sulfate, and gluten-free. And of course, color-safe.

Dry Hair Dry Conditioner

A dry conditioner for dry hair provides the right amount of moisture and sheen without weighing down your hair. It features vitamins B5 and C, as well as fatty acids, to aid in the strengthening and restoration of your hair while making it smooth and glossy.

Dull Hair Dry Conditioner

This dry conditioner is formulated with ingredients like black seed oil, which is rich in essential fatty acids, to help fortify and protect your hair.
It is ideal for daily use and gives life to dull and damaged hair. It’s made up of tiny conditioning molecules that strengthen and hydrate your hair from the roots.

Frizzy Hair Dry Conditioner

It instantly eliminates static, as well as smooths, softens, and detangles hair, and can be used in between washes.
It’s not only a fantastic hair care product but it’s also an excellent way to reduce static in your hair. It weightlessly nourishes dry hair. Look for key ingredients, Provitamin B5 which promotes and restores hair’s resilience, protects against breakage, reduces split ends, and smooths and strengthens.

Heat-Styled Hair Dry Conditioner

This dry conditioner instantly softens, increases shine and moisturizes hair. It also absorbs odor and has UV and heat-protecting ingredients.

Best Dry Conditioner List


1. CAKE Beauty The Locks Smith Dry Conditioner

What We Like

  • Hydrating
  • Spray
  • Cruelty-Free
  • Vegan

What We Don’t Like

  • Strong Smell

This innovative dry conditioner helps fight frizz, boost shine, & revive your second-day style. Argan oil adds luster while coconut & Crambe seed oil smooth strands.

This dry conditioner helps nourish & protect strands. The unique formula helps fight frizz while adding shine. Hair looks & feels touchably soft & refreshed without weighing down.

The kin, hair, & body care products have the high-performing natural ingredients you love, & none of the stuff that you don’t. No parabens, phthalates, sulfates, or talc. Ever.

From decadent body scrubs & lotions to high-quality shampoos, conditioners & styling products, our gorgeous formulations don’t harm so much as hair on a bunny’s head.

What Our Testers Say

Among all the other products I’ve tried this is the ONLY one, I will ever use from now on. Smells great, has no white cast, no greasy feeling, literally lasts days, and feels soft and healthy. I would say it’s better than some of the high-end ones I’ve used.

I highly recommend this product. If you’re looking for one and can’t decide which one you want let me tell you that this is the one you want.

I even use it on my kid’s hair. Make sure you only spray the conditioner on lower-mid to bottom sections of the hair not the roots bc your natural oils or dry shampoo is meant for the roots and the top of the hair is not the dry conditioner. Trust me you won’t be disappointed.

Buy it and you’ll see! You’re welcome!!!

Start your day with quality haircare designed to nourish, protect and gloss up even the most stressed-out of locks.

From protein-packed, volume-boosting shampoos and conditioners that leave a feather-weight finish, to color-matched dry shampoos, to super-stylers that make your style perfect; we’ve perfected our recipes using 100% vegan and cruelty-free, natural ingredients.

Tips

Great for breaking the cast. I combine it with the mouse and curl cream for long-lasting curls.


2. OSiS+ SOFT TEXTURE Dry Conditioner

What We Like

  • Spray
  • Vegan

What We Don’t Like

  • Pricey

This is a softening, and anti-frizz dry conditioner. It detangles without water, softens the cuticle, & eliminates static & frizz. Hair is left soft, static-free & refreshed.

What Our Testers Say

I have extremely long hair, below my waist, and after years of coloring and using a flat iron on my hair, you can imagine the damage. Now throw in menopause which really changes the condition of your hair like I never knew it would/could! and to top it off, I live in a very dry climate.

The perfect storm for the perfect difficulty with dry, brittle, and fly-away hair that was constantly getting tangled and unmanageable like I never experienced before. Enter Eva NYC Forget Me Knot from an IPSY box and amazing things happened! I can’t say enough about how great this product works on my hair and how long it has lasted.

I looked at my order history and realized it has been exactly 1 year since I bought the full size and it is still going strong. I don’t mind ordering online but, I do wish it could be found in stores as well – not one of the retailers listed in my area carries it in-store. Bottom line – if you have any issues with hair that gets unruly and tangled, this is your go-to lifesaver!

The dry conditioner contains Vitamin B5 softens & strengthens, while vitamin C & fatty acids enhance shine, nourish, & repair.

