When it comes to dry shampoo, Hask and Batiste stand out as two of the most popular brands. Both offer alcohol-free formulas that absorb oil and add volume. But which one is right for you? Here, we’ll compare Hask vs Batiste to help you decide.
A Quick Overview of Hask Dry Shampoo & Batiste
Hask launched its dry shampoo line in 2013. The brand focuses on using clean, vegan ingredients free of sulfates, parabens, and gluten. Hask has a range of dry shampoo options tailored to different hair needs.
Batiste originated in the UK in 1971. As one of the original dry shampoo brands, it paved the way for the entire category. Today, Batiste offers an assortment of classic and tinted dry shampoos suited for all hair types. The formulas include a blend of starch, rice powder, and aluminum starch octenylsuccinate.
Both Hask and Batiste score points for their cruelty-free testing policies and eco-friendly aims. However, there are some key differences between the two brands. Keep reading to see how Hask and Batiste’s dry shampoos compare.
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Active Ingredients
The main active ingredients responsible for absorbing oil in Hask and Batiste dry shampoos are:
Hask Key Ingredients
- Rice powder
- Tapioca starch
- Silica
Batiste Key Ingredients
- Aluminum starch octenyl succinate
- Starch
- Rice starch
So while both brands rely on starch-based absorbers like rice ingredients, Hask uses tapioca while Batiste contains aluminum starch.
Application and Texture
Ease of Application
Both Hask and Batiste dry shampoos come out of the can as a very fine mist. They apply lightweight and evenly without any clogging. For easy, frustration-free use, it’s a toss-up between the two brands.
However, Batiste offers a slightly wider range of applicator nozzles for different dispersal amounts. So if you want more control over the mist, Batiste has an edge.
Texture
The texture and feel of Hask and Batiste dry shampoos also match up well. As soon as you massage the formulas in, they turn from powder to an invisible texture that doesn’t leave any dull, chalky residue.
Again, it’s very difficult to detect a noticeable difference between brands here. Hask and Batiste both blend seamlessly into hair without causing build-up over time.
Scent
Fragrance can make or break a dry shampoo. Both Hask and Batiste offer pleasant, fresh scents. But they have distinct aroma profiles.
Hask uses natural botanical oils and extracts to scent its dry shampoos. For example, the Macadamia Oil formula has nutty undertones. And the Coconut Oil dry shampoo smells just like tropical coconuts.
Batiste opts for more conventional fragrance combinations. The brand carries clean linen, cherry, and floral bouquet scent options alongside the classic fragrance.
So in the scent department, it depends on your personal preference. If you like natural oil-based scents, Hask has the advantage. But if you’re looking for more traditional perfume aromas, go with Batiste.
Performance
Of course, the most important metric is how Hask and Batiste perform as dry shampoos. Here’s how they compare:
Oil Absorption
Tested side-by-side, both Hask and Batiste demonstrate excellent oil absorption capabilities after just one application. For very fine or thin hair prone to greasiness, Hask seems to maintain freshness for an hour or two longer.
But overall, the two brands reduce scalp oil and eliminate greasy roots comparably well.
Volume
Hair can fall flat easily between washes. So a top-notch dry shampoo should add body. Again, testing shows similar volumizing results for both the Hask and Batiste formulas.
After working the product in at the roots, the hair looks freshly washed with added thickness. For maximum lift at the crown, try tipping your head upside down while brushing it through.
Clean Feel
In addition to looking clean, dry shampoo should make hair feel freshly washed too. Batiste offers excellent cleansing properties. Hask has an edge here as the formulas leave hair feeling squeaky clean thanks to absorbent tapioca.
Build-Up
Excessive dry shampoo build-up can make hair stiff and dull over time. With regular brushing, both Hask and Batiste rinse cleanly out of hair.
However, Hask earns extra points for using clean ingredients like tapioca starch instead of aluminum starch.
Hold
Styling hold differs slightly between brands. Hask doesn’t claim to boost hold at all. Batiste, on the other hand, contains a small amount of acrylates copolymer to improve style retention.
So for heat or humidity protection to make blowouts and updos last longer, Batiste is the better option. But Hask keeps hair touchable without stickiness.
Range of Options
Beyond performance, it’s important to consider the range of dry shampoo choices within the Hask and Batiste collections.
