Controversial Cult Fave: Can Batiste Dry Shampoo Really Make My Super Dirty Hair Look Clean?

Two weeks ago, I found out that Kim Kardashian and I have something in common. Up until that moment, I thought we were dramatically different people. Kim takes a lot of selfies; I do not; she is in love with Kanye West, I am not; she has appeared on the cover of Vogue, while I most certainly have not (yet). However, there is one tie that binds Kim and I, and that’s how often we wash our hair (which is to say, practically never).

Two weeks ago, Kim told Into The Gloss that she only washes her hair once every five days, and jaws around the world dropped. Meanwhile, I was like, yeah, that sounds about right! Who has the time or energy to wash their hair more often than that? I only wash mine when absolutely necessary, which works out to be about once every four or five days. Between washes, I sprinkle a little bit of baby powder along my hairline and call it a day.

Given that I am a greaseball someone who doesn’t wash her hair often, the thought of dry shampoo has always intrigued me, but I’ve never really invested in any one product because the baby powder has always done the trick. With that being said, I jumped at the chance to review Batiste’s Original Dry Shampoo, because it’s supposed to be the absolute best stuff on the market. But is it really better than my beloved baby powder? Read on to find out!

What It Claims To Do

According to Batiste’s website, their original formula is “the classic dry shampoo that instantly makes your hair feel clean, fresh, and full of body and texture.”

What It Looks Like

As you can see, Batiste is available in two different sizes–200 ml and 50 ml. I love the tiny bottle because it’s cute, and it’s small enough to throw in your purse without weighing you down.

I also like the packaging itself–it’s a little retro and the colors are nice. (I should mention that the larger bottle also came with a cap, but it cracked in half while on its journey from New York to my apartment in Toronto.)

The Experiment

OK, so I can’t believe I’m actually posting a photo of my five-days-unwashed (and post-workout) hair, but what the hell, it’s the Internet! I’m among friends!

Super sexy, eh?

Moving right along… The directions on the side of the can recommend that you shake the product vigorously and then spray onto your roots and hairline from about 30 centimeters away. After you spray, you’re supposed to massage the shampoo into your roots and then brush it out. Given that I have curly hair that frizzes like a nightmare when brushed, I figured I’d have to make do without that last step.

Here’s what the shampoo looked like immediately after I sprayed it against my brown hair:

But after a bit of rubbing, my hair looked like this:

Much, much better! My hair looked clean almost instantly, and the shampoo gave me really great volume. I also liked the scent–it’s floral and fresh, and I didn’t find it overwhelmingly strong.

The Verdict

So how does Batiste compare to baby powder, the stuff I’ve sworn by for years? Well, the dry shampoo is much better in all ways except the price. Admittedly, Batiste isn’t super expensive–a 400 ml pack of 3 can goes for $38.98 at Amazon in the US. Unfortunately, it’s a lot more expensive in Canada, my home and native land. Here, a 50 ml can set you back $8.57. I can get a massive container of baby powder for that price, and it’ll last me a hell out of a lot longer than one can of Batiste. With that being said, I still think Batiste is worth it. The volume it gave me was awesome, and I loved how well the white residue disappeared from my hair. When I use baby powder, I’m usually left trying to pat away the whiteness for an irritatingly long time.

(Pausing for a moment to LOL at the phrase “pat away the whiteness.”)

So, have you ever used Batiste before? Or is there another dry shampoo you’d recommend? And what product would you like us to review next? Let me know in the comments!