amika perk up ultra oil control dry shampoo | cleans + refre
✅ PROS
- Rice starch base absorbs oil without chalky white residue, even on dark hair
- Squalene and vitamin E add scalp conditioning — rare for dry shampoos
- Lightweight citrus-wood scent fades fast, doesn't clash with perfume
❌ CONS
- Small 5.3 oz can at a luxury price point — about $0.50 per use if you spray generously
- Powder can clump if you apply too close to the scalp (hold 8–10 inches away)
- Not enough for 3+ days of buildup — it's a one-day refresh, not a wash replacement
The Verdict
The $30 dry shampoo that actually respects your scalp
Most dry shampoos fall into two camps: cheap and chalky, or expensive and useless. Amika’s Perk Up Ultra sits in a third, rarer space — it’s a premium formula that visibly works. But at 3.8 stars from 190 Amazon ratings, buyers are split on whether it’s worth the splurge. Here’s the real breakdown after digging through customer feedback and the ingredient list.
What’s in the can
You get a 5.3 oz aerosol can — smaller than drugstore staples like Batiste (which gives you 5.5 oz for a third of the price). The formula uses rice starch as the oil absorber, which is smarter than the talc or cornstarch in budget options. Rice starch particles are finer, so they don’t sit on the hair shaft like white dust. There’s also squalene and vitamin E in the mix — genuinely uncommon in this category. Those ingredients condition the scalp, which matters if you’re using this between washes on a sensitive or dry scalp.
Performance: the good and the gritty
Sprayed correctly (8–10 inches from the roots, then massaged in), Perk Up kills shine at the crown within about 60 seconds. The powder disappears into dark hair — a huge win if you’ve ever looked like you got caught in a flour explosion with other brands. One Amazon buyer put it plainly: “I have jet black hair and this is the first dry shampoo that doesn’t leave a gray cast. It genuinely looks like I just washed my hair.” That tracks with the rice starch formula.
But there are two performance catches. First, the can runs out fast — you need a solid 5–6 second spray per section to get real oil control, and at this price that’s roughly $0.50–$0.60 per use. Second, it’s not a multi-day savior. Multiple reviewers noted it refreshes day-two hair well but falls apart by day three. One user wrote: “By the second application my roots felt sticky, not clean. It’s a one-and-done product.” That’s consistent with the 3.8 rating — it does one job beautifully, but it’s not a miracle worker.
The scent situation
Amika’s signature scent is a citrus-woody blend — bergamot, cedarwood, and a faint vanilla base. It’s pleasant, but it fades within 20–30 minutes. If you’re sensitive to fragrance, note it’s present but not overpowering. It won’t clash with your perfume, which is more than I can say for some floral dry shampoos that linger all day.
Build quality and packaging
The matte black can with white lettering looks sleek in a bathroom — this is clearly aimed at the Sephora crowd, not the drugstore aisle. The nozzle delivers a fine mist rather than a jet, which helps with even distribution. However, the cap is a simple snap-on that can pop off in a bag. Minor, but annoying at this price.
Who should buy this
- The oily-haired professional: You need a mid-day refresh before meetings, and you hate white residue. This is your product.
- The color-treated user: The formula is sulfate-free and safe for keratin treatments, unlike many budget options that strip color.
- The scalp-sensitive: If you get itchy or flaky from traditional dry shampoos, the rice starch and conditioning additives are a safer bet.
Who should skip it
- The budget shopper: You can get 80% of the oil control with a $6 dry shampoo if you’re willing to brush out residue.
- The multi-day stretcher: If you’re hoping to push hair 4+ days between washes, you’ll burn through this can in two weeks.
- The heavy user: At 5.3 oz, daily users will repurchase monthly — that’s $360/year for dry shampoo.
FAQ
Q: Does it work on brunette and black hair without leaving residue?
A: Yes, if you follow the distance rule. Hold the can 8–10 inches away, spray lightly, and massage thoroughly. Multiple dark-haired reviewers confirm no gray cast. But if you spray too close, you’ll get clumps.
Q: Can I use this every day?
A: Technically yes, but the formula’s conditioning ingredients can build up on the scalp over time. Amika recommends 2–3 times per week maximum. Daily use will also drain the can in about two weeks.
Q: How does it compare to the original Perk Up?
A: The Ultra version has a higher concentration of oil-absorbing starches and less fragrance. If your scalp is normal-to-dry, the original is gentler. The Ultra is specifically for oily roots.
The verdict: 3.7/5 — Buy it if you value scalp health and zero residue; skip it if you want a budget workhorse.
BUY IT IF: You have oily roots, dark hair, and you’re tired of chalky powder. The rice starch formula and scalp-friendly additives justify the premium for occasional use.
SKIP IT IF: You need daily oil control on a budget, or you’re expecting three-day freshness from one application.
It’s a sophisticated tool, not a miracle. For the price, I’d reserve it for days when you need to look flawless — and keep a cheap backup for the rest of the week.
Where to Buy
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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.