It’s hard to think of anything original to say about dry shampoo, though for the purposes of acquainting you with Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo, I’ve decided that there are more important things than originality. Like hair unfettered by greasy roots.
The parameters by which dry shampoos are judged are, to my mind: 1) ability to absorb grease (this one is imperative); 2) propensity to leave chalky residue in hair thereby rendering roots greyish and presenting a problem rather more annoying than grease; 3) overall joy of the experience, which encompasses everything from scent to bottle, 4) price.
Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo does a good job of number 1, though it’s not exceptionally absorbent and quite frankly if you’re hoping it’ll soak up third day oil, you’ll be disappointed (for that, buy Maria Nila dry shampoo, which has the added bonus of adding volume quite simply because it is so incredibly good at nixing oil). But if you want to dry a slightly sad looking fringe or perk up hair that’s starting to tip into looking flat, it is on the money.
On number 2, it passes with flying colours. No residue. No odd white patches left where you concentrated the jet (even if, like me, you do a slapdash job and don’t really brush it through properly afterwards).
It is a complete joy to use. This really sold it to me (that, and Zoe Sugg telling me it was so brilliant that it’s all she uses). The bottle is fun, the scent uplifting and not too sugary sweet (many dry shampoo brands trying scent get it wrong, though it must be said that Sam McKnight Lazy Girl is also a treat for the nose).
Cheap, it ain’t. £20 firmly pushes it into the luxury dry shampoo market (I am quite aware of how mad the idea of a ‘luxury’ dry shampoo is, but such is the world in which we live). It is also, annoyingly, sold out everywhere at the moment – but I have been told that this will be resolved when the American brand properly launches into the UK. So, for now, this is more of a heads up than a review. Take note, though – you will be seeing more of the indie brand in the near future.
Until it’s available, stick to one of those I’ve recommended above, or get your hands on good old faithful Batiste, which is still the best day-to-day dry shampoo on the market.