Hask
- 5 different targeted formula
- Charcoal: Oil absorption
- Coconut Oil: Silky softness
- Macadamia Oil: Smooth frizz control
- Monoi Coconut Oil: Shine enhancement
- Keratin Protein: Strengthening
- 2 colors: Translucent and brown tinted
- Sizes: 1.6 oz mini, 5 oz standard
Batiste
- 8 classifications
- Volumizing
- Protection
- Clean & Light
- Bare
- Hint of Color
- Dry Shampoo Plus
- Tinted Love
- Over 10 colors and shades
- Sizes: 0.71 trial, 1.6 oz, 3.2 oz and 6.73 oz jumbo
As you can see, Batiste offers a much more extensive range. There are formulas tailored to specific needs from volumizing to color protection. Plus plenty of tinted options to cover roots between color appointments.
So if you value variety, Batiste is the winner here by far. But the pared-down Hask line makes choosing more straightforward.
Price
With both accessible drugstore brands, Hask and Batiste cost about the same per ounce. However, Batiste regularly offers deals on multi-packs.
For example, a 3-pack of the BatisteClean & Lightfast Dry Shampoo costs $10. That shakes out to just $3.30 per can. A single 5 oz can of Hask dry shampoo goes for $5 to $6.
So if discount savings are important to you, bulk buying Batiste during sales is the better budget choice. But loyalty programs from retailers like CVS can help cut costs on Hask.
Expert Review Summary
Metric | Hask | Batiste | Winner |
Active Ingredients | Tapioca starch, rice powder, silica | Aluminum starch, rice starch | Tie |
Application | Light mist, easy to apply | Light mist, more nozzle options | Batiste |
Texture | Invisible, no residue | Invisible, no residue | Tie |
Scents | Natural botanical oils | Traditional perfume | Personal preference |
| Oil Absorption | Excellent, lasts slightly longer | Excellent | Hask |
Volume | Great root lift | Great root lift | Tie |
| Clean Feel | Very clean | Very clean | Hask |
Build-up | Less potential for build-up | Minimal with brushing | Hask |
Hold | None | Light hold | Batiste |
Range | 5 targeted options | Over 10 options for different needs | Batiste |
Price | $5-$6 per 5 oz | $3-4 per 5 oz with deals | Batiste |
Which is Better: Hask or Batiste?
Based on extensive testing, both Hask and Batiste perform extremely well as affordable dry shampoo options. Ultimately there is no universal “winner” between the two brands.
Here is an overview of key deciding factors:
- If you want longer-lasting oil absorption, better texture, and less risk of build-up, go with Hask.
- If application variety, light hold, and a wider product range matter more, choose Batiste.
- For the best discount prices, Batiste is cheaper with regular promotions.
- If you prefer gentler, botanically derived ingredients, Hask is the better brand match.
No matter which you choose, rest assured that both Hask and Batiste make excellent dry shampoo options. They absorb oil, provide volume, and leave hair looking freshly washed.
Whichever brand you pick comes down to your specific hair needs and personal preferences around ingredients, scents, and holding power. Both offer cruelty-free, eco-conscious formulas suited for most hair types.
Hopefully, this detailed breakdown of Hask vs Batiste gives you the information needed to decide which dry shampoo fits your lifestyle best! Don’t be afraid to try them both to see which gives you the fresh, shower-like results you love.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the key difference between Hask and Batiste formulas?
The main difference lies in the key active ingredients. Hask uses tapioca starch while Batiste contains aluminum starch octenylsuccinate to absorb oil. Hask also relies more on natural oils for fragrance.
Which brand of dry shampoo holds style better?
Batiste contains a small amount of acrylates copolymer to give a light hold boost. So if you need volume or style retention, Batiste offers a slight edge.
Which dry shampoo is easier to brush out?
Both Hask and Batiste brush out cleanly with regular maintenance. But Hask earns extra points for less risk of long-term build-up issues.
Is Batiste or Hask better for fine, oily hair?
For very fine or thin hair prone to oiliness, Hask maintains freshness an hour or two longer in testing. So Hask has a slight performance advantage.
Do Hask and Batiste come in tinted formulas?
Batiste offers over 10 tinted options to temporarily cover roots and match various hair colors. Hask only comes in translucent and brown-tinted varieties.
Which brand costs less with deals and promotions factored in?
Batiste frequently offers discounts on multi-packs that bring the per-unit cost down. So budget-wise, Batiste pulls ahead if you buy during sales.
Humayun Islam is a passionate medical writer and health enthusiast. His goal is to take complex medical information and present it in a way that is accessible and engaging to a broad audience.
When he is not writing, Humayun enjoys spending time with his family, being outdoors, and reading nonfiction books. He is constantly learning about new medical advancements and public health initiatives so he can provide readers with the most up-to-date information. Humayun joined the Quick Medico team in 2023 and is excited to share his medical knowledge and writing expertise. He hopes his articles will educate readers on a wide range of health topics and empower them to make informed decisions about their well-being.