Living Proof Advanced Clean Dry Shampoo Vs. Original: A Head-to-Head Comparison

As someone who juggles workouts, work, and a social life, I rely on dry shampoo to keep my hair looking fresh without daily washes. Living Proof’s Perfect Hair Day (PhD) Dry Shampoo has been a game-changer, but their Advanced Clean version caught my attention.

In this article, I’ll compare these two cult-favorite products, breaking down their features, pros, and cons to help you decide which one suits your hair needs. From scent to residue, I’ve tested both to give you the real scoop.

A Brief Comparison Table

My Journey With Living Proof Dry Shampoos

I’ve been a fan of Living Proof’s Original PhD Dry Shampoo for years. It’s like a magic wand for my oily scalp, especially after a sweaty gym session.

When I heard about the Advanced Clean version, I was skeptical—could it really top the original?

To find out, I put both to the test over several weeks, using them on my fine, straight, oil-prone hair. I sprayed, massaged, brushed, and styled, noting every detail from scent to staying power. Here’s what I discovered.

Understanding Living Proof’s Dry Shampoo Philosophy

Living Proof isn’t your average haircare brand.

Rooted in science, they aim to solve real hair problems without harmful chemicals like phthalates, parabens, or silicones.

Both the Original and Advanced Clean dry shampoos promise to actually clean hair, not just mask oil with powdery residue.

Their patented OFMPA molecule absorbs oil and sweat, then brushes out easily, leaving no gritty buildup.

This sets them apart from drugstore options that often leave my hair feeling coated. But how do the two formulas differ?

Let’s break it down.

Living Proof Original PhD Dry Shampoo: The OG Classic

The Original PhD Dry Shampoo is a cult favorite for a reason—47 bottles reportedly sell every hour! It’s designed for those days when your hair is screaming for a wash, but you’re not ready to commit to a full shower.

I use it most often after a workout or on day-three hair when my scalp feels greasy.

Key Features

• Oil, Sweat, and Odor Absorption: The fast-absorbing powders tackle grease and post-gym funk, leaving my roots refreshed.
• Signature Scent: It’s a crisp, apple-lychee fragrance with a time-release effect, so my hair smells fresh all day.
• Textured Finish: Adds a bit of grip and body, perfect for styling or boosting volume.
• Scalp Detox: Cleanses roots and neutralizes odor, making my hair feel less weighed down.

Pros

• Heavy-Duty Cleaning: This stuff is a beast at soaking up oil. On days when my hair is slick by noon, a few sprays make it look freshly washed.
• Long-Lasting Scent: The fragrance lingers without being overpowering, and I’ve gotten compliments on how “clean” my hair smells.
• Volume Boost: It gives my flat hair a noticeable lift, especially at the roots.
• Quick Application: Shake, spray, wait 30 seconds, and brush—it’s a two-minute fix.

Cons

• White Cast Potential: On my dark roots, I need to massage thoroughly to avoid a powdery look. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it takes effort.
• Slightly Textured Feel: The grip is great for styling, but it can feel less silky than the Advanced Clean version.
• Scent Intensity: If you’re sensitive to fragrance, the bold apple-lychee vibe might be too much.

My Experience

Using the Original feels like hitting the reset button on my scalp. After a sweaty spin class, I sprayed it 6-10 inches from my roots, focusing on oily areas.

After 30 seconds, I massaged it in and brushed it out. My hair went from flat and greasy to bouncy and clean-looking. The scent is a mood-lifter, but I noticed a slight white cast if I didn’t blend well.

It’s my go-to when I need serious oil control, but it’s not perfect for every scenario.

Living Proof Advanced Clean Dry Shampoo: The New Kid

Launched as an upgrade, the Advanced Clean Dry Shampoo aims to mimic a rinse-out shampoo’s benefits without water. It’s marketed for extending blowouts or refreshing hair between washes, with added conditioning perks. I tested it on days when I wanted to preserve a styled look or needed a quick refresh.

