I Used Only Dry Shampoo for 3 Days—Here’s What Happened

I used only dry shampoo for 3 days—no washing, just Batiste! See what happened and why it’s the best dry shampoo for oily hair and fine hair alike.

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If you had told me a few years ago that I’d go three whole days without washing my hair and still feel fresh and presentable, I would’ve laughed. But here we are—mom life, full of unpredictable mornings, missed showers, and creative self-care hacks. This week, I decided to challenge myself and see what would happen if I relied solely on dry shampoo for three full days. No water, no suds—just me, my oily roots, and a trusty can of Batiste Dry Shampoo.

Spoiler alert: It wasn’t just doable—it might be my new go-to for those chaotic weeks.

Here’s what happened when I put the best dry shampoo for oily hair and fine hair to the test.

I Used Only Dry Shampoo for 3 Days—Here’s What Happened

I teased about this little experiment in yesterday’s post, The Best Dry Shampoo, and now I’m finally sharing my results! I’m not going to say that I have been scared of dry shampoo, but because of my really fine hair, I have definitely been hesitant to use it solely without washing first. I have always used it in the past to give myself a little volume before heading out somewhere.

Why I Took the Dry Shampoo Challenge

Like most moms, I’m always multitasking. Between packing lunches and Zoom meetings, washing my hair often gets bumped to the bottom of the list. I have fine hair that leans oily, so skipping a wash usually means a hat or a bun (or both). But I kept hearing people rave about Batiste Dry Shampoo, especially how well it works for fine and oily hair types.

So, I decided to test it out myself—three days, no washing, just dry shampoo.

Day 1: Fresh and Fabulous

I started the challenge on what I call a “normal mom hair day”—a little greasy at the roots and slightly flat. This was an easy day for me to start this challenge because it was an active recovery day for me – so no weight lifting to make me extra sweaty. I shook up my can of Batiste Dry Shampoo Sweat Activated and sprayed it section by section at the roots, let it sit for about 30 seconds, then massaged it in with my fingers.

I did still shower, I just honestly grabbed one of Blake’s shower caps and used that to keep my hair dry while I washed my body.

Instant result: My roots looked matte, my hair felt thicker, and it even had a little bounce. I wore it down all day and got compliments during the two video calls that I had—yes, really!

What surprised me most was how clean my hair felt. Not just visually, but texturally. The fine mist absorbed oil without leaving a gritty or sticky residue. This is why people call it the best dry shampoo for oily hair—because it actually works.

Day 2: Still Going Strong

I was fully expecting to wake up with a greasy scalp on Day 2, but Batiste had clearly done its job. Before I went to sleep the night before, I sprayed my Batiste Overnight Deep Cleanse. My roots still looked manageable, and my hair had held onto some of the volume from the day before.

Today was a little bit more challenging because I had a workout today and it was a sweaty, full body workout. This time, I focused the spray more around the hairline and crown where I noticed a little oil returning. A quick refresh—about one minute of effort—and I was good to go again. I also used a blow dryer to get rid of some of the excess sweat.

Styling tip for Day 2: I threw my hair in a loose ponytail with a slight wave at the ends. The dry shampoo added enough texture to keep it from slipping or looking limp.

It’s worth noting that I have fine hair, and most dry shampoos tend to weigh it down or make it feel stiff by Day 2. But Batiste stayed light and breathable. I get now why it’s often labeled as the best dry shampoo for fine hair—it adds volume without heaviness.

Day 3: Still No Wash, Still No Problem

By Day 3, I thought for sure I’d be reaching for my shampoo. But surprisingly, my hair didn’t look bad—just a little tired. A quick spray of Batiste before church on Sunday morning, especially around the back of my head where I sleep on it, perked it right up. I added a soft braid to disguise any flatness and went about my day feeling confident.

I did notice a bit more product buildup by the end of Day 3, which is totally normal when you’re layering dry shampoo over multiple days. But even then, there was no itchy scalp, no flakes, and still no greasy feel.

Pro tip: On Day 3, I used a brush after massaging the dry shampoo in to help distribute the product more evenly and remove any excess. Total game-changer.

What I Learned from My Dry Shampoo Challenge

This little experiment changed the way I view my hair routine. Before this, I felt like I had to wash my hair every other day, especially with fine, oily strands. Now, I know that with the right product—aka Batiste Dry Shampoo—I can stretch washes comfortably without sacrificing how I look or feel.

Here’s what I took away:

Batiste really is the best dry shampoo for oily hair. It tackled greasy roots like a pro, even on Day 3.
It’s a dream for fine hair. No heaviness, no stiffness, just fresh, touchable texture.
It saves time, sanity, and water. That’s a win on all fronts.

How to Get the Best Results with Batiste Dry Shampoo

If you’re new to dry shampoo or haven’t had luck with other brands, here are a few quick tips to get the most out of Batiste:

Always shake the can first to activate the formula.
Hold the can 10-12 inches from your scalp and spray in sections.
Let it sit for 30 seconds before massaging it in. Don’t rush!
Brush through or style as usual—you can wear it down, up, or somewhere in between.
Don’t overdo it—a little goes a long way. Use only where needed!

Final Thoughts: Would I Do It Again?

Absolutely. In fact, I already have. As a mom, anytime I can save myself 20+ minutes and still feel put together is a win. Dry shampoo isn’t just a convenience—it’s a tool for reclaiming time while still showing up for yourself.

And if you’re wondering which brand to trust, the answer is clear: Batiste Dry Shampoo. Whether you’re dealing with postpartum hair woes, fine hair that needs volume, or oily roots that creep up too fast, it’s the holy grail.

I went three full days without shampooing—and my hair looked, felt, and smelled fresh the entire time. Not bad for something that fits in your bathroom drawer or diaper bag.

Looking for more hair tips? You’ll enjoy these posts:

Ready to try your own dry shampoo challenge? Grab a can of Batiste, and see just how far you can stretch your wash days. Your schedule—and your hair—will thank you.

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XOXO,

Allison

I Used Only Dry Shampoo for 3 Days—Here’s What Happened