Trader Joe's Dry Shampoo has been around for a few years now, but the formula and packaging continue to pop on shelves at a price point that makes people curious. At $5.99, it is still far cheaper than most dry shampoos sold at salons or even drugstores. Packaged in a compact, non-aerosol pump bottle, it promises to absorb oil, add volume, and revive your hair on days when a full wash is not in the cards. The real question is how well it actually performs and whether it belongs in your beauty drawer.
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Review
Performance
For the price, Trader Joe's Dry Shampoo does a respectable job absorbing oil and giving hair a midweek refresh. The powder itself is lightweight, blends fairly easily, and has a mild, clean scent that does not overpower. On lighter hair colors, it disappears almost entirely with a quick brush through.
If you have darker hair, you may need to work it in a bit more. The non-aerosol pump can deposit more product in one spot than intended, which may leave a temporary white cast until you brush or massage it in. A light hand helps.
For fine to medium hair, the added texture and lift are noticeable. For very thick or curly hair, it works best when applied in sections and brushed in thoroughly.
Packaging
This is a powder-dispensing pump bottle rather than an aerosol spray, which means:
- It's TSA friendly
- It won't run out in two weeks
- You have more control over where the product goes
- But the pump can be a little temperamental
Sometimes you get a perfect puff, sometimes it sputters. Some people even open the lid and shake it out directly. It works, but it isn't luxurious.
Who It's Best For
- Anyone who wants a budget dry shampoo
- People who prefer a cleaner formula without aerosols
- Those with lighter hair colors
- Travelers wanting something compact
Who it is not best for:
- Those who prefer a mist over a powder
- Very dark hair that shows powder easily
- Anyone wanting big, salon-style lift
How to Use Trader Joe's Dry Shampoo
- Shake Well: Ensure the product is fully mixed for even application.
- Section Hair: Divide your hair into sections to target the oiliest areas.
- Spray: Hold the can about 8-10 inches from your scalp and spray lightly, focusing on the roots.
- Massage: Use your fingers to massage the product into your scalp, allowing it to absorb oil.
- Brush or Style: Brush through your hair or style as desired to distribute the product and remove any residue.
FAQs about Trader Joe's Dry Shampoo
The following are commonly asked questions about this product:
Yes, but it's most effective for fine to medium hair types and lighter hair colors. Darker hair may need extra brushing to avoid residue.
No, the scent is mild and fresh, suitable for those who prefer subtle fragrances.
Yes, the compact spray can is great for travel. Be sure to check TSA regulations for carry-on liquids.
Final Thoughts
Trader Joe's Dry Shampoo is far from fancy, but it performs better than its tiny price tag suggests. It absorbs oil, adds a bit of lift, and works well enough for everyday freshening or extending a blowout. The biggest flaws are the temperamental pump and the potential for residue on dark hair, but those are workable quirks if you use a light hand. For $5.99, it is absolutely worth tossing into your beauty stash as a budget-friendly backup or travel essential.
Absolutely, check out the other beauty standouts in my post about the Best of Trader Joe's Beauty for other awesome products you might not have noticed.
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Trader Joe's Dry Shampoo
Product Name: Trader Joe's Dry Shampoo
Product Description: Trader Joe's Dry Shampoo is a pretty solid product in a small size.
Price: $5.99
Currency: USD
Availability: InStoreOnly
Summary
Trader Joe's Dry Shampoo is the newest addition to the health and beauty aisle at Trader Joe's.
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Value
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Worthy of Repurchasing
Pros
- Affordable, great results for $5.99
- Absorbs oil well solid for in-between wash days
- Mild scent fresh without being perfumey
- Travel friendly non-aerosol and compact
- Cleaner formula no parabens or sulfates
Cons
- Pump can be inconsistent not always a perfect puff
- Residue potential especially on dark hair
- Not salon strength good, but not the most powerful dry shampoo
- More effort to blend compared to aerosols
Alek says
I think TJ's needs to do travel size shampoos in a travel pouch.
Dagmar says
Thanks for doing the review on this. I've been wondering about it. I have also used many many dry shampoos more so for volume than to so call "clean" my hair. More so to extend the volume until the next wash.
Brien Downes says
I was surprised at how quickly I used all the product.
becomebetty says
It's a small bottle at one ounce. Thanks for sharing!
Risa says
I found that it has a really nice smell that I love! Not sure why yours didn’t smell...great on dark hair as you mentioned!
becomebetty says
Thanks for sharing Risa!
Kimberly Holmes says
I bought this but haven’t tried it yet. One thing I usually notice is that the non-aerosols typically last longer for me... with aerosol I tend to keep spraying and use more than I realize.
becomebetty says
Thanks for sharing Kimberly!
Daniela says
Not sure if I got a bad batch or what but this is awful! it's like putting baby powder on my head and it looks like I have a huge dandruff problem. I'm not someone to complain about products but this is the first time I want to actually try and get my money back because it's completely unusable. I hate being wasteful but I am tempted to throw the full bottle in the garbage.
becomebetty says
Thanks for sharing. Don't forget Trader Joe's has a great return policy and you can get your money back.