Key Features

• Enhanced Conditioning: Contains glycerin and other agents to soften and add shine, especially at the ends.
• No Residue: The powder removal system ensures no white cast, even on dark hair.
• Sebum Balancing: Regulates scalp oil production, so hair stays cleaner longer.
• Light Scent: A subtle floral fragrance that’s less intense than the original.

Pros

• Silky Finish: My hair feels soft and touchable, like I just used a leave-in conditioner.
• Zero White Cast: Even on my brunette roots, it blends seamlessly with minimal effort.
• Style Preservation: It’s ideal for keeping a blowout fresh, adding shine without weighing hair down.
• Scalp Care: The sebum-balancing feature means I can go an extra day without washing.

Cons

• Less Volume: It doesn’t give the same root lift as the Original, which is a bummer for my fine hair.
• Subtle Scent: If you love the Original’s bold fragrance, this lighter floral might feel underwhelming.
• Pricey for Size: At ~$30 for 5.5 oz, it’s a splurge, especially if you use it daily.

My Experience

I used the Advanced Clean on a day-two blowout, spraying it lightly on my roots and mid-lengths. The nozzle delivers a fine mist, and after massaging it in, my hair felt silky and looked shiny.

There was no powdery residue, which was a win for my dark hair. It didn’t add much volume, but it kept my style intact and made my ends feel moisturized. The scent was pleasant but faded faster than the Original’s.

This one’s a lifesaver for low-maintenance days.

Head-to-Head Comparison of Living Proof Advanced Clean Dry Shampoo And Original

Both dry shampoos are stellar, but they cater to different needs. Here’s how they compare across key factors:

• Cleaning Power: The Original is a heavyweight champ for oily scalps. It tackles grease and sweat like nobody’s business, making it ideal post-workout or on wash day eve. The Advanced Clean is no slouch, but it’s gentler, focusing on refreshing hair while conditioning. If your hair is moderately oily, the Advanced Clean is enough; for super oily days, the Original wins.
• Residue and Blendability: The Advanced Clean is the clear winner here. Its powder removal system means no white cast, even on dark hair, and it blends effortlessly. The Original requires more massaging, especially for brunettes, to avoid a powdery look. If you’re rushed, the Advanced Clean saves time.
• Scent and Staying Power: The Original’s apple-lychee scent is bold and long-lasting, thanks to its time-release formula. It’s a love-it-or-hate-it vibe—personally, I’m a fan. The Advanced Clean’s floral scent is softer and more universally appealing but doesn’t linger as long. If fragrance is a priority, the Original takes the crown.
• Texture and Volume: For volume lovers, the Original delivers a textured, grippy feel that boosts body. It’s great for styling or adding oomph to flat hair. The Advanced Clean prioritizes softness, leaving hair silky but with minimal lift. If you want a “just-washed” feel, go Advanced; for volume, stick with the Original.
• Scalp and Hair Health: Both are free of harsh chemicals, but the Advanced Clean goes further with conditioning agents and sebum balancing. It’s like a mini treatment for your scalp and ends, reducing the need for frequent washing. The Original focuses on detoxifying the scalp, which is great for oily types but less nurturing overall.
• Price and Value: Both retail around $30 for 5.5 oz, which feels steep for the size. The Original might last longer for occasional use, as it’s more targeted for oily days. The Advanced Clean’s versatility makes it a daily staple, but heavy users might burn through it faster. Neither is budget-friendly, but their performance justifies the cost compared to drugstore options.

Real-World Testing: My Week-Long Experiment

To get a true sense of how these products perform, I used each for a week, alternating between scenarios like post-workout, day-two hair, and blowout maintenance. Here’s what happened:

• Day 1 (Original, Post-Workout): After a HIIT class, my scalp was sweaty and oily. The Original transformed my hair in minutes, soaking up grease and adding volume. The scent was a mood boost, but I had to blend carefully to avoid residue.
• Day 3 (Advanced Clean, Blowout Refresh): I’d styled my hair the day before and wanted to keep it smooth. The Advanced Clean kept my roots clean and made my ends feel soft. No residue, but I missed the Original’s volume.
• Day 5 (Original, Day-Three Hair): My hair was flat and greasy. The Original revived it, giving me enough body for a quick updo. The white cast was noticeable until I brushed thoroughly.
• Day 7 (Advanced Clean, Daily Refresh): On a busy day, I used the Advanced Clean for a quick touch-up. It blended instantly, and my hair looked polished with zero effort.

