· By Briana Dunning
Can You Bring Dry Shampoo on a Plane? 2025 Updates
There's nothing worse than traveling and not being able to freshen up. It doesn't matter if you're heading off to sunny Spain for that vacation vibe (lucky!) or just stopping off in another state, greasy hair and old clothes will just make you feel... ugh. So if you've been asking yourself can you bring dry shampoo on a plane, here are the rules and regulations you need to know.
Dry Shampoo: TSA Rules and Regulations for 2025
Here's what the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has to say about bringing dry shampoo on a plane: you're allowed to bring hair spray products, but there are limitations, depending on the type of dry shampoo you bring. It might seem annoying, but these regulations are put in place for the safety of the passengers – especially when it comes to aerosols, as they contain compressed gas that needs to be regulated during air travel.
Total Liquid Allowance
As of 2025, the TSA's total liquid allowance for carry-on luggage should follow the 3-1-1 rule.
This means:
- Each liquid container MUST be 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less.
- All liquid containers must fit inside a single quart-sized (approximately 1 liter) clear, resealable plastic bag per passenger.
- Each traveler is only allowed ONE quart-sized bag of liquids in their carry-on.
The good news is that liquids in checked bags don't have size restrictions, but aerosols still have additional rules for safety.
Allowances for Dry Shampoos
| Type of Product |
Location |
Size Restriction | Rules |
| Aerosol Spray (e.g., typical dry shampoo) | Carry-On | Must be 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less |
|
| Aerosol Spray | Checked Luggage | 18 ounces (500 ml) per container |
|
| Powder Dry Shampoo | Carry-On | 12 ounces (350 ml) |
|
| Non-Aerosol Spray | Carry-On | 3.4 ounces (100 ml) liquid allowance |
|
KEEP IN MIND: These are general rules. Check airline-specific restrictions as well as TSA regulations.
Freshening Up on a Plane: Top Tips
Bring the Right Dry Shampoo
If you're traveling and you have textured hair, you'll need a dry shampoo that's going to refresh and restyle your hair on the go.
The Sweaty Hair Refresher is a lightweight foam that acts as an amazing dry shampoo for curly hair to give you the refresh you need. It contains deodorizing enzymes that neutralize smells like perspiration, smoke, or food odors, which means you can say goodbye to all that air funk clinging to your hair.
And did I mention that the Sweaty Hair Refresher is also a restyler? If you have textured hair (I'm talking soft waves, loose curls, 3C hair), it'll refresh your strands, strengthen hair, and soothe your scalp without stripping away natural oils.
If you have straighter, thinner hair and you need to get rid of greasy hair fast, bring Skip Day instead: the best dry shampoo for fine hair.
Consider Other Passengers
Sure, you can slip an aerosol dry shampoo into your carry-on luggage, but that doesn’t mean you should. I highly doubt your fellow passengers want to breathe in clouds of the aluminum-infused hair products. (Yes, aerosol dry shampoos contain aluminium! You can read all about it in my article about the downsides of dry shampoo here.) In such a cramped and confined space, that seemingly quick burst of aerosol spray will quickly fill the cabin air.
That's why I ALWAYS recommend using a non-aerosol dry shampoo alternative like Skip Day. It'll absorb oils and leave you with a matte-free, natural finish, making your hair look good and feel soft to the touch.
Skip Day is also TSA-friendly (at 1.75 oz/52 mL), which makes it THE PERFECT choice for carrying in your bag.
Only Bring What You Need
We’ve all been there. It can be hard to decide which toiletry items you should bring on a plane (especially those long-haul flights), and which to ditch altogether! But be smart – don't overpack. If you plan on bringing toiletries in your carry-on luggage, go for travel-sized spray containers so you know you're complying with their strict 3.4-ounce liquid limit. Anything else (I'm talking body wash, shaving cream, etc) can be left in your checked baggage.
IMPORTANT TIP: If you ARE packing aerosol products in your luggage, make sure they have a cap or a locking mechanism to prevent accidental release.
Can I Take Dry Shampoo in a Carry-On?
Yes, you can take dry shampoo in a carry-on bag. However, make sure you follow the liquids rule; they must not exceed the recommended amounts.
- Aerosol dry shampoo - If you HAVE to take aerosols on a plane, make sure you bring containers of 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less. All aerosol containers must fit inside a single quart-sized, clear plastic bag along with all your other liquids and gels – like perfume, shampoo, conditioner, etc.
- Non-aerosol spray products - You can also bring these in your carry-on bag. The Sweaty Hair Refresher and Skip Day are the perfect sizes to slip into your carry-on.
- Powder dry shampoo - This is generally the easiest option for carry-on luggage since it’s not restricted by the 3-1-1 liquids rule. That said, it's not the best option for your hair. Instead, you'll want to use a dry shampoo alternative that’s TSA-friendly AND good for your luscious locks.
REMEMBER: The final decision of what you can and can't bring on a plane always lies with the TSA officer.
Conclusion
Yes, you can bring dry shampoo on a plane as long as you follow the guidelines outlined by the TSA. But if you REALLY want something that's travel safe and will keep your mind at ease and your hair looking fresh, I recommend taking a dry shampoo alternative instead, like Skip Day or the Sweaty Hair Refresher for ultimate confidence on the go - wherever your journey takes you.