Can You Bring Dry Shampoo on a Plane? What You Should Know Before You Fly

Some travel questions seem minor until you’re standing in front of a mirror at an unfamiliar airport, hair greasy from a red-eye flight, wondering why you didn’t just pack that tiny bottle of dry shampoo. I’ve been there. For something so small, dry shampoo can make a big difference—especially when access to showers is limited or time is short. So let’s break it down: yes, you can bring dry shampoo on a plane, but there are important rules and options to consider first. Here’s everything I’ve learned from traveling with it across time zones and terminals.

The TSA Rules: What’s Allowed and What’s Not

In the U.S., the TSA follows the well-known 3-1-1 liquids rule for carry-on bags. That means all liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes must be in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 mL) or less, and they all must fit inside one clear, quart-sized zip-top bag. If your dry shampoo is an aerosol spray, it falls under this rule—even if it doesn’t seem wet or liquidy.

So, yes—you can bring aerosol dry shampoo in your carry-on bag, but it must be travel-sized and fit within your liquids bag. If it’s larger, it will be flagged, and you’ll have to toss it or move it to your checked luggage.

What about security outside the U.S.? Most other countries follow similar rules, especially in Europe, Canada, Australia, and parts of Asia. But it’s always smart to double-check your departure airport’s guidelines, especially if you’re passing through stricter countries or regional airports with inconsistent enforcement.

Aerosol vs. Powder: Know the Difference

This is where your choice really matters. Aerosol dry shampoo—those pressurized spray cans—are considered both aerosols and flammable materials. That means they come with extra scrutiny. You can bring them in your carry-on (within the 3.4 oz limit), but you must make sure the nozzle is secure and protected from accidental release. In checked luggage, they’re allowed, but again: the can must have a cap, and there are volume restrictions (usually a total of 70 oz of aerosols across all personal care products).

Powder dry shampoo, however, flies under the radar—literally and figuratively. It’s not a liquid, not an aerosol, and not restricted by the 3-1-1 rule. You can toss it in your carry-on, your personal item, or your pocket if you like. It doesn’t need special packing and won’t take up space in your precious liquids bag.

I switched to powder years ago for long backpacking trips and never looked back. It’s not quite as effortless as a spray, but the trade-off is peace of mind at security—and it’s never been flagged, even in some of the more intense airports like Tel Aviv or Heathrow.

Can You Bring Dry Shampoo in Checked Luggage?

Yes, and if you’re someone who swears by their full-size brand, this is your best bet. In checked luggage, you’re allowed to bring both aerosol and powder dry shampoos with fewer restrictions. But even checked bags have limits for flammable products like aerosols. According to FAA rules, each aerosol container must be under 18 oz (500 mL), and the total amount of personal care aerosols per passenger can’t exceed 70 oz (2 liters).

To stay safe and avoid leakage or spray accidents, always check that your aerosol has a cap and wrap it in a small bag or sock. If you’re traveling somewhere where your favorite brand isn’t available or you’ll be on the road a long time, packing a full-size version in your checked bag is often worth it.

Just don’t forget: you won’t have access to your checked bag mid-flight or during long layovers, so if you think you’ll need a refresh before you land, pack a travel-sized version in your carry-on as well.

My Real-Life Packing Rule: Always Go Small

After years of overpacking, underpacking, and forgetting essentials entirely, I’ve learned that when it comes to dry shampoo, minimalism wins. For trips under a week, I take a small powder dry shampoo that fits easily in my toiletries pouch. It doesn’t eat into my liquids allowance and lasts longer than you’d expect. For longer trips or those with high humidity or no access to reliable showers (hello, long train journeys or jungle treks), I’ll bring both powder and a travel-size aerosol for backup.

The key is to anticipate your needs without overthinking them. Will you be sweating a lot? Are you staying in hostels or hotels? Will you have time to wash your hair, or will dry shampoo be your best friend? A little foresight goes a long way—and saves you from greasy selfies.

Best Types of Dry Shampoo for Travel

There’s no shortage of options on the market, but not all dry shampoos travel well. Here are a few that have earned a permanent place in my travel kit:

Batiste Travel Size (Aerosol): A classic drugstore option with solid performance. Available in 1.6 oz cans, it’s TSA-compliant and widely available.
Lush No Drought (Powder): A great choice if you want a non-aerosol option. It’s natural, smells fresh, and the small bottle lasts ages.
Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk: Comes in mini sizes and has a cult following for a reason—gentle, effective, and not too powdery.
Bumble and Bumble Prêt-à-Powder: Compact, stylish, and doubles as a volumizer. It’s been my secret weapon for overnight buses and quick turnarounds.

If you’re going ultra-light, you can even DIY your own dry shampoo with a bit of cornstarch and cocoa powder (yes, really—it works). Just keep it in a tiny jar or salt shaker, and you’ve got an emergency option that doesn’t cost more than a dollar.

Final Thoughts: Yes, You Can—Just Pack Smart

So, can you bring dry shampoo on a plane? Absolutely. Whether it’s powder or aerosol, in carry-on or checked luggage, it’s a travel-friendly essential—as long as you follow the rules. The key is to think ahead: know what type you have, how it’s packaged, and how much you actually need.

Dry shampoo won’t solve all your travel problems, but it’s one of those small comforts that can make a long journey feel less chaotic and more manageable. And when you land, tired and disheveled but with hair that doesn’t look like it’s been through three countries and a time zone change—you’ll thank yourself for packing it.