All you need to do is shake before use, hold 10-12 inches away from dry hair & lightly spray mid-lengths to ends. Brush through. It is also vegan certified, cruelty, sulfates, parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, artificial color, & gluten.
Which makes it safe for color, keratin, & Brazilian-treated hair.

Tips

Shake before use, hold 10-12 inches away from dry hair & lightly spray mid-lengths to ends. Brush through.


3. Kristin Ess Hair Weightless Shine Air Dry Creme

What We Like

  • Spray
  • Cruelty-Free
  • Moisturizing

What We Don’t Like

  • Dispenser Difficult To Press

Regardless of your hair type, it’s always important to protect, hydrate + restore any level of damage. Whether you’re heat-styling or air-drying, there’s something in this collection for you.

Utilizing this dry conditioner you can instantly soften your mane and also make sure it gets its dose of shine-boosting, weightlessly moisturizing, oil + odor absorbing, UV + heat protection.

Kristin Ess began with a simple idea: create an affordable collection of luxury hair care and styling products that would give everyone the chance to create modern, perfectly imperfect hair.

As a top celebrity hairstylist and colorist, Kristin has developed a full range of tools, cleansers, conditioners, wet + dry styling products, and glosses that will help you achieve your daily hair goals.

What Our Testers Say

I am a big fan of Kristin Ess products so I can’t say I was surprised that I like this too. I have very fine hair and frizz is a huge issue for me. I was using 4 products before this and now I use this and a small amount of finishing and smoothing gel and I am good to go.

No frizz until the next shampoo. I love the scent of the product line as well so this was a plus for me.

How to Use Kristin Ess Style Reviving Dry Conditioner

  1. Hold the spray 6 inches away from the center of your head.
  2. Start spraying starting from the center.
  3. Use your fingers to spread the conditioner evenly.
  4. Repeat steps 3 and 4 in other parts of your head.
Find More About The Kristin Ess Hair Weightless Shine Air Dry Creme Information And Reviews Here.

4. blowpro Faux Dry Conditioner

What We Like

  • Non-Aerosol Spray
  • Talc Free
  • Sulfate and Paraben-Free

What We Don’t Like

  • Pricey

This dry conditioner helps condition hair deep into each strand with just one puff to eliminate fly-away and frizzy hair. This powder formula easily detangles your hair and restores your blowout and hairstyle even after days of skipping your hair wash.

A great way to save your precious time! Along with blowpro Faux Dry Shampoo, this dry conditioner will let you skip your hair wash routine,e, especially on hectic days.

No water is needed; just brush the waterless dry conditioner from midshaft through ends and you’re good to go.

What Our Testers Say

This works like a dry shampoo, but it is better to use as you need it, doesn’t do much if you put it on before you sleep, which I like. I put it in in the morning and it leaves my fine, oily hair silky, with a nice scent, and I like the way it puffs out of the container so you have a lot of control over how much is applied.

I’m not really sure what makes this a dry conditioner instead of shampoo, but it works better than every other dry shampoo I’ve tried that doesn’t come in an aerosol can, which runs out really fast. You get a lot more product that lasts much longer and isn’t bad for the ozone layer.

The dry conditioner hydrates and keeps your hair’s natural moisture and oils, leaving your hair with its natural beauty and health. This conditioning powder eliminates oil, grease, and product residue from the midshaft while your dry shampoo targets the scalp and roots.

Unlike other dry conditioners, this non-aerosol conditioner spray doesn’t leave any residue on your hair. After using this dry conditioner mist, you’ll notice that your hair feels extra clean and light without the crunch, excess oil, and powder residue.

Tips

Hold the bottle upright. Turn the cap clockwise to expose the nozzle. Divide hair into sections and squeeze the bottle to release powder. Work powder through with fingers or use a comb/brush to brush product through the ends for even application.

Find More About The Blowpro Faux Dry Conditioner - Talc Free Dry Conditioning Spray Information And Reviews Here.

5. ARROJO ReFresh Dry Conditioner

What We Like

  • Spray
  • Restores Fullness
  • Paraben & Sulfate Free

What We Don’t Like

  • Pricey

This weightless moisturizing dry conditioner stores fullness, moisture, & shine. Great for blow-drying.

What Our Testers Say

I have very frizzy hair and when I use this when my hair is wet and blow-dry with a round brush it is amazing! Can’t believe it has gotten bad reviews. Once I discovered this product I can’t blow dry without it!

Now you can fight frizz, static, and flyaways with ARROJO dry conditioner packed with Keratin, Vitamin E, & B5.

