Hair Mists: The Future Of Dry Shampoo
AIThis post was created with the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI).

TL;DR

Before you orderOffer from Amazon

Get self-care favorites delivered free with Prime

  • Fast, free delivery on millions of items
  • Prime Video, Amazon Music and more included
  • Member-only deals all year
Start your free Prime trial Free trial for eligible customers · Cancel anytime
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.

Hair mists are emerging as an alternative format in dry shampoo, with products from K18 and Schwarzkopf designed to refresh hair between washes using liquid sprays. The category’s growth and consumer interest are cited by Cosmetics Business, but performance comparisons and the scale of adoption remain unclear.

Hair-care brands are bringing liquid mists into the dry shampoo category, offering consumers another way to refresh hair between washes, alongside nontoxic dry shampoos. K18 launched its AirWash product in 2024, while Schwarzkopf’s Got2B has also entered the format, which is designed to reduce the powdery feel and visible residue associated with some traditional dry shampoos.

A dry shampoo mist is a non-aerosol, liquid-based spray that applies oil-absorbing and cleansing ingredients in a fine mist. Laura Fenton, chief marketing officer of Living Proof, described the format to Cosmetics Business as distinct from products that use powders or aerosolised starches to absorb oil. The report was originally published in the publication’s Hair Care Trend Report.

K18’s AirWash, introduced in 2024, uses the company’s odorBIND biotechnology to target odour-causing molecules, according to the report. It also contains porous silica, which is intended to absorb excess oil from the hair and scalp. K18 says one unit sells every 17 seconds globally; that figure is the brand’s claim, and the report does not provide its calculation period or independent sales data.

Schwarzkopf’s Got2B Get Fresh Dry Shampoo Hair Mist is another example. The water-based spray is marketed to refresh hair between washes and absorb excess oil, with a less powdery application and finish. The source describes the products’ intended functions and format, but does not report comparative testing against conventional dry shampoos.

At a glance
reportWhen: K18 launched AirWash in 2024; the Cosme…
The developmentHair-care brands are introducing water-based dry shampoo mists as a lighter-feeling alternative to conventional powder and aerosol formats.

A Lighter Format for Between-Wash Care

The mist format responds to concerns about white cast, chalky texture and product buildup that can accompany powder-based dry shampoos. It may also offer more targeted application, a point raised by Dr. Catherine Leray, account head of research and development at THG Labs, in the Cosmetics Business report. Leray said mists or foam formats can suit curls, braids and extensions better than loose powder, although the report does not provide consumer research confirming how widely users prefer them.

For shoppers, the change means dry shampoo is being presented not only as an oil-absorbing powder, but as a broader range of between-wash products. Water-based formulas can also make it easier to include ingredients associated with hydration or scalp comfort, Leray said. Those are product-design possibilities, not proof that every mist provides those benefits.

The commercial stakes are substantial if forecasts prove accurate: market research firm Spate puts the global dry shampoo market at $5.1 billion in 2026 and forecasts it will reach $11.7 billion by 2033. That projection concerns the overall dry shampoo market, not mists alone, and is a forecast rather than a confirmed future result.

Amazon

water-based dry shampoo mist

As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.

As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.

From Powder to Liquid Spray

Traditional dry shampoos typically rely on powders or aerosolised starches to absorb oil between washes. Their convenience has helped make them a familiar hair-care product, but some consumers object to residue, buildup or a feel that is heavier than freshly washed hair.

The newer mist approach aims to retain the convenience of a quick refresh while changing how ingredients are delivered. Fenton’s description distinguishes a liquid mist from conventional powder products, while K18’s AirWash and Schwarzkopf’s Got2B mist show that more than one brand is exploring the format. The report presents these launches as signs of category activity, not evidence that mists have replaced established products.

“The main driver [of the category] is performance.”

— Dr. Catherine Leray, account head of research and development at THG Labs

Amazon

oil absorbing hair spray

As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.

As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.

How Mists Compare in Use

The report does not provide independent performance tests comparing mists with conventional dry shampoos, nor does it quantify consumer adoption or sales for the mist segment. K18’s reported sales pace is a company claim without a stated measurement window in the source. It is also unclear how different mist formulas perform across hair types or how long their refreshing effects last. Claims about lighter application and reduced residue describe product aims; the source does not establish that every user will experience the same results.

Amazon

refreshing hair mist for between washes

As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.

As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.

Whether the Format Gains Ground

The next indicators will be additional product launches, published sales figures and independent comparisons of residue, oil absorption and wear time. The source does not identify a scheduled milestone or provide a forecast specifically for hair mists. For now, mists are an emerging option within a larger dry shampoo market, and their longer-term role will depend on product performance and consumer uptake.

Amazon

non-aerosol dry shampoo spray

As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.

As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.

Key Questions

What is a dry shampoo mist?

It is a liquid-based, non-aerosol spray designed to refresh hair between washes, using ingredients intended to absorb oil and cleanse or reduce odour.

How is a mist different from traditional dry shampoo?

Many traditional products use powders or aerosolised starches to absorb oil. A mist delivers ingredients as a fine liquid spray, aiming for a less powdery application and finish.

Which brands have launched dry shampoo mists mentioned in the report?

The report names K18 AirWash, launched in 2024, and Schwarzkopf’s Got2B Get Fresh Dry Shampoo Hair Mist.

Are hair mists proven to work better than powder dry shampoos?

The report does not include independent comparative testing. Reduced powderiness and targeted application are format aims and brand descriptions, not proof of better results for every user.

Source: rss

FALL

Fall Picks

As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.

You May Also Like

What’s Your Perfume Aesthetic?

Glamour UK’s 2026 guide matches seven fashion aesthetics with fragrances, offering a mood-led alternative to traditional scent families.

Top Labor Day Beauty Deals: COSRX, Laura Mercier, Shark And More

Discover the best Labor Day beauty deals including discounts on COSRX, Laura Mercier, Shark, and more, available now for a limited time.

Tyler Perry’s Beauty In Black Season 3 Ending Explained: Who’s Left Standing?

A detailed breakdown of the Season 3 ending of Tyler Perry’s Beauty in Black, including who survived and what it means for the series going forward.

“I Love A Lot Of Makeup, But Until Four Months Ago, I Absolutely Hated Blush,” Our Wirecutter Tester Writes. “So When I Signed Up To Test Blushes For Our Guide, I Expected To Be A Harsh Critic (Or Even A Hater). That Didn’t Last Long.” https://nyti.ms/3SsH6Gn

A makeup tester shares how her dislike for blush shifted after four months of testing, highlighting evolving beauty preferences.