The Original excelled in high-oil situations, while the Advanced Clean was better for daily upkeep and style preservation. Neither disappointed, but context matters.

Who Should Choose Which?

Your hair type, lifestyle, and priorities will dictate the better pick:

• Choose the Original PhD Dry Shampoo if:
  • You have oily or thick hair that needs heavy-duty cleaning.
  • You love a bold, long-lasting fragrance.
  • You want volume and texture for styling.
  • You use dry shampoo post-workout or on wash day eve.
• Choose the Advanced Clean Dry Shampoo if:
  • You have fine, dry, or dark hair that shows residue easily.
  • You prefer a subtle scent and silky finish.
  • You want to extend blowouts or preserve styles.
  • You value conditioning and scalp health.

If you’re torn, you might even want both—like me! I keep the Original for gym days and the Advanced Clean for workdays when I need to look polished.

The Science Behind The Magic

Living Proof’s dry shampoos stand out because of their innovative tech. The OFMPA molecule in both formulas absorbs oil and sweat without leaving residue, unlike traditional dry shampoos that rely on talc or starch.

The Advanced Clean adds a powder removal system for seamless blending and conditioning agents like glycerin, which hydrates and adds shine. This combo mimics a rinse-out shampoo’s effects, reducing scalp stress and heat damage from frequent washing.

It’s why I can go four days without a wash instead of two.

Addressing Common Dry Shampoo Woes

Dry shampoos often get a bad rap for residue, crunchiness, or scalp irritation. Living Proof tackles these head-on:

• No Buildup: Both formulas brush out cleanly, so my scalp doesn’t feel gunked up.
• No Dryness: The Advanced Clean’s conditioning agents prevent that straw-like feel.
• No Clogging: Living Proof fixed earlier nozzle issues, and both cans I used sprayed smoothly.
• Scalp-Friendly: Free of irritants like formaldehyde, they’re safe for regular use.

Compared to budget brands like Batiste, which left my hair gritty, Living Proof feels like a luxury upgrade.

Tips For Getting The Most Out of Your Dry Shampoo

To maximize either formula, follow these steps:

1. Shake Well: This mixes the powders for even application.
2. Section Hair: Spray in small sections, focusing on roots for oily areas.
3. Keep Distance: Hold the can 6-10 inches away to avoid over-application.
4. Wait 30 Seconds: Let the powders absorb before massaging or brushing.
5. Brush Thoroughly: Distribute the product and remove excess powder.

For the Advanced Clean, I also spray lightly on mid-lengths to add shine. Pair either with a conditioning product like Living Proof’s No Frizz Vanishing Oil on wash days for extra moisture.

Cost Vs. Value: Is It Worth The Splurge?

At ~$30 for 5.5 oz, both dry shampoos are pricier than drugstore options. But their performance—clean feel, no residue, scalp health—makes them worth it for me.

A can lasts about a month with regular use, and the time saved on washing and styling is a bonus. If you’re on a budget, the Original might be enough for occasional use, but the Advanced Clean’s versatility justifies the cost for daily refreshers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion: Your Perfect Hair Day Awaits

After weeks of testing, I can say both Living Proof dry shampoos are worth the hype, but your choice depends on your hair’s needs. If you battle oil and love volume, the Original PhD Dry Shampoo will be your best friend.

If you want a silky, residue-free refresh that extends your style, the Advanced Clean is your go-to. Whichever you pick, you’ll get cleaner, fresher hair without the shower. So, grab a can, give it a shake, and see which one transforms your routine.

Your perfect hair day is just a spritz away!