Dry shampoo has powder in it that soaks up the excess oil at the roots of your hair so you can go without washing for an extra day or, two. Right.

So dry conditioner is supposed to do what, exactly?? It’s not really a leave-in because you don’t put it in your hair when it’s wet..well this dry conditioner should be applied at the end of your styling and you can expect fabulous smelling and shining hair.

Tips

Spray hair conditioner spray from mid-lengths to ends. Lightly brush, finger-comb or blow-dry.

Find More About The ARROJO ReFresh Dry Conditioner Information And Reviews Here.

Dry Conditioner Buying Guide

What Is A Dry Conditioner?

While a traditional leave-in conditioner is a liquid product, a dry conditioner is a dry formula. It frequently comes in the same type of aerosolized can that dry shampoo does. However, it has a different purpose.

Dry shampoo helps refresh hair by soaking up excess oil, which adds volume to hair.
Dry conditioners, on the other hand, can contain ingredients like silicones or oils that reduce frizz and boost hydration. It gives more of a finished look to your hair.

Dry conditioner evaporates or dries on contact, so it can be used to moisturize without wetting hair or affecting how your hair is styled. A dry conditioner can help moisturize and detangle hair, fight frizz, and boost shine.

It’s a dry product that’s sprayed on hair and doesn’t require water, the way a traditional hair conditioner does. You can use a dry conditioner alone as a finishing spray to hydrate dry hair or refresh your hair midday.

How Does A Dry Conditioner Work?

A dry conditioner works well in between washes to freshen up your hair. A benefit to using a dry conditioner is that it conditions hair without making your hair look wet.
Dry conditioner is used in other ways, such as:

  • Detangling hair
  • De-frizzing hair
  • Reducing flyaways
  • Reducing static buildup (such as during winter when the air is drier)
  • Reducing the need to heat style, which can lead to dryness and hair breakage
  • Adding softness and shine
  • Providing conditioning with oils and other moisture-rich ingredients like plant extracts

Dry conditioners are used typically as a leave-in product on dry hair. You can use dry shampoo and conditioner together or use dry conditioner by itself to extend your style.

A dry conditioner may be a good option for keeping hair well-nourished while preserving your style. Plus, with a dry conditioner, there’s no need to coat hair from the scalp downward. Use it from about mid-shaft down to your hair’s ends to revitalize your look.

Features To Look For In A Dry Conditioner

Formula

Thanks to a mix of proteins, oils, and conditioning molecules, a dry conditioner has the power to soften and hydrate hair without actually getting it wet.
Your dry conditioner should be free from synthetics such as parabens, sulfates, and sodium chloride.

Application

The super-precise application is a bonus, go for options that enable you to laser in on specific areas, and the nozzle dispenses the perfect amount of product.

Effectiveness

After using your best dry conditioner you want hair with a lightweight cashmere, soft feel with luminous shine.

Common Questions About Dry Conditioner

Is it good to condition your hair dry?

It has been said that conditioning on dry hair will better help the hair shaft absorb the ingredients in your deep conditioner without having a barrier from water.

Does dry conditioner cause hair loss?

Dry conditioner is often simply a lightweight oil sprayed onto the ends of the hair to prevent them from drying out. As such it is far less likely to cause any scalp damage or hair thinning.

What conditioner helps dry hair?

To repair dry hair, it is recommended to use shampoos and conditioners that contain coconut oil, argan oil, and shea butter. Coconut oil moisturizes and softens dull, coarse hair and prevents protein loss by nourishing and strengthening it with vitamins.

What are some of the benefits of dry conditioners?

  • It saves time and effort. Using a dry conditioner cuts down on the time required to shower or style your hair.
  • It reduces the need for heat-styling. When used with dry shampoo, you can skip washing your hair entirely, which means you won’t need to blow-dry or heat-style your hair. Heat application on hair can cause damage, and reducing the use of heat tools can support healthy locks.
  • It moisturizes. If you have dry hair, a dry conditioner can help boost hydration with moisturizing oils and plant extracts.
  • It reduces frizz. Silicones in some dry conditioners coat the hair cuticle to smooth and prevent frizz.

Can you use a dry conditioner every day?

If you have dry, coarse, curly, or color-treated hair, you may benefit from conditioning your hair more frequently, daily, or every other day. These hair types tend to be on the dryer side and may love a little extra moisture.

Is conditioner a replacement for dry conditioner?

It’s not a replacement for a traditional conditioner. Though dry conditioner can help revive and restyle your hair, it won’t give you that freshly washed and conditioned look that traditional conditioner will. Depending on your hair type, you’ll still need to wash and condition your hair in the shower at least a couple of times a week.

