K18 Has Reinvented Dry Shampoo As We Know It – But Is It As Good As People Are Claiming?

I think everyone’s main gripe with dry shampoo is the white cast and chalky feel it often leaves behind - almost like spraying a can of deodorant all over your head. Traditional formulas typically rely on starches or talc-based powders to absorb oil and refresh hair. However, because these particles are pressurised inside the bottle, they’re often distributed unevenly through the small nozzle, resulting in visible white streaks that are especially noticeable on darker hair like mine. This completely defeats the purpose of skipping a wash day. But K18 has completely reinvented dry shampoo with its biotech-powered innovation, ditching the aerosol formula entirely. Promising a fresh, scalp-friendly approach, the brand has packed in an impressive list of claims that caught our attention. Naturally, our beauty team put it to the test to see if it lives up to the hype.

How does the K18 AirWash Dry Shampoo work?

Unlike regular dry shampoos that just mask grease and odours, AirWash uses something called odorBIND™, a biotech molecule designed to eliminate smells entirely. It also contains translucent mineral microbeads (not plastics!) that soak up oil without leaving any residue. The product also uses smart-release technology which means the product lasts up to three days after one application.

How do I use the K18 AirWash?

Applying it is straightforward: shake well, spray once per section from 4-6 inches away, massage it in, and brush or style as usual. It feels a bit damp at first, which all of us on the team found a bit odd at first, but it dried quickly.

Our review:

Cassie Steer, acting beauty director, says : 'This is not a very beauty editor-ish thing to confess to but as a busy mum of two I’m lucky if I wash my hair once a week so it’s fair to say I am au fair with dry shampoos. This one by K18 proves that even jaded beauty editors can be pleasantly surprised. Yes, I’d heard the hype, but my expectations were low on first spritz. For those more used to a powdery, aerosol dry shampoo, the initial wetness will be disconcerting but bear with it as when it dries (within a couple of minutes) the result is beautifully swishy, beautiful smelling hair with any trace of greasiness banished. Needless to say I am sold.'

Sameeha Shaik, beauty writer, says: 'When news of a new game-changing dry shampoo from K18 started to circulate last year, it's safe to say my ears perked up. It seemed like reinventing the wheel – I've long been loyal to any cheap dry shampoo from the high street so, if it ain't broke, don't fix it? Trust the viral, best-selling biotech brand, known for producing products that work at a molecular level deep within hair fibres, to make us rethink the contents of our haircare routine. At £48, this is by no means a cheap swap given you can pick traditional forms up for £2 at Boots. I can't say it is truly translucent, either, as I found specs of chalky residue on my clothes after use, but much like other dry shampoos that disappears once massaged away. That said, you can tell a lot of care has gone into creating this. It worked instantly to sap up excess oil on my roots and revealed a refreshed, revived, fuller look, plus it's innovative mist bottle distributes the formula evenly. But my favourite feature, the all important odour detection system which sets it apart from others on the market, which leaves behind a covetable clean-girl scent that I am wedded to.'

Renee Washington, d****igital fashion and beauty assistant, says: 'I usually only reach for dry shampoo when I’m wearing wigs, as it helps me stretch wash days. However, I’ve found that aerosol dry shampoos often deposit too much product, leaving behind a chalky residue and giving my hair that stiff unnatural look I can’t stand - so much so that I end up washing it out anyway. K18’s dry shampoo is the complete opposite. Its strong mattifying effect makes it perfect for those super greasy days, which is exactly when I’d use it. That said, I’ve noticed that less is definitely more with this formula. Overusing it can leave your hair feeling a bit powdery, so a light hand is key. I’ve praised its non-aerosol format for eliminating white cast and chalkiness, but there’s a small drawback: because it’s a liquid, it can cause curly hair to revert when straightened. For me, this makes it less ideal if I’ve just styled my natural hair straight. That said, for wigs or really oily roots, it’s an incredibly effective product.'

Shop: K18 AirWash Dry Shampoo

Renee Washington, Grazia's digital fashion and beauty assistant, lives online. With a penchant for wispy lashes and streetwear, she writes about the worlds of fashion and beauty from the viewpoint of the modern fashion girlie..