I Tried a £48 Dry Shampoo and I’m Shocked to Say it’s Worth Every Penny

As someone who doesn’t have particularly greasy or difficult hair, I have to admit dry shampoo isn’t up there with my must-have products like say a mascara or a good cleanser. However I still appreciate that for some people a dry shampoo that not only works, but doesn’t leave any sort of a residue and is non-aerosol is going to make others very excited.

A good dry shampoo can be a gamechanger, not only does it save time, it can actually save money too. I have also had many conversations with people recently who are wanting to move away from aerosol options, which can be endocrine disruptors, but with the number of options limited it’s not always possible. Well, say hello to K18 Air Wash Dry Shampoo (£48) because I think this one may tick every box.

This new product launches this week and it looks set to really shake up the dry shampoo market. I was fortunate enough to have quite greasy hair the morning this sample arrived in the post so it got a really good test – and let me tell you it passed with flying colours.

Read on to find out why I think this could change the dry shampoo landscape forever and how you will actually feel like you’ve had a hair wash after a few spritz.

About K18 Air Wash Dry Shampoo

What I Like About K18 Air Wash Dry Shampoo

I have to say I like a product that surprises me and this definitely does that. As you spray the mist on to your hair you will be convinced that it will leave some sort of tackiness or moisture, but within a few seconds it has dried and your hair is left looking shiny, voluminous and without any grease in sight. The results speak for themselves and I am convinced that once you try it for yourself you will be as surprised as I am at just how good it is.

I really like that it doesn’t have an overpowering scent, I want people to be able to smell my perfume not every other product I have used that morning. It does take away any of the bad smells you have picked up that week though, which is a massive bonus as I don’t really suffer from greasy hair but I do a lot of cooking so my hair can often smell like the dish of the day. I tried it this weekend after making a roast and found it took away all those lingering scents.

Normally I find dry shampoo only works if you want to add a bit of texture too, if your hair is smooth or with a defined curl it can completely change the style. However this didn’t really impact the condition or look, it just looked like it had had a quick root wash.

How to Use K18 Air Wash Dry Shampoo

The key is to shake it before use otherwise it will not work. Apply one spritz per section, the first time I used it I sprayed it quite liberally all over but it’s not really necessary for it to work. The next time I used it I applied one spray to the roots in three or four sections on each side and it had the exact same results. Once you have applied to the roots, either massage with your fingers or use a brush to ensure it is equally distributed and viola! It is really that simple, it is not heat activated, it doesn’t need any special techniques – just a shake and a spritz.

What to Consider Before Buying K18 Air Wash Dry Shampoo

If you are looking for a heavily scented dry shampoo this is not for you, it is also not a replacement for a texture spray if this is what you like to use this product for. This simply is like washing your hair without getting in the shower. I can see this being an absolute lifesaver come festival season and will also see you through multiple Christmas parties if you want to keep a blow dry going for a few different events.

My only note is the 118ml makes it just too large for your carry on, so I am hoping K18 will release a travel version ASAP.

Where Can You Buy K18 Air Wash Dry Shampoo

K18 Air Wash Dry Shampoo (£48) is currently available in all K18 salons nationwide and will be available in the UK from 20 November 2024. You can join the waiting list here.

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Lauren Ezekiel (she/her) is an associate editor at PS UK, where she writes about all things beauty and wellness. With a degree in journalism she began her career in 2008. Lauren is obsessed with skincare, hair and makeup. A mum of two, Lauren is an advocate for the benefits of beauty and self-care for your mental well-being, which inspired her award-winning charity initiative We C U 2020. Her work has been published in Grazia, OK!, Health & Beauty, The Sun, Asda, Dare and Metro.