Is a dry conditioner the same as a leave-in conditioner?

A dry conditioner is a dry formula in a spray form, while a leave-in conditioner is a liquid formula.

Does dry conditioner leave residue?

It may leave behind a coating. Some people, especially those with darker hair, report that dry conditioners leave a white residue behind.

How to use a dry conditioner?

There are two ways you can use a dry conditioner.

The first option is as a sort of finishing spray to smooth strands and reduce frizz. This can also add extra moisture if your hair texture is naturally drier. Similar to regular conditioners, most people find that concentrating dry conditioners on the ends of their hair works best. That way, you’ll avoid weighing down your roots.

The second option is as a follow-up to dry shampoo, much like you would wash your hair with a shampoo and then condition it in the shower. Dry shampoo will soak up oil that can weigh down hair, and a dry conditioner will help smooth, hydrate, detangle, and defrizz strands.

Should you use dry shampoo & conditioner together?

Essentially, think of your dry shampoo and dry conditioner as you would their in-shower counterparts, except you don’t need to use both together for the other to work its magic.

Your dry shampoo will absorb excess oils from the scalp and may also provide texture and volume to fine hair, while your dry conditioner can detangle and de-frizz, adding softness and shine to your hair from mid-shaft down to your ends. The major win here is that both products can extend the life of your blowout.

How to use dry shampoo & conditioner?

  1. Firstly, shake the bottle of dry shampoo thoroughly as they are usually aerosol cans and you’ll need to make sure you don’t just get the gas.
  2. Next, keep the bottle of dry shampoo at least 8-10 inches away from your hair, spray the shampoo on the roots and massage the product in.
  3. Gently rub the dry shampoo onto your scalp with your fingertips till no trace remains.
  4. Now onto the dry conditioner!
  5. Unlike dry shampoos, you don’t have to spray conditioner on your roots. In fact, I recommend you not do it so as to avoid product buildup.
  6. Similar to the way you spray dry shampoo, apply dry conditioner to the ends of your hair.

What is the best dry conditioner for curly hair?

The best dry conditioner for curly hair is one that uses oils instead of silicones to moisturize your hair. Silicones are heavy and can drag curls down reducing volume and leaving them limp.

Also, curly hair tends to be drier and frizzier than other hair types so it needs more nourishment. So look for ingredients like olive oil, argan oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil, etc when buying a dry conditioner for curly hair. And try to make sure this conditioner is silicone-free.

What is the main difference between a dry shampoo & conditioner?

The main difference between a dry shampoo and a conditioner is that while a dry shampoo helps absorb grease and oil from the hair to increase volume, a dry conditioner adds moisture in the form of oils to control frizz and leave hair soft.

Enjoy Your New Dry Conditioner

Remember, a dry conditioner can help moisturize and detangle hair, fight frizz, and boost shine. It’s a dry product that’s sprayed on hair and doesn’t require water, the way a traditional hair conditioner does.

You can use a dry conditioner whenever you feel your hair is looking too frizzy or dry. If your hair tends to look frizzy a day or two after washing it is a good time to use a waterless dry conditioner.

We hope this guide was helpful in your search for a decent waterless dry conditioner. Now that you have learned about these fantastic options, you can make an informed decision and pick what’s best for your specific hair needs.

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or comments. We are always happy to hear from you.

Disclosure: The Hair Products recommended in this article are our top favorites because they have a great combination of quality, features, and affordability. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases made through the links as a way to support this site. If you buy a qualifying product, you’re not charged anything extra, but I’ll get a small commission to help pay for my expenses. I hope you find our advice helpful and discover the Best Hair Products for your needs on this list.

Author

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Author
After graduating from an apprenticeship program in 2010, color specialist Doris began working behind the chair. She started with color corrections and then moved on to creative color. Currently, she works with blonding and grey-blending clients. Sarah views hair color as both an art form and a science and is passionate about salon education, which is the main reason why she started this blog. She has the Invisible Bead Extension Certification and the Bellami Master Certification for extensions.
Photo of author
Author
After graduating from an apprenticeship program in 2010, color specialist Doris began working behind the chair. She started with color corrections and then moved on to creative color. Currently, she works with blonding and grey-blending clients. Sarah views hair color as both an art form and a science and is passionate about salon education, which is the main reason why she started this blog. She has the Invisible Bead Extension Certification and the Bellami Master Certification for extensions.